Stand fast

Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved. I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life. – Philippians 4v1-3


I jumped into part of this section a view days ago when I skipped a chapter in my little survey. I want to come back to the whole context today.

It wasn’t easy to be part of a local church in the early days. There were all kinds of opposition and difficulty. They did not have the finished New Testament to give them guidance. The Roman Empire was not friendly to this new movement. The Jews were in open opposition. Plus I am sure they had the same day to day problems that we all face every day.

In the light of what Paul had already taught in the first three chapter he turns to making an application. Although not part of my thoughts for today, I simply can’t pass over the terms of endearment Paul uses, ‘beloved, longed for, my joy, and my crown.’ Paul dearly loved the individuals in this local church. He treasured them, and even when he had to correct them, he did so on the basis of pure and total love.

In the light of these things we look at the instructions he gives the church. In verses 1-3 we see a couple of key instructions for the group. Stand fast in the Lord and be of one mind in the Lord. Note first of all that the both of these instructions are based on a vital phrase – ‘in the Lord.’ None of this is possible based on human feelings and emotions. We can only find unity and the ability to stand fast in Him. It all comes back to 100% reliance on the Lord for our strength.

I think verse three is especially interesting. After instructing Euodia and Syntyche to be of one mind in the Lord, this verse says, ‘help these women who laboured with me in the Lord.’ I know there is a lot of debate about who Euodia and Syntyche were and if this phrase refers to them, but it seems contextually that Paul is referring back to them. He then goes on to say, ‘Clement as well, in fact all those who have laboured with me.’

What is obvious from all of this is the importance of other believers who have will stand fast in the Lord, be of same mind in the Lord, help each other, and labour together in the Lord. When we can do this we can face the opposition and struggles that are sure to come our way!