Be A Joyful Saint

Philippians 4:20-23

Introduction:

Reflection: As we conclude this sermon series and our journey through the book of Philippians, let’s take a moment to reflect on how God has been at work—in our church and in each of our lives—throughout our time in this powerful letter.

Today’s title is: Be A Joyful Saint and we are wrapping up Philippians in Philippians 4:20-23

This is the time of year, with Thanksgiving and Christmas upon us, that we take some time to look back at what has happened this year and start to focus on what is ahead. Can you honestly say today with everything that has happened this year in your life, you are still a joyful saint?

Prayer:

Read The Text:

Philippians 4:20-23

Walk Through The Text:

POINT ONE: Give Glory To God

Read Verses 14-19: Context of tying this last passage of Scripture together

Read Verse 20

Reference Philippians 2:11

Multiple times in Paul's other letters, he would end a letter starting with a doxology- a short hymn or verse that Praises God. That's what is happening here.

God always gets the glory from Paul, and it's no different here. Because He will provide all that they need because of their generosity to Paul, to OUR God and Father be glory forever and ever. AMEN!

POINT Two: Greet One Another In Christ

Read Verse 21

Paul goes from a doxology- a small hymn or verse that is praising God to an exhortation- to call to one’s side; to summon, encourage, admonish, entreat.

Greet EVERY saint in Christ Jesus. Those in the church, those around Philippi, and those they may encounter outside Philippi if they travel outside their town.

I think about this: Over the years of that church, if they re-read this letter, how many new saints would they have greeted?

Paul had brethren in Christ with him in Rome.

The brothers who are with me greet you: While commentators and scholars differ on exactly who Paul is referring to here, what’s clear is that these are fellow believers—members of the family of faith in Christ Jesus.

Application: Think about the saints in this church whom you’ve had the joy of greeting over the years—and even now, the new saints God is bringing here and will continue to bring.

Read Verse 22

One commentator said, "This special greeting is evidence that Paul was still used by God during his Roman imprisonment, when the gospel extended even into the household of Caesar."

The guards, fellow prisoners, and staff who were around Paul during his imprisonment—those to whom he shared the Gospel and who came to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

How incredible that Paul got to send greetings from those he came in contact with during his imprisonment and led to Christ, "All the saints", are now wanting to send a warm greeting to his dear friends in Philippi. They are now all connected through their love and devotion to Jesus.

Point Three: Go Forward In Grace

Read Verse 23

Paul is ending with a Benediction- A blessing or a prayer to end his letter to the Philippians.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with YOUR spirit

Let’s look back over the last 4 chapters of Philippians to see how gracious Jesus has been to this church and to Paul:

This special letter of joy.

Because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now: Philippians 1:5

He also said to live is Christ and to die is gain: Philippians 1:21

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit but in humility, count others more significant than yourselves: Philippians 2:3

Hold fast to the word of life: Philippians 2:16

Indeed I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord: Philippians 3:8

Exhorting the Philippians to stand firm in Christ: Philippians 4:1

Rejoicing in the Lord always, regardless of their circumstances: Philippians 4:4

I can do all things through him who strengthens me: Philippians 4:13

2000 years later, we are reading the same letter that Paul personally wrote to the church at Philippi.

One commentator said: "Paul did not say this to simply fill up space at the end of his letter. To him, the Christian life begins and ends with the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, so it was appropriate that his letters began and ended with grace also."

Rejoice in knowing that God has used this special letter to the church in Philippi and Paul, written over 2,000 years ago, to speak to our church and to each of us the last several months—drawing us closer to Jesus and reminding us to stay faithful to His mission, no matter what lies ahead for us or for the church.

Applications:

Stay focused on the mission of Jesus Christ

Where Do We Go From Here:

Spend the next few minutes in prayer. God may be calling you to repent. God may be calling you to draw closer to Jesus this morning if you have strayed. God may be calling you to surrender to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and start your relationship with Him today. If you do not have a relationship with Jesus, if he truly is not your Lord and Savior, I would love to talk to you right now about how you can leave here with a relationship with Jesus Christ today!

However, God has spoken to you this morning to respond; do it!