Tag: Philippians 4

June 22nd 2025: Paul Daniel

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Philippians 4:4-8

How many of you are hot and bothered with the heat? It may be one of those weekends when you may not want to do anything because it is too hot. Have you ever been anxious about anything? Being anxious is a very human response to some situations. Anxiety can become intensive and lead to distress. Some form of stress is good for you, to push yourself for example when exercising. Anxiety and stress are very much part of our daily life.

The apostle Paul says, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” (v4). We can say that can be difficult. How can we rejoice when things that are beautiful are broken in this world? We read powerful words in Psalm 46. In times of trouble, if you were an Israelite what would life have been like? They had many difficulties, but they saw God at work: in the Flood God preserved His people, in slavery God rescued His people. Throughout the whole of history we see God is faithful to His people. He has a gospel. God has been faithful to His Word.

When you are concerned or worried about something we have the same God; He is the same yesterday, today and forever. Paul writes to the church in Philippi reminding them to stand firm, to be strong in the Lord. Throughout all of history God is faithful and in control.

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” (4:4). There were big distractions 2000 years ago. There were false teachers and plenty of things to distract God’s people. Paul says not to be distracted but to stand firm in the Lord Jesus Christ. Sometimes, in Christian life, there are many things that distract us and unsettle us. They unsettle our mind and our walk with the Lord. One thing that unsettles people is God’s people! (opening 4 verses). Someone can say something that they shouldn’t say (James). How silly it is when Christians get into all sorts of tiffs and arguments. The Lord Jesus Christ died for us! Sometimes, we don’t hear what other people are saying and make assumptions.

Do you know what the smallest muscle in the human body is? It is the stapedius, a 1 mm tiny muscle inside your ear which controls volume levels. Just us the tongue is so important, this muscle is so important. As Christian brothers be unified, don’t mis-hear. Jesus Christ has come to unite us to Him and to one another.

We face Christian hardship, but Paul says not to be anxious, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” (v6). Things can come our way unexpectedly. We may have unexpected troubles. There are difficulties in the Christian life. Some churches will promote a gospel that says if you’re a Christian everything will go well with you. No! Difficulties will come (Jesus – Parable of the Sower). The Christian life does not get easier, it can get more difficult. In our growth in godliness there is growth in our sensitivity to sin. It is different for all of us. We respond in different ways but Paul says, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” (v4). He talks about being gentle and reasonable. There is a harshness in our world. But God sent His Son to forgive us of our sin, to cleanse as, to soft and our hearts and give us a hope that will never disappoint us, to give us a destination – heaven.

We are waiting for the Lord Jesus Christ to return. Before that glorious day, Paul says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” (v6). Here is a prayer, probably the most underutilised prayer of a Christian. When we pray we are being listened to in the throne room of heaven. The Lord Jesus Christ is interceding for us. We access God who is capable of the impossible. You have access to God. He can do the impossible because He raised Jesus Christ from the dead. As you are praying, present your requests with thanksgiving.

As you grow in grace, see how God has kept you and answered your prayers. He is faithful to His people and never forsakes them. When you pray it is a reminder of all God has done in your life and this helps you to rejoice. There is no Christian who has everything sorted. None of us are perfect. Yet, all of us can be rejoicing through what God has done so far in our lives. We are justified, reconciled, received the gift of the Holy Spirit, been given brothers and sisters in Christ. He says He will be with us. People can let us down, even those closest to you. But you have the Lord Jesus Christ who is closer than a brother.

What happens when you present your prayers with thanksgiving?  “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (v7). This peace transcends all understanding. It’s a picture of being guarded. You have a Protector, a shield, strength. It is a picture of peace.

There are times when God takes you through difficulties and times when He takes you out of them. My encouragement is to keep going. In this world people expect everything to be fixed right now. My friends, we have a wonderful hope we are looking to. Sometimes we get distracted, but Paul says our attitude in the midst of difficulties should be, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, 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.”  (v8).

