In the ancient church of Philippi, there lived two women. Both of whom Paul would describe as fellow laborers for the gospel whose names were in the Book of Life. For some reason they could not get along. Sparks would fly in conversations with one another or about one another. It was hard to look at each other as they passed in the market or at the weekly gathering of the saints.

In his attempt to help these two women, Paul would share crucial wisdom that would not only bless Euodia and Syntyche, but would in turn offer blessing and hope to generations of sinned and fallen short Christians that would follow.

Philippians 4:2–9 “I urge Euodia and Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, my true yokefellow, to help these women who have labored with me for the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.”

Now let’s see the framework Paul lays out by which believers might set their minds on things above, not on things below.

Rejoice!

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be apparent to all. The Lord is near.

(v4) Rejoice, rejoice!

law of repetition

chairete (charis-grace) present imperative- an ongoing command, leads to habitual action

the joy we live in flows from the grace of God

Pray

6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

“What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer! O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer!”

(v6-7) God’s antidote for anxiety

Matthew 6:25–27 BSB

25 Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air: They do not sow or reap or gather into barns—and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

You can know God’s peace, even if you don’t understanding it. (v7)

we cannot grasp things that are in the future. that domain belongs to God alone.

there is power in releasing your troubles to Him

Dwell

8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things. 9 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.”

v8)- whatever is true…honorable…just…pure…lovely…commendable

DWELL there

What kind of media, conversations, thought-loops occupy your mind daily?

Practice dwelling out loud.

get some Godly counsel to help confront worry

Romans 12:1–2 “1 Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.”