Philippians 4:1-23
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A secure mind - our spiritual resources, God’s peace (4:1-9), His Power (4:10-13), His Provision (4:14-23)
Practicing joyful living
Practicing joyful living
Philippians 4:1–9 NKJV1 Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved. 2 I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life. 4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.
Philippians 4:1–6a NKJV1 Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved. 2 I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life. 4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. 6 Be anxious for nothing, (4:1-6a)
my joy and crown
Q: Why His crown?
Q: Have you ever experienced a church split?
2 Women No unity. Threatening a church split. Elders, pastors have not dealt with the problem
Paul urges unity (cf Phil 2:2)
2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
These women (a) members of the church
(b) worked with Paul, enthusiastically in unity (4:3)
(c) something church related caused the split
(d) still objects of Paul’s affection
(e) they are Christians
true companion someone Paul is asking to resolve the argument. When you have a problem, take someone with yoiu
Q: Why do we need spiritual stability in the church?
1. People feel safe
2. Support each other
3. hold each other accountable
4 restore those who have fallen (cf Gal 6:1)
5 admonish, encourage, help the weak (cf 1 Thess 5:4)
4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief.
Quarrels cripple the church
Two quarreling women were endangering church stability. Quarrels cripple the church.
(a) Doesn’t matter if you have a good worship team
(b) good doctrine
(c) disunity robs the church of power.
(d) if not treated, results in the root of bitterness (cf Hebrews 12:15)
Not about Doctrine This was not a dispute about doctrine. Paul would have corrected doctrine. Paul rebuked Peter about doctrine (cf Gal 2:11) One of the darkest
days of the gospel - when Peter went over to the Judaizers. John was direct to Diotrephes (cf 3 John 9-10)
11 Now when Peter had come to Antioch, I withstood him to his face, because he was to be blamed;
9 I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, does not receive us. 10 Therefore, if I come, I will call to mind his deeds which he does, prating against us with malicious words. And not content with that, he himself does not receive the brethren, and forbids those who wish to, putting them out of the church.
Phil 4:3 whose names are in the Book of Life (4:3)
Q: What is the book of Life?
Book of Life cf Ex 32:32, Rev 3:5
Antidotes to Anxiety
Antidote #1: Focus on the Lord
Philip 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord
Philip 4:5 The Lord is at hand
Philip 4:6 Let your requests be known to God
Philip 4:7 The peace of God.. will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus
Philip 4:9 The God of peace will be with you
Q: Is it easy to be joyful?
Q: Even in the middle of change, what can I be thankful for?
Antidote #2: Rejoice in the Lord
Philip 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! (4:4)
Not easy to rejoice Paul repeats this twice
Joy is not Joy is not a feeling
Joy is Joy is a deep down confidence that God is in control of everything for the believers good and His glory
χαίρω (chairo) Rejoice. present imperative: continual habitual practice of rejoicing. Be thankful (cf Ps 100:2,4)
Antidote #3: Gentleness in Hope
Be Kind Be kind, gentle to everyone (cf Philip 2:4) to because the Lord is near
Philip 4:5b-6a Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. 6 Be anxious for nothing, (4:5b-6a)
ἐγγύς (engys) Near in time or near in space (chronological).
in terms of time There is a nearness in Christ’s return (cf Philip 3:20-21, Philip 1:23)
20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.
23 For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.
Nearness in presence near to hear our cry, near to give us strength (cf Ps 73:28)
28 But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God, That I may declare all Your works.
in terms of our salvation (cf Ps 34:18)
18 The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit.
near to all who call upon him (cf Ps 145:18)
18 The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth.
because he is near we should not be anxious, fearful, wavering, collapse but be strong (cf Josh 1:9)
9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Philip 4:6 Be anxious for nothing (4:6)
One way to handle anxiety
Human way The human way. Pre-loaded at birth on the hard drive of our hearts. The Invictus approach (William Henley’s 19th cent. poem)
“I am the master of my fate, the captain of my soul.” Stiff upper lip, self-reliance
The other way
God’s way Directs us to a life anchor that goes deep, withstands the storms of circumstances.
Peter’s anxiety But what about him? (cf John 21:21)
Not Ashamed Matt 11:6 and blessed is he who is not offended because of me
Jesus Jesus’ sermon on the mount dealt with anxiety (cf Matt 6:25-34). The folly of anxiety - be anxious for nothing
Antidote #4 React to problems with Prayer
Pray with thanks Prayer, antidote for worry, cure for anxiety
Philip 4:6b -7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (4:6b-7)
Q: How many different ways does Paul refer to prayer?
