Be Ready To Present Your Victors Wreath!!

Philippian 4:1

Finally, my loving and committed friends, whom I long to see gleefully in my victors wreath. Therefore, stand firm, in the Lord, friends.

As we can see here, Paul is addressing his friends and family in Messiah, in his final remarks. Most. English translations translate the word adelphos, as a brother and or brothers, but it means more specifically, friends and family, whom you love as family.

He goes on to say that he longs to see them in his victors wreath. Most English translations have this as a crown. Most people think of a kingly crown, on top of your head,. However, this wreath is not a crown but a wreath to go around your head or sometimes around your neck. The kind you get, when you have been victorious in the battle or the colosseum games. They would put emblems on these wreaths, in the same way as our military puts ribbons. So, in reality, Paul is hoping to see them as part of his final testimony before God. That’s why he tells them to stand firm in the Messiah.

Philippian 4:2-3

Admonish and encourage Euodia (Fragrent One) and Syntyche (Fate) to be of same mind, in the Lord. Be assured those who are genuinely yoked together, I beseech you indeed help them who strive together my struggle in the proclamation of the grace of God manifested and pledged in Christ, with Clement also, and the remaining of my fellow workers whose names in the scroll of life.

Notice the difference here between the English versions and the Word for Word translation. Most English versions has Paul pleading with Eurodia and Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Even though that is consistent with what the rest of his Philippian letter has said and there is nothing wrong with that translation, other than the Greek doesn’t say that. What it says is that the Philippian church needs to admonish and encourage them to be of the same mind in the Lord. 

The English translation tells the Philippians to plead rather than take an active and personal action to admonish both of them and then encourage them to be of the same mind in the Lord. Too many churches have shied away from correcting the flock and this is led to the many splintered factions within the church, which has overjoyed Satan, because it is exactly what he wants to happen to the church. So to be consistent, there is only one frame of minedand that is the one that is consistent with God’s Word.

How do we admonish and encourage the flock? By coming together as one and teach and groom each other with the Word of God alone. It can be hard at times, but it is what we are commanded to do. Edify and be edified according to God‘s word.

Paul encourages Clement, a predominate and proven leader who has shown that he is one with the Messiah, and the remainder of those of one mind, whose names are assuredly in the scroll of life, to come together and keep the body as Echad, one.

If they are not in one Mind in the Lord, they are to be pushed out. I know that’s harsh, but it is according to God‘s Word.

Finally, I must confess that during our small group, I made light of the meaning of Euodia’s name which means fragrant one. Unfortunately, with a name like Oder, the first thing I think of is a nickname of stinky. :-) LOL I can so relate with her if that was the case.

Philippians 4:4-7

Rejoice in the Lord at all times, again saying Rejoice. Let your gentleness become known to all men. Lord is at hand. Seek for your own interests no thing, but in everything by prayer and request with thanksgiving your petition made known to God and peace and harmony with God rising above all understanding , protect your hearts and your minds in Messiah Y’shua.

Over the next few verses, Paul reminds the Philippians with some bullet points.

Rejoice in the Lord at all times. Notice that he emphasizes rejoice at the end of the verse. It doesn’t matter what you are going through, you are to rejoice and praise God, because he is in control of the final outcome of your lives. Be assured that he has your well-being at heart and all things will bring you to God's ultimate goal for your life.

At all times, let your gentleness be the first thing everyone sees. If you need it, the Lord is there to help you.

In prayer don’t ask for things according to your own interests. I know that goes against what most churches preach. However, if we are Echad, One with each other, then others will be praying for you in the same way you are praying for them. We are to rely on others, as we would rely on ourselves. That’s God’s plan, To Be Echad, One.

Always Live in peace and harmony with God, allowing God to give you understanding above what is normally humanly possible. With God, you are capable of doing so much more. Rely on him. Keep him alone in your heart and protect it from anything else and have the mind of Christ, the Messiah. Above all, God will lead you into all truth and be ready to present your Victors Wreath.