Be Happy

Verses

Philippians 4:1–9 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! I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 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. Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 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. 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.

Introduction

Today we are continuing our study of Philippians in the sermon series, “Good Posture for a Bad Place.” As you remember, Paul is writing to the community of believers in Philippi. Paul has not been there for several years, but he feels very close to this community of believers. Paul visited Philippi under the direct guidance of the Holy Spirit. As you remember, Paul is writing from Rome. While Paul is essentially on house arrest, he is in chains, literally chained to a soldier twenty-four hours a day.

The verses we are looking at today, to some degree, are the culmination of the entire letter. Verses 1-9 in the 4th chapter summarize what insights you can come to because of all that Paul has said previously in the letter. Starting in verse 10 Paul will begin his conclusion of the letter.

Context

In chapter 3, Paul spoke primarily about his own situation. In chapter 4, he begins to speak to the local Philippian church situation.

In chapter 3, Paul laid the following foundation:

• He regards the things that once seemed important to him as rubbish compared with the assurance of salvation that he now feels through his faith in Christ. Now his sole focus is knowing Christ and the power of Christ’s resurrection so that he might one day experience that resurrection himself (3:8-11).

• He doesn’t consider himself to have achieved the goal of “the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (3:14), but he is pressing on toward that goal.

• He calls them to “be imitators together of me, and note those who walk this way, even as you have us for an example” (3:17) so that they might avoid emulating the “enemies of the cross of Christ” (3:18), whose “end is destruction” and whose “god is the belly” and whose “glory is in their shame”—because they “think about earthly things” (3:19).

• Unlike the “enemies of the cross of Christ” (3:18), “our citizenship is in heaven, from where we also wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (3:20).

• Paul holds to the promise that Jesus “will change the body of our humiliation to be conformed to the body of his glory, according to the working by which he is able even to subject all things to himself” (3:21).

Having established that foundation, Paul says “THEREFORE!” (4:1). So because of all the facts and observations Paul made in chapter 3, the believers in Philippi can take these next steps. Paul outlines a progression of steps that build on each other and are our key points for today. Paul tells the believers in Philippi to ...

Stand firm

Be like minded

Rejoice in the Lord

Focus on the right things

For today’s sermon, I am drawing heavily from the published work of Richard Niell Donovan, a retired Disciples of Christ clergyman.

PHILIPPIANS 4:1.  STAND FIRM IN THE LORD

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!

These are tender words and they reflect Paul’s deep affection for the Philippian Christians, perhaps his deepest affection for any of the churches that he has founded.

Most pastors have experienced making a significant positive impact on another person’s life. It is a joy to thing about those experiences and those people.

Paul also speaks of the Philippian Christians as his crown. In athletic contests of that day, officials would issue a laurel wreath or a crown to the victor. That crown would be a prized possession as it told the world that the person wearing it had won the prize. When Paul says that the Philippian Christians are his crown, he is saying that their faith bears witness to the efficacy of his ministry. They are the sign and symbol of his achievement at Philippi. They are his reward for a job well done.

Paul tells the believers in Philippi to “stand firm.” What does it mean to “stand firm in the Lord”? In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said,

Matthew 7:24–25 NIV

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.

In that instance, standing firm required hearing Jesus’ words and acting on them. For the Philippian Christians, listening to Paul’s words and acting on them could be expected to have much the same effect.

PHILIPPIANS 4:2-3.  Be of the Same Mind

Philippians 4:2–3 NIV

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

This verse reveals that there was conflict in the first-century church—and that Paul wanted to resolve the conflict so that the Philippian Christians could focus their full energies on promoting the gospel.

That is important for Christians today to understand. Most churches experience conflict of one sort or another.

This is the fourth time in his letter to the Philippians that Paul has used the “same mind” or “think this way” terminology.

This suggests that the Philippian church has a serious problem with conflict. They need to deal with their conflict in a positive way so that they can be single-minded in their Christian work.

But it isn’t sufficient to resolve conflict by insisting that one or the other person “give in.” Nor is it sufficient to take a vote so that one person wins and the other loses. Paul calls on the believers to “think the same way in the Lord.” If the Lord is at the forefront of each of their minds, they will find themselves facing in the same direction—advocating for the same thing. If the Lord rules their hearts, they will find it much easier to deal gracefully with the differing ideas that surface when they get together to conduct church business.

