Stand firm (4739) steko by Greek Word Studies

THEREFORE MY BELOVED BRETHREN WHOM I LONG TO SEE MY JOY AND CROWN: Hoste, adelphoi mou agapetoi kai epipothetoi chara kai stephanos mou: (Philippians 3:20 21; 2Pe 3:11, 12, 13, 14) (MacArthur Phil 4:1-9 Leave Me Alone I Can't Cope) (Philippians 2:16; 2Co 1:14) Therefore is a term of conclusion which Dwight Pentecost explains as follows... It is unfortunate that in our text the chapter break comes between Phil 3:21 and 4:1 for we miss Paul’s implication. Because Jesus Christ is the Savior of the body, and because Jesus Christ has an eternal destiny for this body, and because this body throughout all eternity will serve a purpose in the plan of God and will be an instrument through which God will manifest His glory forever, we have a responsibility to God as to how we use this body now. Whereas these false teachers are telling the Philippians that it doesn’t matter how they live, that it doesn’t matter what they do with their bodies, Paul says it does matter in the light of the purpose God has for this body in the redemption that is provided by the Savior. (Pentecost, J. D. The Joy of Living: A study of Philippians. Kregel Publications) Eadie on therefore (hoste)... We might conclude that hoste is generally and in spirit an inference from the entire chapter, and in form and more especially from its last paragraph, which describes such power as believers hope to be realized at the second advent. (The Epistle to the Philippians - Online) Beloved brethren - This same phrase in 1Cor 15:58; Phil 4:1; Jas 1:16, Jas 1:19; Jas 2:5 Eadie... The apostle's mind turns away from the enemies of the cross to the genuine believers; and his heart opens itself to them, and opens all the more unreservedly from the contrast. He weeps over the one party, as he thinks of their awful destiny; but his soul is filled with holy rapture when he turns to the other party, and as he contemplates their coming glory. The epithets are the coinage of a jubilant spirit. The accumulation of them proceeds from his conscious inability to express all his ardor. Indeed, the language of endearment is fond of such repetitions... The apostle terms them “brethren beloved”—children of one spiritual Parent—forming one happy family—and rejoicing to meet at length in the Father's house of “many mansions.” They were spiritually dear to him; his heart clasped them with special fondness— epipothetos. See Php 1:8; 2:26. (The Epistle to the Philippians - Online) Beloved (27) (agapetos from agape) is a word that describes one who is very dear to another or who is very much loved. It is the very word the Father uses of His Son declaring This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased. (Mt 3:17 ) By addressing the saints as beloved, Paul is speaking of the deep feeling he has in his heart toward them. He adds that they are his joy and his crown, accentuating the deep contentment which the Philippians as a body of believers bring to his heart. Long (1973) (epipothetos from epi = intensifies + pothéō = to yearn) (Click for study of related word epipotheo) is an adjective which describes a strong desire, an intense craving of possession, a great affection for, a deep desire, an earnest yearning for something with implication of need. Here it describes the natural yearning of personal affection. Paul loved the saints at Philippi and had a longing for the joy of renewed fellowship with them face to face. Eadie notes that epipothetos occurs only here in the New Testament. The apostle's heart yearned toward them, and there was reason for this indescribable longing,— they were his “joy and crown” (cp 1Th 2:19)...They were a source of gladness to him, in their rescue from sin and danger, in their spiritual change, and in its visible development. Nay, as he had been so instrumental in their conversion, they were to him even now a wreath of honor. (The Epistle to the Philippians - Online) Joy (5479) (chara) (Click for word study of chara) is like a golden thread Paul interweaves throughout this letter (Joy is a repeated emphasis in this letter-Php 1:4, 1:18, 1:25, 2:2, 2:17, 2:18, 2:28, 2:29, 3:1, 4:1, 4:4, 4:10). Joy is the deep-down sense of well-being that abides in the heart of the person who knows all is well between himself and the Lord. It is not an experience that comes from favorable circumstances and in fact can still be manifest when those circumstances are the most painful and severe (Jn 16:20, 21, 22). Emotional fluctuations do not trouble this source of joy for it is a gift of God to believers who manifest it as they cultivate the fruit of His Spirit (Gal 5:22-note). Paul speaks here than just a mood. This is a deep confidence that was rooted in God’s sovereign control of the universe, His on unchanging divine promises & eternal spiritual realities including the assurance of ultimate victory for those in Christ. Crown (4735) (stephanos [word study] from stepho = to encircle, twine or wreathe) refers to the crown of victory (often a laurel wreath) in the Greek athletic games, to the runner who crossed the goal first, to the disc thrower with the longest toss, etc. Obviously this "crown" would bring great contentment and a sense of accomplishment to the