Philippians 4:1-3 Therefore, my brothers dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.… "If any man be in Christ he is a new creature." How singularly is this illustrated by the writer of these words, who only a few years before was "breathing out threatenings and slaughters against the Christians." I. THE PURPORT OF THESE ENDEARING TERMS. 1. Brethren, not kinsmen after the flesh, but spiritual relations. (1) In one sense he was their parent, as having begotten them in the gospel; but here in the spirit of unity and love he regards them as brethren. The appropriateness of the term is seen in the fact that believers are children of one heavenly Father, born of one Spirit, are made members of Christ of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, are heirs of the same inheritance. (2) Among these many brethren their Saviour is the firstborn, and while we are brought together as brethren in Him we are amply provided for; chastisement for error, counsel for guidance, comfort in sorrow, supply for every need. (3) Are the children of the Most High members of one another? Then there ought to be a sympathy for each other's concerns, an interest in each other's welfare, a holy zeal and rivalry in their Father's service. 2. Dearly beloved. (1) Love of the brethren is a distinguishing mark of those who have passed from death unto life. (2) A renewed soul who loves a brother because he is a brother will love all the brethren. (3) The more truly we love the Saviour the more truly shall we love one another; just as rays approach nearer themselves as they draw near their common centre. 3. Longed for. If we love Jesus we shall long for the spiritual welfare of His brethren, and yearn for communion with them. 4. My joy. Paul had many sources of happiness within: the Philippians were external sources of gladness. He had been the means of their conversion. They were rejoicing, and should he not share their joy? They were trophies of a Saviour's love, and that Saviour was dear to him. 5. My crown; and with good reason — "Thou shalt be a crown of glory in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of my God." He trusted that they would own Him as their spiritual father when he and they should have the crown of righteousness. Every rescued soul is an ornament and honour to its rescuer. II. THE ADVICE WAS EQUAL IN IMPORTANCE TO THE TENDERNESS WITH WHICH IT WAS OFFERED — to "stand fast." 1. It implies that they had been admitted to that faith, hope, holiness, and blessedness in which they were to stand fast. 2. They were to stand fast not by themselves but in His might whose grace is made perfect in weakness. (1) By the indwelling of His grace. (2) By faith in His perfect work (3) In love to Him who loved them. 3. This steadfastness is necessary to the very existence of ministerial comfort. "Now we live if ye stand fast in the Lord." 4. The honour of the Lord in a low and latitudinarian age demands it. 5. It is needful for the encouragement of weaker and younger brethren. (R. P. Buddicom, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved. |
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