What is the Christian attitude meant to be? It should be deliberate.  All you have to do is come to the Lord Jesus Christ and follow Him. The Christian attitude is meant to be deliberate, “If there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”  (v8b). We must actively seek ‘whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable.’

Sometimes, we do the opposite for example how much time do we spend on social media? It can be a window into coveting what everyone else has. If there is something that is not good for us, then stop. When we are aware of something that is not good for us, we need to stop. We have on-demand television. This can dull our senses. Are we aware of the things that drag us down? Paul says we must focus on what is true, honourable, just, pure, lovely and commendable.

“What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me – practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” (v9). Paul follows Jesus. Be more like Jesus Christ. This will be better for our mind, better for our body, better for our soul, and better for our friends. How can we do this? The Holy Spirit helps us. We need to be obedient to the word of the law. Be under the word of God.

What is the answer, the response to a Christian life of hardship? Go and tell others what God has done for you. 2000 years ago many people had difficulties. They looked to Jesus. These words were written for them and for us.

Paul ends, “And the God of peace will be with you.” (v9b). God’s peace in an uncertain world. He gives His peace and we can ask for more. When you are anxious, when you are worried, when you are going through difficulties, remember the words of Jesus Christ, “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33).

April 28th 2024: Sam Pritchard

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Philippians 4:1-7

Christianity engages your heart and mind. It is what we see in Philippians 4 – the reality and truth of who Jesus is changes our whole being. The power of Christ transforms us. Christianity changes us. In this passage of scripture we read the phrase, ‘In the Lord.’ I have four simple points for this. Christianity Engages all of us. We need to respond with heart and soul:

  1. Stand firm in the Lord.
    “Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.” (Philippians 4:1). Resist the issues, resist the lies, resist the sins of the world. Chapter 4 begins with ‘therefore.’ ‘Therefore’ what? Paul says, “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.” (Philippians 3:20-21). Verse 1 is in light of that – the power of Jesus Christ, the Saviour who is coming again, who will renew our bodies, the Saviour who has accomplished all at the cross. Stand firm in this Saviour.

People often say Paul is a genius, but a little bit cold, someone who doesn’t engage with his emotions. This is absolutely false. Never let our minds be full of theology and our hearts empty. Paul longs for his brothers (v1). Because of what he knows about Jesus Christ, this has changed the way he thinks of other Christians. We should pray to see more of Jesus and become more like Jesus. Paul is filled with a great love for these people. Paul’s message to those he loves is to stand firm. We too are to stand firm – in work, in schools, in every situation.

There will be resistance to the gospel but stand firm in the gospel, stand firm in the Lord. When the waters of life are raging stand firm in the Lord, in His promises, in His truth, in what He has done. Be rooted in the Lord. Are you standing firm in the Lord?

  •  Agree in the Lord.
    “I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord.” (v.2). Paul says we, as Christians, should agree in the Lord. In verse 2 we read of two ladies who clearly had had a disagreement. Paul is aware of this. This disagreement among Christians has become well-known. It is dark and depressing when Christians bear bad witness to the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul urges them to agree in the Lord.

Paul doesn’t take a side, or even address what they’re arguing about. He simply says, ‘Agree in the Lord.’ Reconcile with one another. Paul speaks to address this disunity. Paul is not saying everyone should think the same way or dress the same way. As Christians, we disagree with all sorts, such as what colour the church is painted, theology, baptism, the way the Lord is going to come again. These are secondary issues. We can have different opinions. Paul is seeking to remind these women that what unites them in Jesus Christ is greater than what divides us. Our desire is to be united in the truth of the gospel, in the reality of the deity of Christ. Present the gospel and live for Jesus Christ.

