CHAPTER 4

Vs 1
Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and
crown, so stand fast in the lord, my dearly beloved.

I believe verse 1 here is used as a conclusion to the warning in
Chapter 3.
Some Christians weren't sincere about their relationship with the Lord
and were not "on guard" against those who tried to introduce Judaistic
practices in the Christian church.

Do you know what they call a soldier who has survived tear gas and
pepper spray? A SEASONED veteran!
Some of the Christians were not SEASONED in the Word of God.

Paul expressed great love for these people saying they were his
"joy" and "crown.

He considered it a great honor from God for him to have been
instrumental in founding this church.
And, his desire for them is to "stand fast in the LORD!"
He wants them to be steadfast in education, evangelism and in
encouragement of one another.

Vs 2
I beseech Euiodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same
mind in the Lord.

The names Euodias and Syntyche are feminine in gender.
Perhaps there had been some misundertstanding between them.
Paul desires that they be reconciled.
And their reconciliation should be to have the "same mind IN the Lord."

Performing the former whould cause them to overlook pettiness and
be focused on what good they could do TOGETHER.

This is the way all Christians should resolve differences.

Vs 3
And I entreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which
laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other
my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.

The term "yokefellow" probably refers to a bishop of the church.
Paul admired him because he was truly involved in the work of the Lord.

(Illustration -- I remember when I first went to one of the churches
of which I was pastor. One man approached me and gave his name.
He said, "I RUN this church!" Then he further qualified his statement,
as he laughingly said, "I run the a/c, the vacuum cleaner, the water
in the baptistry, the lawn mower....."
THERE was a man truly INVOLVED in God's work!)

Earlier, we read in Phillipians 1:1, that the letter was addressed to
the "church with the bishops and deacons."
Obviously, the "yokefellow" had been with Paul during the time
he established the church.

The fullness of the statement imparts an understanding that this person
would help influential wome in their ministry to other women, and
also to children.
This "yokefellow" would be able to help them find their place
of service and know how to work TOGETHER.

Note that Paul says their names are "written in the book of life."
That tells us Paul believed they were true Christians and would be
able to resolve their disagreement.

Vs 4
Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice!

We can rejoice in the Lord for many reasons.
He is our Creator, Savior, Sustainer and Redeemer.
He is WITH us at all times, and guides our lives by His Word (Bible).
And, we can call on Him at ANYTIME in prayer.

Paul says rejoice ALWAYS!
WOW!
Sometimes it is difficult, AMEN?
But when the sources of other joy are dried up, we are STILL ABLE
to rejoice IN the Lord!

VS 5
Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

The word "moderation" is translated from the Greek epieikes.
It means to restrain passions, and have freedom from all excesses.
Used in this context, it implies governing their appetites, restraining
their temper, and being examples to others.

The term "The Lord is at hand" means Christ is with us always,
knowing what we say and do!
It also can mean that His return is imminent - NEAR!

If we are acutely aware that our Lord KNOWS what we say and do,
and that His return is IMMINENT, we should form a BETTER manner
of living!

Vss 6-7
6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication
with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep
your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Any approach to God in prayer should be coupled with thanksgiving
and supplication (pleading).

The words "Be careful" are taken from the Greek merimnao.
It means to be overanxious.
This does not imply that we should not be concerned about the affairs
in the world, our country or even in our work and personal lives.
What it DOES imply is that we should have such communion with
and confidence in our Lord that we don't resort to hair-pulling worry.

When there seems to be no WAY, rely on the WAYMAKER JESUS!

The RESULT of constant contact with our Lord, and true confidence in
Him guiding our lives, is to have "..the peace of God, which passeth
all understanding."

It was because of these verses, that my heart was at peace when
cancer invaded my body.
I didn't, and still don't, UNDERSTAND why there was such peace;
but it was THERE, and STILL IS there!
I DO know that one reason is channeling thinking in right places.
And, that is what Paul says next.

Vs 8
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are
honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure,
whatsoever things are lovely, whatsover things are of good report;
if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

When there is trouble in our home, work, country or world, we can
THINK about the things that are GOOD, NOBLE, TRUE.
This aids us in giving thanks to God for His love, mercy and grace.
And, it will aid us in being more confident in Christ and at ease in
our spirit - even in times of extreme difficulty.

