Exhortations to Godly Living
Notes
Transcript
Scripture Reading
Scripture Reading
1 Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends!
2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Introduction
Introduction
The Christian faith is a practical faith. We are not called to learn about Christ, and to continue growing in our knowledge of Christ, merely to be able to boast about our knowledge of Him. We learn more of Christ, we study doctrine as Christians, so that through this knowledge we may live out our faith in a practical way to the glory of God through Christ. Knowledge of Christ changes how we live our lives.
All Christian doctrine ought to change how we live, and ought to impact how we view life and respond to circumstances and events in our lives.
This morning, we come to a section in Paul’s letter to the Philippians that deals with practical exhortations to these Christians in Philippi. The practical exhortations that we will consider this morning flow out of and are directly linked to the doctrine that Paul has been conveying to the Philippian believers earlier in this letter.
Paul has encouraged joy in the Christina life. He has provided hope and encouragement for the believers, even in the midst of suffering and trials in this life as Christians. He has urged the believers to not become disheartened or to be fearful, but rather to rejoice, even in the face of severe trials and testing.
Importantly, Paul has linked all of these to Jesus Christ, and particularly to the character of Christ, and the example that Christ set while he was in this world. He showed us how Christ lived a perfect life on our behalf, how Christ even gave himself up for us. And Paul has called the Philippian believers to imitate Jesus Christ in their own lives.
This becomes even more specific and pointed in the verses that are before us today, as Paul goes on to issue practical exhortations to the Christians in Philippi. We will consider these practical exhortations under to broad headings:
Practical Exhortations for the Christian Community.
Practical Exhortations for the Christian Life
Firstly, then, note with me...
1. Practical Exhortations for the Christian Community
1. Practical Exhortations for the Christian Community
As Paul begins his exhortations, he starts by addressing some very practical matters within the specific context of the Philippian church that he believes needs attention by these Christians.
The first exhortation that he gives them is...
1.1. The Exhortation to Stand Firm (v.1)
1.1. The Exhortation to Stand Firm (v.1)
In this verse, Paul writes...
1 Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends!
As Paul writes these words, he’s doing so within the immediate context having outlined the grace of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, and how there is no merit in our works and in our own righteous deeds for salvation. He’s also outlined the fact that we are however to strive towards glory, and strive towards perfection in our lives in this world.
It’s on the back of these beautiful truths, and what the Lord has called us to as his children, that Paul writes, “Therefore, my brothers.”
Notice immediately the affection with which Paul makes this call. He calls the Philippians by that affectionate term “my brothers,” and then goes on to say “you whom I love and long for...” It is Paul’s deep affection the fuels and flavors his words of exhortation to them. He goes on to even call them “my joy and crown”, indicating his own pride for them as he’s seen their progress in and commitment to the Gospel.
We would do well to imitate Paul’s approach as we deal with others.
As he continues in this verse, he goes on to give the exhortation to stand firm. It doesn’t really come across as an exhortation in the NIV. A better translation of these words would be… “...in this way stand firm in the Lord, my beloved.” (NASB).
The exhortation is for them to stand firm. And the way in which they are to go about doing that is through the instruction that he has just given in the preceding section in chapter 3.
But we must also see this exhortation in light of the fears that he’s already addressed in the letter, beginning in chapter 1. The Philippians were facing trials and challenges as Christians as they lived in a society that was hostile towards them.
How are they to stand firm in such a society? By looking to the amazing grace of God through Christ, and resting in the finished work of Christ on the cross. Furthermore, they are to stand firm by pressing on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of them. They are to stand firm by continuing to work out their salvation with fear and trembling.
This then is the first practical exhortation to the Philippians. But we must see that this exhortation stands as a transition, as Paul then goes on to give further specific exhortations that are needed in this particular church.
The second exhortation that we see then, is...
1.2. The Exhortation to Live in Peace (v.2)
1.2. The Exhortation to Live in Peace (v.2)
Within the context of the Philippian church, it comes to the ears of Paul that two very faithful co-workers in the Gospel have developed strained relationships. As a result of these stained relationships, there is a threat to the unity of the church that Paul has so clearly emphasized earlier on in his letter. In verse 2 we read...
2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord.
Here is a practical concern for the Christian life, and Paul now takes this doctrine of unity in Christ and applies it to these two ladies in the church. He pleads with these two ladies to “agree with each other in the Lord.”
