Stand Firm (2)

Introduction

Last week we ended our study with Philippians 3:13-14, which reminds us that we keep on keeping on!

Philippians 3:13–14 NIV

Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Paul then closed the part that we looked at last week with verse 15.

Philippians 3:15 NIV

All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you.

Now Paul says something amazing, and I’m not sure I would ever say what Paul says in verse 17.

Follow My Example

So, let’s look at what Paul says.

Philippians 3:17 NIV

Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do.

Paul says that the church at Philippi should follow his example (v. 17a).

And they should look for people who live like he does to follow (v. 17b).

Enemies Among Us

Philippians 3:18 NIV

For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ.

Paul constantly said there are many who live as enemies of the cross of Christ (v. 18). This pains him, because he doesn’t wish anyone to miss the gospel!

Philippians 3:19 NIV

Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things.

— They are destined for destruction (v. 19a).

— Their god is their apatite (v. 19b)

— Their glory is really their shame (v. 19c).

— They set their minds on earthly things (v. 19d).

Our Citizenship

Philippians 3:20 NIV

But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,

Our citizenship is in heaven. That means we need to stop being consumed by life in this world! (v. 20a)

We should be eagerly awaiting the return of our Savior--Jesus Christ our Lord (v. 20b).

Philippians 3:21 NIV

who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

1. Who had everything put under His control (v. 21a).

2. Who will transform our lowly bodies (v. 21b).

3. So that they will be like His (v. 21c)

Stand Firm

Philippians 4:1 NIV

Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!

Paul begins with “Therefore” which points back to the fact that our citizenship is not here in this world, but in heaven.

Paul, once again, affirms his love for them (cf. 1:12; 2:12; 3:1, 17; 4:1, 4:8).

He says how much he longs for them—he’s already said he hopes to see them again.

Paul says they are his joy.

And he says they are his crown. This is not a king’s crown, but rather a crown that would be given for victory of an event, or worn in an expression of gladness or merriment (Gk. stephanos).

Next, he tells his reader to stand firm in the Lord in this way.

The question becomes in what way should we stand firm?

Well he is going to tell us in the next couple of sections.

Living together in unity (v. 2-3).

Rejoicing in all occasions (v. 4-7).

Focusing on the good that God brings us (v. 8-9).

This morning we are going to look at the first of these three ways that we should be standing firm.

Stand Firm by Living in Unity

Philippians 4:2 NIV

I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord.

Paul pleads with two women (v. 2a):

— Euodia (Gk. name means Success)

— Syntyche (Gk. name means Lucky)

Paul pleads for to be of the same mind in the Lord—so this is a plea for unity! Unanimity (exact agreement) in the church is not always possible, but unity in the church is, because of our relationship with Jesus! (v. 2b).

Philippians 4:3 NIV

Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.

Paul asks for help from a true companion which is literally translated yokefellow (v. 3a).

We don’t know the identity of this particular person, but he was someone Paul had confidence in to help improve the situation between these two ladies.

Paul values both women (and does not want to “pick sides”) because they have both contended at my side. . . (cf. Acts 16:13-15) to see the gospel message spread (v. 3b).

Finally he also names Clement as one who also worked with him (v. 3c).

Paul then praises the rest of my co-workers. Although they are not named, Paul says that their names are recorded in the book of life (v. 3d).

So What?

I think there are several things that we need to learn from this passage.

First, we need to realize that there are always people watching us! We need to make sure that the lives each of us live out are worthy of others following.

Secondly, we need to constantly remember that we live among enemies of the faith. That’s right, we need to remember that those in the world around us live lives that are antithetic to the gospel of Jesus! And that means that many of them will not like us!

Thirdly, the we are NOT citizens of this world, because heaven is our home!

Because of this, we should Stand Firm!

And finally, we should remember that God values unity among His children!