PHILIPPIANS 4:4-7.   REJOICE IN THE LORD ALWAYS!

Philippians 4:4–7 NIV

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Joy is a common theme in both Old and New Testaments. God’s people give thanks because they have experienced salvation at God’s hands (Isaiah 25:9)—or rejoice in God’s steadfast love (Psalm 90:14) or God’s presence (Psalm 16:9-11). The birth of the Savior was an occasion for joy (Luke 2:10-11). Just as an ordinary person might rejoice at the recovery of a lost sheep or coin or son, so also “there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, than over ninety-nine righteous people who need no repentance” (Luke 15:7). It should be obvious from these citations that joy in the scriptures is rooted in the love and faithfulness of God.

Paul models the kind of joy to which he is calling these Philippian Christians. He writes this letter from a prison cell, but he says that he rejoices—and continues to rejoice—in the proclamation of the gospel (1:18). He tells the Philippians that he rejoices with them, and he calls them to rejoice with him (2:17-18).

Paul’s call to these Philippian Christians to rejoice in the Lord always is reminiscent of his call to the Thessalonian Christians to “Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus toward you” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). It is significant that Paul doesn’t say “Give thanks FOR all circumstances,” as if we should be thankful for our adversities. Instead, he says, “Give thanks IN all circumstances”—knowing that God loves us and is present with us.

John Wesley said,

“Sour godliness is the devil’s religion.”

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus spoke at length about worry:

Matthew 6:25–27 NIV

“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? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?

Matthew 6:31 NIV

So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’

In that passage, Jesus identifies common causes of worry—life (presumably meaning longevity), food, drink, and clothing. He doesn’t say that those things are unimportant. He says instead that “your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things” and can be expected to provide for our needs (Matthew 6:32-33).

Throughout the Old and New Testaments, we find counsel not to fear—not to be afraid (Numbers 14:9; Deuteronomy 1:21; Psalm 118:6; Isaiah 41:10; Matthew 10:31; 14:27; 28:5, 10, etc., etc., etc.).

The alternative to worry is “prayer and petition with thanksgiving.”

We can include genuine thanksgiving in our prayers, regardless of circumstances, knowing that God loves us and provides for our needs—both here and throughout eternity.

As the great American poet, Robert Jr. McFerrin, said:

In every life we have some trouble But when you worry you make it double Don't worry, be happy Don't worry, be happy now

Ain't got no place to lay your head Somebody came and took your bed Don't worry, be happy The landlord say your rent is late He may have to litigate Don't worry, be happy

Oh, ooh ooh ooh oo-ooh ooh oo-ooh don't worry, be happy

But our minds can become debased (Romans 1:28)—and corrupt (2 Timothy 3:8). Our minds tend to be conformed to this world and need to be transformed, “so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:2). Paul called these Philippians to “Have this in your mind, which was also in Christ Jesus”—a mindset focused on others—focused on service—focused on what it could give rather than what it could get (Philippians 2:5-8).

The Greek word hyperecho speaks of something that is higher, better, and more excellent than something else. As wonderful as our minds can be when aligned with God, Paul says that the peace of God is even more wonderful. It has the capacity to stand guard—to protect—our hearts and minds—the very core of our being.

PHILIPPIANS 4:8-9.  Focus

Philippians 4:8–9 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. 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.

Paul has been telling these Philippian Christians what they need to do. The “Finally” in this verse indicates that he is concluding this section of imperatives. In verses 8-9, he concludes this section with additional imperatives.

But he also addresses them as “brothers”—fully in keeping with the way that he has addressed them in the rest of this letter (1:12; 3:13; 4:1).

This is an unusual section—a list that reflects secular Greek values. Two of these virtues (prosphiles and euphemos) are not found elsewhere in the New Testament and others are infrequently used. While these values are consistent with the Christian faith, any number of Greek philosophers could have compiled such a list. Paul is asking the Philippian Christians to look at the best values of their culture—to reflect on them—to adapt them to their Christian lives—and to use them for Kingdom purposes.

“whatever things are true” (Greek: alethes). The word alethes is related to the word aletheia, which means “truth” or “reality.” A true person is sincere—people can depend on his/her word. When Paul calls these Philippian Christians to think about things that are alethes, he is telling them to focus their thinking on that which is true—that which is real—instead of that which is false. The person who guides his/her life according to that which is true will enjoy a better life than those who guide their lives by that which is false.

