Phil 4:1-9

Reading - Phil 4:1-9

Closing Appeal for Steadfastness and Unity

4 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!

² I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. ³ Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.

Final Exhortations

⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ⁵ Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. ⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

⁸ Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. ⁹ Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

 

 

Sermon Notes

Joy in partnership

Intro
• Have you ever entered a conversation or read a long email that starts out by praising you…
• And you think: when is the hammer going to fall?
• Imagine Euodia and Synteche listening to this letter being read out for the first time?
• Oh no! He has me in mind!
• E and S are right!
• This is the point of the letter
• It’s done from friendship…
• He can’t bear to seeing them being unfruitful
• He doesn’t take sides
• He mentions them by name
• Maybe it is Luke who is called to help out
• Women are really significant to the church
• They are equals to men
• But men are called to headship
• We believe this (in theory)
• But maybe we need to come to one mind(set) in practice
• Unity is where the anointing is
• It enables women

1. Rejoice in the Lord! Phil 4:4
• Christians have a joy that is independent of circumstances
• So rejoice!
• But it is easy to fool ourselves
• You need God’s help even to understand your own heart

2. Gentleness Phil 4:5
• Under pressure don’t get vicious, angry, slanderous, short tempered
• Gentleness is a fruit of the Spirit
• The Lord is near

3. Don’t be anxious Phil 4:6-7
• Don’t be anxious…
• No circumstances excepted
• Ask God what you need
• Get to the point!
• There is a promise of peace but…
• Get to the point!
• There is a promise of peace but…
• It is community activity
• It is a continuous activity

4. Think carefully Phil 4:8-9
• You can get involved in culture but..
• Is it godly?
• Is it worthy of honour?
• Does it reflect God’s character?
• Is it tainted?
• Does it have artistic value?
• Does it enhance your record?
• Emulate Paul
• And the saints of the past

Summing up…
• Paul has got to the point
• Our strength is in our single-mindedness
• What is the point for you?
• Don’t be knocked off-course by…
• Misery (rejoice!)
• Ferocity (be gentle)
• Anxiety (keep asking)
• Conformity (question yourself)