My Joy and Crown | Philippians

	The church of Christ
	At Granby, MO

Bobby Stafford My Joy And My Crown
Sermon Series on the Book of Philippians
Philippians 4:1-3, Lesson 10 $Description: Description: C:\Users\david\Documents\My Web Sites\Church\images\word.png$ $Description: Description: C:\Users\david\Documents\My Web Sites\Church\images\pps.gif$ Philippians

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