Vs 9
Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard,
and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

What have we "..learned, ...received...and heard" in the Bible
that will help us KNOW that God is WITH us always?

How about Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego?
They refused to bow down to the king's idol, and were threatened
with being thrown into the fiery furnace.
But what did they say?
"If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the
burning furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king.
But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy
gods nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up."
(Dan. 3:17-18)

What about Jesus' statement when He commanded us to teach
ALL NATIONS about salvation and living salvation?
He said, "...and, lo, I am with you ALWAY, even unto the end of the
world."
(Matt. 28:20)

What about what Paul said in Rom. 8:31?
"..If God be FOR us, who can be AGAINST us?"
AND, Paul also said, "For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life,
nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things
to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to
separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus."
(Rom. 8:38-39)

Having received and learned these things from God's Word, let us
(even in troubled times) THINK on these things!

Vss 10-13
10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me
hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked
opportunity. 11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever
state I am, therewith to be content.
12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where
and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to
abound and to suffer need.
13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Let's keep in mind that Paul was in a Roman prison when he wrote
these things!

What a tremendous thought process!
BECAUSE he has LEARNED, Paul KNOWS he is able to all things
to which he is LED by Christ, and Christ STRENGTHENS him in the way!

(Illustration: I remember having surgery to place a titanium plate in my neck
because arthritis had degenerated several disks.
The week I was allowed to remove the neck brace, I was scheduled
for a 10,000 mile trip overseas to do 2 weeks of pastor's conferneces.
YES! I was weak, and became weary at times.
But God ALWAYS provided the strength I needed!!)

As long as we are striving to live in the WILL of God, He will ALWAYS
be there to STRENGTHEN us, and to PROVIDE our needs.
Be careful to note, God will NOT always provide our WANTS!

Sometimes we have wants that aren't needs.
Let us be grateful and thankful for what we DO have, and WORK to
attain our wants!

Vss 14-18
14 Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with
my affliction.
15 Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel,
when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me
as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.
16 For even in Thessalonica, ye sent once and again unto my necessity.
17 Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to
your account.
18 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus
the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice
acceptable, welpleasing to God.

It was truly a blessing that the church in Philippi sent Epaphroditus with
a care package.
I'm quite sure that Paul felt remembered.
Their genuine concern was exhibited by sending the gift.

Paul also acknowledged that they had done this before several times.
And, now, he rejoices in that they have provided "fruit", or
proof that they remember and care about him.
He did not covet or "desire" the gift; but was glad to see that
they showed their concern for his well-being.

And, Paul prays that God will write down the act on their "account."

I can't count the times, as I stood at the front door when people exit,
that someone took my hand and I found a $20 bill or even a $100 bill!
That extremely blesses my heart, for I know that they care for my
well-being!

Vs 19
19 But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in
glory by Christ Jesus.

As God has used the church in Philippi to supply his needs, Paul is
CONFIDENT that God will also provide THEIR needs!

The manner in which God has provided grace calling us to salvation
is the same manner in which God provides our needs.
It is THROUGH Christ Jesus!"

God, indeed, has "riches in glory."
He provided water in the desert, and He made bread from stone.
There is no end to God's capability!

God is certainly ABLE to care for His children!

Vss 20-23
20 Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
21 Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me
greet you.
22 All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Ceasar's household.
23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Let me say that when we see the word "Amen" in the Bible
it means truly, or, of a truth.

TRULY, God's people will give GLORY to Him "for ever and ever!"
TRULY, God's GRACE is upon those who are serving Him EVERY day!

Paul extends cordial salutations to every saint in Christ.
And, he extends greetings to the church at Philippi from those who
are with him.

An interesting thing (in vs 22) is that Paul extends salutations from
"they that are of Ceasar's household."
We do not have names or positions.
However we DO have the realization that SOME of Nero's people
had received Christ as their Lord and Savior!

Wherever we go, however we arrive, we should strive to bring
others to know Christ as Lord.
Our state of being does not short-circuit our profession of being
"ambassadors for Christ!"
(2Cor. 5:20)