STAND FAST IN THE LORD
PHILIPPIANS 4: 1 - 5
1) Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.
2) I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.
3) And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellow labourers, whose names are in the book of life.
4) Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.
5) Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. King James Version (KJV) modified
COMMENTARY
1) Paul's joy was in the people who he truly loved and wanted the best for. Understand this: the church has been a big target for Satan for a long time. He loves to sew discord and preach half truths. We are to stand fast on the inerrant Word of God, not compromising, not giving up our position.
2, 3) These were powerful, prominent women in the congregation who obviously disagreed with one another. They had labored along side of Paul. Even without the internet, people have been getting offended for a long time. When our personal issues affect the congregation, it is up to the deacons and the elders to help overcome the adversity and promote unity. It is such a threat to churches that Dr. MacArthur says it this way:
"Spiritual instability leads to disappointment, doubt, discouragement, and ineffective witness. Unstable people are likely to be crushed by their trials. They are also susceptible to temptation. ...Spiritual stability requires peace and harmony in the church"
4) The Philippian church had it's share of trials and tribulations. However, Paul commands them to be joyful. Joy is not "a happy feeling", but confidence of who we are in The LORD and trust that He is with us no matter our situation. That is why we read His Word, study It, and meditate on It. We look at the Psalms for confirmation:
Psalm 1: 1) Blessed is the man that walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful.
2) But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in His law doth he meditate day and night.
3) And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he does shall prosper.
For us to have spiritual stability, we must continually, habitually practice rejoicing in The LORD. Only then, can we say as Paul did, that we have learned to be content, no matter our situation. Amen?
5) The word "moderation", is "Epieiekes" in the Greek. There is no English word that translates to such a deep meaning of this word. Dr. John MacArthur likes the word "graciousness" for it: Christians are "to show graciousness of humility, the humble graciousness that produces the patience to endure injustice, disgrace, and mistreatment without retaliation, bitterness, or vengeance. It is contentment." If you have spiritual stability, you have gracious humbleness.
To understand "The LORD at hand", we look to another Psalm:
Psalm 57: 1) Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusts in Thee: yea, in the shadow of Thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities pass. He is so close that we live "in the shadow of His wings".
2) I will cry unto God Most High; unto God that performs all things for me.
3) He shall send from heaven, and save me from the reproach of him that would swallow me up. Selah. God shall send forth His mercy and His truth.
Before you can obtain spiritual stability, you must first be saved. Click here for information on that: https://omaswisdom.blogspot.com/p/path-to-salvation.html
If this ministry is a blessing to you, please pray for us that God uses us as He pleases and for His glory. You are invited to leave a comment to let us know how we can help you. We love hearing from you.
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