The Key Note Of Philippians

Therefore, my beloved 

and long-for brethren,

my joy and crown,

so stand fast in the Lord,

beloved. I implore Euodia

and I implore Syntyche to be

of the same mind in the Lord.

And I urge you also, true companion,

help these women who labored

with me in the gospel, with Clement

also, and the rest of my 

fellow workers, whose names are

in the Book of Life. Rejoice in the Lord

always. Again I say, rejoice!

Philippians 4:1-4

     Paul urges Christians to "stand fast in the Lord," and to stand fast is not allow yourself to be buffeted by those who oppose your Authentic Christian Faith. Paul further advises Euodia and Syntyche "to be of the same mind." This implies that there were some differences that needed to be "iron" out as they seem to be divisive and needed correction to protect the purity of the Church, and Christian Faith. These women were not teaching heretical doctrines, rather they were workers to spread the Gospel, yet, there were some divisive things that needed to be corrected and Paul urge Timothy to help these women and the rest of the Christians whose names are in the Book of Life. Now this letter gives the key note: "Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice" (Philippians 4:4). Paul earlier in this letter stated: "And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of the faith, that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again" (Philippians 1:25-26). The rejoicing is in the Lord not in oneself as it seems to be what is preached in such places as the School of the Supernatural, Bethel Church, Redding, CA. One does not rejoice because he or she is doing a good thing if that rejoicing is not in the Lord, that the Lord has given to His bride the responsibility to spread the Gospel. There will always be some division among theologians, some of that division is important to be addressed, other divisive things are more of things of indifference but when indifference becomes as important as the Gospel then there are theological battles dividing Christians. Paul gives some pertinent advice: "Only let your conduct be worthy of the Gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the Gospel" (Philippians 1:27). Paul in writing to the Corinthian Christians spoke harshly that they were following some man and his teachings and this over the truth of Authentic Christian Faith. Schools as mentioned above are divisive and further more teach heresy, a gospel that is not the true Gospel. We as Christians have the responsibility to love each other, even in spite of our differences that are matters of indifference: "Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my my joy be being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others" (Philippians 2:1-4). 

     To rejoice in the Lord is the key note of the letter and by this rejoicing in the Lord one's Authentic Christian Faith is proved that it is a healthy Christian Faith, from it being depressing or saddening the heart, it makes a person truly happy and contented even as Paul was in prison, no matter your circumstances. Paul uses the Greek word: Χαίρετε: first person plural present tense imperative: This is a command to be always, in the present, joyful, to be glad and even a word of salutation. Salute your brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ, bring joy, gladness into their lives, they are facing much as you are and you can be the sweet aroma they need to face what they must face. Think upon this: your brothers an sisters in Jesus Christ will be with you for an eternity and that eternity has already begun. You are saved, eternally, your home is in heaven, Jesus went away to prepare for you a home. So why are you waiting to show love, agape love, to those with whom you will spend and eternity. You may not like everything about a person, but you should see his or her in the light of the Gospel, in the light of Jesus Christ who did not look upon a person by their outward actions but by their heart. Yes, we keep the congregation pure by examining everything, but in the end when there is only small personality differences, we are to overlook them and see them through the eyes of Jesus Christ. Jesus, the Holy Spirit will not do this for you: you must do it! Will you?

O God, You have taught me

     from my youth; and to this day

I declare Your wondrous works.

     Now also when I am old and 

grayheaded, O God, do not forsake me,

     until I declare Your strength 

to this generation, Your power to everyone

     who is to come.

                 Psalm 71:17-18

Rejoice in the Lord: He saved you

Richard L. Crumb