The phrase “to agree with each other” in the original language literally means “to be of the same mind.” Paul is urging two people in the church to overcome their differences of opinion, and work towards a unity of mind.
Notice, as we consider Paul’s exhortation here, that he addresses each person directly, by repeating the word “plead with.” He says “I plead with Euodia… and I plead with Syntyche...” There is no partiality in Paul’s request over here. He is not taking sides in this dispute. He urges each one in like manner and with equal earnestness to come to a point where they overcome their differences.
This exhortation is a practical application of what Paul spoke of in Philippians 2:1-3...
1 If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.
Paul has clearly outlined that being like-minded is essential to the health and unity of the church, and he now, in a very loving and gracious manner, pleads with these two ladies to put this into practice. As we consider this exhortation of Paul, we must consider some important points.
Firstly, we must realise that neither Euodia nor Syntyche were ungodly people. And neither of them were unhelpful in Gospel work. In verse 3 we read that these two women “strove side by side with [Paul] in the Gospel.” These were both faithful women who knew what it meant to strive for and contend for the faith. They were both held in high regard by Paul.
Even the most faithful of God’s servants can have times where there is some sort of disagreement between the parties. This doesn’t make either one particularly more “right” than the other. It merely means that there is a disagreement. I must add that I don’t believe that this was a matter of doctrinal disagreement, certainly not any doctrinal issue of serious consequence, because if it were, Paul would have addressed it.
Rather, this was more likely to have been a matter of a practicalities. The life of Paul had such a disagreement, when he and Barnabas had such a sharp disagreement with one another about whether or not to take Mark with them on a journey, that they ended up parting company over the matter. We read about that in Acts 15:39. I don’t want to evaluate now who was right and wrong in that instance, but simply that such disagreements exist and will arise.
But the fact was, in the context of this local church where people were regularly meeting together, such disagreement posed a grave danger to the church, and Paul felt it essential to deal with it.
Secondly, we should note that it is not always wrong to have a difference of opinion. Even just a few verses ago in Philippians 3:15, Paul spoke about others disagreeing on a particular point, and he didn’t take exception to the disagreeing per se. Rather, he noted that if there is such a disagreement, it should not be leading to divisions or potential divisions within the body, as was seemingly the case with these two fellow-workers.
Paul’s concern here was that there were two godly people who were disagreeing, and this could potentially lead to division. This, in Paul’s mind, was not good. He encouraged them rather to have the same mind, to consider the overarching reality that the progress of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and the building up of the body was more important than either or them being “right” and winning the day.
As a practical consideration for us today, let us be impacted with the importance of maintaining the unity of the body. When it comes to non-prescriptive issues (where Scripture doesn’t clearly speak) or doctrinal issues that are not fundamental matters, we need to show self-control and restraint. We are not to push our own will, thinking that we have the moral high ground! In fact, it may be better to rather be wronged for the sake of honouring Christ and keeping the unity in the body, than to ensure that we get treated fairly.
Having exhorted these two ladies in this way, Paul goes on to give his next exhortation in terms of the Christian community, and that is...
1.3. The Exhortation to Help One Another (v.3)
1.3. The Exhortation to Help One Another (v.3)
In verse 3 we read...
3 Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
With the disagreement that is in place between these two ladies, and the potential for division that it could bring, Paul doesn’t desire that they work things out on their own without the involvement of the community. And so he makes an exhortation for help.
When Paul makes this exhortation it is most likely that he is exhorting a particular individual within the Philippian church to assist Euodia and Synteche to resolve their disagreements. The word translated in the NIV as “yokefellow” is in the singular. In other words, it’s not addressed to multiple people, but rather to an individual. Some have suggested that this was a call to the body as a whole, but this seems unlikely.
Rather, Paul addresses someone by the name of σύζυγος (Suzukos). Suzukos is the Greek name, and it means “yokefellow”. And so Paul is asking this particular person to go about the business of yoking together, bringing together these two ladies that have a disagreement. He’s asking the yokefellow to live up to his name in yoking the ladies together. It’s similar to what he does in the book of Philemon...
10 I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains. 11 Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me.
Onesimus means useful...
Probably Suzukos was an elder in the church, or at least someone respected within the community. Thus Paul singles him out for this important ministry.