victor, but these feeling would fade because the laurel wreath had already become to wilt the moment it was picked from the tree! What a contrast with the "crown" Paul exults in! The Philippian believers were his crown which were a source of immeasurable joy and a justifiable sense of accomplishment. Stephanos - 25x in 25v - Matt 27:29; Mark 15:17; John 19:2, 5; Acts 6:5, 8f; 7:59; 8:2; 11:19; 22:20; 1 Cor 9:25; Phil 4:1; 1 Thess 2:19; 2 Tim 4:8; Jas 1:12; 1 Pet 5:4; 10" class="scriptRef">Rev 2:10; 3:11; 4:4, 10; 6:2; 9:7; 12:1; 14:14 Eadie... The term stephanos is often used in a similar sense (wreath of honor). See also Pr. 4:9, 12:4, 14:24, 16:31, 17:6; Isa. 28:5. The expression was a common one. The scene of the first introduction of the gospel to Philippi recurred for a moment to his memory—the preaching of the truth, the impression made, the anxious inquiries put, the decided change produced, the organization of the church, and its growth and prosperity, as the result of his labors, prayers, and sufferings. His success he wore as a garland of imperishable verdure. If he who saved in battle the life of a Roman citizen received from his grateful countrymen an oaken garland, ob civem servatum, how much more might their apostle call them saved and blessed by his ministry, “my crown”! He was not insensible to the high honor of being the founder and guardian of such a community. That this joy might not fail, and that this crown might not wither, he adds in earnest and loving tone— “so stand in the Lord.” (The Epistle to the Philippians - Online) The Philippian believers like a crown testified to the genuineness of Paul's ministry. This idea of genuineness of his ministry was alluded to earlier in this letter Paul describing the saints as those who continually were... holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may have cause to glory because I did not run (as the runners did in the ancient Olympics) in vain nor toil in vain (uselessly, without success). (Php 2:16-note) What Paul was saying is that on that day when he stands before the Judgment Seat of Christ, the genuineness of the Philippian saints lives and testimony would be a cause for Paul to exult for it would bring forth the approval of His Lord regarding the race that he had run. And so he "wore" the Philippians as if they were his "joy and crown", testifying to the authenticity of His ministry and the efficacy of the gospel. In a similar display of affection for the Thessalonian saints Paul wrote who is our hope or joy or crown of exultation? Is it not even you, in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming? For you are our glory and joy (1Th 2:19, 20-note) Paul later added in the same letter what thanks can we render to God for you in return for all the joy with which we rejoice before our God on your account as we night and day keep praying most earnestly that we may see your face, and may complete what is lacking in your faith?. (1Th 3:9, 10-note) Is there some brother or sister in Christ who will be your joy and crown in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming? If you cannot answer in the affirmative, then empowered by His Spirit and the authoritative command of our Lord Jesus Go therefore and make disciples (aorist imperative = command to be obeyed immediately. Conveys a sense of urgency. It's like a military command from the "Captain of the Hosts" [Josh 5:14, 15]. Disciples = "learners"!) of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit teaching them to observe all that (Jesus) commanded", in full confidence that you will succeed for He Himself promised "lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." (Mt 28:18, 19, 20) Daniel records that those who have insight will shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead the many to righteousness (right living before God and man), like the stars forever and ever. (Daniel 12:3) Beloved, redeem this brief moment in eternity He has graciously allotted you to perform good works (see study of Good Deeds), works that bring Him glory throughout the ages to come. SO STAND FIRM IN THE LORD, MY BELOVED: houtos stekete (2PPAM) en kurio, agapetoi: (Ps 27:14; Mt 10:22; John 15:3; 15:4; Acts 2:42; 11:23; Ro 2:7 Col 4:12; 1Th 3:13; 2Ti 2:1; Heb 3:14; 4:14; 10:23, 35; 36; Jude 1:20; 21 Rev 3:10,11) (MacArthur Spiritual Stability) So (houtos) means - in this way, in this manner, thus, so. The reference is to what precedes. From the context, why would they need to "stand firm"? Paul has just exposed some men in their midst who were enemies of the Cross of Christ and were living solely to please self not Savior (Php 3:18, 19-note). He knows that it would be tempting to follow their example, falsely believing that it does not really matter what one does with his or her body. He countered this aberrant thinking reminding them of the truth concerning their glorious future. It is in this context that Paul calls on his beloved saints to continue standing firm in the power and Person of the Lord Jesus Christ, Who is now their life (cf Col 3:4-note) Eadie agrees writing that houtos relates... especially to the two preceding verses, and as being in virtual contrast with the description of Phil 3:18, 