My Joy and
Crown
Text:
Philippians 4:1–3
Introduction:
After teaching that our citizenship is in heaven and that Christ
will transform our bodies into glorious ones, Paul urged the
Philippians to remain steadfast. In this short passage he emphasized
three vital truths for every Christian: stand fast, stand together,
and stand forever in the Lord (Philippians 4:1–3).
Standing Fast
Paul begins this final chapter with tender affection. He calls the
brethren his “beloved,” his “longed-for,” his “joy and crown.” These
Christians had brought great rejoicing to Paul’s heart. The crown
mentioned here was not a royal crown of gold, but a victor’s wreath,
symbolizing triumph and gladness. In 1 Thessalonians 2:19–20 he
wrote, “For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it
not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?
For you are our glory and joy.”
To remain his
joy and crown, they needed to stand fast in the Lord. He had already
told them earlier, “Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of
Christ … that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving
together for the faith of the gospel” (Philippians 1:27). To stand
fast in the Lord means to be firmly grounded in His Word and in His
truth. Paul told the Corinthians, “Watch, stand fast in the faith”
(1 Corinthians 16:13). That faith is the gospel itself (1
Corinthians 15:1).
Remaining
steadfast requires spiritual armor. “Finally, my brethren, be
strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole
armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the
devil” (Ephesians 6:10–11). Only by remaining anchored in the gospel
and equipped with God’s armor can believers endure the enemy’s
attacks and share in the victory of Christ.
Standing
Together
Paul also addressed a matter threatening unity within the
congregation. Two sisters in Christ, Euodia and Syntyche, were
having a disagreement. We are not told whether the issue was
doctrinal or personal, but Paul urged them to “be of the same mind
in the Lord.” Division left unresolved can grow into greater harm.
It must be addressed with humility and love, always according to the
will of Christ.
The unity of
the church is built on the mind of Christ—humility, service, and
self-sacrifice. Each member must examine himself. Are we hospitable
toward one another, opening our homes as Scripture commands (1 Peter
4:9)? Are we kind, forgiving, and tenderhearted (Ephesians 4:32)? Do
we speak only words that build up, avoiding gossip and slander
(Ephesians 4:31)? These questions reveal the spirit of fellowship.
When we share Christ’s attitude, divisions are healed and harmony is
restored.
For the
Philippians to remain Paul’s joy and crown, they had to stand
together. Christians today must do the same. When brethren are
united in love, the church shines as the body of Christ in a dark
world.
Standing
Forever
Paul then called upon a “true companion” to assist these women who
had once labored beside him in the gospel, along with Clement and
other fellow workers. Such service—helping, teaching, and supporting
gospel work—is essential. Every congregation should value and
encourage it.
Paul reminded
them that their names were written “in the Book of Life.” This
heavenly record contains those who will receive eternal life. Yet
Scripture warns that names can be removed from it. Jesus said to the
church in Sardis, “He who overcomes shall be clothed in white
garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life”
(Revelation 3:5). Standing forever means remaining faithful until
death, continuing to walk in the light, and persevering in obedience
to God’s Word. Only then will our names remain in that eternal
record of the redeemed.
My Joy and
Crown Sermon Outline:
Call to
Action:
Every Christian must take inventory of where he stands. Faithfulness
requires resolve, unity, and endurance. Stand firm in the Word,
strive for harmony in the church, and serve the Lord with
perseverance. Heaven’s crown awaits those who remain steadfast until
the end.
Key
Takeaways:
-
Standing
fast in the Lord means unwavering loyalty to His Word
(Philippians 4:1).
-
Unity among
brethren preserves the joy and crown of the church (Philippians
4:2).
-
True
laborers assist one another in gospel work (Philippians 4:3).
-
Names
written in the Book of Life must be guarded through faithfulness
(Revelation 3:5).
-
The crown of
rejoicing belongs to those who stand fast, together, and forever
(1 Thessalonians 2:19–20).
Scripture
Reference List:
-
Philippians
4:1–3 – Paul’s plea for steadfastness and unity.
-
Philippians
1:27 – Standing fast in one spirit for the faith of the gospel.
-
1
Thessalonians 2:19–20 – Joy and crown of rejoicing.
-
1
Corinthians 16:13; 15:1 – Standing fast in the faith, the
gospel.
-
Ephesians
6:10–11 – The armor of God for standing firm.
-
1 Peter 4:9
– Hospitality among brethren.
-
Ephesians
4:31–32 – Kindness and forgiveness.
-
Revelation
3:1–5 – Standing faithful and remaining in the Book of Life.
Sermon Series on
Philippians: Lesson 10
Prepared by
Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO
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The
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