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”