Stand firm! That is the instruction to Christians who are doing well, as were the Philippians. Paul had given as examples Timothy, Epaphroditus and himself. Now, as teacher and discipler, he summarized this exhortation: it is left up to the Philippians and to us to simply stand firm.

However, Paul’s relationship with them was more than just being a teacher-discipler. He expressed close relationship with them in five ways, and in these we can see how we ought to strive for relationships with other Christians.

First, Christian fellowship and service is defined by love. Paul twice in this verse called the Philippians “my beloved.” Love is the primary motivator in Christian community. Whether our service to others is to teach or disciple, or to serve or show acts of mercy, our ministry needs to be motivated and saturated with love. People are not just numbers to be written down on an “accountability” sheet. They are beloved of God; are they beloved of us?

Second, we are all part of the same family, a spiritual one, building each other up. Paul calls the Philippians “brethren,” a term used eight times in this small letter. Spiritual family, to him, was more important than earthly family or relationships.

Third, ministry with people needs human contact. Paul longed to be with the Philippians. In this day of internet communication, ministry can become very impersonal. Sending email is not the same as talking in person. Genuine Christian fellowship needs physical presence.

Fourth, the old saying is true, there is joy in serving others. Paul thought of the Philippians as his joy. Joy, of course, is the theme of the book of Philippians. He had prayed for them in joy (Phil 1:4). He asked that they would “make my joy complete by being of the same mind …” (Phil 2:2) and in his letter he wanted to share his joy with them (2:17).

Fifth, when we serve others and they are benefitted by it, they become our crown, the fruit of our labor. Our rewards are inseparable from serving others in love and joy. What could be better than knowing your gifts are being used by God to build up others?

Do you see the imitation of Christ here? We are beloved by God (John 15:12); He longed to be with us and so become a man (Phil 2:6-7); He is not ashamed to call us brethren (Heb 2:11); we were the joy set before Him (Heb 12:2), He has been crowned with glory because of His sacrifice (Heb 2:7).