This
week Philippians 4:1-9
Video
session #7 https://www.rightnowmedia.org/Content/Series/368582?episode=7
Paul
continues to instruct the Philippians how to press on in sacrificial
life in Christ in these pressured times. This is his Closing Appeal
for Steadfastness and Unity.
Euodia and Syntyche were significant to
the community. They had worked directly with Paul to spread the
gospel throughout the city of Phillipi, although it is not clear
exactly in what way. The church had begun at a women’s prayer
meeting, and it is likely possible that Euodia and Syntyche were part
of that original group. The one thing we know for sure is that these
two women were not agreeing with one another. It is likely their
argument was public because Paul had heard about it even though he
was currently in a Roman prison. Two women fighting in this manner
would have put the unity of the believers in Philippi in jeopardy, so
it was important for Paul to address the bickering in his letter to
the church.
The verb contended used in verse 3 was
used in athletic terminology - gladiatorial matches, fighting side by
side. It helps us know that these women were central to the mission
in Philippi. Paul begs them to work things out, as this community was
a glimpse of heaven and their names were in the Book of Life.
In the video, Jo Saxton said that these
verse contained nuggets of wisdom and instructions on how to press on
in sacrificial life. These tools for life were given to us all:
- Christians are called to rejoice in God.
- Christians are called to be marked by gentleness, sometimes translated gentle forbearance, willingness to yield, softness, patience, moderation, a recognition of mercy. That's a challenging posture to have when you're under attack from people outside, or when you're in the midst of relational problems inside the community. Suffering tests this quality, but the Lord is near, a reminder of that heavenly perspective.
- Christians can give their anxiety and worries to God in prayer and he will give them peace. Peace will be standing on guard in their minds and in their hearts.
- Christians can have minds like Jesus by “thinking about whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Paul lists and instructs what to focus on, knowing their minds will shape their lives.
- Paul urges them to practice what he's taught them when he says, “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” Paul's closing words again bring up the concept of living examples. Don't just remember what you've learned from me, use it, practice it. God will lead us.
- Paul confronted the women out of love for them in the church. Why is it important to confront disunity in the church with love? What could the negative consequences be if we don't confront in love?
- The tool in verse 5 is gentleness. Joe described gentleness as forbearance, softness, patience, moderation, a recognition of mercy. She said when we treat each other with gentleness, it helps our witness to the world. What does it look like practically speaking to be gentle? Why do you think being gentle towards other people could help our witness to the world?
- If we look at verses six and seven, Paul gives us another tool. He encourages the Philippines to go to God In prayer about their anxieties. When have you come to God with your anxieties? What did that look like? (to be clear, these verses do not say that if you struggle with depression or anxiety that you must only seek God for a cure. As Joe said in the video, seek medical and professional help if you are experiencing mental health issues.)
- It can feel deceitful to rejoice when life is hard - as if being joyful belittles or betrays what you're going through. But rejoicing in God doesn't mean we forget our pain. It means we remember who God is and praise him as we suffer. What's a good balance between acknowledging pain and suffering while rejoicing in God? And what ways does Paul give us an example to follow?
- practically speaking, rejoicing in God is more than singing worship songs on Sunday morning. Joy is a fruit of the spirit. We can ask God to teach us to be joyful - to rejoice always. It has to do with how we think, what we say, and how we act throughout the day. What could rejoicing and God look like for you this week?
- Through faith in Jesus, we have access to God like never before. God is with us always. He is given us his Spirit who lives in us and he's intimately working in our lives - both internally and externally. What reassures you about the truth that God is with you? In what ways is his presence encouraging to you?
- In these verses, Paul shows how God's nearness changes us. Externally, we are joyful and gentle because we know our God loves us, is with us, and is faithful to us. In what other ways has God's presence in your life affected your external actions?
- We can always present our requests to God. He hears and responds to us. While he might not say yes to the things we want, he hears every request we make to him. What kinds of requests do you make to God? What requests do you avoid talking to God about? Why do you avoid them?
