Philippians 4:1 | Pastor Burns' Study Notes

Paul begins with “therefore,” which pushes me back into chapter 3. Everything he has said-pressing toward maturity, the danger of spiritual ruin, and living with an eternal view-now leads to this command: stand fast in the Lord.

This is a reinforcement. Because of where God wants me to be spiritually, I must stand firm.

Paul’s care for this church is clear. He calls them dearly beloved, longed for, his joy and crown. Though he was in prison, his heart was with them. He desired to see them face to face. They were his crown because he had personally invested in their lives and seen them come to Christ. As he said elsewhere, “what is our… crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye… at his coming?” (1 Thessalonians 2:19).

Now he confirms his message: stand fast. Hold your position. Hold your hope. False teachers were trying to sidetrack them, but Paul says remain grounded in the Lord and in the truth of Christ.