How to behave in Church

Read Philippians 4.

In chapter two, the Holy Spirit guided the Apostle Paul to lay a foundation of what a believer's attitude should be.  The example of Christ was one of humility.  He did not demand His rights, but put them aside and willingly suffered to meet our need for redemption.  Now, in the closing chapter, he addressed some practical issues for the congregation.

1. Be Faithful by standing firm in the Lord. (v.1)
In this culture of political correctness, many have compromised their faith in the Bible in order to accommodate false beliefs and sinful behaviors.  Ministry flows through relationships.  But while we are to love people and serve them, we are never allowed to flinch on the Scriptures.  Being faithful to God means we are obedient to what God has said.

2. Be humble by living in harmony with each other. (v.2-3)
Whatever the disagreement was, the rift between these two women had reached a point where Paul felt he needed to say something.  Churches everywhere have been damaged and ministries stunted due to individuals in a congregation who could not get along.  All too often the church leadership does not step in to deal with the issue before it becomes sin.  Such people forget who the enemy is.  It is not another believer.  These were good women who needed help to resolve the problem and get back to serving the Lord.

3. Be cheerful by rejoicing in the Lord. (v.4)
Philippians is often called "the epistle of joy" because of the frequent use of the words joy and rejoice.  A person without Jesus may only find their happiness in their circumstances.  When life is good and going their way, they can rejoice.  A follower of Jesus is learning that circumstances are constantly changing but God and our faith in Him does not.  He is always in control.  He is always faithful.  His love for us and commitment to us never changes.  For this reason, Paul could write we are to "rejoice in the Lord always".

Paul gave his own testimony of the power of this truth in verses 10-13.  He "learned in whatever situation I am to be content."  That was not because everything in his life went well.  It did not.  He could rejoice and be content because Christ strengthened him through it all (v.13).

4. Be reasonable in dealing with everyone. (v.5)
Some translations have used the word "moderation" (KJV), or "forbearing spirit" (NAS), or "gentleness" (NIV).  The Greek has to do with behaving in an appropriate, patient, mild mannered way.  It is this response that we are to be known for inside and outside the church.  To Pastor Titus, Paul wrote "to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people."