19. In opposition to those who were sunk in sensuality and earthliness, and on whom the cross of Christ exercised no spiritualizing power, they were to live as the citizens of a better country (Php 3:19), their mind lifted above the world by such an ennobling connection, and thrilled at the same time with the prospect of the Savior's advent, to transform and prepare their physical nature for that realm in which they should have an ultimate and a permanent residence (Php 3:20). And he concludes with a second beloved,—so great is the reaction from kai klaion ("even weeping")), and so great his attachment to his Philippian converts. (The Epistle to the Philippians - Online) Dwight Pentecost explains it this way... By “stand fast in the Lord” Paul means realizing experientially in your daily life the purpose God has for this body. As He purposes that throughout eternity it (the body) should be an instrument to His glory, so now, too, it should be an instrument to His glory. It must not become a vehicle through which lust and sin manifest themselves. It must be a vehicle through which righteousness and holiness are manifested, through which God is glorified in the believer’s life. This is the theme that the apostle has emphasized over and over again. (Pentecost, J. D. The Joy of Living: A study of Philippians. Kregel Publications) Writing to the church at Corinth Paul commanded them... Flee (present imperative = command to continually run from. Why present tense? Because we live in a fallen world and walk around with a fallen flesh nature and at any moment are vulnerable [when He is not our shield and strength] to being seduced by the deceptive [He 3:13-note] passing pleasures of sin [He 11:25-note]) immorality (porneia = fornication = misuse of their body). Every other sin that a man commits is outside the body, but the immoral man sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit Who is in you, Whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? (Any habit that a believer has that in any way destroys this temple is meddling with God’s property and has no place in the life of a believer) For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body. (1Corinthians 6:18, 19, 20) As discussed in Php 3:20, 21 (see notes) God has both a temporal and an eternal purpose for our body. It follows that believers have no right to pervert or distort God's purpose by using their bodies as instruments to serve self and sin. As Paul explained to the Corinthians, the body is presently the instrument through which God is glorified. Corinth was a city well known for abuse of one's body in various forms of sexual sin and it may have been tempting to invoke the modern axiom "Well everyone else is doing it so it can't be that bad!" Paul is saying that it matters what believers do with their bodies because both our souls and our bodies have been redeemed by the blood of Christ and therefore our bodies must not be used as instruments of sin but as instruments of righteousness (right living). It is only as those who call themselves "Christian" live supernatural lives that they present to the lost world a proper opinion of the Creator and His power and purpose for mankind. Paul taught the same truth in Romans exhorting the saints to present, not their minds or their hearts, but their bodies to God... I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. (Ro 12:1-note) Stand firm (4739) (steko) can mean to stand literally ("whenever you stand praying..." Mk 11:25) but in the other NT uses steko is used figuratively meaning in a positive sense of to stand firm in faith and duty, to be constant, to persevere, to remain steadfast, to continue in a state. It can mean to be firmly committed in conviction or belief. In Jn 8:44 Jesus uses steko in a negative sense describing the fact that the devil absolutely does not stand in the truth. The present imperative in the present passage is a command calling for the saints to continue to persevere and remain firm in their faith in the Lord, especially as it is manifest in what they do with their bodies! Early Paul had declared I press on toward the goal for the prize... (Php 3:14-note) which presents an interesting paradox. Believers can only stand firm in the Lord by pressing on to become more like the Lord. A Christian who is not moving forward is falling backward whether he or she realizes it or not! Steko occurs 11 times in the NT in the NASB: (Mark 3:31; 11:25; John 8:44; Rom 14:4; 1 Cor 16:13; Gal 5:1; Phil 1:27; 4:1; 1 Thess 3:8; 2 Thess 2:15; Rev 12:4) and is translated: stand, 2; stand firm, 4; standing, 1; standing firm, 2; stands, 2. Paul used steko in a similar way in his letter to the Thessalonians... 1Th 3:8 (note) for now we really live, if you stand firm in the Lord. And again in his second epistle Paul writes... 