Chapter 10 Philippians 4

A Call To Set Aside Differences

As Paul instructed the churches through his letters in the principles and doctrines of Christ, he at times speaks to individuals. Because of the great distance of time that separates our generations we are often at a loss to determine the exact circumstances of these instructions.

What we can determine is that Euodia and Syntyche are femine names, and that they were believers in the Philippian congregation. It would also seem these women had some influence in the church in ministry. Therefore, Paul directs his personal counsel to them. Apparently, there must have been some differences of opinion or doctrine, or even personal strife between these women.

The cure for these differences whatever they were is the same for our present differences in human relationships. Paul calls believers in their association with one another to have the same mind in the Lord. There need not be uniformity, nor a weaker mind yielding to those who are of a stronger will. Rather, we are called to let the mind of Christ dwell in us. Our human relationships are to be molded and influenced by our connection with Christ. Through the continual yielding of our hearts to Christ and asking for His grace we are enabled to adopt His mind. Christ’ mind is seen when we are “loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too” (Philippians 2:2–4 NLT).

Who it is that Paul is addressing as a true companion we are not told, perhaps it was Epaphroditus who is believed to be the one who delivered Paul’s letter. Whoever it was that Paul was addressing understood his meaning, and along with Clement and other brethren were to assist the sisters to come into harmony. It seems that both the sisters in question and others here whom Paul addressed were all gospel workers.

Due to the culture of the times, these sisters would not likely have been involved in public ministry, but would have been ministering to other women and their families. Despite the differences Paul drew to the attention of all concerned, their calling and hope in Christ, and to live and act accordingly. “Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV), and therefore your names are written in the Book of Life. Paul was seeking to encourage all to live and conduct their affairs and ministry as children of God.

Philippians 4:4–5  Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.

The Joy Of The Lord

Paul’s admonition to receive the joy of the Lord and to live it was no doubt directed to the sisters and brethren he addressed in the above verses. Nevertheless, the call to rejoice is also to all who profess the name of Christ.

Whatever the trial and circumstances we find ourselves in, we are to cultivate faith and trust in the Lord so that we can rejoice. Our present circumstances may be favorable or unfavorable, but God’s love, mercy, and grace is never lacking if we will believe and seek it by faith. Our rejoicing is to be in the Lord and not merely the cultivation of a positive outlook on life, as we see with heavenly vision beyond the present. As if to direct our attention beyond what we see, think or feel, Paul repeats the call, “Again I will say, rejoice!”

With a life of joy, we are to live a life of gentleness. Such a life is the result of conversion. A life of gentleness might be looked down upon in our world of self-assertiveness, self-esteem, and strife and tension. However, a life of gentleness is actually one of strength. Gentleness is the spirit of heaven and a character trait that is intended for every believer to possess. This is a life lived so that even under provocation, we have a readiness to forgive injuries and sleights that are done to us. Gentleness includes fairness and justice in the management of our daily affairs and duties, and brings kindness, and the control of the passions into the life. A life of gentleness is to attend us in the church, the home and among all with whom we associate.

The first generation of believers hoped the Lord would return soon. However, Paul has also counseled that the coming of Christ would be preceded by great deception and apostasy future to his time. Despite the long lapse since Christ ascension to heaven, in the true Christian experience, in every generation there is the desire for the Lord’s return.

In stating the Lord is at hand, Paul reminds us we are to live in the knowledge of Christ’s presence and care. Understanding the nearness of the Lord draws our attention to the words of the psalmist, “O Lord, You have searched me and known me. You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off. You comprehend my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word on my tongue, but behold, O Lord, You know it altogether. You have hedged me behind and before, and laid Your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain it” (Psalm 139:1–6).

Philippians 4:6–7  Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Experiencing God’s Peace

Life presents to us many things to be anxious or worried about. This is true regardless of the time in earth’s history we live or whether our circumstances of life are presently favorable or unfavorable. It seems that apprehension and worry is often a part of the human experience.

Despite living in a world of darkness and perplexity, as Christians, though we have not seen God “we love Him because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19). This love in our hearts is an evidence of the reality of God, for “the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us” (Romans 5:5). The love of God known brings to us an assurance that we might overcome worries and fears.

Despite what is coming upon the world, our individual nations, and what we may face in our own life, we need not be anxious for “though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory” (1 Peter 1:8). In the heart of a Christian, nothing should cause us to be troubled and worried. And how is this possible? Because in everything we can pray, believing that nothing “shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:39). And with this knowledge, “we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us” (verse 37).

The victory over our troubled thoughts and fears is not in self-help or a vague belief in a higher power or in positive thinking believing that somehow things will just work out. We are called to prayer, which is opening our hearts to God with our joys, hopes, fears and wants. Prayer is not to be formal repetitive words, but is to come from our heart, and should not be limited to set times and places.

