Philippians 4:1 - "Stand Fast in the Lord"

Today we come to the first verse of Philippians chapter 4. Itis much more than a transition verse. In many ways, it is the conclusion ofeverything Paul has been teaching throughout this wonderful letter. Listen towhat he writes:  "Therefore, mybrethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in theLord, my dearly beloved." The very first word is "Therefore."Whenever we see that word in Scripture, we should always ask, "What isit there for?" Paulis pointing us back to everything he has just written, especially the closingverses of chapter 3. Because our citizenship is in heaven... because we arelooking for the return of our Savior... because one day He will transform ourvile, lowly bodies to be like His glorious body... therefore, stand fast in theLord. Our future hope should determine our present faithfulness. Paulthen opens his heart to these believers with a series of beautiful expressionsof love. He calls them "my brethren dearly beloved." Paulloved these people with the love of Christ. Then he says they are "longedfor."Thoughseparated by hundreds of miles and imprisoned in Rome, Paul deeply desired tosee them again. Distance could not diminish his love for them. Next he callsthem "my joy." What a statement! Paul's joy was not found inpossessions or circumstances. It was found in people whose lives had beenchanged by the Gospel. Nothing brings greater joy to a pastor than seeingpeople growing in Christ, standing firm in the faith, and faithfully servingthe Lord. John expressed that same truth when he wrote in 3 John 4, "Ihave no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth." ThenPaul calls them "my crown." The word "crown"here refers to the victor's crown that was placed upon the head of an athletewho had won the race. The Philippian believers were evidence that Paul's laborhad not been in vain. They were his spiritual reward. Every soul that comes toChrist... every believer who grows in grace... every life transformed by theGospel... will be an eternal reward for those who faithfully serve the Lord. ThenPaul comes to the central command of the verse: "So stand fast inthe Lord." The words "stand fast" mean to standfirm, to remain steadfast, to refuse to be moved. Paul has already used thisexpression back in Philippians 1:27: "Stand fast in one spirit, withone mind striving together for the faith of the gospel." The Christianlife is not only a race to run; it is also a battle to fight. The worldconstantly pressures us to compromise. The flesh tempts us to give up. Satanseeks to discourage and deceive us. Yet Paul says, "Stand fast in theLord." Noticehe does not simply say, "Stand fast." He says, "Standfast in the Lord." That makes all the difference. We do not stand inour own strength. We stand in His strength. We do not rely on our owndetermination. We depend upon His grace. Paul would later write in Ephesians6:10, "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power ofhis might." The only way we can stand against the pressures of thisworld is by abiding in Christ every day. Ilove how Paul closes this verse just as he began it: "My dearlybeloved." His command is wrapped in love. He is not speaking as aharsh authority demanding obedience. He is speaking as a loving spiritualfather encouraging his children to remain faithful. My friend, that is God'smessage to each of us today. Stand fast. Stand when culture changes. Stand when others compromise. Stand when trialscome. Stand when your faith is tested. Stand when you feel weary. Stand—not inyour own strength—but in the Lord. One day our Savior will return, and it willbe worth it all. Godbless and may you have a wonderful wonderful day!