As he thinks about the Suzukos, his mind goes further to speak of the great help that a number of others have been in progress of the Gospel. He speaks of Euodia and Syntyche, and how they contended for the Gospel along with Paul. But Paul goes on to make mention of Clement, who also was working alongside them. We don’t know specifically who this Clement was, but clearly he was a helpful co-worker that was worth singling out. But then he goes on to add the phrase, “...and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
You will recall back in Philippians 1:4-5, Paul wrote...
4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now,
And so here he raises this matter again. Gospel partnership. What brought great joy and delight to Paul was when children of God through Jesus Christ were united together in proclaiming Christ as Lord and Saviour. Paul has confidence that their names have been recorded in the book of life.
This book of life is the book in which the names of the children of God are being written, as demonstrated in Scripture. In the Old Testament, Moses said to God...
32 But now, please forgive their sin—but if not, then blot me out of the book you have written.”
And then right at the end of Scripture, in...
8 All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast—all whose names have not been written in the book of life belonging to the Lamb that was slain from the creation of the world.
Jesus Christ said to his disciples...
32 “Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven.
Paul has a great confidence that these co-labourers in the Gospel have their names written in this Lamb’s book of life, and that Christ Himself will acknowledge them before the Father, as they have been faithful to acknowledge Him.
Those were the Practical Exhortations for the Christian Church. Having dealt with them, Paul goes on to give some practical exhortations for the Christian life.
2. Practical Exhortations for the Christian Life (vv.4-7)
2. Practical Exhortations for the Christian Life (vv.4-7)
2.1. The Exhortation to Rejoice in the Lord (v.4)
2.1. The Exhortation to Rejoice in the Lord (v.4)
As Paul continues, he gives his next exhortation, and that is to rejoice. Verse 4 says...
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
It has been noted that this letter has as one of its key themes the idea or rejoicing, or joy.
17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18 So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.
28 Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety.
1 Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you.
And so, here again, Paul says that these believers ought to rejoice. This is not a suggestion or recommendation, but rather a command. The Christians are commanded to rejoice. Not only once, but Paul says, “I will say it again, rejoice!”
This aspect of rejoicing is critical to Paul. It is critical to the Christian life. It is an expression that flows out of a deep gratitude for the grace of God. It is an expression that flows out of contentment in Jesus Christ in every circumstance.
Indeed, the extent of the rejoicing in the Lord is that it ought to be done always.
We should pause briefly here, and consider the implications of this exhortation. Are we able to rejoice even when we or our loved ones are facing tremendous difficulty and stress? Are we able to rejoice when people around us are intent on causing us harm and pain? Are we able to rejoice when sickness comes upon us and threatens to result in us living the rest of our lives in pain? Are we able to rejoice in every circumstance?
I would suggest that if we were honest with ourselves, we’d probably tend to say that this is impossible. If we just think practically about our own lives and how quickly we are robbed of a spirit of rejoicing, I think it would only be honest of us to state that this is most likely impossible.
But then we must consider that this exhortation is given under inspiration of the Holy Spirit through Paul. God gives this command to believers. And if God gives the command, then certainly it is His desire that we obey it, and He would also be willing to empower us to live in obedience to the command as we rest in Him and trust in Him.
And so we must say that it must be possible to do, and we should pursue this with diligence, trusting in God.
We must then also consider the basis for this joy. What Paul is here exhorting us to is not simply to rejoice in the trial itself, or the difficult circumstance itself. Rather, he is exhorting us to rejoice through those circumstances. But the object of rejoicing is the Saviour and the work done through that Saviour.
Friends, if we are to obey this exhortation to rejoice always, then our minds and our hearts must be filled to overflowing with a deep thankfulness for the wonderful salvation that is ours in Christ.
But further to that, we must be living with Christ truly exalted in our minds and hearts as Lord and God. Our minds must filled with an ever-deepening understanding of just what it is that Christ has done for us, and what He means to us as those who call upon Him as our Lord. We need to develop a theology of the Sovereignty of God in our minds so that no matter what takes place in our lives, we know the author of life, and we worship Him through it.
Ultimately, this rejoicing that Paul calls us to must flow out of our knowledge of Him and His ways. It must flow out of a life lived in awe of the magnitude and greatness of God, and knowing that whatever trials are now upon me in life are ordained for God’s glory and even for my good, ultimately.
The question must be asked, are we so delighting in Jesus Christ? Do we have this view of God that leads us to humble rejoicing?