We are also called to supplication and this means to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17), however this does not necessarily mean long hours of prayer. Rather in every joy, sorrow, perplexity, blessing and accomplishment be it great or small is found the call to prayer. Consistency in prayer comes in recognition of our great need that can only be met in God’s grace, strength and intervention. As we cultivate this attitude, our life need not be filled with worry, but with hope, peace and thanksgiving.

As prayer is entered into by faith believing God hears and will help us, the peace of God overshadows our life. This peace is not an unreal bliss or attitude of make believe, rather it is a tranquility that comes from resting in God. For in Him our life is found and He allows nothing to come into our life, that He has not provided grace to bear, and the hope to believe so that we are able to look beyond the present.

Prayer to God as our Father and the trust that this cultivates brings peace. Who can properly explain it? Scientist may attempt to explore the depth of the human brain looking for an answer as to why we believe in God. Philosophy may seek to explain the human necessity to believe in a deity or power outside of ourselves. Even some geneticists are looking for the god gene which they believe billions of years of evolution has seemingly and mysteriously wired into mankind’s thinking.

However, for the Christian we believe and pray because the Spirit of God has touched our hearts and we know that God is our Father. Our feelings and emotions as well as our thoughts and imaginations are all kept or hedged about by the power of God’s peace experienced as we submit our ways to the Lord in prayer.

Philippians 4:8–9  Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

Our Thoughts And The Resultant Character

Paul now begins to summarize the purpose for his letter and reiterates the calling of the gospel and its effect on every believer. We are called to fill our hearts and minds with things that are true. This is not a call to understand trivia and facts, for there is much in life that is true as far as information, but is of no positive good and often is not conducive to a sound faith. We are to think, meditate upon and cherish what is morally and spiritually sound. This means all that is compatible with “the word of truth” and with Him who said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (Ephesians 1:13; John 14:6).

We are to cultivate nobility of character through a knowledge of God and an appreciation of who He is. As well, we are to dwell upon and fill our life with that which is honest and noble. Noble as it is used here brings with it the idea of excellence of moral character. Therefore, we are to shun all influences or pursuits that would hinder the development of an upright and godly life.

We are also called to dwell upon and fill our thoughts with that which is just. We are to conduct our affairs with other people in a fair and honest way. Just is also translated righteous and in every sphere of life we are to be chaste, blameless and above reproach. We are to fill our minds with that which cultivates and encourages such a character.

We are to think and act in a way that is pure. Jesus said, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8). To be pure in our thinking and actions requires a change of our heart. This change in not brought about by religious ritual, neither is it “by virtue of any moral achievement of ours, but by the cleansing power of a new birth and the moral renewal of the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:5 Phillips).

We are also to be of a pure mind in our motivation, ambitions and desires. To be pure we need “the wisdom that is from above [which] is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy” (James 3:17).

God intends that our mind dwell upon that which is lovely, and thereby becomes a part of our character. The word lovely means “acceptable, pleasing.”² Here is a call not to dwell and think upon that which is unimportant, sensual and base. Rather, “do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:2). We are to occupy our life and to think upon those things that will assist in the development of a character that is lovely or pleasing to God. Then by God’s grace we are to “lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior” (1 Timothy 2:2–3).

To live our life and to think upon that which is of good report are those things that harmonize with Christian principles. In summation, we are to live a life of virtue and praise, and Jesus tells us what this life is. “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your moral excellence and your praiseworthy, noble, and good deeds and recognize and honor and praise and glorify your Father Who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16 AMP).

To a great degree, what we allow our mind to be occupied with is what we become. If we are constantly anxious, our trust in God is lessened. If we dwell upon disappointments or differences with others, we can become bitter. Therefore, we are called upon as Christians to cultivate and actively seek to fill our mind and thoughts with the positive things Paul has outlined. As we do, our character is tending toward the heavenly and pure and this will be to our present and eternal benefit and that of others we associate with.

Paul did not teach a mere theoretical religion, for he not only taught and wrote but by grace through faith he lived out the principles of heaven. In our personal experience and walk of faith, we may not have the opportunity to be taught and encouraged by a godly individual. However, we can learn from the Holy Spirit as he ministers the grace and knowledge of God to us, learning from the Scriptures, and following the principles found therein. As Paul lived out the truth in his life as an example to others, so we are called to the same life.

As we live our life seeking truth, purity of heart and life, honesty and virtue, this is an evidence that God is with us. Indeed it is not possible to genuinely live such a life unless the “God of peace sanctify you wholly.” In Paul’s prayer is revealed God’s will and purpose for us, and is therefore a promise we can claim. “I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians 5:23 KJV).

Philippians 4:10–14  But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress.

Contentment Because Of Trust In God

God supplies our needs through the resources of earth and fellow humans, but this should not be taken as evidence that blessings, gifts and help are not from Him. God arranges circumstances and moves upon hearts to provide for us and His work. Paul recognized this and rejoiced in the Lord for the gifts brought to him by the Philippian church.

