Wierwille, V.P.-The Christians Joy and Crown

The Christian’s Joy and Crown

Another Study in Abundant Living by VICTOR PAUL WIERWILLE This book is in the public domain. For more teachings by V. P. Wierwille, E. W. Bullinger and others, go to: www.eternallyblessed.org The Scripture used throughout this study is quoted from the King James Version unless otherwise noted. Any explanatory insertions by the author within a Scripture verse are enclosed in brackets [ ]. The first word in Philippians, chapter 4, indicates that something has gone before. "Therefore" is a conjunction, and in order to get the impact of what the author is endeavouring to say, we must start with verse 20 of chapter 3. For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Philippians 3:20. The word "conversation" is the Greek word politeuma meaning "seat of government." Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. Philippians 3:21.

Now we can see how it fits together. "For our seat of government is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour..." When the Saviour comes, we will also have our bodies changed, fashioned like His glorious body. If we read I Thessalonians, chapter 4; with this in mind, it will fit like a hand in a glove; for it tells us that the dead in Christ shall rise first, and we which are alive shall be changed.

Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved. Philippians 4:1.

Because our seat of government is in heaven, "Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord..."

Men and women should want to stand fast in the Lord because of what Christ has done for them, and because He is coming back.

We know that we are saved by grace. If we do not know it we ought to learn it, because we can never be saved by good works. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2:8, 9.

After we are saved, we should do good works here upon earth. When the Father sends His Son back from heaven, then, we are going to be judged, (rewarded). There are two words for the word "judgment" in the New Testament: one is the seat of judgment where AWARDS are presented, and the other is the seat of judgment of CONDEMNATIONS. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. Romans 14:12. Of what are we going to give an account? This account is only of what we have done for Him AFTER we have been saved. Every time we stand fast for the Lord, it is accounted unto us; it is set to our account. When we are born again of God’s Spirit, we are going to be in heaven; but, the thing we should be concerned with now is to DO the things here upon earth which will be laid to our account for awards. Why should we want only to get "inside of the door of heaven" when we can go into the "living room of heaven."

"Therefore, my brethren," Paul says, "dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown..." Who is the joy and crown of the Apostle Paul? The ones to whom he taught the Word of God; the ones whom he saw saved, healed, etc. He said "you are my joy and crown; you stand fast."

Look at I Thessalonians, chapter 2, For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? For ye are our glory and joy. I Thessalonians 2:19, 20. With the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, those whom Paul taught and those who were his hope, joy and crown, will appear before the Father. "...even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?"

"...so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved." The word "stand fast" used here in Philippians 4:1, is the same usage as in Philippians 1:27, ...that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith*(family faith) of the gospel;

* The "common" faith of Romans 10:17 and the "household" of faith in Galatians 6:10 make what is called "family" faith because Christianity is a family affair. The Father with His family, His children; God is our Father, we are His children.

"...that ye stand fast..." This word literally is "strong" in the text. When we stand together we are strong. If, I am strong in the Lord, and you are strong in the Lord, and so, together we move ahead. This is tremendous because of certain things that happened in the ministry of the Apostle Paul. He said that these people were his joy and crown, and that they were to be strong in the Lord together. And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God. But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus. And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks. Acts 19:8-10.

It was simply tremendous how the Word of God was spread throughout the country. Yet, if you will notice in II Timothy 1:15, all Asia forsook Paul. This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me;...

How do you think the Apostle Paul felt, knowing that his joy and crown were the believers, and that as they would stand strong in the Lord the ministry would move? But, before the death of the Apostle Paul, the greatness of the revelation, which God had given to him, had already been lost. For the most part this knowledge is still lost today, very few people know about it. The Word says that all Asia heard the Word of the Lord Jesus, yet later, all Asia had left him. It reminds one of the Lord Jesus Christ, when He was here upon earth doing signs, miracles and wonders, and when multitudes followed Him. When you read the Word of God, however, you notice that when it was time for Him to be crucified, all fled, and the rabble cried, "Crucify him! Crucify him!"

According to the prophecy in Zechariah 13:7, also quoted in Matthew 26:31 and Mark 14:27;

...smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered;...

Toward the close of his life, when Paul writes to his friend Timothy, Asia had already turned away from the Word of God, back to the enslavements, in which they had been engulfed and engrossed before they were set free by the Gospel.

