The 3 Challenges of Paul

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The 3 Challenges of Paul

Philippians 1:27-30

October 26, 2022 • Pastor Arthur Jackson III

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THE 3 CHALLENGES OF PAUL
Philippians 1:27-30 (NKJV)

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, and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God. For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me.

Up to this point, the book of Philippians has been mostly autobiographical. At verse 27 however, Paul shifts the direction to an application of spiritual truths for his readers. He shifts the focus from their PRIVILEGES to their OBLIGATIONS.

He makes this shift because the church at Philippi felt it owed its existence to Paul. They had come to depend on Paul so much they were in danger of leaning upon him rather than upon Christ. Paul knew if they depended upon him or any man, their experience was inauthentic and they’d become spiritually ill equipped. However if they were truly the Lord's, they would look to Him for needed strength and wisdom. Paul therefore issues 3 challenges.

 The Challenge To Stand Courageously For Christ - v.27a
 The Challenge To Strive Collectively For Christ - v.27b
 The Challenge To Suffer Consistently For Christ – v.29

I. STAND COURAGEOUSLY FOR CHRIST
“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…”

Paul opens his appeal by stating the importance of the believer maintaining a Christian lifestyle. The inference that’s being made is that a person's manner of living was to be a credit to the Gospel of Jesus. The believer’s life was to bring honor to Jesus Christ. CHRISTIANS ARE TO LIVE AS CITIZENS OF THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN.
• The word "becometh" [KJV] is interesting. We hear that someone's clothing does or does not become him or her. What is meant is the color or cut of the clothes enhances the face and personality of the person. When it does, the garment is "becoming." Our lives should reflect Jesus Christ.
Paul says, "that you stand fast in one spirit." The words "stand fast" are from the Greek word {steko} which means "to hold your ground regardless of danger." It means, “to keep standing”. The word was used of a soldier defending his position at all costs. The basis for this whole plea is the fact that there is a spiritual war taking place. We are to strive as one man for the faith. Christians are engaged in a great conflict as Paul points out in Ephesian 6:10-17.

THE GOSPEL HAS AN ENEMY.
 Ephesians 6:10-17 (NKJV)
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. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the SPIRIT, WHICH IS THE WORD OF GOD;
Remember that Paul was in prison, awaiting trial on a capital charge. There was a chance he would be executed for a false crime. He thought he would be released, but he was not absolutely sure. Therefore, whether he was able to return to the church or not, there was a much needed exhortation that the church must heed: the exhortation to stand fast.
 The church must stand fast in unity: "in one spirit, with one mind."

⇒ One spirit means that all the members of a church must be born again by the Spirit of Christ. All members must have a renewed spirit from the same source, from the same Person. They must all be committed to the Lord Jesus Christ. They must all have a heart given to Him.

⇒ One mind means that all members must be set upon the same purpose; they must all be focused upon the purpose of Jesus Christ.

The point is this: the world—its people, families, and nations—may be split and divided, arguing and differing, fussing and feuding, fighting and divorcing, warring and killing, seeking and grasping; but the church is not to live that way. The church is to be unified; it is to be one in spirit and one in mind; one in heart and one in purpose.

II. STRIVE COLLECTIVELY FOR CHRIST
“…with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel, and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God.”

The church must stand fast in striving together for the faith of the gospel. The word "striving together" is the word taken from an athletic contest. It is the picture of a team working and struggling together against strong opposition (compare a football team). The church—every member of it—is to strive for the faith of the gospel: strive, work, struggle, push, exert all the energy possible; everyone cooperating together, not a single person letting up or turning aside or walking off the field. The opposition is difficult; therefore, the faith of the gospel needs every member working and struggling together.

 1 Corinthians 1:10 (NKJV)
Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

 2 Corinthians 13:10-14 (NKJV)
Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the authority which the Lord has given me for edification and not for destruction. Finally, brethren, farewell. Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints greet you. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.

III. SUFFER CONSISTENTLY FOR CHRIST
“…For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me.”
Being a Christian believer in a corrupt world is hard. People oppose our stand for Christ and righteousness. It may be next door, in the office, at school or a hundred other places—the Christian believer is sometimes...
• avoided
• ridiculed
• mocked
• isolated
• cursed
• questioned
• abused
• mistreated • ignored
• neglected
• overlooked
• by-passed
• slandered
• persecuted
• imprisoned
• martyred
Note the exhortation: we are not to be terrified by our adversaries. There are four reasons why.

