We're finishing Philippians 4:1-9 where Paul not only tells us to STAND FIRM, but gives us extremely practical instruction on how we are to stand firm:
Standing Firm
As you read through the passage (verses 1-9):
Ask yourself: does this describe me?
If you’re really serious about it: ask someone who knows you well: would you say that this describes me?
We are to Stand Firm by:
1. Cultivating Unity
Division & disunity can render us ineffective and unproductive for the cause of Christ in the world.
Are YOU doing all YOU can to cultivate unity?
2. Maintaining Joy
This is a call to an ongoing habitual pattern of joy
Are you known as a person of joy?
3. Being Content/Reasonable
Graciousness is the best single English word translation
Are you known as a reasonable person?
Are you making sure you’re not easily offended? (Not an “eggshell” person?)
Are you letting offenses go when you can?
Not a complainer
Looking for and pointing out the positive, rather than the negative?
Read through verses 6-9 again and think through and answer the following questions:
• What are we told not to do (verse 6a)?
• What do we do instead (verse 6b)?
• What will happen as a result (verse 7)?
• What things are we to turn our thoughts toward (verse 8)
• What is the final command (verse 9)?
• What is the promise when we stand firm (verse 9b)?
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