4 Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.
- “Therefore” – A word showing culmination and continuance from Paul’s discussion on the importance of knowing Christ.
- ”my brothers” – Paul addresses them as friends. This is an important reminder regarding reconciliation.
- “Joy and crown” – Paul’s source of pride is not in his own accomplishments, but in what God is doing in and through the Philippians.
- “Stand firm thus in the Lord” –
1. Gives a sense of belonging. (Our citizenship is in heaven)
2. Strengthens our alegience to our Savior. (We do not set our minds on earthly things)
3. Shows us that we do indeed have a Savior. In every sense of the word. He redeems us spiritually and will redeem us physically. (we await a Savior…who will transform…)
2 I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord.
- V. 3-5 provide keys to Christian unity.
- Paul does not discuss the nature of their disagreement.
- “Agree in the Lord” – as in to think or set one’s mind. Paul is reminding these two godly ladies to refocus their attention on what matters – Jesus.
3 Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
- Even faithful believers may disagree from time to time. Yet we should not allow these differences to become a source of disunity or distract from the mission of the church.
- ”true companion” – Paul is asking a specific person to come in and promote reconciliation between the two, but once again, we are not told who this particular person is. This may be a plea to the entire church. We are not certain.
- ”who have labored side by side with me in the gospel” – 1. Focus on the Great Commission.
4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.
- V. 4-6 deal largely with emotional, heart issues.
- 2. Find joy and satisfaction in Christ. Joy reigns in the heart only when Christ is Lord of life.
5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand;
- Two thieves of contentment: 1. People.
- The atedote: Jesus is coming soon. A) This motivates us to put our problems and people in the proper perspective. B) This motivates us not to say something we might soon regret.
- ”reasonableness” – could be understood as gentleness and acting toward others with a sense of grace. It does not insist on personal rights, but is an attitude which puts others first.
- 3. Christ’s impending return? Or his close proximity? should motivate a reasonable mind among us. To be reasonable means that we treat others with a sense of gentleness.
- In both time and space, God is available to us. He is not far removed in heaven but present in our hearts to hear and relate to us. His nearness also means he knows us and what we are. In time, God is near, for he is coming again. Then we will receive our rewards for living like Christ rather than like the world.
6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
- Two thieves of contentment: 2. Things (possessions, circumstances).
- ”anxious” – “All worry is atheism.”
- “Prayer” – The antidote to anxiousness – prayer.
- We should trust God in every aspect of our lives-big, small, the crisis and the mundane.
- We should also pray about every aspect of our life.
- 3 components of prayer: supplication, thanksgiving, requests.
7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
- An absence of prayer brings anxiousness. Prayer brings peace..
- “Peace of God” – The expression appears only here in the New Testament. God’s peace reflects the divine character, which lives in serenity, totally separate from all anxiety and worry. Such peace is like a squad of Roman soldiers standing guard and protecting you from worry and fret. Such peace is not a dream of the human mind. The human mind cannot even comprehend this kind of peace, wholeness, and quiet confidence. Such peace protects the two organs of worry—heart and mind that produce feelings and thoughts. Such protection is real, available in Christ Jesus. Those who do not trust and commit their life to Christ have no hope for peace.
- ”surpasses all understanding” – Isn’t it amazing how God’s presence brings peace in the worst of circumstances
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
- Verses 8-9 deal largely with thought/mind issues.
- Right thinking revolves around Kingdom of God issues.
- “True” – corresponds to reality. Anxiety comes from false ideas.
- “Noble” – things above that which is carnal and worldly.
- ”Right” – just.
- “Pure” – towards that which is holy.
- ”Lovely” – things that attract, please, and win other people’s admiration.
- “Admirable” – means worthy of praise or approval.
9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
- Learn-Receive-Think-Practice…
- Tomorrow is the result of today’s thoughts.
- Life Principle: What we think and know ultimately results in how we live. (This is why it is a necessity to be theologically sound.)
- To be content, we need the presence of God. Not only do we receive God’s peace (7), but we receive His very presence.
10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity.
- Paul demonstrates his gratitude for their gift.
11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.
- The secret of contentment is not found in circumstance (12), but in the Savior (13).
12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.
- “The secret” – the secret is the strength of the Savior.
13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
- Do not divorce this verse from the context of 10-14.
- A note on hermeneutics: context is king. Read the Bible in context.
14 Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble.
15 And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only.
16 Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again.
17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit.
- Paul isn’t asking for more money. He’s interested in how God uses the generosity of the Philippians to produce spiritual fruit and reminding them that God has noted their generosity and participation in ministry.
18 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.
19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
- Theo: God is a Provider.
- “Need” –How much are we blessed when we live in a land that confuses wants with needs!?
- Our biggest need is grace. “Let thy goodness, like a fetter, bind my wandering heart to thee”
- APP: A Warning: Sometimes we abuse those who provide the most for us.
- “According to his riches” – God’s riches are inexhaustible.
20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you.
22 All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household.
- “Ceasar’s household” – probably referring to those employed by the emperor.
23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.