The God of Peace

The God of peace will be with you.

Philippians 4:9

The apostle Paul often referred to the Lord as the God of peace. In Romans he said, “Now the God of peace be with you all” (Rom 15:33). In 2 Corinthians he wrote, “The God of love and peace will be with you”(Rom 13:11). And to the Thessalonian believers he said, may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way” (2 Thes 3:16).

Today’s verse emphasizes the fact that God’s character is peace. He is the origin and giver of peace. When we have godly attitudes, thoughts, and actions, the peace of God and the God of peace will guard us. His peace provides comfort, tranquility, quietness, and confidence in the midst of any trial you may face.

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 359). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

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Practice Makes Perfect

The things you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these things do.

Philippians 4:9

In today’s verse, the apostle Paul emphasizes that the Philippian believers needed to practice what they learned, received, heard, and saw in his life.

First, they learned from his personal instruction, which included preaching, teaching, and discipling (cf. Acts 20:20). He expounded Old Testament truths and the meaning of New Testament revelation, explaining how it applied to their lives.

Next, what they received from Paul was the direct revelation from God. Scripture makes it clear that Paul received direct revelation from the Lord and then made it known to the believers (cf. 1 Cor 11:2; 1 Cor 15:1-3; 1 Thess. 4:1).

From other sources, they also heard about Paul’s character, lifestyle, and preaching. They were aware of his impeccable reputation.

And what the Philippian believers saw in Paul they knew to be true from firsthand experience.

Like Paul, your life should be worthy of imitation by other believers. So “be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (James 1:22).

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 358). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

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The Prophetic Word

We have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts.

2 Peter 1:19

The Philippian believers had the Old Testament books to go to, but the entire New Testament had yet to be completed at the time Paul wrote his letter to them. Since they may have had access to only a minimal amount of written revelation in the New Testament, the believers looked to the apostles as their source of truth until all the New Testament books were brought together. So the standard of Christian belief and behavior was embodied in the teaching and example of the apostles.

That’s why on the day of Pentecost three thousand believers “continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine” (Acts 2:42). That’s also why Paul said to the Corinthian believers, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ” (1 Cor 11:1). But you have an advantage they didn’t—you have God’s complete revelation available to you. So don’t fail to use it.

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 357). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

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Lose Those Bad Habits

The work of righteousness will be peace, and the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever.

Isaiah 32:17

Pure behavior produces spiritual peace and stability, but sinful behavior produces instability. That is true not only in the millennial kingdom, where Christ one day will rule the earth in righteousness, as today’s verse indicates, but also in the life of the believer. James the brother of Jesus said, “The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable…. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace”(James 3:17-18).

Contentment, comfort, calm, quietness, and tranquility accompany godly conduct, which is based on God’s Word. Doing good is not only the way to overcome evil (Rom 12:21), but also the expected practice of every believer. As you cultivate godly habits by the power of God, your bad habits will diminish, and your life will become more stable.

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 356). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

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Arresting the Flesh

How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to your word.

Psalm 119:8

The godly conduct that produces spiritual stability depends on obeying the divine standard of God’s Word. The Word is what cultivates godly attitudes, thoughts, and actions that will keep you from being overwhelmed by trials and temptations.

To understand the relationship between godly attitudes, thoughts, and actions, consider this analogy. If a policeman sees someone who is about to violate the law, he will arrest him. Similarly, godly attitudes and thoughts produced by the Word act as policemen to arrest the flesh before it commits a crime against the standard of God’s Word. But if they are not on duty, they can’t arrest the flesh, and the flesh is free to violate the law of God.

The analogy teaches that right attitudes and thoughts must precede right practices. Paul realized only spiritual weapons will help in our warfare against the flesh (2 Cor 10:4). By using the right weapons, you can take “every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ” (2 Cor 10:5).

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 355). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

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Content and Confident

Uphold my steps in Your paths,that my footsteps may not slip.

