SCRIPTURE: PHILIPPIANS 4
BIBLE VERSES:
“ 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.” (Philippians 4:4-7)”
“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.” (Philippians 4:8-9)
“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:12-13)
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)
EXHORTATIONS ( vs. 2-9)
These are the exhortations of Paul to the Philippian church:
- That Euodia and Syntyche will agree with each other (v. 2)
- To rejoice in the Lord always (v. 4)
- Let your gentleness be evident to all (v. 5)
- Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your request to God (v. 6)
- Think about anything that is excellent and praiseworthy (v. 8)
- Put into practice what you have learned and heard or received from me (v. 9)
THANKS FOR THEIR GIFTS (vs. 10-20)
Paul had learned to be contented in whatever circumstances. It was God who gave him the strength to do everything. He acknowledged the gifts Philippians sent to him through Epaphroditus. He blessed them with this message: “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
FINAL GREETINGS (vs. 21-23)
Paul greeted all the saints in Christ Jesus and gave them the blessings of the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.
THOUGHTS:
A. Paul advised two women in Philippians church- Euodia and Syntyche to reconcile their broken relationship. It is necessary for fellow believers to reconcile any misunderstandings or conflicts so that Christians can be good witnesses to unbelievers.
B. Paul advised us to transfer our worries into prayers. Let God’s peace guard our hearts against anxiety.
C. Let us focus our minds with thoughts that are true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and worthy of praise. Replace harmful inputs with the Word of God and prayer.
D. Paul was contented in whatever circumstances. Don’t be discouraged by unpleasant circumstances. If God dwells in your heart, you will have real joy.
E. Our gifts are looked upon as spiritual sacrifice to the Lord. They are a fragrant offering, pleasing to God. In return, God will meet our needs according to his glorious riches of Christ Jesus.
F. GOD’S 4 FOLD REMEDIES FOR WORRY: (By Warren Wiersbe)
- God’s Presence (vs. 1-5) – Having the mind of God’s presence means seeing Him in every situation of life and letting him work according to His perfect will.
- God’s Peace (vs. 6-9) – Faith in Christ enables us to have the peace of God which will guard our hearts and minds.
- God’s Power (vs. 10-13) – If we depend on our own power, we will fail. But if we depend in His strength, we can do all things through Him. The secret to have a secured mind is through the power of God.
- God’s Promise (vs. 14-23) – God promises to supply all our needs if we present our requests through prayer and thanksgiving. We don’t have to worry about anything because God is the provider of everything.
G. In summary, the book of Philippians teaches us to have 4 kinds of mind to claim the promises of God: (By Warren Wiersbe)
- Single mind – One true gospel (Chapter 1)
- Submissive mind – Love and humility (Chapter 2)
- Spiritual mind – Citizenship in heaven (Chapter 3)
- Secured mind – Be joyful and free from worries (Chapter 4)