Paul's letter to the Philippians
Advice and thanks
Chapter 4
"In the Lord" – verses 1 to 5
As a result of Christians being spiritually united with the Lord, Who, as citizens of His kingdom, they expect on His next return (3:20-21), they are exhorted by the apostle to practice certain virtues as a result of this union and hope:
A) Firmness in their faith - without hesitation because of opposition, difficult circumstances, doubts, etc. ..
B) Union in sentiments and service, without quarrels or jealousy, and walking in the knowledge that their names are inscribed in the book of life. See Revelation 20:12,15. Euodia, Syntyche, Clement and others in the Philippian church had greatly helped Paul in the work of the Gospel; may they remain thus united in the Lord.
C) Constant joy in the Lord - in His doctrine, fellowship, love and power. Believers do not find their joy in harmful pleasures of the world - cinema, dance, cigarettes, indecent books etc. ..
D) Moderation - the readiness to listen with patience the opinions of others; the absence of bigotry or arrogance. The Lord will soon arrive and resolve all the things that we are not sure of or we do not unanimously understand.
The peace of God – verses 6 to 9
This peace can be the experience of every believer, because it comes from "the God of peace" Who gave us peace with Himself, by faith in Christ (Romans 5:1).
A) With respect to our material needs. We do not have to walk in anxiety, even in times of high prices, poor service, illness, or similar misfortunes. See Matthew 6:32-34. Let us ask God and be grateful when we receive what we ask for; and when we do not receive it, be happy and not complaining.
B) With respect to our thoughts (verse 8). How often we are tempted to occupy our thoughts on things which are useless! Imaginations taken from books, pictures, amusements and conversations that are not pure, nor lovely nor laudable easily occupy our thoughts, but are also harmful to our spiritual life.
C) With respect to our general conduct (verse 9) The apostle could offer his words and his conduct as an example for Christians in Philippi and in general. We who are teachers and preachers in the churches, can we offer ourselves as examples for the audience? ...
Following these apostolic teachings, we will know better the "God of peace" in our daily lives.
Practical communion – verses 10 to 19
The church at Philippi had sent Paul a gift (money and possibly clothing) as an expression of their love and their communion with him in his evangelical work.
A) Their gift pleased the apostle, for some time had passed since the last communication from them.
B) When leaving Philippi Paul went to Thessalonica, the Philippians had sent gifts twice (Acts 17:1-9), which other churches had not done.
C) He was not complaining of his difficult circumstances - poverty, imprisonment, etc.. - because he had learned contentment in all circumstances of life, whether pleasant or unpleasant, humble or prosperous, as God strengthened him in everything.
D) He was happy, mainly because the donation would be counted as "credit" for them before God (verse 17). It would be accepted by God as an "offering of sweet aroma "(see Exodus 29:18, Leviticus 1:9, Hebrews 13:16).
E) God would also supply all the needs of the Philippian believers and those of all Christian people (verse 19) - both material and spiritual needs. Not "all their desires"- which could be dangerous for them; see James 4:3.
Greetings – verses 20 to 23
"Glory and Grace" - in that order. Glory toGod, from those who have already received His saving grace in Christ. The greetings are from all believers who are with Paul - the members of the church in Rome, especially the converted soldiers ("the house of Caesar", a term that means not only members of the royal family, but also the soldiers who served in the Roman army).
"Your spirit"- the spirit of harmony and unity in Christ Jesus.
Richard Dawson Jones (1895 - 1987)
1 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.
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.
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.
14 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.
Phillippians chapter 4