My Joy and Crown
Text:
Philippians 4:1-3
“Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy
and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved.
2
I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be of the
same mind in the Lord.
3
And I urge you also, true companion, help these women
who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also,
and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in
the Book of Life.”
NKJV
Introduction:
After discussing the fact that their citizenship was in
heaven, from which Christ would come again and transform
their bodies into glorified ones, Paul stressed the
importance of standing – Verse 1: standing fast, Verse
2: standing together, and Verse 3: standing forever.
Body:
I.
Standing Fast
Philippians 4:1
Paul begins with terms of endearment.
1.
His brethren
2.
His beloved
3.
Those who he greatly desired to be with
4.
His joy – They had been a source of great rejoicing in
Paul’s life.
5.
His crown – This was not a kingly crown, but one of
victory and gladness. Similar to
I Thessalonians 2:19-20
“For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing?
Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus
Christ at His coming? For you are our glory and joy.”
NKJV
For them to remain his joy and crown, they needed to
stand fast. He used a similar phrase in
Philippians 1:27.
“Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ
so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may
hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit,
with one mind striving together for the faith of the
gospel.”
To stand fast in the Lord is to stand firm in the Lord’s
Word. The same writer tells the Corinthians in
I Corinthians 16:13
“Watch, stand fast in the faith”
or in “the gospel.”
I Corinthians 15:1a “Moreover, brethren, I declare to
you the gospel.”
Colossians 1:21-23
“ ‘Do not touch, do not taste, do not handle,’ which all
concern things which perish with the using – according
to the commandments and doctrines of men? These things
indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed
religion, false humility, and neglect of the body, but
are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh.”
NKJV
This call to stand fast includes putting on the whole
armor of God. (Ephesians
6:10-11)
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the
power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that
you may be able to stand against the wiles of the
devil.”
NKJV
Only by remaining firmly grounded in the gospel could
Philippians hope to win or be victorious.
II.
Stand Together
Philippians 4:2
Paul now turns his attention to another area in which
the Philippians needed to be concerned – standing
together or being united. Two women in the
congregation, Euodia [you OH de uh] and Syntyche
[sin the keh], were having problems, a dispute or
disagreement. We don’t know the nature of the problem,
whether doctrinal or personal. Paul urges them to come
to an agreement and be in spiritual union again. It is
important for this to be done quietly. The longer left
unresolved, the worse it would get. Done “in the Word
of the Lord” – according to His will, in harmony with
it. Note for us: A problem between two
members can escalate into an entire church problem with
two factions warring against one another. The breach
must be healed – done by all having the mind of Christ –
humble; servant attitude; putting others first. This
disposition will repair almost any problem or division
in the church. Application: It is very
difficult to stand together in the Lord when we do not
possess a godly attitude toward each other. Let’s
examine closely our own selves:
1.
Are we hospitable to one another? Do we regularly
invite others into our home, especially those outside
our close circle of friends? We are commanded to
“Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.”
(I
Peter 4:9)
2.
Are we kind to each other? Or do we harbor unkind
thoughts and feelings toward other members here? (Ephesians
4:32)
“And be kind to one another, tenderhearted. . . “
3.
Do we speak evil of one another? Search deep for this
answer. Do you ever engage in slander, unjust
criticism, gossip, and so on? Remember Paul’s words
“Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil
speaking be put away from you with all malice.”
(Ephesians
4:31)
A godly attitude will keep us from being guilty of
Moses’ words: “Men you are brethren; why do you wrong
one another?” For the Philippians to remain Paul’s joy
and crown, they needed to stand together.
III.
Stand Forever
Philippians 4:3
Paul now urges the true companion to assist the
women who had helped him with his labors in the gospel.
Those who participated in his work in some way –
teaching, providing food, and lodging, etc. [Lydia and
other women in her household] Also Clement and other
fellow workers are mentioned as being worthy of
assistance. The work of helping gospel preachers is a
vital one – one greatly needed in our day. I continue
to ask for your help.
Paul then mentions that all these fellow-workers are in
the “Book of Life.” The need for ‘standing forever’ -
remaining faithful to the end – is seen in that one’s
name can be removed from the Book of Life. (Revelation
3:1-5)
“And to the angel of the church in Sardis write, These
things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the
seven stars: I know your works, that you have a name
that you are alive, but you are dead. Be watchful, and
strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to
die, for I have not found your works perfect before
God. Remember therefore how you have received and
heard; hole fast and repent. Therefore if you will not
watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not
know what hour I will come upon you. You have a few
names even in Sardis who have not defiled their
garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they
are worthy. He who overcomes shall be clothed in white
garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book
of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father
and before His angels.”
NKJV
So unless one continues to walk in the light of the
gospel, his name can be blotted out of the Book of Life
– the record of those who are to inherit eternal life.
Conclusion /Invitation:
Paul’s joy and crown was the church in Philippi. They
would remain to be so as long as they stood fast, stood
together, and stool forever. Where are you standing
today – in the Lord or in the world? Only those who
stand fast in the Lord to the end will be allowed
entrance into that heavenly home.
Bobby Stafford May 19, 2019 Series on
Philippians: Lesson 10
The
church of Christ
