Paul's Exhortation to the Philippians
Dan Rodgers
Philippians 4:1-4
INTRODUCTION: The book of Philippians is a book written by Paul in order to encourage and exhort the brethren. What's interesting is that Paul was writing from a prison cell, and here he is encouraging others. When we think we have it so bad, we need to be reminded that there is always someone who has it worse than we do.
From the four verses I have selected, we find three things in Paul's exhortation or directives to the believers.
I. We are to Stand
II. We are to Unite
III. We are to Rejoice
I. WE ARE TO STAND
A. Because of Jesus
1. Please notice the first word in vs. 1, the word, therefore. The word "therefore" takes us back to the last two verses of chapter 23, verses 20, 21: "For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: [21] Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself." Paul is saying, "Because Jesus is coming for us, because we have a home in heaven, because we will have a new body like His, then we have the encouragement we need to "stand." Jesus is the reason! 1 Cor. 16:13 says, "Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong." The phrase "quit you like men," means "be a man or be manly." When I become a little weary in the ministry, when I feel like sitting instead of standing, I remind myself of what I have in Christ. Because of Him, I can stand. Because of Jesus, I am willing to stand, and because of Jesus (with His help) I will stand.
ILLUS: We have been at war in Iraq for some time now. Many of our brave men and women have given their lives. We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to them.
The question is; why did they die? Why were they willing to place their lives on the line? It is for one reason; they died for freedom. The cause of freedom is w ...
Dan Rodgers
Philippians 4:1-4
INTRODUCTION: The book of Philippians is a book written by Paul in order to encourage and exhort the brethren. What's interesting is that Paul was writing from a prison cell, and here he is encouraging others. When we think we have it so bad, we need to be reminded that there is always someone who has it worse than we do.
From the four verses I have selected, we find three things in Paul's exhortation or directives to the believers.
I. We are to Stand
II. We are to Unite
III. We are to Rejoice
I. WE ARE TO STAND
A. Because of Jesus
1. Please notice the first word in vs. 1, the word, therefore. The word "therefore" takes us back to the last two verses of chapter 23, verses 20, 21: "For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: [21] Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself." Paul is saying, "Because Jesus is coming for us, because we have a home in heaven, because we will have a new body like His, then we have the encouragement we need to "stand." Jesus is the reason! 1 Cor. 16:13 says, "Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong." The phrase "quit you like men," means "be a man or be manly." When I become a little weary in the ministry, when I feel like sitting instead of standing, I remind myself of what I have in Christ. Because of Him, I can stand. Because of Jesus, I am willing to stand, and because of Jesus (with His help) I will stand.
ILLUS: We have been at war in Iraq for some time now. Many of our brave men and women have given their lives. We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to them.
The question is; why did they die? Why were they willing to place their lives on the line? It is for one reason; they died for freedom. The cause of freedom is w ...
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