Rejoice in the Lord Always - Imitating Mature Examples

Introduction

Last week, we looked at the poetic portion of Paul’s letter to the Philippians in chapter 2:5-11. Paul encouraged the church to follow the example of Christ - The pre-eminent model of meekness and humility - as a way of maintaining unity within the Philippian congregation.

Paul references three other examples of humility, meekness, and selflessness so that two Philippian believers, in particular, might restore their relationship.

Since this letter was initially addressed to “all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi (with the overseers and deacons...”) (1:1) the impact of Paul’s examples was aimed well beyond those two people alone. However, Euodia and Syntyche were the initial followers in view and the direct referents in mind. Follow the examples of Jesus, Timothy, Epaphroditus, and Paul… and agree in the Lord.

Paul ‘s encouragement was an imitation game, if you will. He gave specific ways in which they could restore their relationship. They were reminded to “rejoice in the Lord.” This portion of the letter is filled with insight about how to rejoice in the Lord and guard the heart from a spirit of dissension.

The question for us today is two-fold… “Lord, can I rejoice in You regardless of the struggles I have with my brothers and/sisters? Will you help me follow the example of Jesus so we as a church may be one?”

The Other 3 Examples

Timothy, Epaphroditus and Paul are each described in chapters 2 and 3 for the way in which they assisted Paul while he was in prison in Rome. If you’ve been worshiping with a church for a while, you’ve likely heard of Timothy - Paul’s protege. On more than one instance, he is referred to as Paul’s “son” - 22 But you know Timothy’s proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel. Php 2:22. There’s a specific attribute of Timothy’s character that is highlighted and praised - It’s his “genuine concern”. Earlier in the letter, Paul pleaded with the Philippians that they “...in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Php 2:3–4.

Philippians 2:3–4 ESV

3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Notice how Paul connects the example of Christ with an exemplary quality found in someone the Philippians knew!

He then introduces a quick story about Epaphroditus (quite possibly the pastor at the Philippian Church).

Epaphroditus had a significant role in the ministry of Paul. If you review Acts 16, Paul is in a Philippian jail. The church of Philippi was originally the only congregation to support Paul in his missionary work. He reminded them of this and expressed his gratitude at the beginning of the letter. However, it appears they were unable to always support Pau at the “level” of helpfulness that they once did. So, Epaphroditus makes a trip to see Paul and “makes up for where the Philippians were lacking.”

Epaphroditus name literally means “charming”. If there’s any charm Paul intended the Philippians take from Epaphroditus work it was simply this: As Christ endured all things to take on the agony of the cross… So Epaphroditus took on the agony of illness and in the midst of that illness SERVED Paul ON THE PHILIPPIANS BEHALF!

This note, is the second of two examples that Paul set up to help the church see clearly how they could walk together, worthy of the calling they had received, and live in UNITY!

We see Jesus - the penultimate example of meekness and humility; we see Timothy the known and steady servant of Paul (his spiritual son) selfless and sincere in his care for the Philippians; we see Epaphroditus, sacrificial and as Paul would say in his 2nd letter to the Corinthians “the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved…(2 Cor. 2:15a)” Three examples in the middle of this letter that beckon the Philippian church to heed their actions.

Now, Paul will offer one more example - himself!

He would express a warning: “Look our for the dogs” (Phil.3:2 “2 Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh.” ) He roles out a litany of accomplishments that seemingly would give him the authority to throw around his spiritual weight. That was a practice we had seen in the days Christ walked the earth as the Pharisees would often levy for who had the most clout and honor. Paul has a different perspective…

“DUNG!” A not so kind description to give to his earned awards and accomplishments. Paul places all his achievements in proper perspective - He compares them to knowing Christ Jesus as Lord and says, “They’re “skýbalon”. Paul’s example of his own accomplishments, his own clout, his formidable elite spirituality… and he says of himself… it means NOTHING to me “in order that I may gain Christ”

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Php 3:8.

