You did it, you made it to the very last chapter in Philippians! Congratulations and way to go! Keep at it till the very end now. This one is about God’s provision and how we should rejoice every single day. Because every single day He is worthy of our worship.
Philippians 4 – Amplified Bible
Please read Philippians 4:1-3
Think of Excellence
1 Therefore, my [a]fellow believers, whom I love and long for, my delight and crown [my wreath of victory], in this way stand firm in the Lord, my beloved.
2 I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to agree and to work in harmony in the Lord. 3 Indeed, I ask you too, my true companion, to help these women [to keep on cooperating], for they have shared my struggle in the [cause of the] gospel, together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.
As believers, our names are written in the Book of Life too. And let me just say that that should make all the difference in how we live. Because if your name isn’t in that Book then you don’t belong to Christ. So as believers we should not live as those who aren’t His. Thus, Philippians. The whole book is a teaching on how to live out this faith. It’s not the whole story as all of Paul’s letters have some of that in them, but this one is more focused that way probably because it’s short. Only what really matters is shared. And peace between believers and rejoicing in God and trusting Him for our provision is what matters most for this chapter and this book.
Please read Philippians 4:4-7
4 Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, take pleasure in Him]; again I will say, rejoice! 5 Let your gentle spirit [your graciousness, unselfishness, mercy, tolerance, and patience] be known to all people. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God. 7 And the peace of God [that peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which transcends all understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus [is yours].
Psalm 37:4 is yet another reason to find your delight and joy in God. It’s where this [ ] comes from.
Delight yourself in the Lord,
Psalm 37:4
And He will give you the desires and petitions of your heart.
Just to be a little more clear, generally those desires are for more of Him and the petitions are what you ask of Him. But more of Him, is worth it!
I can tell you the Spirit has to be very involved if most of us are to be gentle and gracious, full of mercy and tolerance and the patience here is the power to await His return. And do it all because He, the Lord, is Near.
And if you are anxious or worried, pray, petition God for His peace, ask Him to help you trust Him. He will. Count on Him.
And all of us can be filled with the peace of God which stands guard over our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Stands guard, not to keep you from doing something, to keep you from whatever evil is headed your way. It’s a safety kind of guard.
Please read Philippians 4:8-9
8 Finally, [b]believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart]. 9 The things which you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things [in daily life], and the God [who is the source] of peace and well-being will be with you.
Jesus is always the answer, more of Jesus, more of the Spirit, more of God. He’s all those things, true, honorable, right, confirmed by God’s word, pure, wholesome, lovely, and Is peace, He’s admirable and of good repute and excellent and worthy of all our praise.
These days all we have are his words to learn how to practice this walk as Paul practiced it. But so glad they were written to help us.
Please read Philippians 4:10-14
God’s Provisions
10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord, that now at last you have renewed your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned about me before, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 Not that I speak from [any personal] need, for I have learned to be content [and self-sufficient through Christ, satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or uneasy] regardless of my circumstances. 12 I know how to get along and live humbly [in difficult times], and I also know how to enjoy abundance and live in prosperity. In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret [of facing life], whether well-fed or going hungry, whether having an abundance or being in need. 13 I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.] 14 Nevertheless, it was right of you to share [with me] in my difficulties.
Did you see this repeated: self-sufficient through Christ, satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or uneasy. I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace. That is a provision you can count on.
The secret of facing life, whether well fed or going hungry, whether having an abundance or or being in need is immersing yourself in Christ’s Sufficiency. Which is to focus on Him and pray to Him and dwell your mind on Him.
You too can do all He calls you to through Him as He strengthens and empowers you to fulfill that purpose for which He’s called you.
Please read Philippians 4:15-20
15 And you Philippians know that in the early days of preaching the gospel, after I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of [c]giving and receiving except you alone; 16 for even in Thessalonica you sent a gift more than once for my needs. 17 Not that I seek the gift itself, but I do seek the profit which increases to your [heavenly] account [the blessing which is accumulating for you]. 18 But I have received everything in full and more; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent me. They are the fragrant aroma of an offering, an acceptable sacrifice which God welcomes and in which He delights. 19 And my God will liberally supply (fill until full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be the glory [d]forever and ever. Amen.
Blessing others with whatever it is they are in need of accrues blessings in your heavenly account which God will pour down on you with the blessings and gifts He has for you already. Which will be to liberally supply whatever you need with His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Reminds me of the promise in Malachi 3:10.
10 “Bring all the tithes (the tenth) into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this,” says the Lord of hosts, “if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you [so great] a blessing until there is no more room to receive it.”
Malachi 3:10
Totally, you can do this and He will answer it with blessings. More than there is room to hold. Thus you will need to share more and He will send more and wow, it’s a hugely blessed repeating cycle. One of provision in every way possible plus more than we can contain without it spilling out for others.
Please read Philippians 4:21-23
21 Remember me to every [e]saint in Christ Jesus. The [f]brothers who are with me greet you. 22 All [g]God’s people wish to be remembered to you, especially those of Caesar’s household.
23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
He’s asking that they give him the names of every single person who is of faith in Philipi. So that when he remembers them he has names to use. Is that not awesome? As they are reminded of everyone with him. It’s so different than what we know in our lives today, but it’s the way the life of faith is meant to be. Everyone knowing everyone, at least their names. Can you even imagine it? What fun that would be. None of us would have minds that forget names and the chance to find friends is so great. Remember, he thinks of these people as beloved. What a book. So worth the study, so worth repeating. He has provided everything we need to live a life of faith. (even Peter tells us that). That’s why our God full of provision. Alas, we won’t hear at afaithtalk for a while. But you can, as it’s always live.
Footnotes
[a] Philippians 4:1 -Therefore, my [a]fellow believers- Lit brethren.
[b] Philippians 4:8 -Finally, [b]believers, whatever is true- Lit brethren.
[c] Philippians 4:15 -no church shared with me in the matter of [c]giving and receiving except you- The word used here was commonly used in financial transactions referring to payments or installments.
[d] Philippians 4:20 -To our God and Father be the glory [d]forever and ever.- Lit to the ages of the ages.
[e] Philippians 4:21 -to every [e]saint in Christ Jesus- Every born-again believer (saint) has been reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, made holy and set apart for God’s purpose.
[f] Philippians 4:21 -The [f]brothers who are with me- Lit brethren.
[g] Philippians 4:22 -All [g]God’s people-Lit the saints.
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