Prayer (a) Prayer
(b) supplications
(c) requests
Cast our care Make our problems, God’s problem. Cast our cares on him (cf 1 Peter 5:7). We will not face anything too difficult (cf 1 Cor 10:13)
7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
With Thanksgiving (4:6a) Humility, acceptance of God’s will. Our prayers should be directed to God in humility. Gratefulness of past blessings and future
assurances. Prayer without thanksgiving is like a bird without wings it cannot rise to heaven. Pray about everything (cf 1 Peter 5:7)
7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
let your requests be made known to God; (4:6b)
Anxiety Our anxiety is symptomatic of misplaced trust
Make definite specific prayer requests (cf 1 John 5:15)
15 And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.
Peace (4:7) Wordplay. The peace of god (4:7a) and the God of peace (4:9)
If the joy of the Lord reigns in your heart,
if we are showing grace to everyone we meet
if we are praying to God for everything with thanksgiving
The result will be peace
He gives it, maintains it, and dispenses it to his children (cf John 14:27) God is the source (cf John 16:33)
27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
surpasses all understanding (4:7)
We are totally unable to understand this peace. Like explaining to a blind man a beautiful sunset looks like (cf Eph 3:19)
19 to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Why is this peace so valuable ?
One Reason
Phil 4:7b will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (4:7b)
This peace will mount a guard in front of the door of your heart and thoughts
This peace will guard your heart which is the seat of your emotions, your will and the source of what eventually comes out of your mouth
The heart effects your conduct (cf Prov 4:23)
23 Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.
This peace will guard your thinking (cf Rom 1:21)
21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.
This peace will guard your Will (cf 1 Cor 7:37)
37 Nevertheless he who stands steadfast in his heart, having no necessity, but has power over his own will, and has so determined in his heart that he will keep his virgin, does well.
This peace will guard your emotions your emotions, feelings (cf Phil 1:7)
7 just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace.
Q: What are we to think about?
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. (4:8)
Spiritual Stability What we think about determines our spiritual stability.
Not Optional Proper thinking is not optional. It’s imperative!
λογίζομαι (logizomai) consider, dwell on, evaluate, calculate. Imperative form, makes it a command. Consider and meditate on these qualities.
GIGO Garbage-In, Garbage-Out (cf Prov 23:7)
7 For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. “Eat and drink!” he says to you, But his heart is not with you.
The unsaved mind
(a) Depraved (cf Rom 1:28)
(b) Focused on the Flesh (cf Rom 8:5)
(c) Hostile to God (cf Rom 8:7, Col 1:21)
(d) Foolish (cf 1 Cor 2:14)
(e) Hardened to spiritual truth (cf 2 Cor 3:14)
(f) Blinded by Satan (cf 2 Cor 4:4)
(g) Futile (cf Eph 4:7)
(h) Ignorant (cf Eph 4:18)
(i) Defiled (cf Titus 1:15)
We are to be rational, thinking
Defend Your Faith cf 1 Peter 3:15
15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;
J Gresham Machen “What the Holy Spirit does in the new birth is not to make a man a Christian regardless of the evidence, but on the contrary
to clear away the mists from his eyes and enable him to attend to the evidence” (The Christian Faith in the Modern World, p 63)
Q: Paul lists 8 things we should think about. What are they?
Antidote #5 Ponder Christ’s Character
#1 What is true Reading, analyzing, meditating on the word of God
#2 What is honorable Worthy of respect, dignified, worthy of awe, adoration. Not mundane, common, temporal
#3 Whatever is right Righteous, consistent with God’s law
δίκαιος (dikaios) Right, should be translated as righteous
#4 Whatever is pure morally clean, undefiled
#5 Whatever is lovely Could be translated sweet, gracious, generous, patient
προσφιλής (prosphiles) Lovely, only used here in the NT
#6 Whatever is of good repute Highly thought of
εὔφημος (euphemos) Good repute, only used here in the NT
#7 Whatever is excellent
#8 Worthy of praise cf 2 Cor 10:5
5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,
Q: What is the link between godly behaviour and godly thinking? Is there one?
Philippians 4:9 NKJV9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you. (4:9)
You cannot divorce If the word of God richly dwells in you ( cf Col 3:16 ) and you are obedient, you will stand firm when faced with
thinking and doing temptation, compromise
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
Q: Paul asks them to do 3 things. What are they?
things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me (4:9a)
(a) Learned
(b) Received
(c) Heard
Follow Follow these examples for Paul (cf Phil 3:17)
Q: What promise is attached?
and the God of peace will be with you. (4:9b)
Secret Sauce of Paul
Secret Sauce of Paul
Philippians 4:10–13 NKJV10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. 11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (4:10-13)
Q: What is contentment? What does it look like?
