Encouragement To Press On

PP - As Christians we need to be intentional about encouraging one another often of God’s promises, and reminding each other that God’s ultimate Gospel advancement plan is still perfectly on track.

Lasik surgery

Doctor was very encouraging every step of the way, reminding me where we were in the process and the end goal

Same process could’ve happened, and with silence would’ve caused my mind to go negative because it was worse than I started

We all need encouragement and reminders of where we’re headed in this life and for Christians in particular hope for the next life

If we don’t have it, we can experience fear, anxiety, or doubt in God’s promises

Doesn’t matter how good your theology is, if we’re not seeking to encourage one another and point each others minds to Christ, we will suffer.

Paul knows that about his Philippian audience and Christians in general in this world, that’s why you and I can glean much from these final 3 verses to apply in our own lives.

Phil. 4:21-23

21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. 22 All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household.

23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

There’s a focus on “greet.” 3x in 2 verses

Not speaking of the transactional greeting we have today

Illustration - Guy at 24 saying his day was horrible (we’re conditioned to say good and move on)

He’s talking about warm exchange - one that brings a smile or joy - good uplifting

Paul’s direction to them is more than just the standard non meaningful greeting

He has an intention behind this directive to greet. He’s looking to stir up to encourage fellow Christians with the direction to greet.

Too often we’re so quick to move to the next thing, that we don’t take time to encourage other Christians to do the one purpose of our Christian life… Glorify God.

Intentionally Encourage Other Christians (vv. 21-22)

v. 21 - Paul wanted every Christian Saint to receive this

Repeat of opening verse 1 - To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi,

This letter wasn’t just for anyone - wasn’t for the non believers

Paul gave specific warning to the readers that they should watch out for people playing the religion game!

Philippians 3:2-6

English Standard Version Chapter 3

2 Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh. 3 For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh— 4 though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless.

Good moral works - confidence in the flesh

Circumcised - rituals

Israel, Benjamin, Hebrew - ancestral lineage

Righteous under the law - blameless — earn your way to Heaven

No Paul wanted and saw this effective to those that were IN CHRIST. (Relationship)

Not that you can’t encourage others, but there is a specific type of eternal lens encouragement for your Christians family...

There is worldly encouragement

Keep up the good work - why??? helping the company, could lead to a promotion, more money - all temporal and self glorifying

Then there is encouragement that will only prove effective and understood by a fellow Christian

Keep up the good work - why??? Colossians 3:24 - 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.

Eternal perspective - God has you where he wants you. Bringing him honor.

TR - Worldly encouragement focused on the here and now, and there is a Christian encouragement that lifts up the here and now by focusing on the then and there

Paul knew what they were going through in the Roman colony of Philippi, and wanted them to press on

If I can imagine... arguably the most hopeful portion of these last 3 verses

Encouragement of saints in Caesar’s household (Nero)

Those that were employed by Nero and had come to Christ through Paul’s house arrest

Phil. 1:12-13

English Standard Version Chapter 1

12 I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. 14 And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

Think how encouraging that was to the Philippians currently facing Roman opposition. Loyal or fearful employees, God is able to change!!!

I bet hearing that got them re-engaged and ready to go fight the good fight all the more.

Electric car

Not knowing the limits on empty yet like I do with a gas vehicle

More reserved and concerned when my battery is not filled

There’s a peace and ready to go wherever when I’m charged up properly

All I’m saying is we need to fill our minds with less news and social media and more of how the Gospel is being advanced around us, and throughout the world.

That will provide us with a peace and readiness to pursue God’s advancing will

Have Peace Knowing God’s Plan is Advancing (v. 23)

Paul reminded often that God’s favor is on his church

Paul’s Concluding Benedictions in His Epistles

Romans 16:20b

“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.”

1 Corinthians 16:23

“The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.”

2 Corinthians 13:14

“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the Fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.”

Galatians 6:18

“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen.”

Ephesians 6:24

“Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible.”

Philippians 4:23

“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.”

Colossians 4:18

“Grace be with you.”

1 Thessalonians 5:28

“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.”

2 Thessalonians 3:18

“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.”

1 Timothy 6:21b

“Grace be with you.”

2 Timothy 4:22

“The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you.”

Titus 3:15b

“Grace be with you all.”

Philemon 25

“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.”

WHY??????

Needed to be reminded just like you and I as Christians need to be reminded

God has a perfect plan, he’s in control, and is preparing us for eternity with him.

Like a rollercoaster ride - up down around, but it’s part of it

The difference is the rollercoaster designer designed for a thrill, GOD DESIGNED OUR LIFE FOR ETERNITY WITH HIM

Part of that peace is knowing that there is not one promise or prophecy that God has missed on

Persecuted nations and church still growing

Aid to the church in need report - 14 countries in Africa of the top 50 highest persecuted countries

Pew Research - More Christians in Africa that any other continent. By 2060 - 6 top ten countries. 2015 there were 3.

TR - All this persecution and seeing the culture clamp down will continue to happen, it will not thwart God’s plan.

Paul continues to learn to be content and trust and it brings him joy.

Tells the readers throughout the book why he has joy and why you and I should have joy.

Phil. Summary

Philippians 1:6

6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

Promise to complete what he started

1:23

23 I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better.

Promise of being with Christ

2:7 (talking about Jesus)

7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.

Christ emptied himself

3:9

9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith

(great exchange) imputed righteousness on sinners

3:20

20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,

(this is not our home) heavenly citizenship

4:6-7

6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 

hears our prayers and provides peace

4:19

19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

promise to supply all of our needs

Conclusion

1952 Long Distance Swimmer Florence Chadwick

26 mile swim between Catalina and CA

Traveled with a team whose job was to keep an eye out for sharks

15 hours thick fog. Swam for another hour and quit. 1 more mile to Catalina

2 months later she finished

Don’t give up, see the end goal as Paul did through Christ

Paul is in the worst case scenario, but yet he’s overflowing with joy and thanksgiving,

because he sees God’s plan for Gospel advancement working regardless of his circumstances.

It’s inevitable - you’re in the fog currently, just coming out, or about to enter some.

Make sure you’re right with Christ

And have peace knowing that God’s plan for your life and his church is right on plan