Paul continues to talk about these women, “Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have laboured 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.” (v.3). Although the two women had had such a public disagreement in the church, they are faithful Christians. It shows me as a Christian, I can make mistakes. We can slip, stumble and have disagreements. It is a reminder for all of us to look within. These are not godless women but faithful servants of Jesus Christ, who are not perfect. We all fail. We can say the wrong thing, wish we had been softer in our language.

Paul mentions in verse 3 a man called Clement. Can you imagine what it would be like to be mentioned in the Bible? Have you been mentioned in a book? Clement has made it! But there is a better book Clement has been mentioned in, “Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.” It doesn’t get better than that! If your name is in there, you are safe, you are kept, you are redeemed, part of His chosen people. Agree in the Lord because we are accepted in the Lord, because we are all in the same book of life.

  • “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” (v4).

This is an incredibly famous verse. Did you know Christians can be joyful! For some Christians the joy is almost lost it is so deep. They have engaged their heads but not necessarily their heart. There is a joy in the Christian faith. When was the last time you rejoiced in the Lord, in who He is?

How are we to ‘rejoice always?’ Jesus wept over Jerusalem. He cried in the Garden of Gethsemane. He was not happy all the time but had joy in the Lord at all times. There is a clear difference. How can I rejoice in great grief? Remember the context Paul is writing in – he was probably in chains, writing to many Jews who had been scattered, who had been persecuted for believing in Jesus Christ. Yet to those people Paul says, ‘Rejoice always.’

If your joy comes from your job and you retire or lose your job, your joy is broken. Our joy is in something imperishable, rooted in the Lord. If your happinesses found in material things, you are in for a hard time. But if your source of joy stems from the fact that you are a child of the King, you have joy forever more. You will always have a rejoicing hope. Rejoice in the Lord because there is always something to praise God for.

  • “Guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (7b)

This is what we ought to do – to engage our heart and head. Both reason and intellect, and emotion must all be guarded. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” (v6). Nothing is too small or too big to bring to God. There is a difference in general anxieties in life and clinical anxiety. We, as Christians, worry so much about so little because we have forgotten how big God is. Magnify your view of Jesus Christ, in the light of who He is, in what hope we have. “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (v.7). Go to Him first, turn to Him in everything, whatever you are struggling with. Go to Jesus Christ and pray. You can pray to God about everything. You can request of God. That’s amazing! Turn to him. Pray to God and our God responds.

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (v.7). Because we are in Jesus Christ we can know and experience the peace of God. You can’t have peace from God if you are not trusting in Jesus. You can know the boundlessness of God’s peace. In the painful moments we can have peace with God. Come to Jesus and you will never have to worry how God sees you, you will never have to worry about what happens when you die. You can have peace. Jesus Christ will keep you safe. Our mind and heart is to be fixed on the Saviour. Do everything in the Lord.

May 1st 2022: Norman Gilbert

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To watch this service, click on the link to our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/8rpcdjCusVg

Philippians 4: 1-13: Being Content

We live in an age which promotes discontent; adverts show we shouldn’t be content with what we’ve got, we should want more. Scripture commands us to be content, “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5). Often, the more we have, the more we want. The media shows us what it’s like to be in a war situation. We look at the tragedy of people’s lives in the Ukraine. You would think we would be thankful for what we have got.

The apostle Paul established a church in Philippi. A cross-section of people were converted – the Philippian jailor, the lady who was possessed. But there was also Lydia, a lady of means. She had a business and a property which was big enough to house a church to get thing going in the area.

Now, Paul is writing this epistle back to the church. He knows the majority are poor; they are less able to give than others but give more than most. He doesn’t give the impression he is sucking up to them and needs support. He thanks for sending Epaphroditus to help and support practically. He has learnt and he wants them to learn to be content. He doesn’t want them to be envious. Envy is discontent with what we have in our own situation. We are bombarded to become envious. We should be those that realise we have the most important thing in life – newness of life in Christ Jesus.

