A message for Akron Alliance Fellowship Church, Akron OH, Sunday, August 24, 2025.
For the “Live in Church” audio of this message, select here.
Many of us have had experiences traveling where you either loved or regretted your stays at certain hotels. My lovely bride and I have settled on regular stays at Hampton Inn because of their decent accommodations and their fabulous beds! It is a requirement for us because both of us have backs that can be quite temperamental. We have not stayed in an economy hotel for quite some time, but when we did, we decided we would never stay there again. Some things are non-negotiable.
Here’s a question for you. Let’s pretend that Paul, the apostle for Jesus to the Gentiles, was your traveling companion and stayed with you for a couple of weeks with meals and lodging. At the conclusion of two weeks with you, would he be able to say that you were a co-contender of the faith? Let’s face it—it’s one thing to be around family or close friends who hang out with you, but it’s another to be with a person who had a personal encounter with Jesus! Would the days with Paul be like breaths of fresh air, or would he be ready to leave after a couple of days with you? Or even worse, would Paul be so put off after his time with you that he would shake the dust off his shoes and catch a ride with Lyft to get away from you?
Of course, this is a crazy, make-believe scenario. I don’t know how well I would even do with Paul, who was absolutely incredible.
So back to the original question. Would Paul refer to you as a fellow contender for the faith?
We’ll explore this question today as we hear from Paul’s words about a church that, by all accounts and comments, he truly loved. He doesn’t use this word ‘love’ loosely in his epistles. He means what he says. And what he says about the church at Philippi is worth our attention because of the makeup of the church and how they were co-laborers with him as contenders in the faith.
We will look at how the Philippians exhibited characteristics that would be an excellent model for any church:
- To be joyful
- To live as gentle souls that glorify God
- To work side-by-side with people of faith
- To pray continuously
- To mirror the life of Paul as you live out your faith in Jesus
These items are a tall order if you are unwilling or unable to live unselfishly. All of these things are the epitome of dying to self and living for Jesus. You have to decide what you would like to do.
Matthew 16:24-25 NLT
24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. 25 If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.
Note: This verse is a stopper for those who are not focused on following Jesus. The idea of giving up your own way of living may be the hardest thing for some of us to do.
But you have to do it. You must do it. You have to go all in on Jesus.
Galatians 2:20 ESV
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Today, we will be looking at Paul’s epistle of the Philippian church. Before we dive into Philippians, allow me to provide additional insight as to the significance of this church. It was established by Paul in Philippi during his second missionary journey in Europe, around AD 50-52. It was the first Christian church established in Europe.1
Philippi was a Roman colony in ancient Macedonia, and under Roman occupation, it became a multicultural city with a number of different peoples of non-Jewish descent. It is now part of today’s northeastern Greece.2 The church at Philippi had a reputation for generosity and faithfulness. It withstood persecution and resistance, and yet that is the place where Paul and Silas were directed to go after they were not permitted by the Spirit to travel into Asia and later Bithynia (Acts 16:6-8).
Acts 16:9-10 NLT
9 That night Paul had a vision: A man from Macedonia in northern Greece was standing there, pleading with him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us!” 10 So we decided to leave for Macedonia at once, having concluded that God was calling us to preach the Good News there.
Believers, always be sensitive to the calling and movement according to the Lord’s will in your life. We can readily conclude that this Philippian church plant in Macedonia was exactly what the Lord was intending according to that place and time.
Some of you may know that the church began with Lydia of Thyatira. Paul, Silas, Luke and perhaps others in their traveling party, met her in Macedonia.
Acts 16:13-15 NLT
13 On the Sabbath we went a little way outside the city to a riverbank, where we thought people would be meeting for prayer, and we sat down to speak with some women who had gathered there. 14 One of them was Lydia from Thyatira, a merchant of expensive purple cloth, who worshiped God. As she listened to us, the Lord opened her heart, and she accepted what Paul was saying. 15 She and her household were baptized, and she asked us to be her guests. “If you agree that I am a true believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my home.” And she urged us until we agreed.
The roots of the church at Philippi actually started as a house church. Lydia’s house was where people gathered to worship and pray. Lydia had actually relocated to Macedonia from Thyatira, which was 300 miles away from her original home. In her hometown, several women were also purveyors of fabric. She left to venture out and settle in an area that had less competition, and that turned out to be Macedonia. It was there that she became very successful and was able to care for herself and others. This turns out to be very important for the present and future Philippian church. Lydia did not have a husband that we know of, and that’s why she is mentioned alone as to her level of importance in the early church.
