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PHILLIPIANS 4
Haystack Bible Commentary"Stacks and stacks of commentary...."
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==philippians 4:1-3:
Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!
2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord.
3 Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.
Final Exhortations
2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord.
3 Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.
Final Exhortations
==philippians 4:4:
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Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!
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Joy is not a luxury option; joy is your constant! Your union in the Lord is your permanent source of delight; so, I might as well say it again, rejoice in the Lord always! -Ron Horner; Courts of Heaven
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==philippians 4:5:
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"Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand."
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"Moderation" in the Greek is a word meaning reasonableness. "The Lord is at hand" means, "The Lord is near (engus)," meaning He is near either in time or space. We must always live before God, governed by His law-word and manifesting a reasonable, conscientious, and God-governed life.
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==philippians 4:6:
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Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;
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The instruction is to not be anxious about any matter, no matter the situation. In place of anxiety, believers are to bring their requests to God. This prayer should include gratitude for what God has done and will do. In return for these prayers, God offers a peace that is not like worldly peace, but is a profound sense of well-being that no one can understand. This divine peace serves to protect believers' emotions and thoughts through Christ Jesus.
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==philippians 4:7:
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and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
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Even in the darkest storms peace can be found by those who seek it. When turmoil & tension tear at your heart, pray for peace & most often you'll find peace in prayer. Of course there is no need to wait for a storm, pray for peace right now.
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Walter Wink Files
“The gospel, then, is not a message about the salvation of individuals from the world, but news about a world transfigured, right down to its basic structures.”
-- Walter Wink
“The ‘peace’ the gospel brings is never the absence of conflict, but an ineffable divine reassurance within the heart of conflict; a peace that surpasses understanding.”
— Walter Wink
-- Walter Wink
“The ‘peace’ the gospel brings is never the absence of conflict, but an ineffable divine reassurance within the heart of conflict; a peace that surpasses understanding.”
— Walter Wink
"Because inevitably our view of prayer is bound up with our view of God, and the problem of what we mean by God, and above all what we mean by calling God personal, will obviously affect not only our beliefs about prayer but also the way in which we pray. Prayer and faith are inseparable both in content and in method"
--Douglas Rhymes; Prayer in the Secular City; 1967
1. Prayer is not pious soliloquy. (A soliloquy is a monologue addressed to oneself, thoughts spoken out loud without addressing another.) Soliloquy talking to ones self and is rarely subjective. There is something of the subjective in prayer, and it should be truly pious but it is not soliloquy.
2. Prayer is not monologue. Monologue is clearly akin to soliloquy, with less of the subjective in it. It is a dramatic scene which there is only one who speaks. It is true that music of so-called prayer is monologue, for the one praying hastily speaks, hurries away, without giving God an opportunity to speak to him. Sometimes prayers are directed to an audience, or are spoken that audiences may listen in. Prayer is dialogue: two speaking--Man and God.
3. Prayer is not mere repetition. In Jesus day and ever since, there have been those who measured prayer by quantity , or repetitiousness. So many words, so much time, so many beads or rosaries counted, certain formulas followed. Jesus condemned such practice of prayer.
2. Prayer is not monologue. Monologue is clearly akin to soliloquy, with less of the subjective in it. It is a dramatic scene which there is only one who speaks. It is true that music of so-called prayer is monologue, for the one praying hastily speaks, hurries away, without giving God an opportunity to speak to him. Sometimes prayers are directed to an audience, or are spoken that audiences may listen in. Prayer is dialogue: two speaking--Man and God.
3. Prayer is not mere repetition. In Jesus day and ever since, there have been those who measured prayer by quantity , or repetitiousness. So many words, so much time, so many beads or rosaries counted, certain formulas followed. Jesus condemned such practice of prayer.
Cultural tragedies and personal challenges are vast and can quickly trigger feelings of anxiety and hopelessness. While the sources of stress and worry may change over time, the need for hope and peace does not. As Jesus told his disciples in John 16:33, “In me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
God is bigger than anything that comes our way, and he promises to be with us through the peace he gives. In John 14:27, Jesus tells his disciples he will send the Holy Spirit when he returns to the Father, and he encourages us today with this: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” These words still encourage us today.
