Bible Study Philippians 4: 1-9

 

A Commentary of the Book of Philippians

By Dr. Barry L. Jenkins

Text Used: Legacy Standard Bible

Bible Study Philippians 4: 1-9

Text:

Rejoice in the Lord Always

4 Therefore my brothers, loved and longed for, my joy and crown, in this way stand firm in the Lord, my beloved.

2 I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to think the same way in the Lord. 3 Indeed, I ask you also, genuine companion, help these women who have contended together alongside of me in the gospel, with also 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! 5 Let your considerate spirit be known to all men. The Lord is [a]near. 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all [b]comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is dignified, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is [c]lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, consider these things. 9 The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

Verse by verse commentary

Verse 1: “Therefore my brothers, loved and longed for, my joy and crown, in this way stand firm in the Lord, my beloved.”

In this verse, Paul reveals his deep affection for the Philippian believers. The Greek term for “longed-for” refers to the deep pain of separation from loved ones. The Philippians were his “joy and crown.”  Paul did not derive his joy from circumstances, but from his fellow believers in Philippi. The Greek word for “crown” refers to the laurel wreath received by an athlete for winning a contest or by a person honored by his peers at a banquet as a symbol of success or a fruitful life. The Philippian believers were proof that Paul’s efforts were successful. The Greek word for “stand fast” was often used to describe a soldier standing at his post; here it is a military command. Paul loved the Philippians, and he took great joy in them.

Verse 2: “I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to think the same way in the Lord.”

Paul urges here, not commands. Paul wants them operating in love with each other. This does not require absolute unity, but rather a unity based on love for God and each other. Paul knows the correct attitude is mandatory to “think the same way.”

Verse 3: “Indeed, I ask you also, genuine companion, help these women who have contended together alongside of me in the gospel, with also Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.”

The Greek word for “companion” refers to two oxen in a yoke, pulling the same load. A companion is a partner or an equal in a specific endeavor, in this case a spiritual one. The last phrase “whose names are in the book of life,” is an assurance to all the elect that their names are written in the book of life permanently and will not be removed.

Verse 4: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!”

Remember the context of this book. Paul is a prisoner suffering the worst possible scenario. The theme of joy and rejoicing is prominent in Philippians. The command to rejoice can always be obeyed, even in the midst of conflict, adversity, and struggle, because joy rests not on your circumstances, but “in the Lord.” As we walk “in the Lord,” we will be able to rejoice no matter what is occurring. Paul was human and if he could do it, so can we.

Verse 5: “Let your considerate spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near.”

The Greek word for “considerate” means the generous spirit that rises above offenses, or a forbearing spirit, of which Jesus provides the supreme example. Such a person does not insist on his or her rights. Only such persons learn the true secret of joy and rejoicing.

Verse 6: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”

Fret and worry indicate a lack of trust in God’s wisdom, sovereignty, or power. Delighting in the Lord and meditating on His Word are a great antidote to anxiety.  This truth applies to all circumstances. All struggles and challenges are within God’s purposes. Gratitude to God accompanies all true prayer. When one is tempted to be anxious, remember that God is at work in everything that touches your life. That will be a cause for faith and rejoicing in contrast to worry.

Verse 7: “And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ”

When one practices verse 6, you can expect the results found in verse 7. This verse is the direct answer to the prayer of worry. Events in your life that cannot be fully understood can nonetheless be peacefully experienced by those who are “in Christ”. Just like you check the time by looking at your watch, if you feel anxiety, check your faith and adjust accordingly. The Greek word translated “comprehension” means “mind.” There are many things that occur in our lives that are beyond our understanding. When they occur, do not run, but rather embrace the challenge and look to the Lord Jesus Christ for His Peace.

Verse 8: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is dignified, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, consider these things.”

Paul is providing the reader with a formula to follow. If you are feeling worried, get your eyes off what is causing you to have anxiety and focus on things that are true, dignified, right, pure, lovely and commendable. Notice the cumulative effect of the list. Something may be true, but not pure. However, when you combine all the elements in this verse together, you will have a change of mind and that change will reduce your stress.

Verse 9: “The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”

Paul concludes his line of reasoning with a guarantee. He says if you do the things described in the first nine verses of this chapter, the “God of peace WILL be with you.” (Emphasis supplied) The Philippians were to be guided both by Paul’s teaching and by his example, especially his love for the Philippians. I have said for years that what circumstances God brings or allows into your life is the qualifying degree for you to share with others. Remember that when you are experiencing great struggles.