1. Persecution is a sign that the persecutors are doomed. And note: it is a sign to them. The Spirit of God is able to take their persecution of us and convict their hearts of the evil they are doing. Their persecution of a fellow human being strikes the fact of doom and judgment to their hearts: it convicts them, and by that conviction they stand a better chance of being saved.

2. Persecution is a sign of salvation for us. Of course, it is not the only sign, but it is one sign. If a believer stands fast in persecution, it is a clear sign that he is being strengthened by the Spirit of God and is a true believer.

3. Persecution is a privilege, not a terror. When we are persecuted, we are suffering for Christ, the Sovereign Majesty of the universe. Christ is not some insignificant rebel, some leader of men hiding out in some remote spot who embarrasses us and of whom we should be ashamed. Christ is the Son of God, the Lord of lords, the God of the universe, the Sovereign Majesty of all. It is a privilege to be numbered among His followers and to represent Him. If we happen to be cornered by some who oppose and rebel against Him, we are not to deny Him, nor be ashamed to own His name. We are not to be terrified by persecution. It is the highest honor imaginable to represent and serve the Lord God of all. He is coming soon to subject all opponents and enemies and to rule and reign over all. We could have no greater privilege than preparing the way for Him—even if some do oppose us.

4. Paul (and others) had left the church a dynamic example to follow in bearing persecution. Paul had been arrested, beaten, and jailed when he was in Philippi; and the church had witnessed the whole scene. He bore it all for Christ. Therefore, we are to follow in his steps and bear whatever persecution is launched against us—all for Christ. The great Christian soldier can bear it—through the presence and power of Christ—bear it as a great Christian soldier for Christ.

 "But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues" (Matthew 10:17).

 "Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake" (Matthew 24:9).

 "Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also" (John 15:20).

 "For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake" (Philippians 1:29).

 "That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto" (1 Thessalonians 3:3).

 "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution" (2 Timothy 3:12).

 "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though
some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified" (1 Peter 4:12-14).

 "Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf" (1 Peter 4:16).

