Celebrate the Lord/The Hidden Secret

4 Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! 5 Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Philippians 4:4-5

Often the word here is translated ‘rejoice’. , It means something that happens inside people, a sense of joy welling up and making them happy inside. All that is important, but in his world and culture this rejoicing would have meant a public celebration. The world all around, in Ephesus, Philippi, Corinth and elsewhere used to organize great festivals, games and shows to celebrate their gods and their cities, not least the new ‘god’, Caesar himself. Why shouldn’t the followers of King Jesus celebrate exuberantly? It’s only right; and celebrating Jesus as Lord encourages and strengthens loyalty and obedience to him.

At the same time, it’s interesting that he at once says that the Christian should be gentle and gracious (verse 5). Exuberance must not turn into mere extrovert enthusiasm which squashes sensitive souls and offends those who are by nature quiet and reserved.

What comes into play if the celebration is both joyful and gentle are the prayers that overcome anxiety

6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Philippians4:6-7

Here, Paul weaves strands of thought into a theme

. Where does ‘the peace of God’ come from (verse 7)?

Why, from ‘the God of peace’, of course (verse 9). Get to know God and you’ll have peace,.

What is the opposite of peace?

Anxiety was a way of life for the ancient pagan world. With so many gods and goddesses, all of them demanding something from you, like something bad was waiting for you just round the corner. With the God who revealed himself in Jesus, there was no guarantee (as we’ve seen) against suffering, but they could be sure that God was in control and that he would always hear and answer prayers . People sometimes say today that we shouldn’t bother God about trivial requests (fine weather for the church picnic; a parking space in a busy street); but, though we should focus our prayers on deeper matters, we see that Paul says we should ask God about every area of life. If it matters to you, it matters to God.

Prayer like that will mean that God’s peace—not a Stoic lack of caring, but a real peace in the middle of life’s storms—that will guard your heart and mind, like a bunch of soldiers guarding a valuable treasure.

8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. 9 Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 3:8-9

The command in verse 8, to think about all the good and lovely things listed here, can be just the opposite of what we are really thinking

When I’m in a bad mood, my thoughts can be are more like what is untrue, unholy, unjust, impure, ugly, of ill repute, vicious and blameworthy.

2} can you celebrate the goodness of the creator if you feed your mind only on the places in the world which are worldly and dark?

3] How can we take steps to fill our mind with the things that God has given us to enjoy and celebrate?

Finally, reflect for a moment on Paul’s command in verse 9.

(put into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard and saw me doing)

everything you heard from me and saw me doing—this is a hard thing for Paul to say—-Which of us could say, after staying in a town for a few weeks, that the way to be a good Christian was to do exactly what we ourselves had done?

What is Paul getting at?

Ask: When you hear the word disciple…what do you think about? (Get responses)

People who followed Jesus?

12 people way back in Jesus’ time?

Devoted followers?

Anyone here a disciple?

Whether you know it or not, we are all disciples…we all follow something.

Question is…what are we following?

WHAT IS A DISCIPLE?

A disciple is a follower, a student of a mentor, teacher, or other figure.

Why would you want to be a follower or a student?

Because we all need to learn!

When you think you know it all – you are one of two things: dead or a fool!

So we are all being taught by someone…a mentor, teacher, friend. We are all following something.

WHAT DOES DISCIPLESHIP LOOK LIKE?

Well, if you are a disciple of baseball, then it looks like practicing, working out, focusing on techniques, and repetition.

You eat, sleep, drink, and live baseball.

You talk about baseball, watch baseball, read baseball articles…you think baseball!

If you are a disciple of music, then it looks like learning the theory of music, notes, rhythm, reading sheet music, and chords.

You are patiently practicing your instrument.

Sometimes so much your fingers bleed.

Your hands hurt; your voice can’t utter another sound.

You live in music stores and always have earphones in your ears.

Music soothes your soul.

If you are a disciple of literature or poetry, then you’re learning allegory, foreshadowing, etc..

You are reading all kinds of literature, like Treasure Island, Les Miserables, and The Man in the Iron Mask.

You go to book clubs, attend public readings, and even begin to write on your own.

WHAT DOES A DISCIPLE OF JESUS LOOK LIKE?

Read Matthew 8: 18-22 Ask: When you hear the word disciple…what do you think about? (Get responses)

People who followed Jesus?

12 people way back in Jesus’ time?