Psalm 17:5

Christians who are spiritually stable have a testimony that honors Christ. That’s the kind of testimony the apostle Paul had. Bound in chains as a prisoner of the Roman Empire, he remained content and confident in the Lord (Phil 4:11, 13). Yet so many believers are not confident. In fact, unbelievers find it difficult to understand how a Christian who believes in an all–sufficient God can live as though God were weak.

Perhaps there have been times when you felt crushed, weak, and unable to stand. You know what it’s like to lose your spiritual balance. We face strong temptations and trials in this life. Nevertheless, it’s vital for us to be spiritually stable not only for our own well being but also for our Christian testimony before the lost world. So make sure you are depending on God to help you stand, not on yourself.

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 354). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

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Meditate on These Things

Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

Philippians 4:8

Today’s verse gives a comprehensive list of the types of things we should be dwelling on.

True things. You will find what is true in God’s Word.
Noble things. We are to think about whatever is worthy of awe and adoration—the sacred as opposed to the profane.
Just things. Right thinking is always consistent with God’s absolute holiness.
Pure things. This refers to something morally clean and undefiled.
Lovely things. This means “pleasing” or “amiable.”
Good report. This speaks of that which is highly regarded or well thought of.
Virtue and praiseworthy things. This refers to what is reputable in the world at large, such as kindness, courtesy, and respect for others.

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 353). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

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A Renewed Knowledge

Put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him.

Colossians 3:10

We live in a fallen world, and as a result, our renewed minds need ongoing cleansing and refreshment. God’s chief agent of purifying our thinking is His Word (John 15:3; Eph 5:26).

The New Testament calls us to the mental discipline of right thinking. Colossians 3:2 says, “Set your mind on things above, not on things on earth.” First Peter 1:13 says, “Gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon… the revelation of Jesus Christ.” And Paul often instructed his listeners to think right and not be ignorant.

The Old Testament also calls us to right thinking. King Solomon said, “Incline your ear to wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding; yes, if you cry for discernment, and lift up your voice for under–standing,… then you will understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God” (Prov 2:2-5).

Dwelling on the right things takes initiative and effort. But if you are faithful to make the maximum effort, God will give you understanding (cf. Ps 119:34).

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 352). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

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Too Little Thought

For “who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ.

1 Corinthians 2:16

Some people assume worry is the result of too much thinking. But in reality it’s the result of too little thinking in the right direction. When we were saved, we received a new mind or way of thinking. Now our human thought patterns are injected with divine and supernatural ones.

The apostle Paul said, “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace” (Rom 8:5-6). Because of the Spirit of God in our lives, we think on a spiritual level, not a fleshly one.

Paul also said, “Of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption” (1 Cor 1:30). Since God imparts His wisdom to us, we can think the deep thoughts of the eternal God.

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 351). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

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Right Thinking

These were more noble–minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.

Acts 17:11

It’s frightening to realize our culture has more interest in emotion and pragmatism than in thinking. That’s evident when people more often ask, “How will it make me feel?” instead of “Is it true?” That wrong focus is also evident in today’s theology, where the predominant questions are “Will it divide?” and “Will it offend?” rather than “Is it right?” Not enough people are like the people of Berea, whom the Bible describes as being “noble–minded” because they were interested in finding truth, not good feelings or pleasant circumstances.

Too many people are going to church today not to think or reason about the truth, but to get a certain feeling. But living by emotions rather than right thinking will produce instability. In his book Your Mind Matters, John Stott explains this point: “Sin has more dangerous effects on our faculty of feeling than on our faculty of thinking, because our opinions are more easily checked and regulated by revealed truth than our experiences.”

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 350). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

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Jonah's Thanksgiving

I will sacrifice to you with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay what I have vowed. Salvation is of the Lord.

