CrossSites Bible Study

Philippians 4

After Paul addressed serious problems with false teachers, and opponents in the third chapter, He concludes the letter with a variety of exhortations, encouragements, and reminders.

Paul has told them that rejoicing is the principle, pattern, and prize of the Christian life. In Philippians 4 he is going to remind them that it is also gives them the power to live the Christians life.

JOY – THE SOURCE OF POWER

Philippians 4:1–4 (ESV)

¹ Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved. ² I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. ³ Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. ⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.

We live in a stress-filled culture. Like the Philippians we are faced daily with things that attack our faith. This stress and pull of the culture can and will cause issues in our families and church. In Christ we find our joy and ability to stand firm.

The command to stand firm recalls of Roman soldiers who never retreated for fear of being killed while under assault. That is the stance that we should take today. The culture is demanding that we retreat from our beliefs and faith. We must stand firm and not retreat. In order to stand firm, we are going to have to be united as believers.

Paul addresses two ladies in the Philippian church who has some sort of disagreement. Paul does not tell us what the disagreement was but since he did not address any doctrinal issues, we can assume that it was something mundane and relatively unimportant. Whatever the disagreement was it was serious enough to cause disunity in the church and a had to be addressed by Paul. Paul encourages the leadership of the church to help solve the issue.

Disagreements even among mature Christians is nothing new. There will always be struggle in a church. It has been said anytime you put two people in the same room there will be a possibility of a disagreement. When disagreements happen, they must be handled with love and kindness. Sometimes that will require a more mature believer to step in and help resolve the issue. Because mature Christians do not allow these disagreements interfere with the unity and mission of the church. They understand that disunity in a church leads to disappointment, doubt, discouragement, and an ineffective witness. The Unity of the church is important if it is going to stand as a witness for the gospel in a very dark world.

Paul encourages us to seek unity for the sake of the gospel. For the Christian joy is not dependent on the things here on earth because a Christian’s joy has its source in the continual presence of Christ. That is why Paul says, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I say rejoice!” Phil 4:4

PRAYER – THE SECRET OF POWER

Philippians 4:5–7 (ESV)

⁵ Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; ⁶ do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

If there is one thing that Paul understood it was the power of prayer. Paul insists that we must give thanks for everything. That means in the good times and the bad. Which means that we must always be in perfect submission to the will of God. We might not understand why we are going through something, but we must always understand that God is in control. For this reason, we should not worry but pray the God’s will be done.

We must approach prayer not as a monologue, but it is a dialogue between you and God. When we pray, we should remember three things. The love of God, He loves us and desires what is best for us. The wisdom of God, He knows what is best for us. And the power of God, which is the only thing that brings about the best for us. When we pray with perfect trust in the love, wisdom, and power of God we will find God’s perfect peace.

I learned this lesson in 2017 when I was diagnosed with cancer. I had to totally give my will over to His. One morning while praying and having my quiet time the Mercy Me song “Even If” came on the radio. God used that song to reminded me that He was in control, and I could take joy in that knowledge. That was the day I received the power and strength to deal with my cancer.

CONTEMPLATION OF CHRIST – THE SANCTUARY OF POWER

Philippians 4:8–9 (ESV)

⁸ Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. ⁹ What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

In a day were a lot of the focus of church is on emotion and pragmatism the importance of seriously thinking about biblical truth is downplayed. Too many times the people no longer ask, “Is true?’ but “Does it work?” or “How does it make me feel?”  Unfortunately, too many churches today are more concerned about whether what is said will be divisive or offensive than if it is biblically true.

Paul is addressing this with the Philippian church. He admonishes them to contemplate the things of God. The phrase “dwell on these things” relates to an important spiritual truth…spiritual stability results from how a person thinks. Logizomai (dwell on) means more than just entertaining thoughts; it means “to evaluate,” “to consider,” or “to calculate.” Proverbs 23:7 declares “For as he thinks within himself, so he is.”  As believers we are called on to contemplate and discern the will and word of God.

Paul wants the Philippian church to dwell on whatever is true, dignified, right, pure, lovely, and excellent. They were told to consider and dwell on the things they had learned, received, heard, and seen. Paul is telling them to set themselves on the teaching and example that he had set when he was with them.

It is human nature to always set ourselves on something. To many it means following a secular worldview that is opposed to God. But to a believer in Jesus Christ, it means having a biblical worldview that focuses on the things of God. This means having consistent time in the Word of God.

How much time do you spend with the Word of God contemplating Christ?

But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit. 2 Cor. 3:18

The Word of God is like a mirror and when we look into it, we see the glory of the Lord. We can find peace and joy when we have our minds and actions focused on Christ. This can only come when we spend time studying and contemplating on the Word of God and the love of Jesus.