Why do men and women want to go back to the "flesh pots of Egypt" when the Lord has set a table of abundance before them? Why do they want to go back to "building bricks without straw?" (Exodus 5:7.) It is just a trick of Satan endeavouring to defeat God’s people. Satan does this by trying to drive people away from the greatness of God’s Word, back to the works that have basically nothing to do with The Word. This has been so well explained by a man of God, who said, "When we come to ask ourselves and say, ’Where did I learn this? ’ it is astonishing to find how much we have imbibed from man and from tradition, and not directly from the Word of God." All that we have learned from our youth must be tested and proved by the Word of God. Where we find it is true we affirm it by reason of God’s Word. Where we find it is not true and does not stand the test of The Word we must not only be content but also thankful to give it up, and receive divine revelation in the place of man’s imagination. In Philippians 4:2 Paul says, I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord. The word beseech is a very good word in the dictionary. It literally means "implore."

Paul says, "I implore you two to be of the same mind in the Lord." What had happened was that one person said one thing, and the other said something else. That is why they were not strong in the Lord. If we are strong in the Lord we cannot have two opinions regarding truth. There are no two opinions possible regarding truth. Truth is truth, whether we believe it or not. We can have two opinions regarding facts, but not regarding truth. The moment we begin having an opinion, we are already wrong. Truth is truth; it is "thus saith the Lord," and that settles it. What we think does not make any difference. Here were these two fellows with different minds. It is much like in this day and age; everybody has opinions, and all are worthless. The reason we have opinions is that we do not "rightly divide" The Word. If the Word of God is rightly divided, we have The true Word; when it is wrongly divided, we have error. When we wrongly divide (misquote) we are working in Satan’s field. Wherever it is The true Word, it again means, "thus saith the Lord."

Paul implored them and said, "Euodias and Syntyche, if you want to stand fast in the Lord, you must be of the same mind." One cannot be pulling one way and another the other way, and expect to be strong in the Lord.

Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Philippians 2:2.

Paul’s joy was fulfilled when they walked in the same mind. To have the same mind is to be of one accord, to have unity of purpose. The word "one accord" means "unity of purpose. " And I entreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellow labourers, whose names are in the book of life. Philippians 4:3.

I believe we understand the word "yokefellow" from its usage. This is the only place in the Bible where it is used.

"...help those women which laboured with me in the gospel..." The women also must have worked with the Apostle Paul in the gospel. Why, then, should people say that women have no right to preach, teach or share The Word? The Word says, "whose names are in the book of life." The book of life is a living, spiritual record of events which belongs to God. Those who have been born of God’s Spirit have their names in the book of life. (Revelation 13:8) We frequently use the term "life is an open book." We live another page in that book every day. We are able to live because, of our birth. Our parents did not need a paper book to write our names down in order for them to know that we belonged to their book of life, neither do we need a book to keep record of our children’s names and works. Just living is the record. So also are we in the mind of God, for The Word says that he knew us from before the foundation of the world. God knew who would believe on His Son and are therefore, born into His family.

Rejoice in the Lord alway; and again I say, Rejoice. Philippians 4 :4 .

"Rejoice...," this is terrific! If we know what we have in Christ, then we should rejoice in Him; "live on top of the heap."

Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Philippians 4:5. The word "moderation" means "forbearance ," meaning patience in self-control. "Let your moderation (forbearance) be known unto all men..." The word "known" is a very unique word. There are five different Greek words for "known," and it is these little shades of meaning that make all the difference in the accuracy of The Word. The word here is "to know by having learned or experienced." When you read "Let your moderation be known unto all men...," it does not fit into The Word, Why should our moderation be known to all men? It should be nobody else’s business. No man should be judged in meat, in drink or in respect of an holy day. No man is to be our judge. "Let your moderation (forbearance) be known (learned)...," "...let us learn to forbear by experience." When you work The Word it will fit.

"...The Lord is at hand," These words mean "The Lord is always at hand." Commentaries say it means, "time for the Lord to come." He is in us, so let us learn forbearance, the Lord is here; the Lord is at hand. He is watching over us, so let us be mindful of this. Be careful for nothing;... Philippians 4:6 .

