Main Text: Philippians 4:1-3
Main Idea: The transforming gospel of Jesus Christ empowers us to stand firm in the Lord by living in harmony with other Christians.
- The transforming gospel of Jesus Christ empowers us to stand firm in the Lord. (vs. 1)
[1] Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.
*1 Corinthians 15:58; Colossians 3:1–4
Philippians 3:17–21: Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. [18] For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. [19] Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. [20] But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, [21] who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.
- One way we stand firm in the Lord is by living in harmony with other Christians. (vs. 2-3)
[2] I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. [3] Yes, 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.
“He that is not a son of peace is not a son of God. All other sins destroy the church consequentially; but division and separation demolish it directly.” Richard Baxter
*Isaiah 55:6–9; Luke 10:20; Romans 12:14–20
“Some people will quarrel, and it is barely possible to keep upon good terms with them. In their case we must do our best, and if after all, we cannot live peaceably with them, it will be fortunate for us if we can move off and live without them.” Charles Spurgeon