Philippians Chapter 4
One of the things that Paul had learned in his time of being a Christ follower is that he could feel secure in all of life’s circumstances because he knew that God was in control. Paul calls it standing firm in the Lord. That is a good description of a man who had experienced so much hardship and persecution, circumstances that taught him that he could rely on God to take care of him. Paul experienced fear but he never turned his back on Jesus, he stood firm in his faith.
Let's Reflect
1. As Paul writes to the church at Philippi he calls for them to stand firm in the Lord as well. He affectionately calls the believers at this church by what name?
2. He briefly mentions a little situation that needs attention and that is a disagreement between two women in the church Euodia and Syntyche. What does he encourage them to do about the situation?
3. Reminding them of their equal standing with each other in the Lord; and reminding them how they had been gracious fellow laborers with Paul along with Clement and others, was a good way to help them see the trivialness of their quarrel. The women who are named in this passage, as well as other believers (fellow laborers), have one important commonality and that is that their names are recorded where?
“I am glad that we do not know what the quarrel was about; I am usually thankful for ignorance on such subjects; – but as a cure for disagreements, the apostle says, ‘Rejoice in the Lord always.’ People who are very happy, especially those who are very happy in the Lord, are not apt either to give offense or to take offense. Their minds are so sweetly occupied with higher things, that they are not easily distracted by the little troubles which naturally arise among such imperfect creatures as we are. Joy in the Lord is the cure for all discord.” [Spurgeon]
4. As believers we have a lot to rejoice about. It is reasonable for us to say to others (and we should) that there is something that will happen soon. What great event will happen soon that we should tell others about?
5. We don’t have any reason to be anxious over our life’s circumstances. We can take our needs to Him in prayer. Think about that for a second – when you pray, who are you praying to?
6. What is the result of knowing that you are leaving your prayer requests in God’s hands?
7. What is the cure for anxiety and worry?
8. Paul mentions that there will be times in our life when we will have plenty and other times when there will be little. What is the secret for having peace in your life when you are going through a season where you have very little?
9. Paul explained how God had used the church at Philippi to be of help to him when he was in need. The church had sent him gifts and he was very thankful for their generosity. According to verse 19, Paul was teaching the church that when they have need, they can know what?
10. You may be going through a difficult season right now, stand firm in your faith. Rejoice in the Lord. He loves you and He will take care of you. Do not allow your peace to be swallowed up by fears and anxiety. Are you resting in Jesus’ strength?
“What a gracious God we serve, who makes delight to be a duty, and who commands us to rejoice! Should we not at once be obedient to such a command as this? It is intended that we should be happy.” [Spurgeon]
