Philippians 4 (2)

Vs. 1-3 Is an appeal for the church to step in and help these ladies to get along. This is echoed in verses

2 Corinthians 8:23

English Standard Version Chapter 8

23 As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker for your benefit. And as for our brothers, they are messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ. 24 So give proof before the churches of your love and of our boasting about you to these men.

Romans 16:1-3

English Standard Version Chapter 16

I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenchreae, 2 that you may welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints, and help her in whatever she may need from you, for she has been a patron of many and of myself as well.

The term used here in Vs 3 for ask isn’t simply to ask, urge or implore, like is used in the previous verse but instead is literally to BEG.

Paul knows that the chuch capable of caring for people, we will see that in later verses as the church was caring for him. But he repeatedly is emploring the church to care for others.

James 2:1–2 “My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in,”

Vs. 4 Within the Greek anything repeated shows greater importance. Not only did he repeat it here in the same sentence but remembering that this is all one letter he repeats it again from 3:1

English Standard Version Chapter 3

Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you.

Reasonableness here is a second form of the word Gentleness. Cheer up butter cup, the Lord is at hand, bringing everything to God in Prayer. This is echoed to the church in Ephesus in

Ephesians 6:18 “praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,”

You see Paul is a great Teachers assistant, and he works for the greatest teacher. He doesn’t just tell us not to do something. He gives us the answer to the tests. These phrases here imply that joy in the Lord is the cure for anxiety and the troubles of this world. That when you are troubled, go to God in Prayer.

Vs 10 - 12 Rejoice in the Lord for your concern. This isn’t just the church caring about Paul. He is talking about them actually financially supporting him.

Matthew 10:5–14 “These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them, “Go nowhere among the Gentiles and enter no town of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay. Acquire no gold or silver or copper for your belts, no bag for your journey, or two tunics or sandals or a staff, for the laborer deserves his food. And whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy in it and stay there until you depart. As you enter the house, greet it. And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it, but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town.”

Luke 22:35–36 “And he said to them, “When I sent you out with no moneybag or knapsack or sandals, did you lack anything?” They said, “Nothing.” He said to them, “But now let the one who has a moneybag take it, and likewise a knapsack. And let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one.”

Vs. 12 I know how to be made low and how to be made high? how do we do that lets jump back up into verses 8-9 remember, he gives you the answer to the text!!!!

Finally Verse 13. one of the most taken out of context Vs. among Christians and non Christians alike!!!

Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”

This is not the life verse that everyone makes it out to be. This is showing TRUE strength in Christ!!! The word “to do” here “is-who-o” would be better translated as Endure all things.

This isn’t a verse to talk about our ability and empowerment, bringing US higher and giving US a reason to boast. Instead it is speaking of the ability to endure suffering and joy, BECAUSE OF CHRIST!!!

Faith makes all things possible … love makes all things easy.

Dwight Lyman Moody (Evangelist)

Vs. 14