2Th 2:15 So then (In view of their high and holy calling explained in 2Th 2:13, 14, the saints are exhorted), brethren, stand firm (present imperative) and hold to (present imperative) the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us. Paul used (steko) exhorting the Philippian saints to conduct (present imperative) yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ; so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm (steko) in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel. (Php 1:27-note) How does one stand firm? In context first it is by doing so "in the LORD", in the strength He supplies and abiding in His word (Jn 8:31, 32). Jesus reminded His disciples to Abide (aorist imperative - Do this now! Don't delay!) in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you, unless you abide in Me. (Jn 15:4, cp why abiding is so critical -- Jn 15:5) The Psalmist adds that Those who trust in the LORD are as Mount Zion (God's holy city firmly set by Him on the hill), which cannot be moved, but abides forever." (Ps 125:1) Spurgeon's comment - They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion. The emphasis lies upon the object of their trust, namely, Jehovah the Lord. What a privilege to be allowed to repose in God] How condescending is Jehovah to become the confidence of his people! To trust elsewhere is vanity; and the more implicit such misplaced trust becomes the more bitter will be the ensuing disappointment; but to trust in the living God is sanctified common sense which needs no excuse, its result shall be its best vindication. There is no conceivable reason why we should not trust in Jehovah, and there is every possible argument for so doing; but, apart from all argument, the end will prove the wisdom of the confidence. The result of faith is not occasional and accidental; its blessing comes, not to some who trust, but to all who trust in the Lord. Trusters in Jehovah shall be as fixed, firm, and stable as the mount where David dwelt, and where the ark abode. To move mount Zion was impossible: the mere supposition was absurd. In Acts we see the role of encouragement in standing firm as Paul and Barnabas were "strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying, "Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God" (Acts 14:22) Forewarned is Forearmed Paul exhorted his beloved Corinthian saints to be (present imperative) steadfast (solidly in place, seated, firm, settled in one's belief. Used in secular Greek to describe the horse's back on which a rider sits!), immovable (firmly persistent), always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord" (1Co 15:58) In the same letter Paul later exhorted them to Be on the alert, stand firm (steko) in the faith, act like men, be strong. (1Cor 16:13) (Each verb in red is a command - all present imperatives) To the Galatian church in danger of falling into the fleshly trap of legalism (cp Gal 3:1, 2, 3, 5:7) Paul wrote that It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm (present imperative) (steko) and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery. (Gal 5:1) To the Ephesian church in the midst of intense spiritual warfare (see culture of Ephesus in Acts 19:19) Paul wrote be strong (present imperative) in the Lord, and in the strength of His might. Put on (aorist imperative - Do this now! Don't delay!) the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil...(and) take up (aorist imperative - Do this now! Don't delay!) the full armor of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm (aorist imperative - Do this now! Don't delay!) therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming missiles of the evil one. And take (aorist imperative - Do this now! Don't delay!) THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints." (Ep 6:10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18-see notes on spiritual warfare Ephesians 6:10; 11; 12; 13; 14; 15; 16; 17;18) Did you note the repetition of standing firm in the context of spiritual warfare? Paul shows us the role of prayer in standing firm reminding the saints at Colossae that Epaphras, who is one of your number, a bondslave of Jesus Christ, sends you his greetings, always laboring earnestly for you in his prayers, that (purpose clause -- the purpose of his intense praying) you may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God. (Col 4:12-note) Paul reminded the Thessalonians of the impact their walk had on him, writing for now we really live, if you stand firm (steko) in the Lord." (1Th 3:8-note) encouraging them in his second letter to "stand firm (steko) and hold to the traditions which you were taught (not "traditions of men" but the truths taught by Paul as he received them from the Lord), whether by word of mouth or by letter from us." (2Th 2:15) Peter also emphasizes the importance of truth in assuring that one stands firm reminding and exhorting them that "knowing this beforehand (that "untaught and unstable" people will "distort... the Scriptures to their own destruction"), be on your guard lest, being carried away by the error of unprincipled men, you fall from your own steadfastness" (2Pe 3:17-note) In the Lord - This defines the sphere or element in which (in Whom) they (and we) are to stand firm. Eadie adds that... To stand, or stand fast, in the Lord, is neither to wander out of Him, nor even to waver in connection with Him, but to remain immoveable in fellowship with Him (Ed: cp "abide in Him" 1Jn 2:24, 7-1John.2.28" class="scriptRef">27, 28, 4:13, Jn 15:4, 7, 9 - How do we "abide in Him"? One way is seen in Jn 8:31, cp 1Jn 2:24, Jn 15:7 - the Word