It Starts Small

4 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!

Philippians 4:1

Therefore

The call in verse 1 to stand firm resonates powerfully with the preceding passage. It paints a vivid picture of the relentless journey of believers. It highlights the peril posed by false teachers. It reinforces the glorious truth that our true citizenship lies in heaven. Inspired by these profound truths, believers are urged to stand unwavering in the Lord. The world, deceptive teachers, and a sense of complacency lurk as threats, ready to tempt believers to stray. In essence, standing firm is not just an instruction. It is a vital and passionate response to all we have absorbed in chapter three.

you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown

The two phrases “you whom I love and long for” and “my joy and crown” powerfully encapsulate the profound bond Paul shares with his beloved brethren, the Philippians. Throughout his epistle, his heart brims with hope at the thought of seeing them again. They are his joy, radiating brilliance as they flourish and grow in faith. The abundant fruit he witnesses in their lives ignites his soul with encouragement and pride. They are his crown—an undeniable testament to the success of his ministry. He joyfully presents them to God as his cherished offering. Similarly, we will one day lay our crowns at His feet.

Stand firm in the Lord

This command resonates profoundly within the heart of Word. It reveals the unshakeable foundation we possess. This foundation is built on Christ. It empowers us to stand resolute against life’s storms. In striking contrast, those without faith are tossed relentlessly by the tumultuous waves of the sea (James 1:6). The foolish builder’s house, precariously perched on the sand, is destined to crumble to the ground (Matthew 7:24-27).

In this way

Paul passionately urges us to stand firm “in this way” or, as some translations put it, “thus.” In what way, you ask? Set your hearts and minds on the glorious things above. Let go of the burdens of the past. Fervently press forward to embrace the bright future that awaits us—the heavenly prize of the upward call! We are called to emulate Paul’s unwavering example in this pursuit. This powerful attitude of forgetting yesterday—its hurts, failures, sins, and even achievements—pushes believers onward. It allows us to stand firm in our faith. We flourish day by day in our spiritual journey.

In the Lord

We cannot stand firm on our own, no matter how strong our willpower may be! A person might seem to follow the Lord outwardly. However, if that strength isn’t rooted in total reliance on God, it will fade away. Our only true hope for spiritual triumph lies in leaning completely on the Lord!

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Discussion Questions

• What is the “therefore” there for?
• What is Paul’s joy and crown?
• What does it mean that the Philippians are his joy and crown?
• In what way are they to stand firm in the Lord?
• Why does it say stand firm “in the Lord” and not just “stand firm?”

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