Philippians 4:1. Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.
It is a great joy to a minister, as it was to the apostle Paul, to have converts; but that joy is greatly diminished when they do not stand fast: then, indeed, every supposed joy becomes a sorrow, and instead of the roses which yield a sweet perfume to the Lord's servant, thorns begin to prick and wound his heart.
Philippians 4:2. I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.
Only two women, and we do not know who they were; yet Paul gives them a «beseech» each: «I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.» If there are only two of the most obscure sisters in the church who are quarrelling, their differences ought to be brought to an end at once. There should be no disagreements amongst Christians, love should reign, peace should predominate. If there is anything contrary to such a state as that, God grant that it may soon be brought to an end!
Philippians 4:3. And I entreat thee also, true yoke fellow, 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.
Brother, do all the good you can to help everybody else to do good. Help those whose names are in the book of life, even if they are not known anywhere else. Also help the «Clement» whose name is known; be sure to help him; indeed, help everybody. There is an office, in the Church of Christ, which we do not sufficiently recognize; but which ought to be abundantly filled. Paul mentions it in writing to the Corinthians. He says, «And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.» It is the office of certain Christians to be «helps.» May we always have many such «helps» amongst us! Did you ever notice that, almost every time that Bartholomew is mentioned in Scripture, we read, «and Bartholomew»? He is never spoken of alone; but it is written, «Philip, and Bartholomew,» or «Bartholomew, and Matthew.» It is good to have some Bartholomews who are always helping somebody else, so that, when there is any good work to be done, Bartholomew is always ready to share in it; for he shall also have a part in the reward at the last.
Philippians 4:4. Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.
The very word «rejoice,» seems to imply a reduplication; it is joy, and re-joy, joy over again; but here, you see, it is a fourfold rejoicing; joy, and re-joy; and again I say, joy, and re-joy; and this is to be the Christian's continual experience, for the apostle says, «Rejoice in the Lord always.»
Philippians 4:5-6. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
Have no care, but much prayer. Prayer is the cure for care. If you are in trouble, «Let your requests be made known,» not to your neighbors, but «unto God.»
Philippians 4:7-8. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Be on the side of everything that is good and right, everything that helps on true human progress, everything that increases virtue and purity. As a Christian man, take an interest in everything that helps to make men true, honest, just, pure, and lovely.
Philippians 4:9. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do; and the God of peace shall be with you.
May the Lord fulfill that gracious word to all of us, «The God of peace shall be with you»! Amen.
This exposition consisted of readings from 1 John 4:1 and Philippians 4:1-9.