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Philippians 4:1, Therefore, my beloved brethren whom I long to see, my joy and crown, in this way stand firm in the Lord, my beloved.
Philippians 4 is so practical and helpful. We want to learn as much as possible from it and apply its truths to our lives. There are seven key areas of teaching in this chapter: standing firm in the Lord, resolving personal problems with others, living a life of joy, dealing with anxiety and worry, knowing God’s peace, controlling your thoughts, being content regardless of your situation, living in Christ’s strength, and the joy of giving and seeing God provide all your needs.
This morning we’re looking at verse one, “stand firm in the Lord.” Like a military commander to his troops, Paul commands us to stand firm in the Lord. Don’t back down, don’t surrender, don’t retreat, don’t waffle. Paul knows we are “prone to wander,” so he commands us, “Stand firm in the Lord.” We are so encouraged by those men and women in church history who stood firm for Christ amidst strong opposition, even to the point of laying down their lives for Christ.
Martin Luther is one who stood firm in the Lord. On October 31, 1517, he nailed his 95 theses to the chapel door in Wittenberg. He was refuting the selling of indulgences by Johann Tetzel, one of the pope’s representatives in a nearby district. The Catholic church said they were able to grant a grace or indulgence to help reduce the punishment required to make up for sins, but the person wanting an indulgence had to pay for it or do some good deed. Tetzel was selling these indulgences for Pope Leo X’s coffers to help him build St. Peter’s basilica in Rome. The pope was offering full forgiveness for those who purchased these indulgences. In fact, Tetzel claimed you could even buy your relatives out of purgatory: “As soon as the coin in the coffer rings, another soul from purgatory springs.” It was a full-blown religious rip-off. Luther knew this wasn’t biblical and posted his 95 theses. Because of the invention of the printing press at that time, copies of these theses spread throughout Germany and the far corners of Europe within a few weeks. When Pope Leo first heard about this, he said, “He’s just a drunken German monk. He’ll talk differently when he sobers up.” But Luther had been studying and teaching God’s Word. He preached justification by faith alone, the Scriptures alone are the authority, and all believers are priests. And so came the birth of the great Reformation that changed the western world down to our very day! The pope issued an authoritative official document called a papal bull, ordering the burning of Luther’s writings. Luther publicly burned the papal bull and shortly called the pope Antichrist. Luther was ordered to appear before the Diet of Worms and retract all that he had written. Standing before the dignitaries of the church and state, Luther declared that the Word of God bound his conscience, “I cannot and will not recant anything. Here I stand. I cannot do otherwise. God help me!” That is standing firm in the Lord!
Charles Spurgeon, toward the end of his life, stood firm in the Lord against apostasy within the Baptist Union of England. He saw preachers denying the inspiration of the Scripture and major doctrines of the faith. In a vote in the Baptist Union favoring the new liberal theology. 2000 voted for it; Spurgeon and six others voted against it. He stood firm in the Lord. He wrote: “I can never compromise the truth of God. It’s not a matter of personalities but of principles.” Throughout his ministry Mr. Spurgeon stood firm in the Lord.
Stand firm in the Lord! Men and women have taken their stand in the Lord in every generation. J. Gresham Machen stood for God’s truth at Princeton Seminary. John MacArthur has stood firm in the Lord as one attack after another has come his way. God is calling each of us, regardless of our various callings, to stand firm in the Lord. We’re prone to wander and we need this charge. Paul opens Philippians 4 with loving affection for God’s people. He has deep concern for the believers there in Philippi. His language is powerfully charged with three things.
FIRST, THIS VERSE IS CHARGED WITH GODLY REASONING IN THE WORD “THEREFORE.”
Why is the “therefore” there for? Paul says in view of what I just got finished telling you in chapter 3, stand firm. He had told them about the surpassing value of Christ, about rejecting human righteousness through justification by faith alone, about pressing on and reaching forward to know and love Christ, about following good models and being aware of those who would lead them astray, and about waiting eagerly for Christ to transform their bodies to become like His. Paul says, “Therefore, rivet your hearts to these truths. Stand firm in the Lord.”
SECOND, THIS VERSE IS CHARGED WITH DEEP AFFECTION.
Paul piles up one word after another to describe his affection for them. Here were precious sheep belonging to the great Shepherd. They were people who left their pagan religions and their Gentile practices, people who were probably scorned and ostracized by the society and family. They included the Philippian jailor and Lydia, the seller of purple – people who repented of their sins, trusted and followed Christ alone, sheep whom Christ called to Himself through the gospel. Now there they were living as citizens of heaven in that Roman colony, chosen and beloved by the true and living God. Paul loved them with something of the love of Christ. Twice he refers to them as “my beloved.” They are his brothers whom he longs to see. They are his “joy and crown” as he’s blessed by how they are growing. They are the fruit of his labors in the gospel.
