Philippians Answers - Chapter 4

Philippians 4  What three things did Paul address the Philippians as in verse 1? Therefore, my beloved brethren whom I long to see, my joy and crown, in this way stand firm in the Lord, my beloved. Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends! [TNIV] What did Paul urge Euodia & Synthyche to do? vs. 2 I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to live in harmony in the Lord. I urge Euodia and Syntyche to iron out their differences and make up. God doesn’t want his children holding grudges. [MSG] 4941 Συντύχη [Suntuche /soon·too·khay/] n pr f. From 4940; GK 5345; AV translates as “Syntyche” once. 1 a female member of the church of Philippi. Strong, J. (1996). The exhaustive concordance of the Bible : Showing every word of the text of the common English version of the canonical books, and every occurrence of each word in regular order. (electronic ed.). Ontario: Woodside Bible Fellowship. Paul wanted his companion to help these women who had shared his struggle in the cause of the gospel, together with Clement, and the rest of his fellow workers. Where are their names written? vs. 3 Whose names are in the book of life. What does Paul repeat twice in a row? vs. 4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Safeguard Against Division: Paul again commands the Philippians to rejoice. Rejoicing doesn’t just guard their hearts against discouragement (3:1), but also against division. If I am choosing to rejoice in the Lord over my circumstances or situation, it will be nearly impossible to hold a grudge against those with whom I am involved. It is an either/or proposition. A natural consequence of truly rejoicing in the Lord about something is the inability to complain about the same thing. If I’m going to forgive someone, it will require me to let go of any bitterness or resentment I might harbor toward them. If you’re resentful, you’re not rejoicing. Runge, S. E. (2011). High Definition Commentary: Philippians (Php 4:1–7). Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software. What kind of spirit are we to show to all men? vs. 5 Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. [ESV] What is the antidote for an anxious spirit? Name 4 parts given in verse 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. [TNIV] Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. [MSG] What will happen when we give every anxious thought over to the Lord in prayer? vs. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. [TNIV] Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life. [MSG] Paul wraps it up with telling them how to have the God of peace with them at all times. What are the things they should let their minds dwell on? vs.8 - Name 8 things whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence if anything worthy of praise. Paul asked them to practice what they had heard from him, but not only 'heard' from him, but they had seen it and learned it as well. Who will be with them as they follow his example? vs. 9 The God of peace will be with you. What is causing Paul to rejoice in the Lord greatly concerning the Philippians? vs. 10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity. I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. [TNIV] I’m glad in God, far happier than you would ever guess—happy that you’re again showing such strong concern for me. Not that you ever quit praying and thinking about me. You just had no chance to show it. [MSG] Paul did not speak from "want". What had he learned to do? vs. 11 "I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am." Paul said he had "learned how" to get along with humble means and also "how" to live in prosperity. What had he learned to be in any and every circumstance? vs. 12 "I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need." What could Paul do through Christ who strengthened him? vs. 13 "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." The Philippians were the only church that shared in Paul's needs in the beginning of his ministry. They sent gifts for him more than once. What did Paul seek for them concerning the gift? vs. 17 "I seek for the profit which increases to your account." "I seek the fruit that increases to your credit." [ESV] "What I desire is that more be credited to your account." [TNIV] "I do want you to experience the blessing that issues from generosity." [MSG] How did Paul describe the gift they had sent him through Epaphroditus? vs. 18 "a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God." like a sweet-smelling sacrifice roasting on the altar, filling the air with fragrance, pleasing God no end. [MSG] What did Paul say God would do for them in return? vs. 19 And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. will supply every need [ESV] will meet all your needs [TNIV] will take care of everything you need [MSG] Paul praises our God and Father - to Him be the glory forever and ever (vs.20). He said to greet every saint in Christ Jesus and told them the brethren sent greetings to them. Who else were sending greetings their way? vs. 22 All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household. All the Christians here, especially the believers who work in the palace of Caesar, want to be remembered to you. [MSG] Think through this lesson. Do we think on positive things daily? How are we experiencing God's peace? Are we choosing to be anxious or to pray about everything with thanksgiving? Now, think through the entire letter we have read to the Philippians. What will you remember about this letter that Paul wrote inspired by the Holy Spirit? Summarize your thoughts and pray. Philippians 4:6 Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Philippians Overview Chart - Click HERE Jensen, I. L. (1981). Jensen's Survey of the New Testament : Search and discover (330). Chicago: Moody Press.

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