In our study of Philippians chapter four, we will look at the power that we have to walk with Christ. In chapter 3, we saw that our goal was to walk with Christ in everything (sanctification). Now, Paul will show us how this is possible.
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So, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and my crown, my dear friends, keep standing firm in union with the Lord.
Paul begins by reminding us that it is about continuing the race even as we are imperfect and sometimes miss the mark. Even though we are not perfect yet, we know that we are His and nothing can shake us from that.
I beg Evodia and I beg Syntyche to agree with each other in union with the Lord. I also request you, loyal Syzygus, to help these women; for they have worked hard proclaiming the Good News with me, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow-workers whose names are in the Book of Life.
Paul stresses that we are not in this race alone and that all of us who are in Christ should be striving for the same goal. We do not need to judge how someone else is running the race but we can be there to assist them if they stumble and to encourage them as well.
Rejoice in union with the Lord always! I will say it again: rejoice! Let everyone see how reasonable and gentle you are. The Lord is near!
Worship begins with a right attitude and that attitude is joy. We see, here, that joy is the source of our strength just as Nehemiah told the people at the reading of the Law (see Nehemiah 8:10). A sad Christian has no power to follow Christ. Paul also tells us to let our gentleness be evident and this speaks of the fact that we are reasonable and emphasize the big point which is Jesus Christ not every little point of doctrine.
Don’t worry about anything; on the contrary, make your requests known to God by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving. Then God’s shalom, passing all understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with the Messiah Yeshua.
Another part of our worship is sharing the everyday moments of our lives with Him through prayer. We can call upon God (pray) at anytime for anything. We do not have to worry about anything and, when we take things to our Father we can go ahead and thank Him for He will do what is best for us. When we are walking in this way, we will have a peace that others cannot shake or identify and we will stand strong in the Lord.
In conclusion, brothers, focus your thoughts on what is true, noble, righteous, pure, lovable or admirable, on some virtue or on something praiseworthy.
Our worship is not without knowledge as we strive to learn more about what we have in Christ. We guard our minds by not dwelling on the bad things that happen and instead focusing on the things that are good which come from God.
Keep doing what you have learned and received from me, what you have heard and seen me doing; then the God who gives shalom will be with you.
Paul urges them to follow his example of following Christ and promises them that, if they are doing so, the peace of God will be with them. There are those that discount this principle of being an example but Paul boldly urges them to follow him as he follows Christ. This is kind of what we would call mentoring today and the sad fact is that we do not have enough Christian men and women standing up and demonstrating Jesus to our younger generations.
In union with the Lord I greatly rejoice that now, after this long time, you have let your concern for me express itself again. Of course, you were concerned for me all along, but you had no opportunity to express it.
Paul demonstrates the power of worship as he says that he rejoices greatly. He is praising God and thanking Him for bringing the Philippian believers back into contact with him. For two years, they had lost contact with Paul as they did not know that he had been taken to Rome for trial. When they found out, they immediately wanted to help him and to encourage him. It is important to remember what God has done for us in the past as that reminds us that He is in control and that He cares for us. When we praise God for what He has done, we are strengthened for the next struggle that we will face. A simple way to rejoice is to share your story of what God has done for you.
Not that I am saying this to call attention to any need of mine; since, as far as I am concerned, I have learned to be content regardless of circumstances. I know what it is to be in want, and I know what it is to have more than enough — in everything and in every way I have learned the secret of being full and being hungry, of having abundance and being in need.
Paul was not rejoicing because of the increase of provision but because of the knowing that someone cares. The "secret" to contentment that he refers to is simply resting in the provision of the Lord. That is being mature enough to understand and accept the fact that God is in control of everything and, if He wants you to have something, then, He will provide it. If He has not provided something and you are His child, then, you can be assured that it is in your best interest to not have it.
I can do all things through him who gives me power.
Paul goes on to explain that, when we worship God, we are reminded of the power that we have through Jesus Christ. We can handle anything and do anything that God has planned for us.
Nevertheless, it was good of you to share in my trouble. And you Philippians yourselves know that in the early days of my work spreading the Good News, when I left Macedonia, not a single congregation shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving — only you. Indeed, in Thessalonica when I needed it, you sent me aid twice.
We see that, in the early days of ministry, the churches did not help Paul with any expenses as many times he worked as a tent maker to support himself. This church in Philippi had supported him when nobody else did. We also see that this sacrificial giving is a part of worship.
I am not seeking the gift; rather, I am looking for what will increase the credit balance of your account.
Paul tells them that this letter is not some kind of fundraising letter as he is not looking for another gift. We also see that a gift to the work of God is a credit to our account. In fact we gain more by giving to the work of God than we can ever give away as the saying goes "you can't out give God".
I have been more than paid in full: I have been filled, since I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent — they are a fragrant aroma,[a] an acceptable sacrifice, one that pleases God well. Moreover, my God will fill every need of yours according to his glorious wealth, in union with the Messiah Yeshua.
Paul goes on to say that the monetary gift that they had sent was more than he needed and he reminds them that they were given to God and not a man. He goes on to explain that God owns all and will provide for all of the needs of His children. There are some that have misinterpreted this to mean that we can just demand whatever our little heart desires and God will deliver it. God will provide for all of our needs but we may not need everything our heart desires.
And to God our Father be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Paul reminds them and us that it is all about the presence of God in our lives. Everything we are and have is from Him.
Greet each of God’s people in the Messiah Yeshua. The brothers with me send their greetings to you. All God’s people send greetings, but especially those in the Emperor’s household.
Paul ends with greetings but we are reminded that his time in chains in Rome was not idle. We see that Caesar's household accepted Christ and are reminded that even while he was in chains Paul was serving the Lord.
The grace of the Lord Yeshua the Messiah be with your spirit.
How was Paul able to serve the Lord even while he was under house arrest? We see the answer in his prayer for the believers in Philippi as he wants them to remember the grace that has been given to them through Jesus. When our spirit is focused on that, we can look past our surroundings and worship the Lord.
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