Jonah 2:9

Amazingly, the prophet Jonah gave thanks to God while he was in the great fish’s belly (Jon 2:1). How would you respond if you were Jonah? Maybe you would cry out, “What are You doing, God? Where are You? Why is this happening?” But Jonah reacted differently: “I cried out to the Lord because of my affliction, and He answered me. Out of the belly of Sheol I cried, and You heard My voice” (Jon 2:2). He then described his sinking into the sea and the severity of his dilemma (Jon 2:3-5)

Nevertheless, in the midst of such great trauma, Jonah prayed, “You have brought up my life from the pit, O Lord, my God. When my soul fainted within me, I remembered the Lord; and my prayer went up to You, into Your holy temple” (Jon 2:6-7). Although he had his weaknesses, Jonah reflected great spiritual stability in his prayer. He was confident of God’s ability to deliver him if He so chose. In the same way, the peace of God will help you if you react to circumstances with thankful prayer.

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 349). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

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The Guardianship of Peace

The peace of God… will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:7

Today’s verse speaks of God’s peace guarding our hearts and minds. “Will guard” is a military term meaning, “to keep watch over.” The Philippian believers lived in a garrison town where Roman soldiers were stationed to guard the interests of the empire in that part of the world. In the same way, God’s peace guards us from anxiety, doubt, fear, and distress.

The believer who doesn’t live in the confidence of God’s sovereignty will lack His peace and be left to the chaos of a troubled heart. But our confident trust in the Lord will allow us to thank Him in the midst of trials because we have God’s peace on duty to protect our hearts and minds.

When Paul refers to our hearts and minds, he isn’t making a distinction between the two—it’s a comprehensive statement that describes the whole inner person. Because of our union with Christ, He guards our entire being with His peace. And that’s what helps us be spiritually stable.

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 348). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

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Heavenly Peace

The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding.

Philippians 4:7

Today’s verse promises inner calm or tranquility to the believer who prays with a thankful attitude. Notice it doesn’t promise what the answer to our prayers will be.

This peace “surpasses all understanding,” which refers to its divine origin. It transcends human intellect, analysis, and insight. No human counselor can give it to you because it’s a gift from God.

The real challenge of Christian living is not to eliminate every uncomfortable circumstance from your life, but to trust the infinite, holy, sovereign, and powerful God in the midst of every situation.

Jesus said, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). So begin to live on the supernatural plane, accept that you live in a fallen world, and allow God to do His perfect work in you. And God will give you His peace as you confidently entrust yourself to His care.

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 347). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

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React To Problems With Thankful Prayer

In everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.

Philippians 4:6

Instead of praying to God with doubt or discontentment, the believer is to approach God in a spirit of thanksgiving. That’s because God promised not to allow anything into our lives that will be too much for us to bear (1 Cor 10:13). He has promised to work out everything for our good (Rom 8:28), and “perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle” us in the midst of our suffering (1 Pet 5:10).

All difficulties are within God’s purpose, so we can thank Him for His available power and promises. Peter said to cast “all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Pet 5:7). In doing so, we are to be thankful for His providence, His promise of perfecting us, the glory He will receive from accomplishing His will, and for past mercies that are the promise of future blessings.

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 346). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

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Sovereign Control

Elect according to the foreknowledge of God.

1 Peter 1:2

Through the years, Arminian and Calvinistic theologies have been at opposite poles. Traditional Reformed theology, which we call Calvinism, emphasizes God’s sovereignty, but Arminian theology in effect emphasizes man’s sovereignty. It teaches that God is helpful in providing spiritual assistance, but that one must find it in himself to come to Christ, persevere in the faith, accomplish spiritual goals, and win spiritual victories.

What results from that kind of theology? A person can profess to trust in Christ, but in reality trusts in himself. This reflects the belief that the power to choose salvation—or lose it through spiritual failure—belongs to the individual. Suppose you believed you had that kind of power. Can you imagine what it would be like to face death and wonder if you would be disqualified from heaven because you had committed too many sins? That kind of uncertainty will bring anxiety, not security.

Fully trusting God requires an understanding of His sovereign grace: that an individual is chosen, redeemed, kept, and glorified by God, who is the initiator.

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 345). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

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An Anchor of Confidence

In you, O Lord, I put my trust; let me never be ashamed; deliver me in Your righteousness.