Paul under house arrest Confined to a small apartment awaiting trial by Nero (cf Acts 28:30)
30 Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him,
Guarded by a Roman solider (cf Acts 28:16)
16 Now when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard; but Paul was permitted to dwell by himself with the soldier who guarded him.
Five principles of Contentment
Confidence in God’s providence
Satisfied with Little
Independent from circumstances
Strengthened by divine Power
Preoccupied with the well-being of others
(a) Confident in God’s providence - Principle of Contentment
Philip 4:10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity.(4:10)
Time has passed Hasn’t been to Philippi in 10 years
Continued support They continued to support him. Went to Macedonia (cf Acts 17:1-13). Then, Athens and Corinth (Acts 17:14-18:18)
Now, a gift Now they send a gift (cf Philip 4:18)
Now at last Almost 10 years later they send support
Flourished (revised, NASB) horticulture term, a planted flower again revived. Love lying dormant 10 years, blooming again
Paul waited Confidence in God’s timing, providence
God acts in the world
2 Ways: Providence - weaves everything together to fit His purpose
Miracles - direct intervention. No scientific explanation
Q: What are some examples of God’s miracles?
(a) Raising the dead
(b) Parting the red sea
(c) giving sight to the blind
Providence Providence is as supernatural as a miracle
Q: Can you think of some examples of providence in the bible?
Joseph rose from a slave to second in command under Pharaoh. Saved his people (cf Gen 50:20)
20 But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.
Esther In a position to save Isreal . Haman planned to have all the Jews killed convinced the king to send out a decree (cf Esther 4:14)
14 For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
He directs our steps The Lord directs our steps (cf Prov 16:9, Phil 2:13, Eph 1:11b, Rom 8:28)
9 A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.
13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
11 In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will,
28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
(b) Satisfied with Little -Principle of Contentment
Philip 4:11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: (4:11)
Paul was satisfied with Little
Q: Do you confuse needs with wants? Does that lead to discontentment ?
(c) Independent from circumstances - Principle of Contentment
Philip 4:12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. (4:12)
Paul knew suffering Paul knew hunger, suffering.
Money is an equal opportunity anxiety producer
Not exactly a prosperity gospel!
(d) strengthened by divine power - Principle of Contentment
Philip 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (4:13)
Physical Strength to overcome physical challenges. Dire physical conditions - stoning, shipwrecks, imprisonment. Christ infused with strength
Isaiah said the same Isaiah said the same thing (cf Isa 40:29-31)
29 He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength. 30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall, 31 But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.
Q: Can unbelievers expect God’s strength ? Contentment?
No!
A Contented person is
(e) Concerned about other’s well being
A contented person is
(a) Confident in God’s providence (4:10)
(b) Satisfied with little (4:11)
(c) Independent from circumstances (4:12)
(d) strengthen by divine power (4:13)
(e) concerned about other’s well being (4:14-19)
The Joy of joining in
The Joy of joining in
Philippians 4:14–23 NKJV14 Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress. 15 Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. 16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. 18 Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. 19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. 20 Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. 21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren who are with me greet you. 22 All the saints greet you, but especially those who are of Caesar’s household. 23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
Living for yourself You’ll never know contentment. Because contentment can only come when circumstances are perfect. Never be perfect
Paul’s example Paul put others before himself. Be unselfish. But other’s well-being ahead of yourself
Love Love does not seek it’s own (cf 1 Cor 13:5) Put others ahead of yourself (cf Phil 2:3-4)
5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil;
Q: Why did the gift bring Paul joy?
Philip 4:17b I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (4:17b)
Mission Support Support missions. We can’t go but we receive the blessing. Not about the material blessing that Paul received, but the
spiritual blessing that they received. “Better to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). Only quote of Jesus outside the gospels.
(cf Prov 19:17, Prov 22:9)
17 He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, And He will pay back what he has given.
9 He who has a generous eye will be blessed, For he gives of his bread to the poor.
Q: Who is the source of all of God’s riches?
Christ Jesus (cf Col 1:19, Col 2:3)
19 For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell,
3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Philip 4:20-23 Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. 21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren who are with me greet you. 22 All the saints greet you, but especially those who are of Caesar’s household. 23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. (4:20-23)
Saints Anyone who has come to saving faith in Jesus Christ. Set apart, separated to God for holy purposes
Catholic Catholic church saints are:
(a) venerated
(b) worshiped
(c) relics
(d) intercessors for those in purgatory
(e) dedicated memorial days
(f) feasts
(g) intercede for the dead and living
Saints are not people to worship but people who worship
A Doxology A doxology of praise !
Philip 4:20 Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. (4:20)
Phil 4:22b especially those of Caesar’s household (4:22b)
Great joy Great joy to bring others to Christ