Devoted followers?

Anyone here a disciple?

Whether you know it or not, we are all disciples…we all follow something.

Question is…what are we following?

WHAT IS A DISCIPLE?

A disciple is a follower, a student of a mentor, teacher, or other figure.

Why would you want to be a follower or a student?

Because we all need to learn!

When you think you know it all – you are one of two things: dead or a fool!

So we are all being taught by someone…a mentor, teacher, friend. We are all following something.

WHAT DOES DISCIPLESHIP LOOK LIKE?

Well, if you are a disciple of baseball, then it looks like practicing, working out, focusing on techniques, and repetition.

You eat, sleep, drink, and live baseball.

You talk about baseball, watch baseball, read baseball articles…you think baseball!

If you are a disciple of music, then it looks like learning the theory of music, notes, rhythm, reading sheet music, and chords.

You are patiently practicing your instrument.

Sometimes so much your fingers bleed.

Your hands hurt; your voice can’t utter another sound.

You live in music stores and always have earphones in your ears.

Music soothes your soul.

If you are a disciple of literature or poetry, then you’re learning allegory, foreshadowing, etc..

You are reading all kinds of literature, like Treasure Island, Les Miserables, and The Man in the Iron Mask.

You go to book clubs, attend public readings, and even begin to write on your own.

WHAT DOES A DISCIPLE OF JESUS LOOK LIKE?

Matthew 8:18-2

18 When Jesus saw the crowd around him, he instructed his disciples to cross to the other side of the lake.

19 Then one of the teachers of religious law said to him, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.”

20 But Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place even to lay his head.”

21 Another of his disciples said, “Lord, first let me return home and bury my father.”

22 But Jesus told him, “Follow me now. Let the spiritually dead bury their own dead.”

Read Matthew 5: 3-10

3 “God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him,

for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.

4 God blesses those who mourn,

for they will be comforted.

5 God blesses those who are humble,

for they will inherit the whole earth.

6 God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice,

for they will be satisfied.

7 God blesses those who are merciful,

for they will be shown mercy.

8 God blesses those whose hearts are pure,

for they will see God.

9 God blesses those who work for peace,

for they will be called the children of God.

10 God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right,

for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.Matthew 5:3-10

WHY IS DISCIPLESHIP IMPORTANT?

With baseball, it’s about the thrill of the game.

With literature/poetry it is important to be able to express yourself through the art of writing.

With Jesus, it’s important to show the world what the people of God looks like.

It’s important to show the world that despite all the evil and wrong in the world…there is hope!

It’s important to display the glory of God and invite everyone around you into that story.

Baseball is great…

Literature is awesome…

But being a disciple of Jesus…it gives us life. It sustains your life.

There’s a reason why baseball is America’s “pastime”. It’s a fun competitive game with a long history.

There’s a reason poetry exist. Those emotions, the pain, the triumph, all trying to grasp the thing that sustains life.

Being a follower of Jesus means that you are following him and his ways.

You are practicing loving God with all you heart, soul, and mind.

You are loving your neighbor as yourself, and you are inviting other people to join this story with you.

Close in Prayer

SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Say your name, school, and if you prefer Coke or Pepsi.

In your opinion, what is the definition of disciple?

What are you a disciple of…what do you follow?

Why is it easier to be a “disciple” of sports or music than it is to be a disciple of Jesus?

What does a disciple of Jesus look like? How can you adopt those traits?

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Jesus puts it another way…

Read Matthew 5: 3-10 (MSG)

“You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule. 4 “You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you. “You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought. “You’re blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat. “You’re blessed when you care. At the moment of being ‘care-full,’ you find yourselves cared for. “You’re blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world. “You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family. “You’re blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom.

WHY IS DISCIPLESHIP IMPORTANT?

With baseball, it’s about the thrill of the game.

With literature/poetry it is important to be able to express yourself through the art of writing.

With Jesus, it’s important to show the world what the people of God looks like.

It’s important to show the world that despite all the evil and wrong in the world…there is hope!

It’s important to display the glory of God and invite everyone around you into that story.

Baseball is great…

Literature is awesome…

But being a disciple of Jesus…it gives us life. It sustains your life.

There’s a reason why baseball is America’s “pastime”. It’s a fun competitive game with a long history.

There’s a reason poetry exist. Those emotions, the pain, the triumph, all trying to grasp the thing that sustains life.