Contentment

May 17, 2023

Philippians 4:12-14 12. “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. 14. Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles.” CONTENTMENT The last time we were here we considered together verses 10 and 11, where we discussed the generosity of the Philippians as seen through the eyes of Paul the apostle. We suggested that Paul saw in the Philippians’ generosity to him three things: · The Lord‘s care o 10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last, you renewed your concern for me. · Loads of compassion o Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. · Lessons in contentment o 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. We ended our study by defining what contentment meant. We said that contentment was to be free from care, due to the satisfaction with what is already one's own. The Hebrew word for contentment means simply "to be pleased." In the Greek word contentment means to be self-sufficient, satisfied, and independent (1 Timothy 6:8; Hebrews 13:5). In other words, Contentment is more of an inward enjoyment than outward satisfaction (1 Timothy 6:6); the former is a habit or permanent state of mind, while the latter has to do with some particular occurrence or object. So that on one hand, inward contentment brings lasting fulfillment, while on the hand outward contentment is a temporary thrill. Paul’s great joy had nothing to do with the gift he had received from the Philippians, per se because he was content and needed nothing despite being confined behind prison walls. For Paul, this sufficiency was not something he had in and of himself, but a sufficiency that came from Christ. It was an understanding gained from the experience of knowing that we have everything we need in Him, regardless of our external circumstances. We highlighted this clearly from three passages found in the scriptures on contentment: Job 36:11 If they obey and serve him, they will spend the rest of their days in prosperity and their years in contentment. Song of Songs 8:10 I am a wall, and my breasts are like towers. Thus, I have become in his eyes like one bringing contentment. 1 Timothy 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. And so, we surmised that: Contentment is being thoroughly satisfied or pleased with the things that we have. Contentment is a state of satisfaction or being pleased with the things we don’t have but yet, we wait patiently for such things as we work diligently to gain them. Contentment is God satisfying or pleased with everything God has richly provided for our enjoyment while using those resources to be a blessing to others. Contentment is found wherever and whenever we have the opportunity to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. Paul now in the next several verses, digs a little deeper into the subject of contentment by using his own example, situations, and circumstances. Paul gives his own life as an object lesson in these verses and testifies that “need” and “plenty” are relative terms – relative to what we feel ourselves to want. And that there is a depth of discipline of self whereby one does not need more than one has at any given moment. And the reasons for this he gives in verses 12 through 14. Let us take a candid look at these verses. The first reason he gives is that: THE SECRET TO CONTENTMENT IS IN OUR EXPERIENCE WITH CHRIST 12. “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” Notice carefully that Paul mentions some physical circumstances such as being in need and having plenty, being well-fed or hungry, living in much, or having nothing. And in the midst of these social states, he says, twice “I know what it is to be in” and “I know what it is to have.” This “I know” that Paul states here did not come through osmosis, happenstance, or luck. This Knowledge came through learning. And his learning came through two possible ways or both, I believe the latter to be true that his knowledge and learning came through two essential things… 1. The Example he followed. a. 1 Thessalonians 1:6 “You became imitators of us and the Lord.” b. 1 Corinthians 11:1 “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” 2. The Experience he nurtured. i.Philippians 2:5 “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ…” ii.Colossians 2:6-7 “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthen in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” iii.Ephesians 4:20 “You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life to put off your old self… and to be renewed in the attitude of your minds.” The second reason he gives is that: THE STRENGTH OF CONTENTMENT IS BEING EMPOWERED BY CHRIST 13. “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” Paul understood that no matter how difficult his struggles may have been, that there was something else undergirding, and enabling him. There was an invisible means of support deep within, and thus he understood that his adequacy and sufficiency came from his union with someone greater than himself. Paul is clear that “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” He speaks of the adequate and all-sufficient One Christ who dwells within and pullet the reins. When Paul says, “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” He had physical and not necessarily spiritual things in mind. The things he had in mind are clearly mentioned in verse 12, where he says “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned….whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” He then says, he “can do everything through” Christ who gives the strength to sustain him in any and every situation. The idea is to be strong, to have power, or to have resources. In context, what Paul is conveying is that he can accomplish these physical feats only by trusting God to sustain him through the extremities that life offers. And because God has already given us everything we need for life and godliness we are better able and equipped for such challenges in life wherever and whenever they come. God has provided for us with his own fourfold resources: 1. His Son – 1 Corinthians 15:30-32 2. His Spirit -Galatians 5:16-26 3. His Scripture James 1:19-25 4. His Supplies – 2 Corinthians 9:10-15 Content belongs to those who rely upon God rather than on their own resources. The third reason he gives is that: SHARING IN CONTENTMENT IS AN ENCOUNTER FOR CHRISTIANS. 14. “Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles.” The final reason that Paul gives for contentment is in sharing in the concern for others, here is where true contentment resides. Those who live only for themselves will never be content because their contentment is only when things are exactly the way they want them to be. And when the things they have gained, accumulated, or achieved are taken away, stolen, and/or destroyed they are discontented, discouraged, and despondent. When we share in each other’s trouble, we are supplying and meeting each other’s needs as God has so commanded us to do: 1. We fulfilled the law of Christ – Galatians 6:2 a. 2 “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” 2. We help our neighbors for their good and benefit – Romans 15:1- 2 a. 15 “We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. 2 Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up.” 3. We develop an equality of exchange among our brothers and sisters – 2 Corinthians 8:10-15 a. 10 And here is my advice about what is best for you in this matter. Last year you were the first not only to give but also to have the desire to do so. 11 Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means. 12 For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have. 13 Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. 14 At the present time your plenty will supply what they need so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. The goal is equality, 15 as it is written: “The one who gathered much did not have too much, and the one who gathered little did not have too little.”

