Portion 20 – Philippians 4:10-20

Submitted by: Elder J. Smith

Related Scriptures: Jeremiah 3:13-15, Ephesians 5:25-32, & Ephesians 4:13

During these days before the return of our Lord Yeshua, we are to persevere in godliness.  Paul, in speaking with the Philippian Messianic Community encouraged, warned, and pleaded with them to maintain unity.  Paul instructed the Philippians that they, as Believers in Yeshua, are in covenant marriage to YHVH and to the larger Messianic Community (Jeremiah 3:13-15, Galatians 5:28-32, and Acts 2:44-46).  Likewise, we as Believers are no longer to live to promote our own interests but to regard what YHVH desires for the strengthening of the Body of greater importance.  Yeshua himself said (John 15:12-14),

“This is my command: that you keep on loving each other just as I have loved you.  No one has greater love than a person who lays down his life for his friends. You are my friends, if you do what I command you.”

This intense love of Yeshua for the Messianic Community is steeped in consistent selflessness in promotion of the Gospel of salvation.  This is the mind of Christ that we as Believers are to have in unity with our sisters and brothers (Philippians 2:1-5, 12).  Paul rejoiced greatly in the fact that the Philippians had returned to supporting him in the preaching of the gospel (2 Corinthians 11:7-9); not because he desired the money, but because of their desire to continue to partake together with him in suffering and labor for the will of Yeshua.  The receiving of the gospel as given by Paul, seizing it and not letting go, making it a part of their identity and laboring to live it, was a sign that the Philippians had moved into maturity in Messiah.  For Believers, moving into maturity by the Holy Spirit in supporting the Body of Christ into holiness and unity is a commandment and requirement from YHVH; not an option.  This provision of selflessness is the LORD’s safety upon us; keeping us from double-mindedness (James 1:5-8), nourishing our discernment, and grounding us in the peace that will keep us firm and steady during this time of growing confusion, lawlessness, and noisy chaos.