The next exhortation from Paul is...
2.2. The Exhortation to a Gentle Spirit (v.5)
2.2. The Exhortation to a Gentle Spirit (v.5)
He writes there...
5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
Christians are not only to be those who live lives of rejoicing, but they are to be those who live gentle lives. In other words, they are to be considerate, kind, gentle-hearted.
This is again in line with Paul has already outlined in Philippians 2:3-4...
3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
This is the kind-hearted and gentle person, who considers others, not just himself.
In 1 Timothy and Titus, where Paul describes the qualities required of an Elder in the church, he speaks of the gentle nature that is required of the Elder...
2 Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.
1 Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, 2 to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.
Well, in our passage in Philippians, it’s the same quality that Paul says should be pursued by all Christians...
Considerate...
17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.
18 Slaves, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh.
The life of the believer is to be marked and characterized by a spirit of Gentleness, by an attitude that is deeply considerate of those around him, rather than himself.
Notice that Paul says that this gentle spirit is to be evident to all. This would first and foremost be within the context of your family, of your church family, but also out in the world as you live your life as a Christian.
When the world around witnesses your life and your conduct, says Paul, as they interact with you and are required to engage with you in the course of life, they ought to see a character that is marked and characterized by gentleness.
This exhortation once again flows out of the example of Jesus Christ, who did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. He humbled himself and became obedient to death. When He was confronted by the Jewish leaders, being falsely accused, He didn’t seek to defend his own honour or status as the Creator of the universe, but rather he remained silent - this because he was considering others.
This is completely the opposite of what we typically find in man. Quarrels and fights are bred in the heart of pride and self-centredness. Gentleness of spirit is bred in the heart of love and care for others. It flows from a Gospel-transformed life. From the heart that has truly and profoundly been captivated by the grace of God.
I would ask, are you growing in gentleness, and in your attitude of consideration for others?
Finally in terms of exhortations, Paul gives...
2.3. The Exhortation to Be Free of Anxiety (v.6-7)
2.3. The Exhortation to Be Free of Anxiety (v.6-7)
This final exhortation can be seen in three parts - the exhortation itself to not be anxious (v.6a) a subsequent exhortation to pray in light of possible anxiety (v.6b) and then a promise that is given if you obey the command to pray (v.7)
2.3.1. The Exhortation
2.3.1. The Exhortation
In verse 6, Paul says...
The New International Version (1984) Exhortations
Do not be anxious about anything,
Not only is the Christian to rejoice always in every circumstance; and not only is the Christian to display gentleness and a deep consideration for and attitude of care towards all around them; but the Christian is also to live free of anxiety, or worry.
Paul says that the Christian is not to be anxious about anything.
Now let us understand that there is a place for kind concern about others, and to take a genuine interest in the welfare of others. In this context, the same word that Paul uses for “anxious” here is used elsewhere in a positive sense. Even earlier in this letter Paul spoke about Timothy taking a :”genuine interest” in the welfare of the Philippians (Phil. 2:20). This was the same word that is translated here as anxious.
But in this context, the Christian is not to live a life of anxiety and worry over the many things in life that typically tend to worry people. The Christian’s life ought not to be characterized by worry.
Jesus said this precise thing to his disciples...
25 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? 26 Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?
31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Once again, dear friends, the life of the Christian is a life lived in light of the glory and power of the Almighty God. God is infinite in His wisdom. God is infinite in His power. And God is infinite in the resources available at His disposal to do anything needed in terms of providing for our physical and spiritual needs.
And this great, almighty, powerful God, wise God, Sovereign God, has set His infinite love upon those who are in Christ. He has paid a price that we cannot even begin to comprehend, for the purpose of bringing a people to Himself to live in praise and glory of His name. Would we, then, live a life of anxiety and worry?
It’s senseless, when you truly think about it. Now I understand that we are frail and weak. And God himself, in His great mercy and kindness, understands that we are but dust, and understands our weaknesses. But the exhortation to us as Christians to not be anxious is rooted and grounded in who God is.
I’m convinced that the better we understand the nature and power of God, and His Sovereign purposes being worked out in the world, the less anxious we will be.
But Paul doesn’t leave us hanging with a command to anxiety-free living. He goes on to give...