Grateful

May 10, 2023 • Pastor Ludence Robinson

THE BOOK OF PHILIPPIANS Chapter 4:10-11 10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. GRATEFUL The last time we were here we considered verses 6-9 of chapter 4 of Philippians, where the apostle Paul encouraged the Philippians to be anxious about nothing but to pray about everything. For too many times, we treat prayer as a transaction and not as an opportunity to commune with God. We learned this from the last time we were here that in this country we are bred to be consumers. And that we should never get caught up in the idea that prayer is a retail experience. Prayer is both an act and an atmosphere. A living trust as well as total reliance upon God. And so, we shared the last time we were here a little more insight into the importance of spiritual stability, that spiritual stability is understanding. Our anxiety as men v. 6 Our appeal is to God v. 6b. Our protection is God’s peace 7. Our righteous living is birth from peace v.8. Our promise from God is his presence v.9. Paul now gives his thanks, after giving his thoughts on spiritual stability. He now with one stroke of the pen moves on to thank the Philippians for their spiritual support, the support they had offered to him for the past 10 years as he ministered among the Macedonian cities of Thessalonica and Berea (Acts 17:1-13). And as he moved south the Philippians continued to show their undying support even as he ministered in Athens and Corinth which belonged to the territory of Achaia. As years passed, they had been concerned about Paul, but lacked the opportunity for whatever reason to show their support for him. But then Epaphroditus finally arrived in Rome, bringing with him a generous gift from those in Philippi. Paul was so ecstatic about the Philippians’ gift that he thanked them for their generosity, and in the process wrote them the letter we are now studying. Therefore, I would like to suggest three things that Paul saw in the generosity of Philippians. Paul saw the Philippians generosity… First, as… THE LORD’S CARE 10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Paul saw the Philippians concern for him as the Lord caring for him. Paul is rejoicing in the Lord, for he knew that it was the Lord, who was at work in those at Philippi. Paul saw the Philippians actions towards him and others as the Lord’s care for him and those with him. He was certain that God in due time would arrange his circumstances to meet his needs. Paul understood that the times, seasons, and opportunities of life are controlled by God. We too are to view the generosity of others as the Lord caring for us, and us doing or caring for the Lord. Jesus echoes these same sentiments in his discourse about the sheep and goats. Matthew writes Jesus’ words this way: 37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ 40 “The King will reply, ‘I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me” (Mathew 25:37-40). Paul is rejoicing in the fact the Philippians had at last renewed their commitment to follow through on their responsibility as stewards, which was meeting the needs of others. Paul saw the Philippians generosity… Secondly, as…. LOADED WITH COMPASSION Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. The Philippians were always a compassionate people it seems from letters, for Philippi was a Roman colony and the leading city of the district of Macedonia. We may not be as familiar with Philippi, but perhaps we are more familiar with the churches of Macedonia as Paul records for us in his letter to the Corinthians in 2 Corinthians chapter 8. It is there we see the signs of generosity, coming from the churches located in that region and Philippi being one of them. Paul conveyed their generosity this way, when he instructed the Corinthians of a pattern to follow as it related to being generous to others. He writes, 8 And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2 Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4 they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. 5 And they did not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord, and then to us in keeping with God’s will” Matthew 25:37-40 Generosity extends from Compassion, and compassion stems from Grace and grace is given by God. And because we too have been given Grace, we have been given the capacity to be compassionate and/or to be loaded with compassion towards our brothers and sisters who stand in need of our help when and wherever necessary. The scriptures give clear examples of this: Luke in his Acts conveys, “All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had” (Acts4:33). Paul writing to those in Rome says, “love must be sincere; hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love” (Romans 12:9-10) 1 Peter 3:8, Peter agrees, “finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.” Jude 1:22 says, “Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear.” Paul writing to those at Ephesus “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32) Paul again writing to the Colossians Christians says, “Therefore as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility gentleness and patience” (Colossians 3:12). Paul saw the Philippians generosity… Thirdly, as… LESSONS IN CONTENTMENT 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. Paul says clearly to the Philippians, lest they misunderstood his statement in verse 10, I am not pushing this or bringing it up because I am in need or want ofsomething from you. This is not the case, for Paul appears to be totally satisfied knowing that “the blessing of the Lord maketh rich and he addeth no sorrow to it” (Proverbs 10:22). And that he had learned to be content whatever the circumstances. So being in these circumstances and various situations had taught Paul some valuable lessons in contentment. What is contentment? Contentment is to be free from care because of satisfaction with what is already one's own. The Hebrew means simply "to be pleased." The Greek brings out the full force of the word in 1 Timothy 6:8; Hebrews 13:5. Hence to be content in Greek means to be self-sufficient, satisfied, and independent. In other words, Contentment is more inward enjoyment than outward satisfaction (1 Timothy 6:6); the former is a habit or permanent state of mind, the latter has to do with some particular occurrence or object. One brings lasting fulfillment, while the other a temporary thrill. Paul’s great joy has nothing to do with the gift per se because he is content and needs nothing. For Paul and all believers, this sufficiency is not in ourselves but Christ. It comes from knowing that we have everything we need in Him, regardless of our external circumstances. We can see this clearly from three passages found on contentment: Job 36:11 If they obey and serve him, they will spend the rest of their days in prosperity and their years in contentment. Song of Songs 8:10 I am a wall, and my breasts are like towers. Thus, I have become in his eyes like one bringing contentment. 1 Timothy 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. Contentment is being thoroughly satisfied or pleased with the things that we have. Contentment is a state of satisfaction or being pleased with the things we don’t have but yet, waiting patiently for such things as we work diligently to gain them. Contentment is God satisfying or pleased with everything God has richly provided for our enjoyment, while using those resources to be a blessing to others. Contentment is found wherever and whenever we have the opportunity to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.