is critical - not just for information, but transformation),—to live in Him without pause—to walk in Him without digression—to love Him without rival—and serve Him without compromise. It is here to be untouched by the ceremonial pride of the concision, and especially to be proof against the sensualism of the enemies of the cross. (The Epistle to the Philippians - Online) Jude eloquently sums up this topic of standing firm in the Lord, with this beautiful benediction Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen." (Jude 1:24, 25) So now dear beloved of Jehovah, Stand firm in the Lord ><>><>><> F B Meyer in his book The Epistle to the Philippians, a devotional commentary writes... STEADFASTNESS. Phil. 4:1 Steadfastness. The man who is backwards and forwards, mercurial, easily up to boiling point, and as soon down to zero, who is on the hooks and off ten times a week, now like a seraph flashing with zeal, now like a snail crawling in lethargy, who is everything by fits and starts and nothing long, will not have a happy Christian experience, nor will his influence tell in the Church or on the world. He may be a genius, but he will be a meteor dying in the dark. It is better to have for a friend and fellow-worker a man of less brilliance and with fewer ideas, who will be occupied by one thought, and give it regular and patient expression. In life, as in war, it is not the man that makes brilliant dashes, but he who can pursue a plan of strategy, week after week, that succeeds. In the Lord. The source of stability is to stand fast in the Lord. Our only hope of stability is in union with "the Rock." There is a sculpture in Spain of the Crucifixion, which is the only one of the kind. A fierce light falls on it from a hidden window. One hand is nailed to the Cross, the other is stretched out. The story is that lovers plighted their troth there, and afterwards, when the man was faithless, the woman came back to plead her case beneath the Cross, and the hand disengaged itself, and stretched towards her, whilst a voice said: "I was witness." Probably, however, the old sculptor meant that if one hand is nailed to the Cross in atonement, the other hand is quick to help; and if you want help to be stable, you will find a very present help in the thought that He is near. (F. B. Meyer. The Epistle to the Philippians - A Devotional Commentary) Philippians 4:2 I urge (1SPAI) Euodia and I urge (1SPAI) Syntyche to live in harmony (PAN) in the Lord (NASB: Lockman) Greek: Euodian parakalo (1SPAI) kai Suntuchen parakalo (1SPAI) to auto phronein (PAN) en kurio Amplified: I entreat and advise Euodia and I entreat and advise Syntyche to agree and to work in harmony in the Lord (Amplified Bible - Lockman) Lightfoot: I appeal to Euodia, and I appeal to Syntyche, to give up their differences and live at peace in the Lord. NLT: And now I want to plead with those two women, Euodia and Syntyche. Please, because you belong to the Lord, settle your disagreement. (NLT - Tyndale House) Phillips: Euodius and Syntache I beg you by name to make up your differences as Christians should! (Phillips: Touchstone) Wuest: Euodia I exhort, please, and Syntyche, I exhort, please, to be of the same mind in the Lord. (Eerdmans) Young's Literal: Euodia I exhort, and Syntyche I exhort, to be of the same mind in the Lord; I URGE EUODIA AND I URGE SYNTYCHE: Euodian parakalo (1SPAI) kai Suntuchen parakalo (1SPAI) After mentioning his joy and crown, now Paul addresses the two "thorns", so to speak, in the crown! The fact that he urges them to live in harmony, strongly implies they were at odds with each other. And they were such "thorns" in the body of believers at Philippi that Paul had even received word of it all the way back in his Roman prison cell! How often we discount what we think are "small squabbles" between believers in a local body because we assume they are of such little spiritual consequence! Paul's example tells us that when we identify a "Euodia" and "Syntyche" in our midst, we must seek to foster reconciliation and harmony between them for the sake of the overall health of our body. "Small squabbles" are clearly no small matter to the Lord! It is also noteworthy as Paul explains in Phil 4:3, that this squabble is between believers who "shared (his) struggle in the cause of the gospel" indicating that these were mature believers who were actively involved in the ministering the gospel at Philippi. It is sad but true that spiritual maturity does not guarantee freedom from the manifestations of the flesh nature that still resides in every believer. "Copy and paste the address below into your web browser in order to go to the original page which will allow you to access live links related to the material on this page - these links include Scriptures (which can be read in context), Scripture pop-ups on mouse over, and a variety of related resources such as Bible dictionary articles, commentaries, sermon notes and theological journal articles related to the topic under discussion." http://www.preceptaustin.org/philippians_41-7.htm#Stand%20firm%20(4739)%20steko

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Stand firm (4739) steko

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