Philippians 4 Bible Study – Reasons to Rejoice (Part 8)

Speaker: Pastor Gary Hamrick (Cornerstone Chapel)

Main Theme: Stand fast in the Lord and ensure your name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.

Key Points:

• Paul expresses deep affection for the Philippian church, calling them his “beloved,” “longed-for brethren,” “joy and crown.”

• Exhortation: “Stand fast in the Lord” (Greek: steako – to be persistent, consistent, immovable).

  • Same command given in Philippians 1:27 and 1 Corinthians 16:13.
  • Expect opposition because the world hates godly people (John 15:18-21).
  • Religious freedom in America is eroding; believers must stand unashamed and unafraid.

• Paul pleads with two women in the church, Euodia and Syntyche, to reconcile and “be of the same mind in the Lord.”

• He asks an unnamed “true companion” to help them resolve their conflict.

• Despite their disagreement, both women are genuine believers who labored in the gospel with Paul.

The Book of Life

• Mentioned once in Philippians 4:3 and seven times in Revelation.
• Also called “the Lamb’s Book of Life” (Revelation 21:27).
• Belongs to Jesus (the Lamb – referenced 28 times in Revelation).
• Contains the names of all who will live eternally in heaven.
• Only those whose names are in the book will enter heaven (Revelation 21:27).

When Are Names Written?

• Two possible views presented (both lead to the same conclusion):

  1. Names are written when a person trusts Christ as Lord and Savior.
  2. All who receive life start with their name in the book; names are blotted out only if they reject Christ.

• Supporting verses:

  • Revelation 3:4-5 – Jesus promises not to blot out the name of the one who overcomes.
  • Revelation 17:8 – Names written “from the foundation of the world.”
  • Psalm 69:27-28 – David prays for the names of his godless enemies to be blotted out of the book of the living.

• Explains God’s gracious provision for children who die before the age of accountability and for those with mental disabilities who cannot make a conscious decision for Christ (see 2 Samuel 12:23).

Conclusion & Gospel Appeal

• Everyone is invited to heaven (John 3:16), but entry requires your name to be in the book.
• The only thing that keeps a person out is prideful refusal to accept Jesus.
• Knowing your name is in the Lamb’s Book of Life is the 8th reason to rejoice.

Announcements

• National day of prayer and worship on the National Mall on May 17, 2026, commemorating 250 years since the 1776 call to prayer and fasting. Event details

Verses Referenced

• Philippians 4:1-3
• Philippians 1:8
• Philippians 1:27
• 1 Corinthians 16:13
• John 15:18-21
• Revelation 20:12
• Revelation 21:27
• Revelation 3:4-6
• Revelation 17:8
• Psalm 69:17-18, Psalm 69:27-28
• 2 Samuel 12:23
• John 3:16