I love how Paul can, in a part of the letter that seems like just the "sincerely" section - throw out some absolutely incredible gems!
Work on Earth - Live for Heaven
1 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!
Paul just got finished saying to follow His example - not the example of the world, and that we are citizens of heaven and we should look to the day when Jesus transforms our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body.
The first way to have joy is to realize all the destruction and sin and failure around you is temporary.
But what you do for the Lord is NOT temporary!
1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 For what is our hope, our joy , or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? 20 Indeed, you are our glory and joy.
Revelation 4:10 shows us the elders laying down the crowns they have received before the Lamb of God.
What we do for God here on earth will have eternal consequences- and one day all that work will be rewarded. Those whose lives you touched will be your joy and crown - so hang on to that.
Get Along Together
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.
These two women were apparently leaders in the church.
Their disagreement did not apparently involve bad doctrine or sin - but was a personal struggle between them.
Paul says - "be of the same mind" (agree with each other). He urges them to set aside their personal differences for the sake of the work because their disagreement was causing division. (Phil 2:1-4)
Disagreements cause stress and rob us of joy. Most disagreements that don’t involve bad doctrine or sin are the result of selfishness (not putting the needs of the other above our needs (Phil 2:3 - consider others better than yourselves).
These types of disagreements are a distraction from our real mission - the "cause of the gospel" (verse 3).
Paul urges this person "fellow yokefellow" (could be a play on the name Syzygus, which means "co-yoked" to live up to his name and help out.
Sometimes it takes a mature brother or sister to clue us in to what our arguing is really doing - hurting our relationships and the body of Christ while not fulfilling Jesus’ command to focus on the gospel.
Rejoice Always
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Maybe these two women were unhappy due to circumstances around them. Often our personal struggles are turned into interpersonal squabbles.
"In the Lord" we can rejoice always - because God is always in control and will bring our lives to a successful end. (He who has begun a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Jesus Christ - Phil 1:6).
If we are mired in our circumstances we will not experience joy. I’m not saying you should go around with a fake smile on your face - but deep down in your heart, even when you suffer, know that God is there "working all things together for the good of those that love Him" Romans 8:28
Be Gentle
5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
Again - the dissatisfied are often the least gentle.
Gentleness here is a word that means to not retaliate. Courtesy is another way to translate it.
Take a breath and think before you speak a harsh word - its not enough that we say "I’m gentle on the inside" - it needs to be "evident to all".
Another way to say it: "don’t always demand to be right."
Be Prayerful
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Don’t be over worried - again, that will rob you of joy.
When you find yourself anxious - force yourself to pray and ask God specifically to intervene in your situation.
Do it with a thankful heart - not a bitter heart. Yes, be honest with God about your feelings - but realize in your prayers all that He has done for you. It seems elementary but prayer is often a last resort - not a first resort.
God doesn’t promise here that He’ll do what you ask - but He promises His peace, which will surpass your ability to comprehend.
His peace will "guard" you inner being - it’s a military term for guarding the garrison. It’s peace in the midst of the storm.
Focus on the Pure
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me-put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
This is an excellent way to train the mind - use these ideals as your gatekeeper. If something comes in or you think of something - ask yourself: is it true, noble (honest or worthy of praise), right (just or fair), pure (something which has no fault), lovely (love inspiring), admirable (not offending to hear)? If it is, then dwell on it - if it is not, then take that thought captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Cor 10:5)
"Think about such things" should really read: "your thoughts must continually dwell upon" - we should focus our thoughts on the good things God is doing and how good He is - instead of the garbage and nit picky things we think about each other.
Then it’s not just dwelling your mind on these things, but putting them into action - practice them - and you will have peace.
Be Content
10 I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have 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. 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 everything through him who gives me strength.
A mind that is focused on the good things God is doing will not focus on all the lack you have around you.
"I have learned" in verse 11 means not from studies but from life experience. It isn’t a theoretical contentedness but practical - no matter circumstances he found himself in he was contented.
"Content" means to be self sufficient - totally independent of anyone or anything to bring satisfaction. This can come only from the Lord Jesus who has given us "everything we need for life and godliness" (2 Peter 1:3).
Being in need or having plenty was not the source of his contentment. People today believe that "he how dies with the most toys wins". That’s simply wrong. My brother-in-law subscribed to that notion. He had a huge house, a garage full of expensive cars, airplanes, a big salary - but he lacked the one thing that would bring true contentment - a relationship with Jesus Christ. He died - one of those toys killed him (in a plane crash) - the truth is, he who has the most toys dies.
Why can Paul say this? Because he, and we, can face anything because of Jesus’ power in us. That phrase in verse 13 can read "Christ gives me the power to face any circumstance."
Be Giving
14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need. 17 Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account. 18 I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
One great way to let go of the "me first" attitude - both emotionally (attitude) and physically (possessions) is to give.
I’m reminded of the story of Jesus in Mark 12 about the woman who put in two small copper coins into the Temple treasury. Jesus said she gave more than anyone because they gave out of their wealth, while she gave out of her poverty. Giving should cost. David turned down the offer of the property for the Temple mount saying "I will not take for the Lord what is yours, or sacrifice a burnt offering that costs me nothing. (1 Chronicles 21:24)
Notice too that Paul did receive support for his work - though he was bivocational in many ways he also supported the idea of being paid to spread the gospel and teach the Word.
God is pleased when we do this (vs 18) - and in response God will "meet all your needs" - it may not come in physical things, but it will be what you need at the time.
20 To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
21 Greet all the saints in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me send greetings. 22 All the saints send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household.
23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
Conclusions
1. How to be joyful
Work on earth, live for heaven
Get along together
Rejoice always
Be gentle
Be prayerful
Focus on the pure
Be content
Be giving
2. What’s the overall message?
Look for the best in others, in ourselves, in our world, and in our circumstances.
Its not rose-colored glasses or naivety but Spirit vision
For more Bible studies and an audio copy of this message, please visit:
www.CalvaryChapelNewberg.org.
