STAND FIRM – BE OF THE SAME MIND - REJOICE “IN THE LORD” Philippians 4:1-4

STAND FIRM – BE OF THE SAME MIND - REJOICE “IN THE LORD” Philippians 4:1-4

As we have been learning about the ‘Church’ every Sunday during the past two weeks, I thought it is appropriate to mention what we have been learning in our Wednesday Bible Study. We have come to the last chapter in our study of the epistle of Philippians. The first 4 verses of Chapter 4, the words “In the Lord” occurs 3 times.  And in each instance it is followed by a command.

Firstly mentioned in Verse 1 “…stand firm in the Lord” : It is only in Jesus Christ can each one of us resist the temptations and challenges that come our way. The word used for standing firm or standing fast is in the context of a soldier standing in the midst of a battle with the enemy about him. We all face challenges, and our only safety against the temptations and forces of evil around us is to ‘Stand firm in the Lord’. To choose to be in His presence, and know He is with us always. The Church and a Christian can stand only when we are ‘In the Lord’.

Secondly apostle Paul mentions 2 women, “I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord.” Vs 2. There can be no true unity unless it is in Christ. It is Christ, the Head of the Body the Church who unites the members to Himself and to one another through the Holy Spirit. In many cases the church is united because of a leader or a program. The danger is, when the leader fails or leaves, the church tends to disintegrate. Of after the program they are scattered. The apostle insists that people should be of the same mind ‘In the Lord’. People can never love each other unless they love Jesus Christ. We can never be united unless we recognize the Lordship of Christ.

Thirdly “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” Vs 4: Joy has nothing to do with material things or outward circumstances. Since a Christian is in the Lord, the greatest of all friends, nothing can separate the Christian from the presence of Jesus Christ and so nothing can take away his or her joy.

Final thought: This passage focuses on 2 women who quarreled, and the Apostle mobilizes the Church to see that these two women are reconciled. When Christians quarrel in a Church, it’s not at all a Church, because Jesus is shut out. And no one can be at peace with God and have a quarrel with people. Every matured Christian has a task to reconcile those who are quarreling.

 It’s sad that apart from the fact that they contended along with Paul in the Gospel, we know of Euodia and Syntyche as women who quarreled! Imagine your life was to be summed up in one sentence, what would that sentence be?

Dear friends the only way to stand firm ,keep up the unity and rejoice as Christians is ‘IN THE LORD’. 

May we strive to be in the Lord always.

Rest for the Weary

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28.

One of the most comforting verses in the New Testament are the words of our Lord Jesus Christ found in Matthew 11:28. This is one verse that applies to all who carry various kinds of burdens in life and are weary.

During the time of Jesus, the Pharisees had placed heavy loads on peoples shoulders by insisting on a legalistic interpretation of the law. Matt 23:4.

But our Lord also saw the burden of sin people carried and those who were filled with guilt and terror, He also saw those who faced all kinds of burdens in their day to day lives, emotional and physical.

Whatever is your burden today, will you focus on the gentle words of Jesus? He invites you to just ‘come’. Somehow, we tend to do all that we can in our capacities to take care of our burdens rather than coming to Him!

He is calling you to Himself, not to a church, denomination or doctrine. He invites you to come with everything that has been pulling you down so much so that you have become weary. And this invitation is for ‘all’! Not just for Church people, but everyone who has been carrying a burden right now.

The promise for everyone who comes is ‘rest’. I believe that’s one thing most of us really need during these days of restlessness. The rest our Lord gives is perfect, the psalmist says, “…in your presence there is fullness of joy…”Psalm 16:11b.

On this day of Sabbath rest let us simply come to Jesus in faith and confidence, just as we are with our burdens and find true rest in Him alone.

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” 2 Corinthians 9:15

Our Sunday School Children presented the Christmas story with the theme ‘The Gift must go on…’ The song they sang was in line with the theme. Christmas is indeed a time to Celebrate this very special gift from God to humanity. James rightly mentions ‘Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights… James 1:17.

This gift from God is priceless because it cost God the life of His only begotten Son! It is the best gift you can ever have in all your life and it’s a gift that you use throughout your life here on earth and in eternity. This gift is none other than Jesus Christ Himself!

Many people have heard about this Gift from God and many have even received this gift. As long as a gift is packed it has no use whatsoever! Similarly for many years some people have not unwrapped gift God has given. 

Apostle Paul rightly says, “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” 2 Corinthians 9:15. This gift is really indescribable; this gift must be experienced personally.  Many of God’s children are easily discouraged, disappointed and do not experience the peace and joy we have in Jesus Christ. At the close of His earthly ministry Jesus says these powerful words to His disciples, when they were troubled…’ "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33.

It’s in Him, in Jesus that we have peace. When you unwrap this gift you’ll know how much God loves you. His love for you is unconditional. God so loved the world… He loves sinners and wants to save you and me from our sins. You will also realize that He is with you always, both in your good and bad times. He is always watching over you. He knows the pain and struggles you go though and He wants you to trust that He is ‘Emmanuel’- God with us. And most of all you’ll realize the God desires the first best for you always! This is hard to believe when we are in certain situations. For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:1.

Have you received this gift from God? If not will you receive it right now? He will never force Himself into your life. “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name. John 1:12. If you have already received His gift and have never experienced Him personally, will you surrender your again today?

Dear friends, pass on this ‘Indescribable Gift’ during this season and until he comes again in Glory!!