As Paul begins chapter four, he begins with a summary statement, giving some final exhortations to the instructions he has shared in the previous passages, before moving on to some final thoughts.

You can see this encouraging verse in Philippians 4:1:

All of the previous information, concerning those who live for Christ, as well as those who are enemies of the cross, serves to encourage the believers in Philippi to stand firm. In doing so, he uses several terms of endearment and displays just how much he loves the church and people in Philippi.

The main message of this verse is for the Philippians to stand firm. However, there is much more in this simple-seeming verse than first appears. Paul shares a lot of information in these few short words. As he gives this exhortation, he shows just how critical it is for believers to stand fast, and not be swept away by sin and worldly desires.

Some have tried to connect this passage to the content coming in chapter 4, and this is seen clearly in the re-translation found in the NIV2011. However, the context of the passage itself leads us to understand that this is more in reference to the preceding passages. This is seen most clearly by the use of the word “therefore,” giving us reasons to stand firm.

We stand firm because Christ is powerful (3:21). We stand firm because he will transform us into new creations when the dead are raised (3:21). And we stand firm because our citizenship is found in heaven (3:20).

The first thing Paul states here is that the Philippians are his brothers whom he loves. There is a closeness found in the family of God that does not exist often in the world. It may seem strange to call one another “brother,” but that is, in fact, what we are. Paul sees the believers in Philippi as family, and he longs for them. He is, after all, in a Roman prison, and unable to visit them.

Paul gives two terms of affection to the Philippians. He calls them his “joy” and “crown.” Paul received great joy from seeing the spiritual growth and maturity of the people in Philippi. He gained much joy from the fact that they were his brothers in Christ. He then calls them his crown. The word here is not the typical word for crown found in the Bible, diadem, which is a king’s royal crown. Instead, Paul uses the word stephanos here, which is a type of victor’s wreath or crown, usually woven of materials such as olive, laurel, or pine branches. This is the crown that a winner in a race would have received.

Paul is undoubtedly seeing his life as a race, and the establishment of a church full of believers in Philippi as a part of his victory. This is an adornment on Paul’s reputation, and is something that he knows God is pleased with.

Finally, Paul makes the statement that is the point of this verse: “Stand firm in the Lord.” In this world, there are many conflicting interests and ideas. We will either stand firm in the Lord, or we will not stand at all. Paul encourages us to stand firm, because he knows what is to come. This life is such a brief part of eternity, and yet what we do here makes all the difference.

So Paul’s encouragement to the Philippians is equally true for us today: Stand firm! Stand firm! Stand firm!

Question: What helps you to stand firm in the Lord? Are there any habits or practices that you have found to be especially helpful in doing this? You can leave a comment by clicking here.