Paul did not use his present unfavorable circumstances to solicit help or sympathy though as a prisoner he likely needed both. In his letters to the churches from prison and no doubt in his personal interactions with visitors and prison guards he did not complain. He had learned to trust in God in all circumstances of life as each one of us must also learn to do.

In a world where we are expected to succeed and advance according to societies pattern, learning to be content in our present circumstances is often difficult. As Christians, contentment is possible as we find our sufficiency in the Lord. This serenity does not mean being satisfied with mediocrity or negative influences or allowing ourselves to engage in unbelief and sin. Rather our contentment is derived from a belief that God is, “and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6). This belief allows us to understand that God loves us and as we “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33), then our life will be what God has purposed for us, and this helps us to be content.

As Christians, we are to be readily adaptable to our outward circumstances. This does not mean our faith is ever changing, on the contrary. True faith and the trust in God we have, enables us to live for Him regardless of our physical circumstances. We know that our importance as individuals and status in society counts for nothing in God’s sight and that “one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses” (Luke 12:15). Like Paul, every Christian should be able to maintain their integrity and hold on God, whether life is filled with abundance or times are difficult. In all things and at all times our life should be free of complaining because we lack, or prideful because we abound. We as Paul did, must develop a faith and trust so that we know; we can do all things and meet all circumstances in the strength we receive through Christ’s enabling grace.
 
Sometimes we might refuse help from others, we might think I do not wish to burden another, or we might not be willing to acknowledge we need help and gratefully receive it. Often pride comes in, even if it is unrecognized and therefore we hesitate to receive the help that is offered to us. We should learn to be willing to give help and receive help without hesitancy or pride.

Paul was not disappointed when in want, help from the many churches he raised up was not forthcoming. Though content in whatever the Lord allowed in his life, he was joyous when help did come to him, as when the Philippians assisted him in his need. His joy was not merely in the relief from physical want, his happiness was in the spirit of care and the friendship manifested by the giver, and because of this spirit Paul gave thanks to God.

Philippians 4:15–20  Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

God Our Provider

In Paul’s writings, we learn he had the ability to make tents and used this talent from time to time to earn income for himself and coworkers to meet their necessities and expenses. (See Acts 18:1–3). It would seem likely individuals also helped Paul as Lydia did with the kindness of lodging and food. However, it appears no churches helped him in regular way, accepting the Philippian church. Paul did not eagerly seek out the support of others, as some false workers did. Rather he trusted In Christ who had called him into the gospel work to provide for him. When the Philippian church helped him, he commended them not for the gift alone, but as it really was, a gift to God, whose servant Paul was.

As the Philippian church exercised faith, Christian love and concern in helping Paul, he states as the church supplied his need so they should trust God to supply their need. This principle remains present truth and is one of God’s precious promises that we also can claim. We should look to God for the spiritual, physical help, wisdom, and grace, we require. God has no lack and as He has given Christ for our salvation so in Him, we can ask and expect the help we need. “God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8).

Christ is our Savior and His spirit and grace has led us to acknowledge that God is our Father. “God’s purpose in this was that we should praise God and give glory to Him for doing these mighty things for us, who … trust in Christ” (Ephesians 1:12 TLB). The redemption in Christ gained for us is to resound throughout the eternal ages to the glory of God. So that “in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:7).

Philippians 4:21–23  Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren who are with me greet you. All the saints greet you, but especially those who are of Caesar’s household. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

The Power Of Grace

Paul had a great attachment to those of the Christian community, and desired that his letter would benefit many, and in anticipation of all who should hear or read this letter he greats the saints. In this we should discern God’s voice speaking to us, that individually we are beloved, also that the counsel of Christ that Paul wrote long ago to the Philippians is God’s direction to us.

The gospel of Christ to a great degree through Paul’s ministry had even reached those in Caesar’s household. We are not told if these were family members or if they were some of the servants, and slaves, who were closely associated with the imperial court as domestic staff and helpers. This is remarkable when we consider it was Nero who was emperor of the Roman Empire during the time of Paul’s imprisonment.

Nero was known as cruel, morally debased and self-indulgent. For individuals to accept the Savior in such an environment is a testimony to the grace of God. Apparently without fear the believers were steadfast to both their faith in Christ and service to the king, and they were desirous of passing greetings to Christians elsewhere.

In Paul’s closing we read not only of his greeting and desire for the people of God nearly two thousand years ago to know the grace of Christ, grace experienced is Christ’s desire for us presently. The grace of Christ that has drawn our hearts to Him, will also enable us to live for Him. In addition, His grace knows no limit of time, or circumstances. Therefore the grace that filled Paul with hope, strength and confidence in the eternal realities he spoke of can be ours as well. Now may the “grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be” with each of us, amen.

Endnotes:

1. Greek Lexicon, in The Online Bible CD-Rom, Macintosh Version 2.5.3 (Niagara Falls, NY: Cross Country Software, www.online-bible.com, 1996).

2. Ibid.