Rejoice in the Lord

Philippians 4:1 functions as something of a bookend with 1:27, where Paul had urged the Philippians to let their “manner of life be worthy of the gospel” so that he might hear that they were “standing firm in one spirit.”

Now he concludes with the same exhortation to stand firm at the end of his epistle.

But he has some concluding exhortations to deal a problem in the Philippian church. And the problem is that the “mind of Christ” that he has been expounding is not evident in the church at Philippi!

Christians are being selfish.

I want you to think about what Paul is doing. Paul is singling out two women – by name – for rebuke. This is a public shaming unparalleled in Paul's other epistles.

Moises Silva points out that Paul is demonstrating great confidence in the Philippians and in these two women. He is confident that they will respond well to this public shaming, and will do precisely what he says.

“As you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.”

Paul said that in 2:12-13. Now he expects them to do it!