Stand Firm: Philippians 4:1-9

Introduction:

a. FCF: How should you respond to the work of God in Christ?

b. Proposition: Stand Firm in the LORD (Vs. 1)

Body

Main Point 1: Stand Firm in the LORD by Uniting in Christ (Vss. 2-3)

a. Agree in the LORD (Vs. 2)

b. Help others agree in the Lord (vs. 3)

c. Illustrations: The German philosopher Schopenhauer compared the human race to a bunch of porcupines huddling together on a cold winter’s night. He said, “The colder it gets outside, the more we huddle together for warmth; but the closer we get to one another, the more we hurt one another with our sharp quills. And in the lonely night of earth’s winter eventually we begin to drift apart and wander out on our own and freeze to death in our loneliness.” Christ has given us an alternative—to forgive each other for the pokes we receive. That allows us to stay together and stay warm. (Wayne Brouwer, Holland, Michigan, quoted in Leadership, p. 68)

d. Application: Unity is difficult and at times we will hurt one another. We must be diligent to not allow disagreements to fester and/or cause division in the church. When you have disagreements voice them with the individual humbly and if it is not a gospel issue be willing to allow it to slide.

e. Transition: Standing firm is difficult, but we must stand firm in the LORD.

Main Point 2: Stand Firm in the LORD by Rejoicing in Christ (Vss. 4-7)

a. Why should I rejoice? The LORD is at Hand (Vs. 5b)

i. Gentleness: gentle forbearance.

b. What shouldn’t I do? Be anxious (Vss. 5a and 6a)

i. Illustration:

ii. Matthew 6:25-34

c. What should I do? Pray to God (Vs. 6b)

d. What will this do for me? God’s Peace Will Guard me (Vs. 7)

e. Application: Instead of falling into anxiety cast your burdens upon God and leave them there. When money is tight, go to the Lord. When your child or grandchild is wayward, go to the Lord. When the trajectory of our nation worries you, go to the Lord. He will give you peace.

f. Transition: Standing firm is difficult, but we must stand firm in the LORD.

Main Point 3: Stand Firm in the LORD by Living in Christ (Vss. 8-9)

a. What does it mean to Live in Christ?

i. Think like a Christian (Vs. 8)

ii. Live like a Christian (Vs. 9a)

iii. God of Peace will be with you (Vs. 9b)

b. Illustration: Fewer than 10 percent of Americans are deeply committed Christians, says pollster George Gallup, who adds that these people “are far, far happier than the rest of the population.”

Committed Christians, Gallup found, are more tolerant than the average American, more involved in charitable activities, and are “absolutely committed to prayer.”

While many more Americans than this 10 percent profess to be Christians, adds Gallup, most actually know little or nothing of Christian beliefs, and act no differently than non-Christians.

“Overall,” says Gallup, “The Sunday School and religious education system in this country is not working.” (Signs of the Times, November 1991, p. 6)

c. Application: What attitudes and actions are you currently practicing that are contrary to a Christ-like life? What habits are you not practicing that would more imitate the life-style of your LORD?

i. A Disciplined life of the mind is essential to spiritual growth. Spurgeon wisely said, “Visit many good books, but live in the Bible.”

ii. However, a heart ablaze with a passion for Christ is also essential, for out of it will you live a life honoring to Him.

d. Transition: Standing firm is difficult, but you must stand firm in the LORD.

Conclusion:

Where do you stand? Do you trust in the things of this world? Such as, financial security, biological family, government, or yourself. The church has made a grave mistake in confusing faith for mere belief or intellectual assent to historical facts about Jesus. Faith means trust in and to trust in something means that one must, therefore, submit to the one they put faith in. Do you only think Jesus was real or have you submitted to Him as LORD? Does your life evidence true faith? Do you hunger to see the gospel bear fruit in your life? Do you thirst to see others, even enemies, brought to right relationship with the Lord? Are you willing to suffer for your belief in Christ? Are you will to surrender preferences and personal fancies in order to as a church more effectively preach the gospel to our context and culture? The call of discipleship is a call to faith in Christ as savior and submission to Christ as LORD; in doing so, we are united to Him and through that union we are right with and will receive all the promises of God. So, where do you stand? Stand firm in the LORD.