Morning Moments

Philippians Devotional Outline (cont)


IV. A New Strength - The Strength of Christ Through Us 4:1-20

Key verse: 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth me."

The verse says I am able to prevail in all things by the enablement of Christ. In the context of chapter four, we shall discover that God doesn't merely offer to help us, He energizes and empowers and endues us with Himself and He is enough. But what does this verse really mean? Does it mean that in an emergency God will give me more strength that a normal man would have in order to lift a car off someone? Does it mean that God will keep us from buckling under pressure? What does it mean? Let me suggest five things that the context suggests:

A. it will keep us from weakening 4:1-5

The key words are found in verse 1 "Stand fast in the Lord".
Watchman Nee wrote a wonderful little book entitled "Sit, Walk, Stand" based upon Paul's letter to the Ephesians. Paul says, "And having done all to STAND!"

The other day I saw some kids running down the street with a neighborhood dog chasing them. I ask them why they were running and they said, "The dog is chasing us". I said, "He wouldn't chase you if you didn't run. Stand still and stop him, stare at him, and command him and he will leave you alone." He's a neighbor's dog and is big but not bad. He loves to chase them because they run in fear. That is the way Satan works. Be armed and STAND! It will keep you from weakening. Let me suggest three areas in particular that we often weaken

1. In Time of Testing 4:1

4:1. Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.

The Philippian Church had been through the fire before and would go through it again. Sometimes those tests come from without and sometimes they come from within. Sometimes they come fro above and sometimes they come from below. None of that really matters - we must STAY THE COURSE -

It's not the gale
But the set of the sail
That determines the course of the ship
So chart your course and set your sail

2. In Time of Tension 4:2-4

4:2. I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord. 3. And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life. 4. Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.

Nothing brings tension to a fellowship like disagreement. Paul said to the Corinthian Church "Agree with your adversary while in the way". In other words make your agreement between yourselves and not the world. Get a spiritual mediator if you need one.
We don't know who Euodias and Syntyche were nor what the problem was, but apparently it was resolved. There is nothing that cannot find resolution among godly people even if it means separate ways peacefully as was the case with Paul and Barabus over John Mark.

Paul was an encourager and so he mentions those who had labored in the Lord who should be recognized and appreciated. But he also says, "Don't just watch them, work with them - help them. When all work together we all rejoice together.

There are two groups of people in the average "church" - workers and shirkers. Some commit, come complain. Some find it to do and do it and other find fault with it if it's done or if it's not done. That's what breaks fellowship and creates tension.

3. In Times of Temptation 4:5

4:5. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

The word moderation is misleading in this text for our usual understanding of moderation is more like temperance. Pleasantness is a pretty good word for moderation. Are you ever tempted to be unpleasant? Isn't it nice to be around please people. The truth is we all have our warts, scars, bruises, baggage, or whatever you wish to call them. None of us is without something that could irritate the stew out of somebody else if it weren't for the grace of God. But it is so much easier to be pleasant and to have a reputation of being a pleasant person.
Would you rather stroke a porky pine or a furry purring kitten? Some folks are like porky pines. They have their quills out and are always prickly. I try to say clear of those kind of people myself.

God's people are to be pleasant and gentle people. It is an encouragement to me to walk out in my yard and have the kids of the neighborhood want to come talk to me. It has always been a blessing for me to have students want to be my friend on Face Book. They may never write a word, but to be my friend indicates to me that they are interested in how I am and what I am doing. I want to be a pleasant person.

So, this amazing strength of God which is mine in Christ keeps me from weakening in time of testing, time of tension, and time of temptation.

BLESSINGS!