THE GOSPEL OF JOY IN ADVERSE CIRCUMSTANCES - PHILIPPIANS - JOY AND CROWN - PART 3

Text: Philippians 4: 1-3 (CSB) – “So then, my dearly loved and longed for brothers and sisters, my joy and crown, in this manner stand firm in the Lord, dear friends. I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to agree in the Lord. Yes, I also ask you, true partner, to help these women who have contended for the gospel at my side, along with Clement and the rest of my coworkers whose names are in the book of life.”

So far in our study, we have viewed the Philosophy that Paul is teaching  – “To live Christ.” And the Pattern that Paul says we should live by – “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:” And next, the Prize that Paul says we should seek – “God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Now, in Chapter 4 Paul shows you the Power in the Christian Life we lead.

 

Remember that this little book of Philippians is a real “Rubber hits the Road” description of Christianity.  Paul tells us of the JOY and HOPE in the midst of adverse circumstances.

 

We are going to take two sideroads before getting to the main point. Today’s sideroad #2 is that THE WORK OF WOMEN IS IMPORTANT TO THE CHURCH!

 

Notice in this passage that Paul is commending the work of these two ladies. They “contended for the gospel at my side….” I am personally tired of hearing that the reason for using women in the church is that the men won’t do the work. This statement makes them second-class citizens in the church.

 

I do believe that they are not to usurp the place of men (1 Tim. 2:12), but they supplemented Paul’s ministry – and any good minister knows that is true today. Women bring insight, compassion, and understanding into the local body and are very vital in the work of Jesus Christ.

 

I do not believe that the Bible authorizes women to preach, but they have a vital ministry in our local bodies of believers. Other religions all make women second class, or even chattel – Christianity raises them to a higher position.  They have special abilities to reach, teach, and counsel women we men do not have. They temper our attitudes and show us the true meaning of compassion.

 

Paul calls them “coworkers whose names are in the book of life.” In saying this, he is reminding us of their spiritual equality.

 

Today, consider the work in God’s ministry that the women around you are doing, and thank God – and them – for their ministry in the church.

 

Tomorrow, we will move to the main point in this passage, Paul’s Joy and Crown!