Standing firm in the Lord
But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends! Philippians 3:20-4:1 NIV
From the text, Paul calls on Christians to persevere in the faith. They are able to do so because of the unspeakable joy that awaits them. He sums it up at the end of the chapter: “We eagerly await a Savior from there [Heaven], the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body” (Philippians 3:20, 21). While here on earth, Christians will experience humiliation and limitations. Someday, however, it will be a body of glory, fully suited to the needs of heaven and displaying the glory of Christ himself. This was a significant hope and should be the reason to be motivated to press on and to stand firm in the Lord. Followers of Christ are citizens of heaven and wait for Jesus’ return. Therefore, they ought to be able to “stand firm in the Lord” in light of that hope. We are not alone by ourselves for there are countless more who have the same rights and status like us for they too are citizens of heaven because they too have placed their faith in Christ. This oneness in Christ provides mutual encouragement. Over and again Paul expresses his love for these Philippians (see also Philippians 1:8; 2:1). The love of Christ within provides a strong tie that binds believers with one another. Paul reiterates his desire to be with them face to face (see also Philippians 1:8; cf. 1:22ff). Such longing grew out of their fellowship in the gospel. Then Paul refers to them as “My joy and crown” (Philippians 4:1). Of course, the importance of joy has been noted throughout the book. The faithfulness of the believers in Philippi provides joy for Paul. He did not mean that they replaced the joy of the Lord, but rather that life was better because he knew them. They brought him joy even while he was awaiting trial. People’s response to the gospel provides joy for they also represent the crown in the day of judgment. Because of our hope in the return of Jesus and because of the kind of people we are as citizens of heaven, therefore just like Paul, we can confidently “stand firm in the Lord.”
Blessings,
