“Philippians 4”

Tuesday, May 16, 2017

Verses 1-3 contain the only rebuke found in the book of Philippians. It is directed at two women, Euodia and Syntyche, and shows that Christians need to live and work together in love. If there are problems between you and another Christian, please go to that person, talk it out and pray together about the problem.

In verses 4-8, there are two key thoughts, joy and peace. Both are described in other places as “fruit of the Spirit.”

Joy is the theme of this letter. Christians are to rejoice in all things, even in times of suffering. Christianity alone can teach us how to properly enjoy live.

Peace is that quality of mind and attitude that enables us to live calm and tranquil lives, free of anxiety and fear.

The key to having such joy and peace is found in Philippians 4:8. Having the right attitude and thinking on those things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely and of good report will bring the peace of God into one’s life.

This is one of the problems caused by pornography, movies and television programs which promote ungodliness and sexual immorality, listening to inappropriate music or comedy, being around people who tell filthy jokes or use bad, sinful language, including taking the Lord’s name in vain, those who would blaspheme God and His will. Once these sinful thoughts, words or images, get into our minds, it is difficult to remove them.

When the apostle wrote Romans 12:1-2 about presenting our bodies as living sacrifices to God and being transformed into the image of His Son, he told us that the method through which those positive actions come about is “the renewing of your mind.” We need to think about good things so that we will do good things.

In verses 10-23, Paul turns to the subject of contentment with the physical blessings that the Lord has given us.

The brothers at Philippi were concerned about Paul’s material welfare, as they should have been. In the past, they had been blessed with opportunities to help Paul in his work of spreading the gospel. At the time of the writing of Philippians, they had no such opportunity.

Paul wanted them to know that he was going to be all right. God would take care of him and, whether he had much or little, he was content. He had been instructed by the harsh realities of life and had come to the realization stated in verse 13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

The apostle points out to them that, when they helped him financially, the fruit that resulted would be credited to their account. Their financial support would result in souls being saved eternally and God would remember their sacrifice and faithfulness in the Day of Judgment.

--Roger Hillis

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