Philippians 4
-Paul’s final exhortation, encouragement, and prayer in
chapter four begins with a plea to stand firm in a chapter we may theme “the
joy of peace and giving.” A personal note follows to Euodia and Syntyche to
agree in the Lord along with other fellow workers whose names are in the book
of life (Psalm 69:28, Philippians 4:1-3, Revelation 3:5; 13:8; 17:8; 20:12, 15;
21:27). Paul repeats his encouragement for rejoicing always (Philippians 1:18;
2:17-18, 28; 3:1). He tells them to let their forbearing spirit be gentle (epieikas- gentle, kind, reasonable,
gracious, yielding, tolerant) because the Lord is near (Philippians 4:4-5). He
then gives some of the best advice in all of Scripture. He tells his readers to
be anxious (unduly concerned, worried) for nothing, but in everything by prayer
(communication with God) and supplication (an entreaty unto God, a crying out)
with thanksgiving let our requests be made known to God. And the peace of God,
which goes far beyond our comprehension and understanding, will guard (protect,
keep) our hearts and your minds IN Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7).
-*Application* Why is it so hard for us to have peace and
joy and kindness and gentleness in this world without all the anxiety and fear
and worry and fretting? It has everything to do with our absence of faith in
these times. Peace can ultimately come when we are in the presence of God
through prayer and supplication and giving of thanks despite any grievous
perception of hardships or difficulties. Our outlook matters, and we must
remember that the Lord is always near, right at the door knocking (Revelation
3:20). He wants to come IN and give us rest from our struggles. My friend, seek
the peace of God and all His wonderful and astounding benefits. This is the key
to unlocking the gift of contentment, which Paul is about to expound upon.
-Paul now gives us a list of things to meditate on and think
about as we go through life. The command is to dwell the heart and mind on
whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable (appealing),
excellence, and praiseworthy. Practice these things Paul says and follow his
example as he follows Christ Jesus (1 Corinthians 11:1, Philippians 3:17; 4:8-9,
Hebrews 6:12).
-*Application* The battle for the soul begins and ends in
the mind. As a man thinks in his heart so is he (Proverbs 23:7). Put your mind
in the right place, in surrender to the Lord, and He will grant you all you
need for righteousness and peace (2 Peter 1:3, 1 John 2:27).
-Paul now explains the contented life through all of its ups
and downs. Paul had been brought low and he had abounded; he had plenty and
hunger, abundance and need (Philippians 4:11-12). In whatever circumstance, or
situation, he was in he had learned to be content without want. This is why he
can now say that he can do all things through Christ who strengthens him
(Philippians 4:13). Giving now becomes the primary them as Paul makes mention
of their kindness and generosity, which will be applied to their credit in the
Kingdom of God. Paul was feeling amply supplied in abundance with perfect
contentment. And, he knows that God will supply all of the saints’ needs
according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. He is the One to be given glory
forever and ever. With this said, Paul bids good-bye to his beloved with grace
and greeting from those with him including members of Caesar’s household (this
to me is a proof that Paul wrote from Rome). He wanted their spirits to be
content and at perfect rest even though he was in prison. This was the all-consuming
love Paul had for his people (Philippians 4:14-23). *Application* Contentment
is a hard thing to find in this American culture that we find ourselves a part
of. We always seem to want more and more, but things and successes and selfish
abundance only compound the problems we have within ourselves. Be happy with
what you do have and the blessings that have been bestowed to you rather than
worrying or stressing about what you don’t have. Godliness with content is a
means of great gain (1 Timothy 6:6-11). Be content even in the tough times and
have grace to endure in whatever suffering the Lord allows you to go through.
This is good stuff to live by from the Word of God. He will always amply supply
our needs in abundance.
Verse to Memorize-
Philippians 4:4-8, 11, 13, 19
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