Philippians Chapter 4 - Think of Excellence
4 Therefore, my beloved brethren whom I long to see, my joy and crown, in this way stand firm in the Lord, my beloved.
Therefore (because of what we learned in Chapter 3 – we are citizens of Heaven eagerly waiting for our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory (transformed into our heavenly body)
2 I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to live in harmony in the Lord. 3 Indeed, true companion, I ask you also to help these women who have shared my struggle in the cause of the gospel, together with Clement also and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to live in harmony in the Lord. Apparently these two women were having a dispute or some type of falling out. Paul wants them to live in harmony in the Lord. It important that the women get along and not continue in their disharmony.
Paul asks his true companion to help these women “who have shared my struggle in the cause of the gospel with Clement also and the rest of my fellow workers, who names are in the book of life”. It might be Timothy but its not clear. It’s good example for those in leadership, help the family of God to settle their differences and keep the main thing the main the thing. Let’s not get caught up in trivial issues…
Euodia means “prosperous”
Syntyche means “fortunate” or “with fate”.
Clement means “merciful”
Some of those in the church are “prosperous”, others are “fortunate” and others are “merciful”; each one was being used to serve others. This is a great example for us too…
4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! 5 Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near.
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say rejoice! (God said it twice. Did you get it?) Have you been rejoicing today? Next, let your gentle spirit be known to all men (do all men know your gentle spirit?) Can anyone see it or notice it? Don’t forget the Lord is near. If the Lord is near, how should we conduct ourselves? Do that …
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Be anxious for nothing (nothing means nothing, not finances, not health, not job, nor marriage)
But (instead of being anxious) in everything (not some things, but in everything)
- By prayer (talking to God and asking Him to take action)
- And supplication (talking to God with urgency)
- With thanksgiving (thank Him in advance that He will give you what you asked for)
- Let your request be made known to God (ask specifically in Jesus Name)
- And the peace of God which surpasses all comprehension will (peace beyond comprehension; greater peace than you can understand)
Memorize this verse. Speak it out loud often. Share it with others.
8 Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on 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.
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