As this age is soon coming to an end and we see
the signs of the end times now coming into view we can be encourage by the
seven exhortations given to us in Philippians 4:1-9. IF we take these
exhortations to heart live by them they will lift us above the sorrows and
trials along the narrow path that leds to life in the coming new age!
"STAND
FAST IN THE LORD" (V.1)
This
exhortation brings before us a resource in the presence of every kind of trial.
When Paul gave us this word, he was in prison. Within the christian circle he
was opposed by jealous men who who were preaching Jesus out of enby, strife,
and contention seeking to "arouse tribulation" for him (1:15 , 16). Outside the christian circle were adversaries
plotting for his life. (1:28 ).
Nevertheless,
he was not cast down, nor overcome by the one or the other of these
adversaries. If adversaries preach Jesus out of envy, he rejoices that Jesus is
preached.
What enabled
him to stand unshaken in the presence of every opposition? It was his absolute
confidence in the lord Jesus that enabled him to stand fast!
We don't
stand fast according to our own strength but we can stand fast enabled by the
one who is able to subdue all things unto himself. (2;9; 3:21)
"BE OF
THE SAME MIND AS THE LORD" (V.2)
If Christendom today there is a lot of strife
created by those who differ with others as to what they think the scriptures
say. Most of this comes from someone who thinks they have an exclusive and
correct understanding of what the scriptures say, when in fact Paul states “we
only see through a glass darkly” in regard to our understanding.
The only way to resolve this problem is to do as
Paul indicates; “Let this mind be in you that was also in God’s anointed one
Jesus. His was the lowly mind that led him to make himself of no reputation in
order to serve others in love.
Self likes to be served, and thinks it is above
others when served by others; but love delights to serve others.
“REJOICE IN THE LORD ALWAYS” (V. 4)
Paul knew that God has called us to be with God’s
anointed one. He rejoice in the opportunity that he has to serve the lord Jesus
in fulfilling the commission that he gave him to do.
There are many times in our walk along the
difficult way that leads to life that we will be lifted up in rejoicing as Paul
and Silas did when they were in jail after being beaten. We should rejoice in
the lord always in all our circumstances.
”LET YOU GENTLENESS BE KNOWN
TO ALL MEN” (V. 5)
It is only as we walk the lord before us,
according to the first three exhortations, that we will be able to carry out
this exhortation which sets before us the character of gentleness by which we
should be known to all we came in contact with.
Jesus character was marked by “meekness and
gentleness” (2 Corinthians 10:11 ). “The servant of the
lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men” (2 Timothy 2:24 ) Gentleness is irresistible!
Remember it is not our job to assert ourselves
to set the world right. Jesus will take care of that when he comes back to take
his place on the throne of David at Zion
“BE CAREFUL FOR NOTHING” (V. 6)
No matter what is taking place all around us
Paul exhorts us to “be careful for nothing”. He says “in everything by prayer
and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made know unto God.” This
is the only way we will find relief in times of trial. “In everything” whatever
the trial is make it known to Yehovah in
prayer. Let Him know exactly what you want and then wait for His answer. He
will always answer us according to what is good for us in the short term and
long term, always! He will act in His perfect wisdom according to His amazing
grace and love for us.
Read the story of Hannah and how she received an
answer to her prayers. (1 Samuel 1:6-18).
“THINK ON THESE THINGS” (V. 8)
Rejoicing in the lord, set free from care, we
will be able to peacefully pure those things that are pure, righteous and
praiseworthy.
In this world we are constantly being influenced
by all the things taking place around us. As a result we have to exercise self
discipline, one of the fruit of the spirit in order to not allow this world to
rule in our lives. Satan, our own sinful flesh and things in this world will
try to pull us away from waling in the spirit along the path that leads to
life. We need to think on the things that will lead us to follow in the steps
of the lord Jesus along the way.
“THESE THINGS WHICH YOU HAVE BOTH LEARNED, AND
RECEIVED, AND HEARD,
AND SEEN IN ME, DO” (V. 9)
Right thinking will always lead to right doing”
It is not enough to have “learned” and “received” the truth, or have “heard”
it. What we have learned and received and heard and seen is to lived out in our
lives. We are to be “doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22 )
In spite of all the failure in Christendom, and
all the trials along the way, how blessed are those believers who:
Stand fast in the lord Jesus
Have the same mind as the lord
Rejoice in the lord
Who are known by all for their gentleness
Who are careful for nothing
Who have minds set on things that are pure.
Who practice, “do” all they have “learned”
and “received”.
All of these things can be carried out by all believers from
the youngest to the oldest enabled by the power of God’s Spirit.
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