Living in the Now

April 26, 2023 • Pastor Ludence Robinson

PHILIPPIANS 4:1-5 4 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. SPIRITUAL STABILITY: LIVING IN THE NOW The last time we were here Elder Sheranda dealt with the closing verses of chapter 3, and now this evening we have come to the opening verses of chapter 4. Where Paul begins his opening statement with the word “therefore.” Any good student of scripture would want to know immediately what the, therefore, is there for. The word, therefore, means for that reason, or consequently: The word, therefore, indicates that what Paul is about to write builds on what he has just written. The text immediately points us back to the preceding verses where Paul has made it clear to us how to achieve spiritual stability. And then points us forward on how to maintain spiritual stability. First, how to achieve spiritual stability, Paul tells us at least three things in the previous verses… By following a set example v. 17 By Fleeing from Satanic Enemies v. 18, 19 By focusing on simple expectations v. 20, 21 So, the relevant question to be asked and answered is this, how do you and I maintain this spiritual life in a more personal practical manner? First, We must… SEEK FULLER CONNECTIONS v.1 4 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! The phrase “my beloved brethren whom I long to see, my joy and crown …my beloved” expresses Paul’s deep connections with the Philippians. He has always conveyed a deep desire throughout his epistles to those he has written. We can see this in several of his letters: Romans 1: 8-12 1Corinthians 16:5-7 Galatians 4:19-20 Colossians 2:1 1 Thessalonians 1: 6b-8 Philippians 1:3-8; 25-26 In this verse alone he addresses Philippians in three connective ways 1. As brothers in Christ 2. As beloved by Christ 3. As blessings through Christ Note: We owe it to ourselves to stay connected, because only together are we stronger. Secondly, We must… STOP FIGHTING IN CHURCH v. 2-3 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. Paul in verse 2 pleads with two women who were apparently involved in some kind or type of altercation. It appears they were having some difficulty getting along. We are not given the details as to the cause of their disagreement, only that there was a disagreement. The truth is that wherever there are people there will be some disagreements, differences, and disputes. How do fights start in the first place? James 4: 1-3 How do we minimize fights in church? By Learning to agree to disagree with each other By Learning to assist & help each other. By Learning to accept & embrace each other. Note: The better we handle our differences, will be the judge of how we handle each other. Lastly, We must… STAY FAITHFUL TO THE CAUSE v. 4-5 4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Paul in verse 4 repeats one of the favorite refrains of the Psalms – rejoice in the Lord! The secret of this exhortation is found in the words “in the Lord” that no matter how dark and dismal the circumstances of life may appear, it is still possible to rejoice in the Lord always and again to rejoice. The point Paul is making here is that rejoicing in the Lord is such a vital factor to the believers’ spiritual stability that the command bears repeating twice – “rejoice in the Lord always and again I will say rejoice!” This repetition, however, presupposes the reality that it is not easy to be joyful, hence joy is not dependent upon feelings, nor emotion but upon a clear understanding of God as he has revealed himself. Note: What you and I believe about God, is how we will live our lives before Him. The question is how do you and I stay faithful to the cause? Paul suggests at least three ways we can stay faithful to the cause... By maintaining a spirit of joy. By displaying a spirit of gentleness. By constantly being aware of the Lord’s presence.