Paul's Love Letter from Prison
A Study of Philippians - 10
We come now to chapter 4 and we are going to consider verses 1 to 7. At the end of chapter 3 Paul reminded these believers that their citizenship is in heaven, and that they were eagerly awaiting the return of the Lord Jesus from heaven. Now he says, in verse 1 of chapter 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."
Before I say something about "standing firm in the Lord", let's think about Paul's love and regard for, as he puts it, his "dear friends." There is nothing to be compared with Christian friendship and fellowship. When a person becomes a Christian, through faith in Christ, they are placed into the body of Christ - the church - by the baptism of the Holy Spirit. They are united with the Lord Jesus and are brought into a very special relationship with every other believer who loves the Saviour's Name. In my prayer-life each day, I personally am able to give thanks for Christian friends whom I have met from all parts of the world, because we who love the Lord share in communion with Him, and we have common interests in Him, which are unique.
Will you notice the delightful terms Paul uses to describe his dear friends at Philippi - "you are those I love and long for"; "my beloved brothers who I long to be with again; and," my joy and crown". There is very real affection in the heart of the apostle for these Philippians. They were his children in the faith, and his joy came from seeing them grow in their faith. The crown he mentions would be his reward for the faithful preaching of the Gospel. A crown he would receive at the coming again of his Lord.
Note now his exhortation to them to "stand firm in the Lord." To "stand firm" is to show stability, not to move away from the truth of God's Word. It's a call to faithfulness, whatever the circumstances. They are to stand firm "in the Lord", for He alone is the rock on which they are to stand. He is our strength and our guide and our example. Here is a lesson for us today, that we too should be "steadfast" and "standfast" Christians, faithful to the word of truth and depending entirely on the Lord every day of our lives.
In verses 2 and 3 of Philippians chapter 4, we come to a quite different situation. Of course, not everything was perfect in the church at Philippi, and Paul is concerned about two women in the fellowship who were having difficulty in getting on with each other. We are not told what it was they disagreed about, but clearly it had resulted in disharmony, and from what Paul says, this was hindering the work of spreading the Gospel. God's people are members of His family. It is God Who has brought us into the unity of the body of Christ - the church. It is, therefore, our responsibility to love one another, whatever our differences, and to maintain that oneness for which the Lord Jesus prayed in John chapter 17 verses 21:
"That all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me, and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me."
Turning now from these two individuals, Paul speaks to the whole church and in verse 4 uses a favourite phrase of his, in fact he uses it twice by way of emphasis: "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" As Christians our joy comes from the Lord, and we find true joy in Him. The Lord Jesus said that as we experience his love day by day, so too we will experience His joy.
So, we have discovered three things so far in this fourth chapter of Philippians. In verse 1 we are to STAND FIRM - in the Lord. In verse 2 believers are to AGREE WITH EACH OTHER - in the Lord; and here in verse 4, we are to REJOICE - in the Lord.
Come with me now to verse 5 where we read: "Let your gentleness be evident to all." This has also been translated as "let your yieldedness or your sweet reasonableness be evident to all." This reminds us of something Paul says back in chapter 2, verses 4 and 5 where he is speaking about selflessness. He says there: "Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus." What an example, but what a standard, our Master has left for us all!
We go on to observe why Paul teaches the Philippians to behave in this way towards one another. He says, "The Lord is near". This can mean two things: First, that the Lord is always near to His own noting all that we do; and, second, that the Lord's return could be at any time. Both meanings are a strong motivation for us to live lives that are pleasing to Him and an example to those around us.
Step by step, Paul is teaching these Philippian believers some very practical things about how to live as Christian believers. In verse 6 he goes on to say: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." The old hymn reminds us that it is a privilege to carry EVERYTHING to God in prayer. Whatever touches our life is important enough to take to the Throne of Grace. Somewhere I read this piece of advice, "Be careful for nothing" (in other words do not worry about anything); be prayerful for everything, and be thankful for anything."
Paul was remarkable for his habit of combining thanksgiving with his prayers. In all of his recorded prayers we observe his practice of bringing together, worship, praise, thanksgiving and intercession. He is saying here, "Let your cares become your prayers" and that will result in the promise of verse 7 becoming your experience. And this is the promise: "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
It is felt by many that the peace of God mentioned here is the tranquillity of spirit that God Himself enjoys, and that only He can give. The verse says that God's peace transcends - or surpasses - all understanding. In other words, the human mind finds it difficult to fathom God's peace. It is only those who, by faith in Christ belong to God, and in whom His Spirit lives, that can experience and appreciate this kind of peace.
Finally, Paul says that this peace of God "will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." In the midst of the battle, as we seek to live for Christ, we have the assurance of the peace of God, and peace with God, to defend us against the attacks of the enemy.
So, we have discovered Christian joy and Christian peace here in chapter 4 of Paul's love letter from prison." Are you experiencing such joy and peace in your life?