Section 2
consider chapter four to be on a lower level than chapters one through three.
STANDING FIRM IN THE LORD
Philippians 4:1-7 is part of Paul's concluding word to chapters one, two, and three. What he says in 4:1-7 is based on what he has previously written about living Christ, magnifying Christ, taking Christ as our pattern, knowing the excel lency of Christ, pursuing toward the goal, and living in the out-resurrection.
In 4:1 he says, "So then, my brothers, beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand firm in the Lord, beloved." We know from chapter three that Paul aspired to be found in Christ. In 4:1 he tells us to stand firm in the Lord. Standing firm in the Lord is the key to letting our forbearance be known to all men. If we do not stand firm in the Lord, there is no way to make our forbear ance known. In order to do anything we must have a proper standing. This is true of making known our forbearance. For this, we must stand firm in the Lord; that is, we must remain in Him. Hence, Paul's word about standing firm in the Lord is equal to the Lord's word about abiding in Him (John 15:4).
In Philippians 4:2 Paul goes on to say, "I