Philippians 4:15-23

Philippians 4:15-23

In Greco-Roman culture, the act of saying thank you was not expected among friends. Rather they express their “Thank You” by rehearsing and recalling the actions of their friends. Paul never specifically said “thank you,” but he does recall their faithfulness in their support of his ministry. This church consistently sent gifts to Paul beginning while he was in Thessalonica, his first stop after Philippi. It is worth noting that Paul was culturally sensitive and aware of how gratitude should be expressed. We must be gracious with our gratitude. Good manners, while not specifically identified as holy, are a way of expressing the worth and importance of others. That is very much a way of expressing love. Paul also makes a point of balancing his gratitude for their gift and his contentment as well. He was not grubbing for money. At the same time, he was aware of the benefit for them of their giving.

In verse 17 Paul says, “I seek the profit that increases to your account.” Paul is telling us that what we give to a ministry is drawing interest, compounding interest. The word “increase” literally means super-abounding. In some way our giving is growing a profound reward within God's economy. That which we give to the Lord's work is not gone; instead, it's growing and will be the cause of increased reward when the Lord comes. The worst investment is that which gives us more earthly wealth rather than the compounding, multiplying interest of an eternal reward.

Paul sends greetings from the church in Rome to the church at Philippi. Those greetings include some from the house of Caesar. For a number of reasons we have lost the fellowship between congregations. This loss is greater than we realize. The shared fellowship of our community of faith at large, reminds us that we are part of something much bigger than our little congregation or group. Christians in other communities are not just a nameless demographic but people we know and love. The deeper connection with distant fellow believers benefits both our congregations in good and difficult circumstances. Best of all, it reminds us of the grace we have and share in Christ.

“Help me, Lord, to live in and be thankful for the universal church. AMEN”

Philippians 4:8-14

Philippians 4:8-14

In verses 8 and 9, Paul gives us the last component in “standing firm” from verse one. First we need unity, next joy, and now focused attention. Paul gives us categories or types of things on which we must focus our attention. That which secures my attention secures my will. The battle for moral behavior and character is won or lost in the arena of our thinking. What we continue to think about, we desire; what we continue to desire, we do; what we continue to do becomes our habits; those habits we continue in become our character. Bad character is much more than behavior; it is also the failure of our focused attention. Too often we pray and ask God to make us good while all the while our attention is focused on ignoble themes. We cannot make ourselves good, but we can either cooperate with God or refuse to cooperate with God in our sanctification. That begins with the focused attention of our minds.

The truth of the Gospel must not be relegated to the realm of abstract theory but rather expressed in life. Paul calls for the Philippians to recall his example and notes that if they do the same thing he did, they will enjoy the same peace he has. In a verbal play, Paul promises that the peace of God will guard them, and here he says that the God of Peace will be with them. Peace is not a random, haphazard experience that just happened. It is a result of our walking closely with God, and that describes our character.

Paul uses this moment both as an example and as a moment to say thanks. Their gift was a great help in Paul's life. However, Paul was more interested in the givers than in the gift itself. He understood the circumstances and was not chiding them for the delay. Rather, he demonstrates the peace of God in practical terms while at the same time setting their minds at ease. Notice he says that he “learned.” Those lessons did not come from a class and teacher; they were not special revelations. These lessons were learned in the experiences of life, by doing and redoing. The word “secret” means, “I have been initiated into the mystery.” It was used in secular Greek to refer to someone who had endured the disciplines of the religion so as to enter it. This was a long process.

Verse 13 is very often taken out of context. It is not a success verse but a humble verse about doing with or without but remaining at peace in Christ.

“Lord, give me the grace to be in You at every moment for there alone will I find peace. AMEN”

Philippians 4:1-7

 Philippians 4:1-7

There is so much beautiful material in this passage we could write a book on faithful Christian living by carefully dissecting each verse and word. However, one phrase stands out and is sometimes taken out of context. This will receive our focus. Verse 7 is a beautiful promise for the Christian life. In this verse God promises to guard our minds and our hearts in response to a great many anxieties about our lives. However, if taken out of context, this verse may feel like an empty promise. We want God's peace, and it is promised here, but often we do not have it. Why is that the case? Because God's peace is not fairy dust that is sprinkled over us; rather, it is the end of a long chain of actions and choices.

This chain begins with the pursuit of loving God as seen at the end of chapter 3. As a result of the pursuit of loving God, we are to stand firm, not wavering in our faith and conviction. In that determination to remain faithful, we work to resolve personal conflicts. We are not told what the rift was between these ladies, but it was serious enough that Paul called them out by name. Paul next calls for the choice of joy. Not the circumstances are emotions but the action of joy. There are always reasons to be joyless, but joy is a self-disciplined choice. Next, Paul calls for a forbearing spirit. The word forbearing indicates gentleness, yielding, patience, kindness, leniency, and magnanimity. You can see how this kind of attitude could help in personal conflict. The forbearing person is not spineless; they can hold relentlessly to the truth, but they are selfless. Paul reminds us that the Lord is near. This may mean that He is present with us or He is soon to return; either case should motivate us. In contrast to a life of worrying and anxiety, Paul calls us to a life of prayer. He described specific types of prayer that should replace anxiety. He begins by calling us to prayer in general. Next is supplication, or seeking specific benefits. After that Thanksgiving, which is praise and thanks for past blessings, which serve as a reminder of God’s faithfulness and which produces confidence. Finally, make a request or plea for specific matters.

As a result of a life that is focused on loving Christ, resolving conflict, being determined to be rejoicing, gentle, and forbearing action, and praying about anxiety-causing issues, God's incomprehensible peace stands guard over our hearts. The guard stands to protect but also to call reinforcements if needed. But the guard is stationed only at the end of the string of events or disciplines.

“Lord, guard my heart and mind because, Lord, I have put my trust in You. AMEN”