| Phil. 4:1-3 |
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Lesson # Phil. 4:1-3 Study Material - Phil. 4:1-3 You must be in fellowship prior to your Bible study, so that the spiritual information you receive can become a source, of blessing to your soul and produce spiritual growth. Phil. 4:1-3 1 Therefore [hoste], my [mou] brethren [adelphos] dearly beloved [agapetos] and [kai] longed for [epipothetos], my [mou] joy [chara] and [kai] crown [stephanos], so [houto] stand fast [steko] in [en] the Lord [kurios], my dearly beloved [agapetos]. 2 I beseech [parakaleo] Euodias [Euodia], and [kai] beseech [parakaleo] Syntyche [Suntuche], that they be of [phroneo] the same [autos] mind [phroneo] in [en] the Lord [kurios]. 3 And [kai] I intreat [erotao] thee [se] also [kai], true [gnesios] yokefellow [suzugos], help [sullambano] those women [autos] which [hostis] laboured [sunathleo] with me [moi] in [en] the gospel [euaggelion], with [meta] Clement [Klemes] also [kai], and [kai] with other [loipoy] my [mou] fellowlabourers [sunergos], whose [hos] names [onoma] are in [en] the book [biblos] of life [zoe]. KJV-Interlinear 1 Therefore, my beloved brethren whom I long to see, my joy and crown, so stand firm in the Lord, my beloved. 2 I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to live in harmony in the Lord. 3 Indeed, true comrade, I ask you also to help these women who have shared my struggle in the cause of the gospel, together with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. NASB We will finish up Philippians before resuming with our study cycle around the Bible. There is a huge amount of doctrine in this last chapter, though it may not appear so from a brief reading. Paul addresses fellow believers, 'brethren'. These are the peoples that today, we probably do not want to get involved with. That is to say, believers in this world can be as much of a pain in ones back side as anything, but those believers who are positive and advancing toward spiritual maturity, promise the best of company and social interactions which exclude the competitive antagonisms, gossips, and other verbal attacks that exist in other social atmospheres. Paul's joy, 'ohara', calm delight, contentment, at peace, thus inner happiness which emanates from the source of Bible doctrine resident in Paul's soul. And crown, 'stephanos', badge of royalty, symbol of honor. There are many crowns that symbolize our rewards in eternity. They are far more than just medals that one wears on ones sleeve or around ones neck.. They are accompanied with financial rewards usually. As we see in our current days sporting events of professional championships, the winners usually receive a ring or trophy symbolizing their victory. They also, receive a huge paycheck. So in heaven we have crowns waiting for us, for those of us who advance to spiritual maturity. Many of these details are reviewed in Revelation. And what is more, these crowns are forever, not just for this year, with another winner perhaps being crowned next year. There are also rewards of friendship. Here Paul mentions the friendship of those who have helped him during his time in prison and prior. He specifically mentions three people, Euodia, Syntyche, and Clement. Three females who have apparently been of tremendous help to Paul over the years. Euodia, means traveling help, business success. Syntyche means chance meeting, accident. Clement means merciful. Each person having their own unique personalities and abilities as described in their respective names. Just as each of us have our unique personalities and abilities. No two believers are alike. We are all individuals and unique. Though in this life we may be somewhat subdued due to our individual environments, however, in the eternal future when we all have our freedom from these corruptible bodies of flesh, and receive our resurrection bodies, our real personalities will come out. Our friendships will last forever. And we will all have many, many friends. Stand fast, is the command from Paul. Stand fast, 'steko', be stationary, persevere, be staunch, abide, continue, establish, all referring to ones spiritual life. Stand firm in the Lord, in Bible doctrine, in your daily Bible study. The reasons being given in the previous chapters. Put Gods thought patterns in your soul and avoid those negative thought patterns which come from the sin nature. Stand fast and remember all those who are doing as you are doing, studying Bible doctrine. Even though we do not know each other, and chances are that most of us will never meet each other in this life, we know that each of our respective names are recorded in the Book of Life, Luke 10:20, Rev 3:5, Rev 21:27. And that we will never be blotted out of it. Therefore, we will see each other in eternity for certain. Those people who are unbelievers, will be blotted out of the book of life. Having been entered into that Book when they were born, but at their death, they are blotted out for not having believed in Christ. The only other record of their existence is in the Book of Works, and that is nothing more than wood, hay, and stubble, which will be destroyed in their second judgment. But we have assurance that we will see each other in eternity, and we will have an opportunity, in our resurrection bodies, to have a tremendous social life. Far more than any social encounter that we could possibly have here on earth in this life.
End Of Lesson Study to show thyself approved (mature) unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing (studying/discerning), the Word of truth. 
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