Psalm 31:1

As today’s verse indicates, David trusted God mightily in the midst of severe hardship. He also said, “For You are my rock and my fortress; therefore, for Your name’s sake, lead me and guide me. Pull me out of the net which they have secretly laid for me, for You are my strength” (Ps 31:3-4). His trust rested in the character of God. An adequate knowledge of God is essential for spiritual stability. And the only way to know God is through what He has chosen to reveal of Himself in Scripture.

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 344). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

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The Lord Is Near

The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing.

Philippians 4:5-6

The Lord Jesus Christ encompasses all believers with His presence (Ps 119:151). When you have a thought, the Lord is near to read it; when you pray, the Lord is near to hear it; when you need His strength and power, He is near to provide it. In fact, He lives in you and is the source of your spiritual life. An awareness of His presence will keep you from being anxious or unstable.

Knowing the Lord is near helps us “be anxious for nothing” because we know He can handle everything we encounter. Fretting and worrying indicate a lack of trust in God. Either you’ve created another god who can’t help you, or else you believe God could help you but refuses, which means you are questioning His integrity and Word. So delight in the Lord and meditate on His Word (Ps 1:2). Know who He is and how He acts. Then you’ll be able to say, “The Lord is near, so I’m not going to worry.”

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 343). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

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The Source Of Contentment

I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.

Philippians 4:4

Existentialism, the dominant mindset of contemporary psychology, has infiltrated not only our country but also many churches. It implies that every man has the right to do whatever makes him feel good. But wrong thinking like that stems from self–centered pride. It’s the selfish person who says, “If it makes you feel good but hurts me, you can’t do it. But if it makes me feel good but hurts you, I can do it anyway.” Some deceive themselves by thinking their sin doesn’t hurt anyone, but sin always ends up hurting.

In contrast to self–love, Scripture says we’re to be humble and unselfish (Phil 2:3-4), love those who mistreat us (Matt. 5:44), and extend mercy toward those who stumble repeatedly (1 Pet 4:8). Those qualities enabled Paul to be content in any circumstances. In contrast, some believers take all that they hear and see and filter it through their minds to see if it wounds them in any way, which will result in immediate instability and anxiety.

When others mistreat you, humility will help you keep your balance.

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 342). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

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Humility And Grace

Let your forbearing spirit be known to all men.

Philippians 4:5, nasb

It is difficult to find one English word that captures the diverse meaning of the word translated as “forbearing” in today’s verse. Some say it speaks of contentment, gentleness, generosity, or goodwill toward others. Others believe it refers to mercy or leniency toward the faults or failures of others. Still others claim it describes patience, referring to someone who submits to injustice or mistreatment but doesn’t retaliate with hatred or bitterness. I believe the best translation is “graciousness,” because in the Christian sense that word embodies all the other meanings.

Forbearance also includes another important element: humility. The humble Christian doesn’t hold a grudge but trusts God whenever he is mistreated, misjudged, or misrepresented. A person like that doesn’t demand his rights. God manifested His grace to us in the same way—mankind abused and maligned Jesus Christ though He deserved none of it, yet He still reached out to us in love (cf. Rom 5:10). Humility and graciousness will help you be stable in spite of the circumstances.

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 341). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

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Like A Tree Firmly Planted

He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither;and in whatever he does, he prospers.

Psalm 1:3, nasb

Many people in society want to live a more stable life. To those who are filled with anxiety and unable to cope with their circumstances, the world offers a myriad of solutions that don’t work.

Unfortunately, many churches have followed the world in believing that man can only solve his problems through secular psychology—a product that can’t live up to its promises.

Where can you find stability? The answer is in Psalm 1. It begins, “How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners!” (Ps 1:1, nasb) and ends, “Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment…. For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish” (Ps 1:5-6).

The person who walks with God knows stability, but the one who rejects Him flounders in meaningless existence. Which would you rather be?

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 340). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

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Reasons For Rejoicing

Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory.