Paul exemplifies a humility like that of Christ… When he could have used his position as an apostle, a Hebrew of Hebrews, and elite Pharisee… someone with “perfect” righteousness… he says NO! Just like Christ in the Garden said “NOT MY WILL, BUT YOURS BE DONE!” He took the road of humility! Meekness… and he put it before the Philippians.

Now… why these 4 weighty examples of meekness, humility, other’s centeredness, elf-sacrificing love and putting aside all spiritual eliteness?

Because Paul is about to do the unthinkable! The unimaginable! The nearly unforgivable! HE’S GOING TO STEP INTO THE FRAY OF CHRISTIAN CONGREGATIONAL FIDELITY… AND ASK TWO CHRISTIAN WOMEN TO AGREE IN THE LORD! - Duh, duh, duuuuuuuh!

This actually brings us to the heart of the message today. All the build up in the letter of Philippians gets us to this point. In chapter 4:1-9, Paul talks about several different actions that will help the Philippians get along. Some things (like prayer and petitioning for the peace of God which surpasses all understanding) are intended to benefit the individual believer. BUT, don’t forget… the letter isn’t written to an individual… it’s written to an entire church!

Let’s read this section together and then see how we can apply these actions today in our congregation AND in the church universal so that UNITY my be maintained and REMAIN… THE WITNESS OF THE CHURCH!

Philippians 4:1-9

Philippians 4:1–9 ESV

1 Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved. 2 I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 3 Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. 4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 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. 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

Give me the liberty here of speaking to the church as a whole just as Paul spoke to the Philippians as a whole!

We are going to walk back through those verses. Notice how Paul speaks to the named people… especially Euodia and Syntyche.

NOW GO BACK TO THE PASSAGE AND START WALKING THROUGH IT.

MAKE THE COMMENTS ON 1-5… ONCE FINISHED WITH 1-5…

READ V6 AND V7 TOGETHER. VERSE 7 HELPS US SEE THAT THE PEACE OF GOD IS PRECISELY WHAT PAUL WANTED EACH BELIEVER TO HAVE!

IT WAS PRECISELY WHAT WOULD HELP THE BELIEVERS MAINTAIN THEIR UNITY!

Here are the 6 “categories” Paul instructs them in

Whatever is…

True - (reliable/ trustworthy)

Honorable - (from the root of reverence, worship)

Just - (in accordance with God’s law)

Pure - (what awakens awe)

Lovely (friendly towards)

Commendable - (reputable and of good report)

And just to cap things off - “if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” ----- THINK is to CALCULATE AND CONSIDER...

How do you and I USUALLY handle a disagreement?!?!? Think about the last person or situation with someone that REALLY go under your skin… What did you do? What do you and I TEND TO DO?

WE THINK OF EVERY LAST THING THAT PERSON DOES THAT WE CAN GRIPE ABOUT! THEN… WE THINK MORE ABOUT IT! We tend to pile on and elaborate on a mistake, add a little contempt for THE LAST TIME THEY ANNOYED YOU, stretch the truth here, exaggerate there… they couldn't POSSIBLY BE WORTH the benefit of the doubt. They couldn’t possibly be worth mercy! They couldn’t possibly… fill in the blank in whatever way you want that shows you and I are better than another person and don’t need to walk worthy of the calling we’ve recieved to be citizen’s of heaven.

Closing…

Paul was doing everything he possibly could to protect the witness of the church! He was striving to maintain the unity of the church! John 17:20-23

John 17:20–23 ESV

20 “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, 21 that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, 23 I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.

The questions we needed to answer: “Lord, can I rejoice in You regardless of the struggles I have with my brothers and/sisters? Will you help me follow the example of Jesus so we as a church may be one?”

Euodia and Syntyche were the primary “targets” Paul was entreating to agree… however… the rejoicing he wanted them to experience was directed at THE ENTIRE CHURCH! It was Jesus’ “dying prayer” that we be one. Do we care about that as much as our Savior did?