Lessons from the Apostle Paul
Philippians 4:1-9
Historical Context for the book of Philippians: There are several reasons Paul wrote this letter to the Philippians. Paul wanted to remind and to urge believers to stand firm in the face of persecution, to rejoice in the Lord, and to be examples of humility and unity. Paul had a personal connection to the Philippians. He was thankful for how they ministered to him and he believed in their potential. It was important to affirm them in the Lord and to challenge them to live out the best possible life Christ offered.
As we study these verses in depth, take note of one thing that stands out to you. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal your strength and or weakness in that particular area and ask Him to help you become more like him.
Philippians 4 (NIV)
1 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! 2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 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.
1 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! 2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 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.
Philippians 4 (The Message)
1 My dear, dear friends! I love you so much. I do want the very best for you. You make me feel such joy, fill me with such pride. Don't waver. Stay on track, steady in God. 2 I urge Euodia and Syntyche to iron out their differences and make up. God doesn't want his children holding grudges. 3And, oh, yes, Syzygus, since you're right there to help them work things out, do your best with them. These women worked for the Message hand in hand with Clement and me, and with the other veterans—worked as hard as any of us. Remember, their names are also in the Book of Life.
1 My dear, dear friends! I love you so much. I do want the very best for you. You make me feel such joy, fill me with such pride. Don't waver. Stay on track, steady in God. 2 I urge Euodia and Syntyche to iron out their differences and make up. God doesn't want his children holding grudges. 3And, oh, yes, Syzygus, since you're right there to help them work things out, do your best with them. These women worked for the Message hand in hand with Clement and me, and with the other veterans—worked as hard as any of us. Remember, their names are also in the Book of Life.
God is not expecting that we live in a perfect world. We WILL have conflict and we WILL have differences but we are to walk in godliness and gentleness. Paul sees that these 2 women (Eudia and Syntyche) have so much to offer the church, but they have a present obstacle thwarting their potential. The time until Christ’s return is short, not too mention life is short, so keep the bigger picture in mind people!
I recently heard this phrase, “Take responsibility for the energy you bring into this space.” (Dr. Klein) We are responsible for the way we conduct ourselves at all times. We are responsible for the way we enter a room and the way we interact with people.
Philippians 4 (NIV)
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
Philippians 4 (The Message)
4-5 Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you're on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute!
· How can we celebrate God? (“Celebrate” means to rejoice, praise, commemorate, party, have fun, enjoy yourself, and revel)
· Describe gentleness? (mildness, quietness, calmness, kindness, tenderness – the opposite of harshness and roughness)
Philippians 4 (NIV)
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4 (The Message)
6-7Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.
6-7Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.
· Define anxiety? (nervousness, worry, concern, unease, apprehension, angst, fretfulness, apprehension, fear)
o It is counter productive worry
o Giving thanks cures worry!
o When we let God know about our worries – it’s not news to Him, He already knows what we are concerned about, and he wants us to come talk to him about it!
· Define peace? (harmony, reconciliation, ceasefire, amity) Scripture describes it as “inner tranquility – the peaceful state of those whose sins are forgiven. (John 14:27)
o “The full dimension of God’s love and care are beyond human comprehension.” (NIV Study Bible) (Ephesians 3:18-20)
· “Guard your heart and your minds” “God’s protective custody of those who are in Christ Jesus extends to the core of our beings and to our deepest intentions.” (NIV Study Bible) (1 Peter 1:3-5)
Philippians 4 (NIV)
8 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. 9 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.
8 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. 9 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 (The Message)
8-9Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.
8-9Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.
· What are we thinking about? “Our inner thoughts influence our lives and will sooner or later determine our speech and our actions.” (NIV Study Bible)
o What we dwell on comes out in our conversation
· What are we practicing? What do we do when we hear or read God’s Word? Are we putting it into action? Paul was not putting a guilt trip on believers; he knew that actions are a result of thoughts and faith without deeds in dead. The world will know that we are true followers of Christ by the love we display. Paul is urging all of us to put our faith into practice!
Lesson written by Kelly Preston, 2011.
Sources consulted:
NIV Study Bible, 10th Anniversary Edition, Zondervan, Grand Rapids, MI, 1995.
The Message Bible Remix/Eugene Peterson, NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO, 2003.
M.H. Commentary, Zondervan, Grand Rapids, MI, 1992.
Enjoyed this study. A good reminder of His peace that He gives. My mom always said to look at the bigger picture.
ReplyDeleteI want to take away from this Word how important it is for us to think right thoughts. How blessed we are to have the Word on the journey of life .