Philippians 4 Bible Study with Brian Housman 3/24/2010

Philippians 4 (New International Version)

1Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!

2I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.

4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

10I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

14Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. 17Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. 18I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

20To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

21Greet all God's people in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me send greetings. 22All the Lord's people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar's household.

23The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.


Interesting points of Discussion:

• Q: How do you keep your praise on?
  
• A: When circumstances arise that may not look or be favorable, you are confronted with two options: a) stress about it, or b) pray about it; choose the latter and praise God, then see how God works in the situation that may reveal the reason for this situation
  
• A: Repenting and asking God for strength
  
• Words have power; when you complain you are allowing the devil to steal away your praise
  
• Without prayer and praise it becomes easier to give up and stop; a picture of praising God would look like running on a treadmill and setting the timer to going "up" because it keeps us going as we remember what God has done for us so far
  
• [See verse 2] 'be of the same mind'- Euodia and Syntyche used to work as a team for the gospel but ended up fighting with each other because they thought it would be a good way to create the entertainment that comes from being rivals
  
• [See verse 5] 'gentleness be evident to all'- treating others well is the key to happiness and the medicine to bitterness which leads to fighting and quarrels
  
• [See verse 6] 'present your requests'- There is power in making requests to God in the midst of helplessness; asking God and letting Him evaluate the situation brings peace whereas pleading in vain or questioning God can cause you to grow more frustrated
  
• When faced with trouble, keep on standing through prayer and praise
  
• Instead of focusing on your problems, seek God
  
• [See verse 7] 'which trascends all understanding'- when God is in control, his 'peace' that is given to us surpasses our understanding, i.e. it's not like the peace that comes as a result of human thought or actions whether it be through things like meditation (Bhuddism principle of emptying the mind), self-control, yoga, non-Christian spiritual disciplines or any other "how to feel good about yourself" practical advice or tips that litter magazines and books in the real world today; rather, it's a result of God moving through us, i.e. "you won't understand what's happening to you but you'll be all right"
  
• When we try to take control of the situation, things don't go well; a likely consequence of trying to handle too much on our own is distributing the blame to others around you
  
• Giving control to God begins with admitting that you cannot handle it on your own and need help; in this way you are humbling yourself in relation to God who is bigger than you
  
• 'Do not be anxious'- there is no need to be anxious because God is right next to you
  
• [See verse 8] 'think about such things'- choosing what things to put at the center of your attention- positive or negative- goes a long way
  
• [See verse 9] 'put it into practice'- Paul is stressing that it is important not only to think about the good things but also to act accordingly
  
• [See verse 12] 'secret of being content'- requires God and paying attention to the good things
  
• Paul was not thinking of what he had or didn't have; often our contentment is related to how much or how little we have
  
• The truth is, this how much/little theory doesn't stick- getting what we want doesn't make us happy because there is a constant drive for more; we will never be satisfied if we look to what we need- God will provide for us
  
• Paul didn't get comfortable and stop what he was doing (preaching the gospel) because he had everything he needed; he kept running
  
• There is only one race to the end; all the others are lies that try to deceive you into thinking you can get to your destination quicker
  
• [See verse 10] 'I rejoiced greatly'- Paul is saying to the Philippians "I'm so glad you asked if I was concerned and needed money"
  
• [See verse 17] 'be credited to your account'- looking to the interests of others leads to gains, these being "deposits in heaven"
  
• Along with prayer and praise to God, looking to the interests of others goes side by side; this doesn't seem like a race where it's about who finishes first or last but rather a race where it's about picking others up who have fallen or are struggling and making sure we all finish together