“whatever things are honorable” (Greek: semnos). Semnos means “august” or “venerable” or “noble” or honorable.” The image that comes to my mind is an aged person known for wisdom and integrity—the kind of person who has grown wise through native ability and experience, and who can be expected to offer faithful counsel.

“whatever things are just” (Greek: dikaios). Dikaios means “righteous” or “just.” The person who is dikaios-RIGHTEOUS will try to live his/her life in accord with God’s will. The person who is dikaios-JUST will deal with other people fairly and honestly.

“whatever things are pure” (Greek: hagnos). Hagnos means pure—guiltless, morally pure, without corruption. It is related to hagios, which means pure, sinless, or holy.

“whatever things are lovely” (Greek: prosphiles). Prosphiles is a combination of the preposition pros(to or toward) and the word phileo (friend, dear). It speaks of something that is pleasing or lovely or beloved.

“whatever things are of good report” (Greek: euphemos). Euphemos is a combination of eu (good) and pheme (report, repute, fame). It therefore speaks of something of which people think and speak well—something with a good reputation.

“if there is any virtue” (Greek: arete). Arete has to do with excellence of any sort. We can assume that Paul, in this epistle, would especially emphasize excellence of thought or moral behavior.

“and if there is any praise” (Greek: epainos). Epainos is a combination of epi (upon) and ainos (praise or praiseworthy). “Any praise” is a good translation.

“think (Greek: logizomai) about these things.” Logizomai means “think,” but in a deeper way than mere passing reflection. The person who is thinking in this sense is analyzing, reasoning, and making judgments about what is useful—and how it might be used.

Paul is telling these Philippian Christians to focus on these things—things that their non-Christian friends would consider to be virtues. He is telling them to consider how to incorporate them into their lives.

While Paul doesn’t specify his reason, we know that Christians who embody the best of the community’s values can serve as especially effective witnesses for Christ.

In his book, I Was Just Wondering, Philip Yancey asks:

“What would happen in the national consensus if these nine words came to mind when you said the word “Christian”: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control?” (These are the fruits of the Spirit from Galatians 5:22-23)

The answer, of course, is that Christians, embodying the fruits of the Spirit, would have a powerful witness to those outside the faith. We can be sure that if, when Philippian citizens hear the word “Christian,” the words that come to mind are the ones that Paul has outlined in this verse, then the Philippian Christians will have a powerful witness to their neighbors.

Final Step

Paul then concludes by directing the believers to take all that they have been taught and seen in Paul’s witness, and take action. Or, more accurately, continue taking action.

“The things which you learned, received, heard, and saw in me: do (Greek: prassete) these things” (v. 9a). The word prassete means “do.” The present tense gives it the sense of “continue doing.” With that word, Paul acknowledges that the Philippian Christians have learned from his ministry with them—and are trying to follow his lead. He also acknowledges that there is always a danger that they might be led astray (see also 3:2, 18-19). He calls them to continue in the ways that he has taught them (see also 3:17).

Paul has already outlined the kind of humble service that Christ rendered to the world by being born in human form and submitting to death on a cross. Paul has called the Philippian Christians to emulate the mindset that made it possible for Christ to do that (2:5-8, 17). Paul has also shared his personal journey from being a Pharisee under the law (3:4-6) to being a disciple of Christ—fully reliant on his grace—sharing his sufferings so that he might also share his resurrection (3:4-11).

And if they do this - actually take action based on all they have been taught and learned?

“and the God of peace will be with you” (v. 9). Paul also uses this phrase, “God of peace,” in Romans 15:33; 16:20; 1 Corinthians 14:33; and 1 Thessalonians 5:23.

Conclusion

This is the promise—the reward for faithful discipleship. The God of peace will be present with them. Implied in these words, “God of peace” is the promise that God will bring peace to them—peace in their relationships with each other, and peace within their own hearts.

This is also the promise to us. If we will STAND FIRM, BE LIKE MINDED AND UNIFIED IN PURPOSE, REJOICE IN THE LORD, and FOCUS on the meaningful things, then we can experience the peace that God brings and cannot even be explained.