These words cannot fit into The Word in the way that they are phrased. The word "careful" is the word "anxious." Literally it means, "Do not be filled with anxiety regarding anything." We should be careful when it comes to the Word of God. Many times we have not been careful to handle the Word of God, we have tried to force it upon people.

...but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. Philippians 4:6b. The word "request" is "special petition." The word "known" is the word exegeomai – "declared." The essence of "prayer and supplication" is, to be specific regarding your need and want. "Specifically, let your needs be declared unto God with thanksgiving," that your mind may be renewed in what you have in Him. And the peace of God, which passeth all understand-ing, shall (absolutely) keep your hearts and minds (thoughts) through (in)Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7. The word "mind" is the word "thoughts." When we declare our requests with thanksgiving, the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep our hearts and minds (thoughts) through (in) Christ Jesus. "Through" is the preposition "in." Isn’t this a wonderful verse: There are two things in this verse: the one is salvation and the other is our walk. "The peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall (absolutely) keep your hearts..." It is the seat of your spiritual life God is going to keep, because this is seed; this is eternal life. Therefore; because this is true, We keep our thoughts in Christ Jesus and we are of one mind walking according to the Word of God. Paul says, "then you are my joy; my crown."

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8.

Think! What we think we are going to manifest. We never rise beyond what we think. The reason some people can always say negative things is due to the fact that they are always thinking negatively. We are more prone to find fault than to find good in people. The moment we start thinking about that fault, it will magnify itself, and before we know it, that person will appear to us in the way we think. The Word of God says that our thoughts are to be in Christ Jesus. If our thoughts are in Christ Jesus, then we think that which is pure, honest and good. It is just as easy to think good as it is to think evil. We live in the kind of world where so many people always want us to think negatively. We must make up our minds whether we are going to think as The Word says, or think as the world says.

Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, (you) do: and(if you do) the God of peace shall be with you. But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care (thinking) of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, (mindful, in text) but ye lacked opportunity. Philippians 4:9 ,10 . When we work The Word minutely and accurately, the word "care" is a matter of "thinking." Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. Philippians 4:11.

"For I learned, in whatsoever state I am, to be content." When used in this way, these words do not fit with the context of The Word. The text reads literally: "I learned in whatsoever state I am, I am self adequate." Christ in you, makes you self adequate. Are you lacking anything according to the Word of God? The Word says, "Ye are complete in Him." If we are complete, we are complete; we cannot lack anything. "Therefore, in every situation we are more than conquerors, we are self adequate."

I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound; every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. Philippians 4:12.

"...everywhere and in all things...," whether he had little or an abundance he was still self adequate. Isn’t that wonderful!

"...I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need." "I am instructed" – These three words literally, in the text, are translated "initiated into the secret;" (mystēron, from which the English word "mystery" is derived). The meaning of the word "instructed," in the text, is "to be initiated into the secret," (and this is a secret) how to be self contained or self adequate, whether we lack or whether we have an abundance. Paul has been "initiated into the secret" of how to live. Because some people have been initiated only into the secret of poverty, they want to stay there all the time. If they ever had an abundance, they wouldn’t know what to do with it. We might paraphrase Paul’s statement thus, "I have been initiated into the secret. When it comes to having physical or material needs, I move on; when I abound in material and physical possessions I move on also. In every situation, I am self adequate.

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:13. The words "can do" literally mean "I am strong." Most people quote this verse out of context. Paul is talking about how to live with an abundance, and how to live with a minimum amount, and in every situation to be self adequate. "Therefore," he says, "I am strong; I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." This is a verse of Scripture many use regarding giving up chewing tobacco, smoking, etc. This verse has nothing to do with such matters. It deals specifically with having or not having a sufficiency in material or physical matters.

Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction. Philippians 4:14. The words "that ye did communicate," mean "having had fellowship with." "Ye have well done, having had fellowship with my affliction."

Most people believe that "affliction" is "sickness." The accuracy of the word "affliction" is explained in the last word of verse 16, "necessity." "...even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity." Paul said, "...ye have well done, having had fellowship with my necessity." This verse cannot be understood unless we ourselves have been in the same situation. If we have always had an abundance of material things, and never suffered need, we have not experienced "the fellowship of necessities." Paul is saying they have had fellowship with him, because they themselves had at one time suffered lack and another time they had an abundance.

Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. Philippians 4:15 ,16. The words "once and again," mean twice. "Ye sent twice unto my necessity." Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. Philippians 4:17. The word "desire" is the same as the word "seek." Not that he was seeking a gift from them, because he did not ask them for material things; he desired that fruit might abound to their account. Every time these people communicated with the necessity of the Apostle Paul, God set the communication(good works) to their account. But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God. Philippians 4:18.

All they did was to communicate with the necessity of the Apostle Paul, and Paul said that this was "well pleasing and acceptable to God, and was set to their account." This has nothing to do with their salvation, but everything to do with their walk and reward. But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19.

Now you will understand this in context. This verse literally refers to material things, not to spiritual things. They had given of their material things to the Apostle Paul; ministered to his necessity. Paul is saying, "Now that you have communicated towards me, God also now will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." There is a law that as you give, you will receive. This law works with a mathematical exactness and scientific precision. God shall supply your need materially, according to His riches in glory, by Christ Jesus. The word "glory" is the same as in II Corinthians 12:5. Here it says, "...my God shall supply all your need according to HIS foreknowledge." He knows our need before we ask.

Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Philippians 4:20.

"Glory" in this verse refers to OUR real knowledge of Him. Again, it is the same word used in II Corinthians 12:5.

Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you. Philippians 4:21.

Salute means "to greet." Notice it says "...in Christ Jesus..." It never says that you are in Jesus. This would not be accurate, because the name "Jesus" is always associated with His humility. Whenever people wanted to humiliate Him they called Him "Jesus." The devil spirits never called Him "Christ" in The Word, they always called Him "Jesus." The word "Christ" means "anointed" or "anointing." In John 1:41 we find the word "’Messias’ which is, being interpreted, the Christ;" the promised anointed one. According to Acts 2:36, "...God hath made that same Jesus,...(the humiliated one) both Lord and Christ." According to Acts 10:38 God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost." This anointing made Jesus the Christ, the promised anointed one (Messias) to Israel. When you are born again of God’s Spirit, it is "Christ in you," and at that moment you are "in Christ," not "in Jesus."

All the saints salute you, chiefly (especially) they that are of Caesar’s household. Philippians 4:22. The Word of God must have reached into government circles in the early days, because it reached into Caesar’s household. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. Philippians 4:23. In order to understand Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ which (who)strengtheneth me." and Philippians 4:19, "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus," we should read Galatians 6:6-10. Here Paul is speaking regarding many of these things.

Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things. Galatians 6:6. In other words, Paul is saying, "I taught you the Word of God, now you communicate, you share in all good things (materially) with me, because I taught you these things." Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. Galatians 6:7, 8. This verse should be specifically noted in context. Paul is talking about the people to whom he ministered the Word of God. He is saying that if they did not stand with him but turned against him, as they did according to II Timothy, that they "Be not deceived, God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, (in this relationship) that shall he also reap." "For he that soweth to his flesh (and that is exactly what happened under Paul’s ministry. He taught them the Word of God, but because of intimidations by the Jews, they went back to the flesh), shall of (in) the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to (unto) the Spirit (God) (to sow to the Spirit is to stand fast with one mind on the Word of God, manifesting the power of God which is to lay up for yourself rewards), shall of the Spirit (God) reap life everlasting." This is to reap in active life now and in the future age. It is literally life more abundant. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him...And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons. Colossians 3:17,23-25. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Galatians 6:9. The word "season" means "time." The word "shall," means absolutely." We shall absolutely reap, if we do not become weary. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:10. The word "men," is in italics; therefore it should be deleted. We should be good especially to those who are of the household of faith. That is what the Word of God says. When Christians have trouble among themselves they are no longer walking in the light. We are to walk in the light as He is the light, and we will be doing good to those in the household of faith, for which we shall also be rewarded. The joy of every Christian is to "stand fast in the Lord" in our day by day walk. The crown is the reward which in its greatest sense will be ours at His return, but in a literal sense it is ours even now, for as we walk we have the joy and peace found in the "one mind," we have the physical and material blessings needed for the more abundant life now. For we do have "all sufficiency for all things," and as sons of God we are in every situation, "self adequate."