Philippians 4

Paul's pattern in most of his letters is to complete them with a section of very practical implications for specific believers and churches and Christians in general. That is what we see in Philippians 4 today.

At the risk of oversimplifying the previous chapters and the thoughtful reflections of Sean, Tom, and Jason before me, let me give a bullet-point synopsis of the themes they highlighted from chapters 1-3 of Philippians:

•              Christ + Nothing = Everything.

•              By giving up, for the sake of the kingdom, we gain.

•              Nothing we typically value is worth caring about, compared to the grace God has given us and the kingdom work He has called us to.

I won't elaborate on those points here since that's been well done in previous blog posts, but consider the following implications that Paul draws out in chapter 4.

•              If these are true, we should fight for harmony within the church I appeal to Euodia and to Syntyche to agree in the Lord. Yes, I say also to you, true companion, help them. They have struggled together in the gospel ministry along with me and Clement and my other coworkers, whose names are in the book of life.

—Philippians 4:2-3

Notice that, unlike previous passages we've read where Paul takes on false teachers, these are committed fellow-laborers in the gospel who differed over some issue now lost to history. If Christ and his kingdom are everything to us -- and more important than all of our natural concerns -- then we ought to be able to love one another more than we love being right, or getting our way, or winning a debate.


•              If these are true, we can rejoice... always... whatever our circumstance Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say, rejoice!
—Philippians 4:4

Apart from the gospel, the absolute character of this instruction seems impossibly naive. Always? Really? But if we've already been given, as a lasting and incorruptible possession, the things that are beyond compare with any of our other dreams and desires -- what loss or hardship could we possibly suffer that would deprive us of the joy of that gift?


•              If these are true, we can be content in our times of hardship and give to alleviate the hardship of others. I love the dual message Paul gives in response to the Philippians' gift:

           â—¦   You didn't have to do that -- I can be content in any circumstance...

           â—¦    But it was still a very good thing for you to do and has given me much joy.

•              
On Paul's part, he was content. Because he had so internalized these convictions we've been reading, he could be content under any circumstance -- knowing that even if he were in need to the point of death, it would simply mean he got to be with Christ. But the Philippians had already responded to those same truths by acting with generosity -- supporting Paul early and sacrificially -- and in doing so, they gave him joy and participated in his ministry. When we value Christ and His Kingdom above all, we are freed from our worry about things that matter far less than our culture tells us they do and freed to give gifts that are pleasing to God as we trust Him to supply our every need.


My Prayer Today

Father,

You've given us so very much! Forgiveness. Restoration of a relationship with You. Adoption as Your heirs. A chance to be an active part in Your great plan for human history.

What more could we ever ask?

Help us to understand the value of what we already have in Christ and, in perspective, the relative worthlessness of so much that we pursue when we yield to our own nature.

We're truly rich. And given a place of significance. And loved! Help us to live well in the light of that knowledge.

And help us to be effective examples and witnesses for you as these attitudes come to ever more fully characterize our lives. Let our friends, neighbors, and family be drawn not to us, but to the way You are changing our lives so that they, too, may hear and embrace the good news of your plan for us.

In Jesus' name,

 Amen.

  Nan Purcell | Children's Worship Leader

Nan serves in many roles here at Hutto Bible Church: Elder's wife, Shepherd, Small Group Leader, Bible Study Leader and Children's Worship Leader. She has a passion & a joy for teaching others about Christ in any way she can. Her & Scott have been married since 1985 and have three children (Mindy Schultea (married), Kate, and Matthew) and two grandchildren.