Despite them being very supportive, Paul wants the Philippians to be very careful to be content with what God has done for them. If anyone is in a situation that isn’t conducive to contentment it is Paul. He is in prison. Most of the time he is chained to a guard. Paul sees this situation as an opportunity to witness to that man. He sees the situations that God has put him in as opportunities to witness for the Lord Jesus Christ. The situation in Ukraine has touched our hearts. Here is a real need. The people in Philippi gave to Paul, providing for him. He is thankful for this. But he wants them to understand that whatever his situation, he is content.

In verse 9, Paul speaks of the need of following his example, “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 verse 10, Paul is not writing for more gifts. He is stressing that in his situation, as bad as it sounds, he is content. Paul had to learn the lesson of being content. It is easy to be content when everything is rosy in the garden. We learn when the hardships come. Paul has learnt to be content, that he has enough. In our materialistic, Western society it is important to learn this lesson of contentment.

“For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:10).

At times we may feel weak, but the apostle says when we feel weak, we cast ourselves upon the grace of God. It is then we actually feel stronger. The circumstances in Paul’s life, which were not conducive to contentment, actually were the means of strengthening him in his faith. They were teaching him that God is supreme and sovereign and Lord of our life. Paul has known what it is to go through hardships, and he’s learnt to be content. This is about true faith that works out in action.

Paul gets though difficulties in life because he has peace from God, “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7). God is in control of all things.

 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. (Philippians 4:6). In our situation, if we believe in the sovereignty of God, why should we be anxious? He works out all things in this world for the good of His people. The more we learn of the sovereignty of God, the more we should be content.

We have people who have tremendous knowledge of scriptures. We have got everything at our fingertips. Yet people can react to situations in a confused way, in a panic. Paul believed he had God to order and provide for all his needs. It’s not easy to trust God when everything is going wrong. People in Ukraine have found their homes suddenly gone. Careers gone. All they have is a suitcase. How would we react if this happened to us? As Christians, what God has blessed us with, we can bless others with. If we have the means, it is more blessed to give than to receive. The Church at Philippi was not wealthy, but they supported the apostle Paul in the best way they could. They were seeking to bless by giving, thanking God for all that He had done. Jesus says it is not impossible, but it is hard for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of heaven. It is hard because there is so much that draws us away from God.

Sometimes, God puts us through difficult times to teach us to be content, to show us that our joy, our contentment and fulfilment is not governed by circumstances. Our circumstances do not govern how we feel.

True contentment is found in Jesus Christ. We are surrounded by pain and loss, but our contentment is to be found in Christ alone. Paul says circumstances no longer contribute to his contentment. He has come to faith, he has had difficulties, “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.” (Philippians 4:12).

Some of us, perhaps more than others, have know a difficult upbringing. But God has a purpose. Some may have had a good upbringing in life but may have a hard time now. But if we know Jesus Christ, it doesn’t matter if it’s hard times or easier times. If we know Jesus Christ, we can know peace in our hearts. He has come to remove hostilities. God sent His Son to take the punishment I deserve. We are adopted into the family of God, taken from a dire situation, and brought into the family of God.

By God’s grace, He changes people’s lives. We are justified by faith alone. We are legally put right, the debt is paid. We have broken God’s law, we deserve judgement, yet the price has been paid through Jesus Christ. By faith in Him we are justified and accepted. Once sin has been removed, we believe He rules our lives, therefore, we are content with our lot. We are able to submit to His will. Christians are to rest in Him, whether we are wealthy or not. We learn to rest in the providences of God. Believe God provides.

Normally, God works through normal people in normal situations. God in heaven oversees everything, even in the war in Ukraine. Internationally, He has control. Yet, He has control of the minute details in our lives too. (Story of Ruth – everything was in God’s control). “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28).

“Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.” (Philippians 4:11). Paul was content and satisfied with a little food, a little clothing and somewhere to sleep. Paul was a man who was confident God would supply all his needs. Be thankful for what God has given us. We find Christians complaining ‘We haven’t got what we want.’ Yet, we have what we need. Paul believed there was a purpose for hard times. Paul was close to death, in poverty, yet all the time he was happy. He believed that there was a purpose behind his affliction. If God was sending hard times, there was a purpose.

