Philippians 4
-Paul’s final exhortation, encouragement, and prayer in
chapter four begins with a plea to stand firm. 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.
He tells them to let their forbearing spirit be 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 your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God,
which goes far beyond our comprehension and understanding, will guard (protect,
keep) your 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, which
can 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), and 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. Dwell your 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). He makes mention of their kindness and generosity, which
will be applied to their credit in the Kingdom of God where every need is
supplied according to the riches in glory in Christ Jesus. He is to be given
glory forever and ever. Paul says 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 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!
Verse to Memorize-
Philippians 4:6-7, 11, 13, 19
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