”Standing Firm Together” (Philippians 4:1-3)

“Standing Firm Together” (Philippians 4:1–3)
Pastor Cameron Jungels
Eastside Baptist Church
Sunday AM, January 3, 2016

Philippians 4:1–3
1 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!  2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord.  3 Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.

1.    Stand firm in the Lord in the midst of opposition and trial.
a.    A plea to fellow members of the family of God
b.    A plea flowing from Christian love
c.    A plea to resist false teaching and press on toward Christlikeness, living as citizens of heaven
19 For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you?  20 Indeed, you are our glory and joy. (1 Thess. 2:19-20, NIV)

13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.  14 Do everything in love. (1 Co. 16:13-14, NIV)

2.    Stand firm together in Christian unity.
a.    Christian unity is important enough to warrant an apostolic plea.
b.    Christian unity is important enough to preserve in sacred Scripture.
c.    Christian unity is important enough to name names and call Christians to unite.
27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel (Philippians 1:27, NIV)

2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. (Philippians 2:2, NIV)  

3.    Stand ready to work together and help one another grow in Christ.
a.    We are called to help one another.
b.    We are called to not only provide physical help, but also spiritual and moral help, including loving accountability and discipline.
c.    We are called to give up selfish, petty arguments for the sake of the larger cause of the body of Christ.
d.    We are called to live in light of our eternal salvation.
Main Idea: As members of the family of God, we must stand together in unity in the Gospel, ready to labor together to help one another grow to Christian maturity.