Philippians 4:1

1 Peter 4:1"Stand Fast In The Lord"

In chapter 3 of Philippians, Paul warned of the danger of false teachers. He stressed the importance of having heaven as one's only goal. He also pointed toward heaven as the place where Christ's followers maintain their citizenship. Because of all thes things, the apostle went on to encourage the brethren to "stand fast," like soldiers holding position in the thick of battle. As he was urging them to stand fast, Paul used four different expressions to show his deep feelings for the Christians at Philippi. They were his "beloved," which Thayer says was a tender address used for one who was esteemed, dear or a favorite. Naturally, with those types of feelings accompanied by a long period of separation, Paul could also say he longed for them. As Thayer says, they were a cause of joy even in the apostle's imprisonment. Further, he viewed them as being like a victor's crown or a crown given to honor a guest at a banquet (1 Peter 4:1).