Women, indeed, are extremely important in their roles in the church. This goes without saying. Without being pedantic as to role of women in the church, all of us should acknowledge that many churches would not exist if women were not involved. I trust that this is not a controversial statement. Women fit well within a church because they are God’s created nurturers and supporters. With that said, they are to be fully equipped with the word of God, and they are to be ready to share the Word with others. They are even allowed to preach the Word, as well. There’s nothing in Scripture that prevents them from doing so. I have to mention this, but the only restriction that is emphasized in Scripture is that women are not to lead a church. (There are passages in 1 Corinthians 11 and 14, and also Titus 1 and 2, but refer to 1 Timothy 2:11-15, which is very clear about this.) I don’t want to go down a rabbit hole today, but there are a few American women who insist that they are called to be the lead pastor of a church. Perhaps this will be another sermon for another time, but let’s focus instead of all of the wonderful things that women CAN do and actually do within the church and in the Body of Christ. I mention this because the women of the Philippi church are acknowledged by Paul as MAJOR contributors to the church and his ministry, and it started with Lydia as the example for others to emulate.
Let’s now go to Philippians and get started. This is one of Paul’s epistles that he wrote while he was in prison. Paul shows a lot of affection for the members there.
Philippians 1:1-10 NIV
1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus,
To all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons:
2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
7 It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. 8 God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.
9 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.
This is a wonderful acknowledgment and affirmation of the church of Philippi. Paul is stating that he and the church are all of one heart and mind as to the love and work of the believers in Jesus Christ.
From here, let’s take a look at why the Philippian church was a great model for today’s church.
Philippians 4:1 NIV
Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!
Here is Paul reiterating his love for the people of the church. He also wants the church to remain firm in their resolve to proclaim the truth, as they will receive an eternal reward. Every one of us, if we have the privilege of hearing the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant,” would be humbled and gratified to be in the presence of Jesus. That should be the goal for all of us.
Let’s continue:
Philippians 4:2-3 NIV
2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.
Since we were speaking about women in the church, Paul makes it a point to speak specifically about two other women there, Eoudia and Syntyche. The two of them are in a dispute, and they were probably not speaking to each other. Paul is imploring them to settle their differences, because he really cares about them. They both were co-laborers with Paul when he was there, and they are still serving the Lord, but the lingering dispute needs to be addressed. They need to end the silence and talk it out.
There are times when disputes arise within the church. Perhaps they are differences of opinion over something, but it is best to take such differences to the cross of Christ and leave them right there.
Romans 12:16-18 NIV
16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
Do you have a dispute with someone right now? Pray about it and take the matter to the Lord. Pull that person aside and discuss it to a reasonable conclusion. We’re not insensitive robots—we are people who have the commonality of looking upward—looking to Jesus. Live that passion for the Lord out within your relationships, as well. Live in unity. Be peacemakers.
Philippians 4:4-7
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
When you pray, do you give God the praise for who he is? Well, you should. Prayer, as a practice, should follow the example of Jesus when the disciples asked him how to pray (Matthew 6:9-13; Luke 11:1-4). We can get into bad habits by immediately launching into a prayer request without acknowledging the very One we are praying to. In Paul’s statement, he is calling for his church to rejoice in spite of the problems that are present. Rejoice because Jesus is in their midst. And pray because the Lord will hear and answer their concerns with His peaceful presence. What a beautiful reminder for all of us that Jesus wants to hear from you and to cast your cares upon Him. He can handle all of it and provides you with His loving kindness and assurance in return.
1 Peter 5:6-7 NIV
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
When you are feeling lowly, Jesus knows it. He simply wants you to humble yourself before Him. It is the greatest “die to self” moment that you can have before Him. It should matter more than anything that he cares about whatever you are going through. Experience His peace.
Paul summarizes this portion of his letter with these words:
Philippians 4:8-9 NIV
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
These words were encouraging the church to emulate what Paul did in his ministry—not follow him—but put into practice the things that Paul did as a follower of Jesus. He was imploring them to avoid those things that would detract from being Christlike and to adopt those things that allowed them to shine before others as ministers of Jesus. The church was well-known for its love and charity, and these things were not done for applause or accolades, but all for the cause of Christ.
The church at Philippi reflects the ideal church that every body of believers should emulate:
- People of love
- People of unity
- People of gentleness
- People of prayer
- People of praise
- People of peace
- People of principle
- People of power in Jesus Christ
Paul said it well. Pray for this church and others like it who make the effort to stand on the Word of God. And make the determination that there is nothing else more important than being sensitive to the will of God as you trust in Jesus Christ.
Thanks be to God.
Copyright © 2025 Melvin Gaines.
1 Apostle Paul life, teaching & theology. Christian Pilgrimage Journeys. (n.d.). https://www.christian-pilgrimage-journeys.com/biblical-sources/apostle-paul-life-teaching-theology/philippi-a-loyal-church-a-long-tradition/#:~:text=The%20church%20of%20Philippi%20was,(and%20some%20Roman)%20people.
2 Norton, J. (2024, May 23). Lessons from the Philippian Church. LEAD BIBLICALLY. https://www.leadbiblically.com/lessons-from-the-philippian-church/#:~:text=The%20Philippian%20church%20was%20the,Philippians%201:6
Melvin Gaines 