Word@Work Phil40 - Philippians 4:1
Published: Wed, 11/18/09
Word@Work from BeaconLight
POSITIVE ENCOURAGEMENT
Phil. 4:1 Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends! (NIV)
Like wise parents wishing their children to excel as they grow up, the Apostle Paul is watching over the church in Philippi. He longs for them to be the best possible representatives of Jesus. Paul had great affection for those people because they loved the Lord Jesus, he has seen them grow in faith and confidence in the gospel; and they have been the most faithful supporters (financially and in prayer) of all the churches he has planted. Few pastors or missionaries could have enjoyed such warmth of devoted and sacrificial giving. Indeed, that church is still a model of how to honour ministers and overseas partners.
In describing them as his 'joy and crown', Paul is likening them to the laurel wreath given to winning athletes in the original Olympic Games. He is saying that he could not have achieved so much in faith and ministry if they had not been such loyal encouragers, supplying his needs and praying for him. I wonder how many church members realise that their ministers, if they are to excel as pastors and evangelists, really need the wholehearted encouragement of the church. Faithful supporters are as essential to ministry and mission as those who serve 'on the front line'.
But Paul is keen to urge them on further. He wants them to stand firm (against the world, the flesh and the devil) for Jesus. He knows that they can only resist temptation, wrong reactions and bad decisions if they remain in Christ. Jesus had said, "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." (John 15:5). He does not want them to fall short of victory; either for their own sakes, his, or especially for the sake of Jesus. The previous verses (Philippians 3:12-21) describe how we can all win through; not relying on ourselves, not blackmailed by the past, looking straight ahead to the prize of heaven and always grateful for the cross.
So, don't think that 'ordinary Christians' are irrelevant to the ministry and mission of the church - they are essential. But like those in the 'front line' they also have to be equally close to Jesus, and equally committed to pray and give and share. If they fail in their support role, God's work is held back: if they are obedient, God's work advances to His glory.
Prayer: Gracious God. Thank You for giving me so much help through those who have taught me how to obey Your Word, and supported me in learning to become a follower of Jesus. Help me now to play my part in encouraging those who strengthened me, and giving so that Your work can be completed, and not held back because of my apathy or disobedience. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
Like wise parents wishing their children to excel as they grow up, the Apostle Paul is watching over the church in Philippi. He longs for them to be the best possible representatives of Jesus. Paul had great affection for those people because they loved the Lord Jesus, he has seen them grow in faith and confidence in the gospel; and they have been the most faithful supporters (financially and in prayer) of all the churches he has planted. Few pastors or missionaries could have enjoyed such warmth of devoted and sacrificial giving. Indeed, that church is still a model of how to honour ministers and overseas partners.
In describing them as his 'joy and crown', Paul is likening them to the laurel wreath given to winning athletes in the original Olympic Games. He is saying that he could not have achieved so much in faith and ministry if they had not been such loyal encouragers, supplying his needs and praying for him. I wonder how many church members realise that their ministers, if they are to excel as pastors and evangelists, really need the wholehearted encouragement of the church. Faithful supporters are as essential to ministry and mission as those who serve 'on the front line'.
But Paul is keen to urge them on further. He wants them to stand firm (against the world, the flesh and the devil) for Jesus. He knows that they can only resist temptation, wrong reactions and bad decisions if they remain in Christ. Jesus had said, "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." (John 15:5). He does not want them to fall short of victory; either for their own sakes, his, or especially for the sake of Jesus. The previous verses (Philippians 3:12-21) describe how we can all win through; not relying on ourselves, not blackmailed by the past, looking straight ahead to the prize of heaven and always grateful for the cross.
So, don't think that 'ordinary Christians' are irrelevant to the ministry and mission of the church - they are essential. But like those in the 'front line' they also have to be equally close to Jesus, and equally committed to pray and give and share. If they fail in their support role, God's work is held back: if they are obedient, God's work advances to His glory.
Prayer: Gracious God. Thank You for giving me so much help through those who have taught me how to obey Your Word, and supported me in learning to become a follower of Jesus. Help me now to play my part in encouraging those who strengthened me, and giving so that Your work can be completed, and not held back because of my apathy or disobedience. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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