Having reminded the Philippians of their heavenly citizenship and their glorious destiny, Paul returns to the pastoral concerns of the present. The Philippian church needs to have the mind of Christ and stand firm in the unity of the gospel as they face those who are the “enemies of the cross of Christ.” Then they can truly live in joy and contentment and experience the fullness of the grace of God in their community.

4:1–3 · Encouragements to steadfastness and unity:Paul begins this section with another “therefore” (4:1) as he gathers all of what he has told the Philippians into a single restatement of his message: the Philippians, whom Paul loves, are to remain faithful to the Lord. Paul emphatically states that he not only loves the Philippians but also longs to be with them. Paul lon…