2.3.2. The Exhortation to Prayer (v.6b)
2.3.2. The Exhortation to Prayer (v.6b)
Flowing out of the exhortation to live free of anxiety, is another exhortation which would be the antidote to anxiety. If you find yourself in a place of anxiety, says Paul, instead of living in such worry in the world, you must pray.
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
The Christian life is one of prayer. Prayer is the demonstration of utmost trust in the Father to be able to and be willing to provide everything needed in life. As such, He is the one that we turn to in our times of anxiety, so that we can entrust our concerns into his hands.
Paul exhorts the Philippian believers to bring their prayers and petitions to God. Whatever concerns you have in life. Whatever troubles you are facing in the world. Whatever lack you have of basic needs. Whatever discontentment you have due to your circumstances, or other people causing you grief or trouble in life, bring these before the Lord in prayer.
There ought to be no anxiety in the Christian, because as we have already noted, the Christian has a Father in the heavens who loves them and cares more deeply and profoundly for them than they realise or understand. Not only that, but this wise Father knows precisely what is needed in each of His children’s lives, and has access to the resources of the world in order to provide anything that may be lacking.
It is thus that we should pray to him, and present our requests before him.
But notice further, that Paul adds that these prayers should be offered up with thanksgiving. The attitude of the heart of the Christian is one that should constantly demonstrate gratitude to God. It is the attitude that says, heavenly Father, you know my deepest needs, you know the longings of my heart, and I here humbly bring my requests to you, all the while thanking you that you are sovereign, and you know perfectly what I need before I even ask, and you will provide everything I need according to your riches in glory.
Instead of being anxious, the Christian should bring those cares and concerns before the heavenly Father with gratitude in their hearts.
What will this achieve? Paul gives the answer in verse 7, which contains a promise.
2.3.3. The Promise (v.7)
2.3.3. The Promise (v.7)
Paul writes:
7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
The promise of God to those who are trusting in Him is that they will be given peace. They will be able to endure those things that are causing anxiety. They will be able to go forward with a deep trust in the Father as they trust in Him to provide for them everything that they need in their lives.
The peace that is promised here is no ordinary peace that man experiences through their own resolve of positive thinking. Rather, this is a peace from the Father that transcends all understanding. In other words, even the person who has this peace will not be able to explain the reason for the peace they have, apart from the fact that it is God that has bestowed it upon them.
This is the peace that has been won for us and gifted to us by Christ Himself.
27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Concerning this peace, one commentator writes:
Baker New Testament Commentary: Philippians B. The Result (4:7)
Peace is the smile of God reflected in the soul of the believer. It is the heart’s calm after Calvary’s storm. It is the firm conviction that he who spared not his own Son will surely also, along with him, freely give us all things (Rom. 8:32). “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee, because he trusts in thee” (Isa. 26:3). In the present context it is the God-given reward resulting from joyful reflection on God’s bounties, magnanimity toward the neighbor, and trustful prayer to God.
The promise is that this kind of peace, a peace that can only come from God Himself, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
When Paul writes here about the “heart” and “mind” of the person, he is speaking of the very life of the person. Those things which drive the person, which affect their perspectives on life, from which decisions are made, the desires of the person. The heart attitudes of the man trusting in God will be kept in peace. The minds thinking and decision making faculties will be kept in peace and guarded in Christ. All of these are true of the man or woman who is entirely trusting in God.
Let me ask, do you have within your heart and mind this peace of God that surpasses all understanding? It is God’s promise to believers through Jesus Christ and His Spirit. Pray to him, dear Christian brother / sister, trust Him.
Application and Conclusion
Application and Conclusion
Paul addresses here some very practical matters in terms of church life and practical Christian living. Our beliefs will impact our lives. What we believe about God, and the extent of our knowledge of God, will have implications for how we live our lives.
It is in light of who God is, and in light of what Christ has done and the example that he sets, that Paul gives these various exhortations. In closing, I repeat the exhortations for our own thoughtful consideration...
Stand firm in the faith, as you consider the great work that has been done for you in Christ.
Live in harmony with your brothers and sisters, because of who Christ is, and the fact that we are His body, united together with a common purpose.
Help those around you, as we partner together in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Live a life of rejoicing. God’s goodness and love is great.
Let your gentleness be evident to all. Live a life of considering others.
Do not be anxious about anything. Rather, pray and trust. And then delight in the peace that God gives.
May God Himself encourage and strengthen our hearts as we do this.
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