All In

Philippians 4:1 NIV

1 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!

Therefore… in this way stand firm.

The whole of the letter, from the greeting forward, has brought us to this point.

Philippians 1:1 “1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, ...

In Thessalonians: Paul lists Silas and Timothy alongside himself with no other descriptors.

This is the only Epistle where Paul lists another beside himself giving them both the same title. In this letter, he abandons identifying himself in the opening remarks as an apostle, placing himself and Timothy in their most base position as slaves of Christ Jesus. This sets the tone for the mindset he is asking the Philippians to take for themselves. It even hints at what Paul writes in 2:6-11 that Jesus took upon himself the very nature of a slave.

He then appeals To all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons:

Expresses the holiness of the people and is in itself a call to unity of leadership and followership.

In verses 5 and 7 Paul speaks of their partnership and how they share in God’s grace with him.

He then explains how his imprisonment is actually serving to spread the gospel. He’s saying, without actually ‘saying’ or using the words, that yeah, it looks bad on the outside but it’s actually a good thing.

The aim of this letter is encouragement

to cling to the gospel no matter what it looks or feels like

It doesn’t always look or feel like winning

It doesn’t have the religious trappings you might expect

to continue working together

to continue supporting the advancement of the Gospel

This does not make them patrons of Paul or any other gospel-helper

It is simply participating in the suffering of Christ

Paul’s states his main argument for this letter at the close of chapter 1

Philippians 1:27–30 NIV

27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel 28 without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. 29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, 30 since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.

More simply put:

Be, first and foremost, citizens of heaven, working together as one,

Standing firm in the faith

. Striving together for the faith

Suffering for the faith

being saved by the faith

In Chapter 2, he uses the example of Jesus’ mindset and mission

Did not rest in His position

Puts His fame and rights to the side for the sake of our salvation

Became obedient to suffering and death

Was, is, and shall be glorified by God

He also uses the examples of Timothy, Epaphroditus, and ultimately, himself.

He warns of too much law and too little - Don’t look to the left of the right.

Chapter 4 verse 1 is the conclusion to these arguments

From here, he prescribes personal practical steps going forward.

Let’s Read: Philippians 4:1-9 The commands (Encouragements)

Philippians 4:1–9 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! I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 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. Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Applying these truths from the letter: v. 2 Be of the same mind

v. 3 Help them

v. 4 Rejoice, Rejoice

Our culture is drowning in cynicism. Beyond an attitude of gratitude, we rejoice!

The very act of rejoicing transforms us.

It unlocks the prison of cynicism and enables the power and presence of Christ to flow through us.

Roadblocks to joy:

Transactional giving vs sacrificial living

Triumphalism vs Trusting God when things don’t look good.

v. 5 Be famous for your gentleness (reasonability - mildness)

Be a safe place to handle disagreement

v. 6 Be not anxious

Ask God

With prayers and supplications

With thanksgiving

v. 8 Think on whatsoever things that are

True

Honorable

Just

Pure

Lovely

Commendable

(if) Having any excellence

(if) Having anything worthy of praise

“None good but the Father” Mark 10:18, Luke 18:19

V. 9 Practice that which from me you’ve

Learned - Teaching

Received - Touching

Heard - Preaching

Seen - Modeling

Philippians 4:6-9 The promises

v. 6 The Lord is near

v. 7 The Peace of God

which surpasses all understanding

will guard your hearts and

your minds in Christ Jesus

v. 9 God of peace

Will be with you

Pray the Prayer of Faith - the peace of God will guard you

Practice the Principles of Faith - the presence of God will be with you

Partner with the People of Faith - the people of God will help you

Let’s Read: Phil 4:10-20

Philippians 4:10–20 NIV

I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

v. 10 Concern of Christ

v. 11-12 Contentment in Christ

v. 13 Capacity of Christ

v. 14-16 Participation (Cooperation) in Christ

v. 17 Principle of giving #1:

Sow Temporally: Reap Eternally

v. 18 Principle of giving #2:

Gifts to one another is a sacrifice to God,

it does not indebt someone else to you (or you to them)

v. 19 Principle of giving #3:

Obedient living and giving yields the sufficiency of Christ

When you give your all to Christ, you are returning stolen property.

It’s all rightfully His. Who you are and all that you possess. Heaven and earth are all His.

This is why we’re just stewards of what God lays in our care.

The question is not “How much should I give my money, my time, or my talent?” or “To whom shall I give my money, time, or talent?”

The question is, “God, what will You give through me?”

“Jesus, what do you want me to do with the time, treasure, and talent that you’ve laid in my care?”

When we trust God with His stuff, He takes care of us. He will shock you with His generosity through you!

Let’s read Philippians 4:21-23.

Philippians 4:21–23 NIV

Greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me send greetings. All God’s people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

Phil 4:21-23 Greetings - a term of endearment that expresses love a warmth - a verbal hug that desires nothing between the participants but welcome-ness, warmth, and generosity.

REJOICE

Beyond agreement, Beyond gratitude,

Rejoicing means being all in!

Rob Ketterling, in his book, The Speed of Unity, talks about 3 speeds of any organization:

The Speed of Agreement - it’s the “sure, let’s do it” approach - we’re getting along because we have to

The Speed of Vision - it’s the “eh, that’s the goal?” method - we’re getting along in the same direction

The Speed of Unity - it’s the “yeah! Let’s do what it takes to get it figured out and git’r done!” team winning ALL IN approach! - Vision is clear and trust is abundant - hearts and minds fixed on the purpose.

It's the difference between have to & get to

Genesis 11:6 NIV

6 The Lord said, “If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them.

Let us work together in Christ to break down barriers, build up trust, overcome obstacles, and help each other win!