SERMON TEXT
“Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved. I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 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. Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand;” (Philippians 4:1–5 ESV)
Our church will grow increasingly stable and harmonious as we grow to know and believe that all the promises of God find their yes and amen in Jesus.
1. Cultivating harmony in the church will build stability in the Christian Life.
2. Continuing in a spirit of joy will build stability in the Christian Life.
3. Considering the Lord’s nearness will build stability in the Christian Life.
APPLICATION
- Are there those in the church (including your own household) whom you often find yourself in disagreement with? Why is that? What is this text pointing to as the primary problem? And what might it mean for you to “agree in the Lord” with them?
- How might you grow this week in your grasp of gospel truth so as to add kindling to the flickering fire of your affections, joy and gentle spirit? Perhaps it’s listening to some music that reminds you of the truths of the gospel or the power of God or his nearness? Perhaps it’s meditating on scripture like Psalm 23, Psalm 103, Isaiah 53. Perhaps it’s being sure to attend Community group this week and find gospel grace as you meet with one another and pray with one another.
- Don’t grow weary in prayer. Continue to plead with the Lord for strength and understanding and clearer vision of him, for faith to believe what he has promised and to know that He is always faithful and is never changing and in him alone you will find relief and rest, contentment and gentleness, hope and a heart that rejoices.
- For some, you are in a good place. Your heart is filled with wonder and awe of your Savior. You love him and you know you’re loved by him. You know the battle of doubt and sin, but generally walk this life with a heart of contentment and joy, gentleness and hope. Perhaps you might consider that the Lord is calling you to be like this fellow that Paul asks to come alongside these two ladies so as to help them, to remind them, to encourage them, to help them see that the Lord truly is good and worthy of our entire lives.
A Case Study - Consider Habakkuk this week.
Head backwards to the book of Habakkuk in the Old Testament this week and consider his life, his struggles, and how it all comes to a close at the end of his book. I think if there is a book that will help us see what it means for a person like you and I to know that the Lord is near I think this book would definitely do it. Here is a man who is shaken and troubled about some of the most difficult things you can imagine in your life. But he knows the Lord is near, and he knows who this Lord is in all his power and glory.
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MUSIC
Psallos Recording - Philippians