Philippians Chapter 4

• Philippians 4:1 Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.

To stand fast in the Lord is what we should be encouraging one another to always do. Be steady, reliable, faithful to the word, unmovable in the truth and contend for the original faith that was set forth in the bible and not be moved away by every wind of doctrine and thought that comes down whether by tradition of men or philosophy of men.

• Philippians 4:2 I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.

We need to seek to agree when we gather together to worship, being of the same mind and one accord. Look what happened on the day of Pentecost as a result of the disciples being of the same mind. Of course we have to make sure all are of the same mind in truth, but lay aside trivial disagreements at least in church meetings.

• Philippians 4:3 And I intreat 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.

Notice that women are mentioned as laboring with Paul and Timothy in the gospel. Women have a place in the work of the Lord and they are important to God. Never should any group neglect the importance of women in the ministry of the gospel. We must remember also that their ministry may not always be what many think women should be doing. Here is a biblical example:

• Luke 10:38  Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. 
• 39  And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. 
• 40  But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. 
• 41  And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: 
• 42  But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her. 

Some of us are Marys and not Marthas and some are like Martha. I'm not criticizing the wonderful Martha types who care for the practical needs of people around them. They are jewels and we all love them but we must remember that some of us are people like Mary who loved the word and want to be part of studying, devouring and spreading the deep things in the word. When we shut them out because of a misinterpretation of some of the words of Paul, we are doing wrong. 

Jesus did not shut women out of His ministry. In fact God used a woman to bring the Son of God into the world in the first place. He didn't use the man. I'm in no way advocating usurping any authority God gives to man, neither am I advocating feminizing the bible or changing the gender of God into a female like some people are trying to do. Be very careful when updating the language of the bible not to change the orininal meaning.

True Mary types are women who have a meek and quiet spirit but they long to hear and then share the word with others. It burns within them.

• Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
• 5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

Moderation is being reasonable and not going to extremes. Being even tempered. Maintaining order and sound judgment. We are not to go too far to the right or to the left but be of sound mind and keep good doctrine. This does not mean that we compromise the truth. 

An example of not being moderate may be taking a scripture and basing a doctrine on it that goes beyond what the meaning is when you read in context with the whole passage.

Lacking in self-control, violent passions, overeating or drinking, overdoing things and acting in haste without thinking first are examples of not being moderate.

• Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

In other words, trust in the Lord and do not worry about things you have taken to Him in faith believing prayer. Be thankful always for everything we have and especially for God's gift of salvation and the price Jesus paid for us to have it.

• Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
• 8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

This is a good guideline for how we choose to spend our time and what we listen to. I had an aunt once that wrote me a letter and Philippians 4:8 was a verse she used in that letter so its a verse I've never forgotten and a good verse for casting down vain imaginations that fill our minds and try to rob us of our joy in the Lord.

1. Whatever is true - avoid gossip and lies.
2. Whatever is honest- avoid deception and cheating.
3. Whatever is just- avoid being unfair and unreasonable.
4. Whatever is pure- avoid things that are defiled, filthy and spiritually unclean.
5. Whatever is lovely- Lovely in spirit. This would be opposite of unkindness, pride, vain glory and selfishness.
6. Whatever is of good report- If it is reported as something unfit or ungodly, avoid it.

Thank on things that are virtuous, holy and worthy of praise. Spend time in things that edify instead of wasting time in things that do not profit spiritually.

• Philippians 4:9 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.

Follow after only those who are fully following the Lord and keeping His word. The minute the leadership stops following God and His word, we must continuing following the Lord ourselves. 

• Philippians 4:10 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.

He was content whether he was suffering or in comfort.

• Philippians 4:12 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.

God is not going to call anyone to do something that He will not give them the strength and wisdom to accomplish it. He will give strength to any that obey Him.

• Philippians 4:14 Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.

They showed care that Paul had to suffering beatings, prison and other hardships for the gospel's sake.

• Philippians 4:15 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, wellpleasing to God.

It brought Paul joy to see their care for his needs.

• Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

God will supply all needs to those who trust Him to do so.

• Philippians 4:20 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 Caesar's household.
• 23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

What an example of care for fellow believers in Christ. Instead of feeling sorry for himself because he is in prison or suffering in some way, this person concerns himself more with those who might start to doubt and fear because of the sufferings they see him go through for the gospel's sake.
He continues to encourage fellow believers to carry on, keep the faith, trust in the Lord, and stand fast. May we encourage our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ in all these things. -DC