Today's lesson comes from Philippians 4: 4-13, 17-20. Paul is coming to the close of his letter to the Philippians. This study contains many brief but powerful truths. The heart of the lesson deals with contentment. The church at Philippi was composed of mostly those poor in the world's goods. They had to struggle for their daily bread. These circumstances were temptations to become an unhappy spirit. Paul wants to exhort them to be Christians that were joyful and content. This exhortation comes from a man in prison facing the possibility of a violent death.
The first section is: "Words of Admonition." (vv. 4-9) This first section of the lesson provides the reader an opportunity to deal with the subject of anxiety. Paul provides specific advice in the first three verses of this chapter:
1. "Stand fast in the Lord;"
2. "be of the same mind;" and
3. "Help those which labor."
After this, Paul tells the readers to "rejoice in the Lord always." (v. 4) The word "rejoice" appears eight times in the book and the word "joy" six times. Paul had lived a life of much suffering, but he had learned the inner source of joy.
In verse 5, Paul informs the readers to "Let your moderation be known to all men." "Moderation" is the opposite of harshness. It denotes sweetness under provocation and gentleness. In verse 6, he teaches the reader that they were to "Be careful for nothing." Anxiety does not change anything. The believer was to be thankful and pray in every situation. All requests were to be made to God. Thanksgiving was essential to eliminating anxiety.
If we follow the teaching in verse 6, we will retain the "peace of God." (v. 7) The "peace of God" would keep our "hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." This peace goes beyond anything the world can offer. Man cannot comprehend what the "peace of God" does for a person.
There has always been a "battle for the mind." Paul warns the Philippians about their thought life. He tells them what to think about. Things that are:
1. true (sincere);
2, honest (honorable);
3. just (integrity as opposed to crafty or cunning);
4. pure (chaste in mind and body);
5. lovely (admirable);
6. good report (things beneficial);
7. virtue ((true morality).
The Scripture tells us that, "For as he thinketh in his hear, so is he." (Proverbs 23:7) Your thought life is very important. Paul knew this and directed the Philippians on how to think.
Paul lived a life beyond reproach. He instructed the Philippians to do as he had done. (v. 9) If they would do that, the "God of peace shall be with you." Paul was living the advice he gave.
The summary points of the section are:
1. No matter what the circumstances, be thankful and rejoice.
2. As you think so shall you be, so think on Godly things.
3. If you want to influence others for God, live a life above reproach.
The second section is: "Words of Contentment." (vv. 10-12) This last section deals with contentment. Contentment is a condition of the heart, and is not dependent on circumstances. If you are sanctified and being sanctified and walking with the Lord, you can be content regardless of your outward circumstances. In these ten verses, Paul will drive the point home that Godliness with contentment is great gain:
1. Paul rejoiced that the Philippians had been thinking of him (actual meaning of to "care") by sending love gifts to supply his needs three times.
2. Paul had learned to be content when he was abased (humbled and treated with contempt) and when he abounded (esteemed by men). Paul could abound and "suffer need" at the same time.
3. Paul could do all things through the power of Christ within him.
NOTE: Philippians 4:13 is a greatly abused Scripture. You see it on boxing trunks of a fighter as he goes into the ring to fight another man to knock him out. Many Charismatics use the verse as a springboard to get a new car, house or money. Don't twist Scripture for your gain. That is not what this verse is speaking about. It speaks of fulfilling the will of God in difficult circumstances to minister to others.
4. Paul did not seek the love gift from the Philippians for himself, but that it might be credited to their account as God was keeping a record of their good deeds.
5. Paul concludes by encouraging the Philippians that God would meet their needs as well.
The summary points of this section are:
1. The darker your circumstances, the brighter the Christ in you will shine.
2. To be content is to know that God is right in all His ways.
3. We should look for ways to help others in the church that have material needs.
The Golden Text is: "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches and glory by Christ Jesus." (Phil. 4:19) The Greek word for "supply" means to fill up to the brim, to make full and complete. While Paul could not repay the Philippians, he knew God would meet their needs. Paul was not advocating a "get rich" scheme. We can trust our faithful God to meet our needs.
It is important to point out the obvious. God does not have a fleet of trucks like Amazon. He doesn't drop supplies from heaven. He uses secondary causes, that means you and me. God uses His people to meet the needs of other believers. Look for ways to help others this week.
Next week: "The Son of the Highest." (Luke 1: 26-35)
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