1 Peter 1:8

Christians have many reasons for rejoicing. The primary one is based on who God is—He is sovereign. That is the single greatest truth about God. Nothing is outside His control, and He controls everything to work out ultimately for our good (Rom 8:28). He has an infinite understanding of every aspect of our lives—where we are and what we say (Ps 139:2-4). And He exercises His understanding in perfect wisdom. Knowing God like that should give us inexpressible and glorious joy.

We should also rejoice because God saved us, adopted us, and promised to give us an inheritance in Jesus Christ (Eph 1:1-11). When Christ returns, we will enjoy His presence and the heavenly place prepared for us (John 14:2-3). Until then, we have joy in knowing God has promised to supply all our needs (Phil 4:19). Furthermore, we have the privilege of serving the One we supremely love. That includes sharing the good news with the lost and encouraging fellow Christians to grow in their love and service for Him. We can also have joy in knowing we can pray to God at any time (Heb 4:15-16).

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 339). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

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Rejoice In The Lord

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice.

Philippians 4:4

Many believers allow themselves to be victimized by their circumstances and consequently vacillate between a spiritual high and low. For them, a command to rejoice seems unreasonable. But the command of today’s verse is to rejoice “in the Lord.”

We can’t always rejoice in our circumstances or other people because both can be bad. However, we can rejoice in the Lord because He is always good and we know He never changes. Thus, our spiritual stability directly relates to our knowledge of God. Knowing Him helps us live above our circumstances and provides stability. That’s why the Psalms were written in poetic form and meter and set to music—so the people of Israel could memorize Scripture and sing hymns to deepen their knowledge of God. Knowing Him makes everything else seem less significant.

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 338). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

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Avoiding Personal Conflict

I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord.

Philippians 4:2

Paul faced many conflicts in the church, but some were important enough for him to deal with in his epistles, and thus are important enough for our instruction. Evidently the two women in today’s verse were leading two opposing factions in the church. We don’t know what their specific complaints were, but we can surmise it was a personal conflict.

We do know the two women were prominent church members because they had worked with Paul in the cause of the gospel (Phil 4:3). And we know they were creating havoc in the church because it apparently was not united (Phil 2:2). Recognizing the issue to be a lack of love—which indicates the presence of pride and the absence of humility—Paul pleaded for the women “to be of the same mind in the Lord” (Phil 4:2). Each was demanding her own way rather than being concerned about the other. But as Paul encouraged them and us, a right relationship with the Lord will resolve any discord.

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 337). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

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A Plea For Unity

Fulfill my joy by being likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

Philippians 2:2

The apostle Paul was a great theologian, which meant he often addressed important doctrinal issues. He opposed the legalism of the Judaizers (Phil 3:2) and the libertine views of other false teachers (Phil 3:18-19). He knew such teachings perverted the doctrine of salvation and threatened the church’s life. Yet he also realized that discord in the church was an equal threat to its life. That’s because conflict robs the church of its power and destroys its testimony. Enemies of Christ are eager to find ways to discredit the church.

Apparently, disunity in the Philippian church was about to destroy the integrity of its testimony. So Paul said to them, “Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel” (Phil 1:27). We have one Spirit within us, so there’s no reason for disunity.

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 336). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

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Dealing With Disunity

Stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.

Philippians 1:27

Spiritual stability depends on mutual love, harmony, and peace between believers. Our lives are to be intertwined that we might support and sustain one other.

In today’s verse, we read that Paul wanted that kind of harmony in the Philippian church, but instead there was an intense disagreement between two women threatening the church’s life. Paul sought to keep sins such as partiality, criticism, bitterness, unforgiveness, and pride from spreading throughout the church.

To avoid such problems, it is necessary for believers to care and pray for each other. Mutual love produces the harmony that’s conducive to spiritual stability and reflects what the church is all about: supporting the weak, lifting the fallen, and restoring the broken.