He said the same thing in his book of Thessalonians.
1 Thessalonians 2:19-20, For who is our hope or joy or crown of exultation? Is it not even you, in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming? 20 For you are our glory and joy.
One commentator said, “They were spiritually dear to him; his heart clasped them with special fondness.” What we think or feel about other believers says so much about our own hearts. He really cared for them spiritually; they weren’t just numbers. Paul wasn’t like some preachers I’ve told you about when you meet them at conferences, “How many ya runnin’ down there in Philippi?” No, Paul’s heart of grace and love humbles me and probably all of us.
Before Paul turns to resolving the problem between Euodia and Syntyche he assures them of his affection for them. All peacemaking, all restoring and resolving issues between people must flow out of loving hearts. Paul elsewhere says, “Speak the truth in love.” When people know you genuinely care for them, they tend to be open to your counsel. Someone said, “Love melts hearts.”
This is the church climate of mutual affection we have here in Evansville Bible Church. Let’s continue and grow even more. Teachers, make that class of young people your joy and crown. Find joy in feeding those minds God’s truth. Of course, the same is true of us adults and especially of us elders. Let’s have hearts of grace and sincere love, a mutual affection for one another. Paul is our amazing and humbling model right here!
THIRD , THIS VERSE IS CHARGED WITH SPIRITUAL CONCERN.
“Stand firm in the Lord.” Paul in his deep love and concern is urging them to stand firm, keep on standing firm in Jesus Christ. He’s not saying stand firm in your knowledge, or your experiences, or your feelings, or your church. Rather, stand firm in the Lord, in the person of Christ. Paul often urges God’s people to stand firm in the Lord. There is no quitting, no retreating, no compromising Christ and His Word. He already told the Philippians in chapter 1.
Philippians 1:27, Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;
Paul’s charge rings out in many other places in his writings.
1 Corinthians 16:13-14, Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done in love.
Galatians 5:1, It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.
1 Thessalonians 3:8, for now we really live, if you stand firm in the Lord.
2 Thessalonians 2:15, So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us.
Stand firm is a military term. You’re in a war facing an enemy. Stand firm. Hold the line. Don’t retreat. Stonewall Jackson got his nickname at the battle of Bull Run as he stood firm under the assault of the enemy. “Look at Jackson, standing there as a stonewall!” Someone asked Stonewall how he stays so cool in a storm of shell and bullets? He replied, “I feel as safe in battle as in bed. God has fixed the time of my death. I do not concern myself with that.”
Stand firm means there are powers trying to get you to cave. Paul says stand firm in the Lord. Let nothing knock you over. Stand firm in what you believe. Stand firm in the gospel of Christ. Stand firm in the sovereignty of God. Stand firm in the inerrancy, authority, and sufficiency of the Scripture. Stand firm in what God says about creation (completed in six literal days), there are only two genders, marriage is only between a man and woman, family, purity, about your purpose and goal in life to please God. Stand firm in the doctrines of grace. Stand firm in the duties God has given you as His child to mortify your sin and put on the fruit of the Spirit.
Stand firm when everything is going well and stand firm when everything seems to be falling apart. Stand firm like those three Hebrew youths. When everyone else was bowing down to Nebuchadnezzar’s statue, they stood firm, even in the fire. Daniel stood firm when all the political cronies tried to get rid of him. He stood firm on his knees praying. He stood firm down there in the lions’ den.
Paul commanded the Ephesians to stand firm even when in a battle with an invisible enemy.
Ephesians 6:10-13, Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.
Don’t budge. Don’t retreat. Don’t be half-hearted, slouching, or chin dragging with despondent thoughts such as, “Oh, it’s so hard being a Christian today.” Yes, we realize we are weak. But remember what Christ said to Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in your weakness!” Paul then said, “Most gladly therefore I will boast about my weakness, that the power of Christ may dwell in me!”
Christ will give you all the strength you need to stand firm in Him. There are pressures every day from the devil, the world, and our own flesh. What discourages you? What gets you down? What makes you feel like giving up? Right then you need to hear this charge strengthening your heart: “Stand firm in the Lord!” Don’t give in, don’t turn back. Maybe you’re doubting God’s Word right now: “Stand firm!” You’re a single mom with lots of struggles and pressure: “Stand firm!” You’re weary of preparing lessons or preparing for small group: “Stand firm in the Lord!” You’re a teen being pressured to compromise your moral integrity: “Stand firm.” You’re a couple struggling: “Stand firm.” Maybe you’re really discouraged, your lights are out, or maybe you’ve been hurt by a Christian who seemed to ignore you or treated you unkindly: “Stand firm.”