Being a follower of Jesus means that you are following him and his ways.

You are practicing loving God with all you heart, soul, and mind.

You are loving your neighbor as yourself, and you are inviting other people to join this story with you.

Close in Prayer

10 How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but you didn’t have the chance to help me. 11 Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. 12 I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. 13 For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. 14 Even so, you have done well to share with me in my present difficulty. Philippians 4:10-14

The Hidden Secret

It was very dark and gloomy that March. There was still snow in the air, and sometimes on the ground, until mid-way through the month. The sun seemed hardly to peer out from behind grey clouds, and a sharp wind blew in off the sea, keeping the temperatures not far above freezing point.

Then, a few days before Easter, there was a sudden change. The wind shifted, the skies cleared, and suddenly there was a warmth in the air. But the best of it was what happened in the little garden right outside the kitchen window. The daffodils which had remained as bare green stalks up to that point suddenly burst into flower. They seemed to radiate colour and light in themselves, whether or not the sun was on them. At last the world seemed to have turned a corner. Spring—and Easter—were on the way.

That’s the image Paul uses in verse 10. After what had seemed a long time, as he sat there in prison in Ephesus with only a few friends and colleagues looking after him, suddenly Epaphroditus had come to town looking for him. He brought news of the church in Philippi; they were facing suffering and various difficulties, but they were firmly loyal to Jesus, and still deeply grateful to Paul for all that he had given them in bringing the gospel to them. As a token of it, theywere now sending him this gift of money—presumably a quite substantial gift, since it would hardly have been worth while sending a messenger with a small amount.

For Paul, Epaphroditus’s arrival was like spring flowers suddenly bursting into bloom, telling him the Easter message once more. He is, of course, eager not to imply any criticism of the Philippians for not sending the message, and the money, sooner; this was the first chance they’d had. But in a world without electronic communication, there was simply no other means of knowing how the church was getting on, whether they were still kindly disposed towards him (or whether, having faced serious persecution, they were angry with him for getting them into such a mess).

Paul is quick to say, as well, that his deep gratitude for the money didn’t mean he was the sort of person who would grumble or moan at God if he wasn’t kept well supplied with creature comforts all the time. On the contrary: God has put him through a tough school in which he has learned one of the most important lessons of life: contentment (verse 11).

Many other philosophers of the time spoke of contentment. They usually, though, developed the idea in terms of self-sufficiency. You should find resources within yourself, they said, so that you could smile at the fluctuating fortunes which life threw at you. Paul has a different view: I am strong enough for anything, he says—because of the one who gives me strength (verse 13). He leaves it open as to whether ‘the one’ in question means God, or Jesus the Messiah, but it seems more likely to me that he means God himself—the God, of course, who we know in Jesus.

Paul often speaks of the energy or power which he found welling up within himself, and which, as he declared, all came from God. He tells the Corinthians that he worked harder than any of the other apostles, but insists that it wasn’t him, it was God’s grace at work in him. He tells the Colossians that he works hard ‘with all the energy which he inspires within me’. There is no doubt that Paul would have struck many people as something of a human dynamo. He achieved more in a comparatively short time—his main public ministry, including the letters, probably lasted not much more than ten years at the most—than most people achieve in a long life. He suffered hardships and faced dangers that most people then, and most today, can’t even imagine. But his testimony in the middle of it all rings down through history to our own day: ‘I have strength for everything in the one who gives me power.’

As with the previous section about Epaphroditus (2:25–30),

New Living Translation (Chapter 4)

18 At the moment I have all I need—and more! I am generously supplied with the gifts you sent me with Epaphroditus. They are a sweet-smelling sacrifice that is acceptable and pleasing to God. 19 And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.

20 Now all glory to God our Father forever and ever! Amen.

we gain here a window on Paul as a very human Christian, facing difficulties and troubles, and having to learn the hard way how to cope with them. No instant or easy solutions for him. No casual ‘leave-it-all-to-God’ approach, ignoring the real problems of Christian living and ministry. No: the steady schoolwork God had set him, of finding out the secret of having plenty or having nothing. And this is the secret, as with everything else for Paul: the God he knew in Jesus the Messiah enabled him to face everything with a strength that came from outside. That’s a promise for anyone and everyone who is prepared to go to the same school and learn the same lesson.

Tom Wright, Paul for Everyone: The Prison Letters: Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon (London: Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, 2004), 133–135.