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 335). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

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A Good Soldier

You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

2 Timothy 2:3

Courage, conviction, and integrity are respectable qualities from a secular viewpoint, yet it is essential that they be manifested in the life of every Christian. That’s because the name “Christian” identifies us with Christ, who never compromised or deviated from the truth. He is the perfect example of courageous integrity.

It stands to reason, then, that we are called to be stable and steadfast like Christ and not waver (James 1:6). Injunctions to stand firm (Eph 6:11, 13-14) and be strong (1 Cor 16:13; 2 Tim 2:1) affirm that we are to be bold and uncompromising in living for Jesus Christ.

Most of us earnestly desire to stand firm and not stumble in our Christian walk. None of us wants to be crushed under the weight of life’s trials or be defeated by the onslaught from the world, the flesh, and the devil. But we must realize that standing firm and being strong isn’t easy because we are engaged in spiritual warfare (2 Tim 2:3-4). We have to be prepared to “endure hardship” along the way—as a “good soldier” of faith.

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 334). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

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Paul's Joy

My beloved and longed–for brethren, my joy and crown.

Philippians 4:1

The apostle Paul’s joy came from fellow believers. Today’s verse says the Philippian believers were his “joy and crown.” To the Thessalonian believers he likewise proclaimed, “What is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? For you are our glory and joy” (1 Thes 2:19–20).

Paul rejoiced in the church’s salvation and spiritual growth, which is represented by the word crown. The term refers to a laurel wreath, something an athlete received in biblical times for winning a contest (1 Cor 9:25). But an athlete wasn’t the only recipient of such a wreath. If someone was honored by his peers, he too would receive one as the guest of honor at a great feast or banquet. The wreath then was symbolic of success or a fruitful life. The Philippian believers were Paul’s reward—proof that his efforts were successful. As you minister your gifts, may you experience the kind of joy Paul had.

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 333). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

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Paul's Care For The Church

For God is my witness, how greatly I long for you all with the affection of Jesus Christ.

Philippians 1:8

The apostle Paul treated believers with a gracious and tender spirit—he often tempered commands with genuine expressions of love for the people. He had a special place in his heart for the Philippian church. He addressed those believers as his “beloved and longed–for brethren” (Phil 4:1).

He manifested his love in his desire to remain with them for their “progress and joy in the faith”(Phil 1:25). Indeed Paul was willing to be offered “on the sacrifice and service of [their] faith” (Phil 2:17). And only the Philippian believers had “shared with [him] concerning giving and receiving” (Phil 4:15), which also reveals his special bond with them.

Paul was a logician and theologian without equal—his intellectual capacity was staggering—but he was also endowed with a tremendous capacity to love people. Your ministry can be effective only when you love people.

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 332). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

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Stand Firm

Stand fast in the Lord.

Philippians 4:1

Today’s verse calls to mind a picture of a soldier standing his ground in the midst of battle. Paul used the same metaphor in Ephesians 6:11: “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” Standing fast or firm spiritually means not compromising your Christian testimony in allowing yourself to be overwhelmed by trials or temptation.

It saddens me that many believers don’t take God and His commands seriously enough. Instead of wanting to know God, many prefer to be entertained. That kind of apathy regards His commands as mere suggestions. But our sovereign Lord commands us to stand firm. Inherent in that command is the capacity to obey.

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 331). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

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Attack On The Church

In the world you will have tribulation.

John 16:33

We shouldn’t be surprised when the church comes under attack because Christ said it would happen. Because the world, the flesh, and the devil are behind such hostility, Christ instructed us to “watch and pray, lest [we] enter into temptation” (Mat 26:41). Peter warned, “Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Pet 5:8). To be prepared, Paul said, “Let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation” (1 Thes 5:8).

It can be difficult to maintain your Christian testimony when persecution is subtle rather than open. I remember asking a Russian pastor, “Is it difficult to pastor a church in your country?” The pastor responded, “No, it’s easy because I know where everyone stands. But how can someone pastor a church in America, where compromise is so common and subtle?” Many so–called Christians want the world’s acceptance and are therefore unwilling to take a stand for Christ.

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 330). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

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