Revelation 2-3 tells us Christ knows what’s going on in those seven churches Every church description begins “I know….” He either commends them or rebukes them, but either way, He exhorts them to be strong, to stand firm. What about our church? We have Bible teaching, good fellowship, small groups, Bible study groups – some praying, some evangelism. We’ve endured some trials. We’re committed to the sovereignty of God and the gospel of salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, based on the Bible alone, to the glory of God alone. What would Christ say about us? Are we standing firm? Have we lost our first love? Are we compromising in any way?
Are you discerning false teaching, turning away from impurity, laying up treasures in heaven, serving One Master, seeking first His kingdom and His righteousness? Are you standing firm in the gospel. Do you know the gospel? If you had five minutes to tell the gospel to someone, could you do it? First Peter 3:15 says we all need to be ready to give an answer for the hope that is in us.
Stand firm in the Lord. The truth of God’s Word is under attack by a world that is in rebellion against God. The world hates the idea that Christ is the only way to heaven and some claim, “Every religion will take you to God.” That’s not what Peter said in Acts 4:12: “Neither is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven by which we may be saved.” Stand firm. The world despises the clear teaching on morality and godly standards.
HOW DO YOU STAND FIRM IN THE LORD?
First, be sure you’re on the right foundation. Remember those two builders – one wise, one foolish.
Matthew 7:24-25, Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 “And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock.
Be sure you’re building your life on the solid rock of Jesus Christ. The foolish builder built his house on sand. It didn’t stand long when the storms hit. The other builder built his house on the rock. When the storms blew and slammed against his house, it stood firm! If you’re not building on the firm foundation of Jesus Christ, your foundation won’t stand in the storms of life.
Second, know how to resist the devil.
1 Peter 5:8-9, Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world.
Satan is hot on your trail. He wants to knock you right off your spiritual legs. He is hungry and is looking for Christians to devour! He wants to deceive you. He’s real, he’s busy, and he’s vicious. He wants to get a foothold in your life (Ephesians 4:26-27). If you aren’t a Christian, he wants to suck you right into hell with his lies. He’s going there and wants to take as many as possible with him. If you are a Christian, he’ll try to make your life miserable, push against you, destroy your joy, entice your flesh, turn you into a miserable Christian.
So how do we resist him and stand firm in the Lord? Peter says in verse 8 we must be sober, clear-headed. What do drunks do? They lose control. Sober means you keep your wits about you. You submit to the Spirit of God. You don’t waver but maintain control by doing what God’s Word says. You stand firm in the Lord.
Then Peter says be on the alert. Keep a military mindset. Be alert to any twig snapping. Dads, you won’t go to sleep at the wheel. You stand firm in the Lord and your children will be encouraged to stand firm themselves. John MacArthur says when he was a boy his dad reminded him of Ephesians 6:13, “Take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.” His dad added that a lot of people say a lot of things but when the smoke clears, “They’re not all standing.” When the dust of life’s battles settles, you are still standing firm in the Lord. Imagine your children at your funeral saying, “My dad, my mom stood firm in the Lord.”
Peter adds we resist Satan by being firm in your faith. You know what the Bible says and your standing firm in it. That means you are reading the Word every day with a heart and mind to learn His ways. You are also talking to God every day and throughout the day, building up spiritual resistance in your soul.
James 1:8 warns about being double-minded, unstable in all your ways. If you aren’t sure where you stand, if you really want to stand for Christ, or if you really want to go God’s way, you won’t be standing firm in the Lord. You’re Mr. Facing Both Ways, a double minded man. Standing firm in the Lord requires a single-minded heart like the apostle Paul’s, who counted everything garbage, skubala, that he might know Christ.
Paul loves and longs to be with these Philippians. They are his joy and crown. Out of a heart full of love and deep concern, Paul wants to see them standing firm in the Lord. Along with Luther, Spurgeon, MacArthur and many others who have stood firm, let us also stand firm in the Lord. Don’t let the enemy push us around or trip us up. “Here I stand!” said Luther. Where do you stand? Are you standing firm in the Lord? Are you living by His grace and in His power? Are you on the solid rock of Jesus Christ? All other ground is sinking sand.