“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13). Paul is telling us God gives us the strength to cope where we are, in every situation we find ourselves in. God won’t call you to do what you can do on your own. He calls us to do what we cannot do without His aid.

The Christian joy of contentment is independent to happenings of life. Contentment is learnt in the school of God’s providences. Whatever is happening in your life, in my life, we are where we are by God’s appointment. We are given the abilities to cope with what God has given us to go through.

“It has always been my aim, and it is my prayer, to have no plans with regard to myself, well assured as I am, that the place where the Saviour sees meet to place me must ever be the best place for me.” Robert Murry McCheyne

The Bible teaches us to be content with what we have, where we are. God puts people across our path to develop us and to cause us to rest on Him.

Pray to God to help us to be content in all things, that we learn that our content is based on what Christ has done for us. Christ has died for us and adopted us into His family. By faith in Him, by confessing our sins, by turning away from that way of life, as we seek and follow Him, that brings contentment in life.

May 9th 2021: Alan Davison

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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. Philippians 4:10-14

This is one coherent paragraph. However, verse 13 is often mis-quoted and used in isolation. It needs to be understood in its right context. This epistle is very much a letter of joy. The Church in Philippi was established by Paul himself. Paul knows them very well. The Philippians are seeking to do things in truth and correct spirit. Why would Paul therefore need to encourage this if they were committed to gospel work? Paul is also thanking them for sending him a gift but also saying his need wasn’t so great he couldn’t cope.

“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

Paul says, ‘all things,’ not everything. To say someone can do anything is to say this is unlimited, there is nothing I can’t do. This is to ignore the gifting of God. What did Paul really mean by ‘all things?’ This is the final sentence of a paragraph, a summary. So, Paul has already told us about these things, “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.” (verse 12). Paul uses a pictorial way of saying this is all of life’s experience. Do we approach our lives in the right way?

In Romans 12:1 Paul writes, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” The word ‘service’ can also be rendered as worship. The ESV Bible reads, “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” Every aspect of our life is of interest to God.

“Through Christ who strengthens me.” Do we still consider the things of Christ when we face a crisis? Do we take it to the Lord in prayer? The world’s alternative is, ‘I can do all things myself because I don’t need anyone else.’ A key point of being a Christian is, ‘I am weak, I need Christ.’

Jesus says, “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing,” (John 15:5). The whole point of being a Christian is to bear fruit. A vine branch only produces fruit if it is attached to the vine itself. The vine dresser is God. We need to keep our eyes on the Lord Jesus Christ. We need to be focused on Christ and remember what is really important in our lives. Don’t strive after what the world says is important.

“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26). This is a key point, made not only by Matthew, but also Mark and Luke, who make the point even more strongly. Everything comes down to our relationship with Christ – what we do through Him. He uses us to accomplish His purposes.

“Who strengthens me.” God strengthens us. The Christian’s life is a battle. Satan will attack wherever he can. But God knows everything and provides us with everything we need. He supplies our every need. Sometimes life can seem as if we are wading through treacle, gritting our teeth, waiting for the fun ahead. When Paul says, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me,” (Philippians 4:13), he is not speaking about some sudden empowerment. In 1 Timothy 6 Paul warns Timothy of the days of seeking worldly gain. The temptations of the world will rob us of contentment. Contentment is really to be found in trusting God. As we trust in God it should inform and calm our minds. Contentment does not come overnight. Paul tells us in verse 11 he had to learn to be contented, “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.”

In verse 12 we are being shown something that was secret, “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 makes it clear that contentment requires effort.

We have been called by God to live lives that are holy. We are also to be ready to give a defence for the hope that is within us. Christian contentment is remembering God is with us in all things and in all times.

“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. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 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.  I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:10-14