Year Two, November 2

Stand Firm in the Faith1

Philippians 4

1Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.

2I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord.

He pleads with these two good women to end their differences. Quarrels can have terrible results, even when they are only between two people, including these two good women.

3Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.

4Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. (We cannot have too much holy rejoicing. We are to rejoice and then to rejoice again. Let us see to it that this is done in this house all day long.  Only those who are in the Lord can genuinely rejoice. Are we all in him?) 5Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Do not be worrying, but do be praying. Prayer is the cure for anxiety.

7And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Paul gives us a lot to think about. Take each word and study it, and then put it in practice. Every member of the family should learn this verse by heart. It is a big book on virtue pressed into a very tiny space.

9What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me--practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

10I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

14Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble.

Paul knew how to be poor, but he did not know how to be ungrateful. True ministers will work for the Lord, no matter how badly their people may support them. Yet it is good to treat them generously and win their appreciation, because their Master is pleased when his servants are treated kindly for his sake. What act of love can we do for our pastor at this time?

15And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. 16Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. 17Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. 18I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. 19And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

This is a grand assurance. God is the giver; his infinite glory is the storehouse. Jesus guarantees the delivery and the supply is unlimited. For what more can anyone ask? The promissory note from the Bank of Faith makes all believers rich beyond a miser’s dream.

20To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

21Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. 22All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household.

23The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. (So, with a fond wish this fragrant letter of love comes to a close. May more of the tender spirit that it breathes be found in each one of us.)

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¹ 1 Corinthians 16:13