As we spend this time in the Word of God, we will behold the riches and glories of Jesus Christ. We will come to understand and learn how to apply His power in our lives. When we contemplate on Jesus and the Word of God, we will no longer have our minds being filled with the garbage of this culture. Instead, we will be focused on Jesus Christ, His love, power, and glory. This is where we will find a true sanctuary for this corrupt world.

IN CHRIST – THE SATISFATION OF POWER

Philippians 4:10–19 (ESV)

¹⁰ I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. ¹¹ Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. ¹² I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. ¹³ I can do all things through him who strengthens me. ¹⁴ Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. ¹⁵ And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. ¹⁶ Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. ¹⁷ Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. ¹⁸ I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. ¹⁹ And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

“Christian contentment is that sweet, inward, quiet, gracious frame of spirit, which freely submits to and delights in God’s wise and fatherly disposal in every condition” – Jeremiah Burroughs  

As Paul concludes his letter to the Philippians, he expresses his gratitude to God for the church’s support. He also writes to them that living in Christ will bring contentment and with contentment come the power of satisfaction. We hear a lot about being satisfied or contented with life. It is a highly prized but elusive virtue. But only true satisfaction and contentment comes from God. Paul gives us some principles of contentment that he has learned as he served the Lord.

A Contented Person Places their Confidence in the Providence of God.

Philippians 4:10 (ESV)

¹⁰ I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity.

It had been ten years since Paul had gone to Philippi and started the church. After he left the church to continue his ministry, the church had been a generous supporter of Paul. But they lost contact with Paul, and it had been two years since they had had contact. Upon learning of Paul’s imprisonment in Rome they sent Epaphroditus to bring a generous gift to him. Paul is lets them know of his gratitude and that God is in control. Paul was content because he knew that everything that happens is controlled by the providence of God. As he wrote in Romans 8:28 “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.” Paul understood who was in control.

When we seek to control our lives, we will become frustrated. But when we place our trust and confidence in God’s providence, we will find true contentment and joy.

A Contented Person will be Satisfied with Little.

Philippians 4:11 (ESV)

¹¹ Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.

Paul is in a Roman prison, chained between two guards. He had learned that it did not matter about his circumstances so he could be and was content with his circumstances. Paul’s attitude is the exact opposite of worry and anxiety. He knew that true contentment only comes from God. and this knowledge enables believers to be satisfied and at peace in the midst of any situation.

We live in a culture that is always wanting more. It thinks that the more you have the more contented with life you will be. Paul’s example is the exact opposite. Paul’s life shows us that as believers we can be content in our present circumstances regardless of how much we have. True contentment comes only from God, and as believers we have the ability be satisfied and at ease with a little or a lot.

As believers we have all the power within that we need to face the demands of this life. Contentment comes when we confidently trust in the power of the Holy Spirit rather than our own resources. This means having a daily personal relationship with Christ.

What can you do to develop an attitude of contentment in all circumstances?

A Contented Person is Independent from Circumstances.

Philippians 4:12 (ESV)

¹² I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.

Paul goes on to expand on the previous verse. He tells us that he has learned from experience and spiritual maturity how to live when life is prosperous and when it is poor. He wants us to know that our circumstances must not dictate our contentment.

When we are giving the control of our lives to the Holy Spirit, we can live a contented life regardless of our circumstances.  Jesus in Matt 6:25-34, tell us not to be anxious about life. We serve a God who feeds the birds and clothes the fields. He will take care of his children. Paul had come to learn that as long as he was obedient to God’s call on his life, he could be content. God was going to supply his needs. Our contentment comes in Christ. It is not dependent on our circumstances.

A Contented Person Is Strengthened by Divine Power

Philippians 4:13 (ESV)

¹³ I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

No matter how difficult his circumstances may have been, Paul had a spiritual undergirding, an invisible means of support. His adequacy and sufficiency came from his union with the adequate and sufficient Christ. Paul could do all things because his strength came from a personal relationship with Christ.

Paul is saying that when he had come to the end of his resources and strength the infusing power of Christ allowed him to continue. Paul could overcome the most dire of physical difficulties because of the inner, spiritual strength he gained by living in Christ.

It does not matter what our circumstances are. When we are in Christ, we can have access to His power. This power that indwells the believer is far more than sufficient to strengthen and sustain them in any circumstance. It is when we rely on the power of Christ in us and not our own strength that we can be content in any circumstance we face. Only when we live lives of obedience to God’s will can we count on His power to sustain us. Obedience comes by our consistent study of the Bible.

