Philippians 4:1

“Wherefore, my brethren beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my beloved”

“Wherefore”: The ideas that follow are: “Because the believer's homeland is in heaven and not on earth, and because. glorious inheritance awaits them at Christ's return, when even their bodies will be made to resemble Christ's body, let nothing sway them from their firm foundation. Let them always remain steadfast and sure, so that these glories may be theirs indeed” (Hendriksen p. 189). ”Because there are many enemies of the cross, and also because the believers are looking forward to the coming of their Lord, the church is exhorted to stand firm” (Muller p. 136). “My brethren beloved”: “Dearly beloved” (KJV). “My dear brothers” (TCNT). “And longed for”: Yearned upon and greatly loved. “Whom. am longing to see” (TCNT). “Greatly desired” (Jackson p. 75). See Philippians 1:8; Philippians 2:26. “They are in his heart and mind, and his separation from them causes him pain and distress; he yearns to see them” (Erdman p. 132). As we seek to restore the Christianity taught in the New Testament, let us always remember that such. relationship with God also included. very close relationship with brethren (1 Peter 1:22; 2 Peter 1:7; 1 Corinthians 12:25). “My joy”: “My delight” (Knox). “Even in the present time they are. source of true gladness” (Erdman p. 132). “And crown”: “The crown of victory in the games, of civic worth, of military valor, of nuptial joy, of festal gladness. Surely words as comforting as these are an incentive for each of us to stand fast in the faith” (Jackson p. 75).

Christians need to realize that their present level of faithfulness either causes others to rejoice or to worry (2 John 1:4; 3 John 1:4). We need to seriously ask ourselves, “Does my life uplift people or does it discourage people?” If the brethren at Philippi remained firm in the faith, Paul would consider them as composing his victor's crown, because such. faithful congregation would demonstrate that his labor had not been in vain (Philippians 2:16; Galatians 4:11; 1 Thessalonians 2:19). The faithful preacher, besides preaching the correct doctrine, also loves the souls of those he exhorts. Faithful and growing Christians are his joy. He is not merely preoccupied with his own salvation, but also the salvation of those he teaches (1 Timothy 4:16). Seeing people rewarded at the judgment day that he had. hand in assisting, will be his crown of victory. “Paul may be reinforcing the idea that the Philippians are. cause for his festal-like joy” (Hawthorne p. 178). We would say that the Philippians were really. shot in the arm to Paul. They were his pride and joy. He always felt refreshed and uplifted when with them (Colossians 4:11). Is that the effect that we have on other Christians?

“At the appearing of Christ, these faithful converts will be the occasion of deepest satisfaction. They will be the witnesses to his triumphant career” (Erdman p. 132). “He praises them again and again, and thanks God for them (Philippians 1:3-7; Philippians 2:12; Philippians 4:10-20)” (Hendriksen p. 189).

“So stand fast”: “By this word he describes them as soldiers who are to stand at their post irrespective of the pressures to abandon it” (Hawthorne p. 178). “It is the word which would be used for. soldier standing fast in the shock of battle, with the enemy surging down upon him” (Barclay p. 71) (Ephesians 6:11). “In the Lord”: “Stay true to the Lord” (Tay). “In His fellowship and in attachment to Him and His cause” (Muller p. 137). This includes standing fast in the truth that Christ taught (Colossians 1:23). Since it is only. matter of time before temptation comes, every Christian must take full advantage of everything that will enable them to "stand firm" (Ephesians 6:10; 2 Peter 1:5; Hebrews 10:24). “After such an endearing introduction addressed to each and to all, the needed admonition intended for two individuals cannot seem harsh” (Hendrisken p. 190).