Philippians 4

I. The call to steadfastness, unity, prayer, and proper thought.

A. Stand firm

Philippians 4:1 NIV

Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!

B. Agree in the Lord (agree to disagree?)

Philippians 4:2 NIV

I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord.

Philippians 4:3 NIV

Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.

Lyrics

… Here you come again, raising trouble in my comments section I know I can always count on you To be the final word on public health, religion, and elections You even brought a YouTube clip for proof … I want to bring the heat I stop and take a beat I type, then I delete Until I find a way to say a kind thing without lying Yes, Jesus loves you, and I'm trying … They say that every family has to have that one obnoxious uncle You have the distinction of being mine Lame magic tricks and politics, big stories about how you're humble When it's time to eat, you cut in line … The first one back for more, the last one out the door It's been that way since the divorce So I'll laugh at the jokes you tell to keep yourself from crying Yes, Jesus loves you, and I'm trying … It's less about a feeling More about deciding And that's not always easy to do Maybe love is most alive in me when it feels the most like dying If I say I love the One who died for you It might help if I believed it for me too … It's like the song says, "It begins right here with the man in the mirror" If I hope to love my neighbor well 'Cause I've lived long enough to learn the faults I find in others Are the same things I don't like about myself … My shame goes on parade When I need someone to blame But grace whispers my name God, help me speak these words into the parts of me I'm hiding Yes, Jesus love me Yes, Jesus loves me Yes, Jesus loves me And I'm trying

C. Rejoice!

Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament based on Semantic Domains 25.125 χαίρω

25.125 χαίρωa: to enjoy a state of happiness and well-being—‘to rejoice, to be glad.’ χαίρω ἐν τοῖς παθήμασιν ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν ‘I rejoice as I suffer for you’ Col 1:24; ὡς λυπούμενοι ἀεὶ δὲ χαίροντες ‘although saddened, we are always rejoicing’ 2 Cor 6:10.

Philippians 4:4 NIV

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

Philippians 4:5 NIV

Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

Philippians 4:6 NIV

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Philippians 4:7 NIV

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

D. Seek, watch, and do.

Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament based on Semantic Domains 29.4 λογίζομαι

29.4 λογίζομαιb: to keep a mental record of events for the sake of some future action—‘to keep a record, to remember, to bear in mind.’ οὐ λογίζεται τὸ κακόν ‘(love) doesn’t keep a record of evil’ 1 Cor 13:5; μὴ λογιζόμενος αὐτοῖς τὰ παραπτώματα αὐτῶν ‘he did not keep their sins in mind’ 2 Cor 5:19. ‘To keep a mental record of something’ may be rendered as ‘to add up in one’s mind’ or ‘to make a list in one’s heart.’

Philippians 4:8 NIV

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Philippians 4:9 NIV

Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

II. Showing appreciation

Philippians 4:10 NIV

I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.

Philippians 4:11 NIV

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.

Philippians 4:12 NIV

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

Philippians 4:13 NIV

I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Philippians 4:14 NIV

Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles.

Philippians 4:15–16 NIV

Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need.

Philippians 4:17 NIV

Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account.

Philippians 4:18 NIV

I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.

Philippians 4:19 NIV

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:20 NIV

To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

III. Greetings!

Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament based on Semantic Domains 25.130 ἀσπάζομαι

25.130 ἀσπάζομαιb: to be happy about something, on the basis that it would prove particularly welcome (thus implying a type of future orientation)—‘to be happy about, to anticipate with pleasure.’ ἀλλὰ πόρρωθεν αὐτὰς ἰδόντες καὶ ἀσπασάμενοι ‘but from a long way off they saw them (the promises) and anticipated them with pleasure’ He 11:13. In order to render the future implications of ἀσπάζομαι in He 11:13, one may be able to translate ‘and looked forward with happiness to what was going to happen.’ For another interpretation of ἀσπάζομαι in He 11:13, see 34.55.

Philippians 4:21 NIV

Greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me send greetings.

Philippians 4:22 NIV

All God’s people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household.

Philippians 4:23 NIV

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.