“If you get the total Word of God, you will get the total will of God for this life, and you will have a basis on which you can operate. There is joy, there is satisfaction and sheer delight in being in the will of God and doing what God wants you to do.” – J. Vernon McGee

A Contented Person Is Preoccupied with the Well-Being of Others

Philippians 4:14–23 (ESV)

¹⁴ Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. ¹⁵ And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. ¹⁶ Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once again. ¹⁷ Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. ¹⁸ I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. ¹⁹ And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. ²⁰ To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. ²¹ Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. ²² All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household. ²³ The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

When a person lives only for themselves, they will never be content, because contentment can come only when their circumstances are exactly as they want them to be. And that will never happen. But those who unselfishly put others’ well-being above their own will find real and true contentment.

Paul now turns his attention to the Philippian believers. He wanted them to know that he appreciated their gift of support. Their gift had brought Paul much joy not just because of its benefit to him personally, but because of its spiritual benefit to them.

There is a principle repeated in scripture that says that those who give generously will be blessed. Paul was overwhelmed by the generosity of the Philippians. He knew that God would honor their faithfulness. When we are faithful with what God has given us, He will honor that faithfulness.

In the Old Testament, the priest, went into the holy place and put incense on the alter, and it ascended with a sweet smell. Paul wanted the church to know that their giving was like the priest making an offering to God. It was a fragrant offering that was pleasing to God. When we give faithfully to God it is pleasing to Him.

Paul wants for us to understand that God will supply all our needs. He does not say all our wants…but our needs. Now sometimes will give us our wants. When that happens, it is out of His loving-kindness. But we can be sure that He will need our needs because we are his children (Matt 6:25-34).

The crucial lessons in contentment illustrated here in the life of Paul may be summarized in five words: faith, humility, submission, dependence, and unselfishness. Paul lived his life by faith, with unselfishness and humility, in total submission and dependence on God who had called him to be an Apostle.

Success and contentment comes when we discover the will of God and faithfully do His will. When we place our lives totally In Christ, we can be content in whatever place or circumstance we find ourselves. We have to be willing to live by faith, totally submitted and dependent on God.  It is a wise man or woman who says “Lord, plant me where You see that I am designed to be.” 

We can see this principle in action as Paul concludes his letter to the Philippians. He gives glory to God for his circumstance. We also see that his being in prison has reaped fruit among the household of Caesar (Eph 4:22). This does not necessarily mean the blood relatives of the Roman emperor, but those who were employed by the emperor. Either way these individuals would not have been exposed the gospel had Paul not been faithful to his call. Our joy and contentment in life will only truly come when we are willing to live totally in Christ and His will.

“When God’s work is done in God’s way for God’s glory, it will not lack for God’s supply.” – Hudson Taylor

POINTS OF APPLICATION

• We are called to reconcile relationships that are strained or broken so that the work of church will not be hampered.
• Trust God with your greatest worry.
• Find your contentment, not in material things, but in Christ.
• Find the will of God for your life and get there.
• Remember God has placed you where you are for his glory.

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BIBLIOGRAPHY

• Anders, Max. 1999. Galatians-Colossians. Vol. 8. Holman New Testament Commentary. Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
• Barclay, William. 2003. The Letters to Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians. 3rd ed. fully rev. and updated. The New Daily Study Bible. Louisville, KY; London: Westminster John Knox Press.
• Courson, Jon. 2003. Jon Courson’s Application Commentary. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson.
• English Standard Version. 2016. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.
• Evans, Tony. 2019. The Tony Evans Bible Commentary. Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
• Hoehner, Harold W., Philip W. Comfort, and Peter H. Davids. 2008. Cornerstone Biblical Commentary: Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1&2 Thessalonians, Philemon. Vol. 16. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.
• Howard, Jeremy Royal, ed. 2010. HCSB Study Bible: God’s Word for Life. B&H.
• Leadership Ministries Worldwide. 1996. Galatians–Colossians. The Preacher’s Outline & Sermon Bible. Chattanooga, TN: Leadership Ministries Worldwide.
• Merida, Tony, and Francis Chan. 2016. Exalting Jesus in Philippians. Edited by David Platt, Daniel L. Akin, and Tony Merida. Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary. Nashville, TN: Holman Reference.
• New American Standard Bible. 2020. La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
• MacArthur, John F., Jr. 2001. Philippians. MacArthur New Testament Commentary. Chicago: Moody Press.
• McGee, J. Vernon. 1997. Thru the Bible Commentary. Electronic ed. Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
• Spurgeon, Charles. 2014. Spurgeon Commentary: Philippians. Edited by Elliot Ritzema. Spurgeon Commentary Series. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.
• Spurgeon. 2017. The Spurgeon Study Bible: Notes. Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
• Wiersbe, Warren W. 1996. The Bible Exposition Commentary. Vol. 2. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

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