This call to not be troubled or afraid is timely and timeless — in this life we will always need relief from our anxiety and fear. As you read the Bible, consider highlighting verses on hope and peace to begin building a lifelong reference for help in anxious times built on the bedrock of God’s Word. -NIV Blog
God is bigger than anything that comes our way, and he promises to be with us through the peace he gives. In John 14:27, Jesus tells his disciples he will send the Holy Spirit when he returns to the Father, and he encourages us today with this: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” These words still encourage us today.
This call to not be troubled or afraid is timely and timeless — in this life we will always need relief from our anxiety and fear. As you read the Bible, consider highlighting verses on hope and peace to begin building a lifelong reference for help in anxious times built on the bedrock of God’s Word. -NIV Blog
When I reread this passage recently, I was struck by something I’d never seen before. Paul is instructing us to stop worrying and go to God with prayer and supplication. Then we are to thank Him for the answer. But Paul says nothing about receiving deliverance, a word of direction, miracles, or healing. Instead, he says that we receive a gift . . . the peace of God.
God answers all our requests and supplication with the gift of His peace: “The peace of God will guard your hearts and minds.” In other words, God’s first answer to our every prayer and heart-cry is His peace! All praying people have one thing in common: No matter how bad we may feel going into our secret closet of prayer, we come out filled with His peace. God has limited Himself to His own government and it is known as the providence of God. He does things here and there, preparing people’s hearts and orchestrating events, but until His providence works out the answer to our prayer, He says, “I’m not going to give you what you think you need but what I know you need — peace of mind and heart.” --David Wilkerson |
When we focus on God, spend our time praying to Him, and thank him for everything he has done, we are promised God’s peace.
So, “don’t worry” isn’t something that we can do on our own. We can’t just stop worrying and force ourselves to only think about sunshine and rainbows and puppies and expect everything to be totally fine. We are not able to stop worrying in our own strength, nor are we expected to. Not worrying is something that happens naturally when we focus on God. When we do that, no matter what is happening around us, we can experience His mysterious peace. In the midst of your worries, remember: He does care for you and how you feel in difficult times. Know that He has already blessed you and has good in store for you. And while the current situation may not seem to be going according to plan, it is going according to His. |
1. We must not only keep up stated times for prayer, but we must pray upon every particular emergency: In every thing by prayer. When any thing burdens our spirits, we must ease our minds by prayer; when our affairs are perplexed or distressed, we must seek direction and support.
2. We must join thanksgiving with our prayers and supplications. We must not only seek supplies of good, but own receipts of mercy. Grateful acknowledgments of what we have argue a right disposition of mind, and are prevailing motives for further blessings.
3. Prayer is the offering up of our desires to God, or making them known to him: Let your requests be made known to God. Not that God needs to be told either our wants or desires; for he knows them better than we can tell him: but he will know them from us, and have us show our regards and concern, express our value of the mercy and sense of our dependence on him.
4. The effect of this will be the peace of God keeping our hearts. The peace of God, that is, the comfortable sense of our reconciliation to God and interest in his favour, and the hope of the heavenly blessedness, and enjoyment of God hereafter, which passeth all understanding, is a great good than can be sufficiently valued or duly expressed. It has not entered into the heart of ham, 1 Co. 2:9. This peace will keep our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus; it will keep us from sinning under our troubles, and from sinking under them; keep us calm and sedate, without discomposure of passion, and with inward satisfaction. Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee, Isa. 26:3. - Matthew Henry
2. We must join thanksgiving with our prayers and supplications. We must not only seek supplies of good, but own receipts of mercy. Grateful acknowledgments of what we have argue a right disposition of mind, and are prevailing motives for further blessings.
3. Prayer is the offering up of our desires to God, or making them known to him: Let your requests be made known to God. Not that God needs to be told either our wants or desires; for he knows them better than we can tell him: but he will know them from us, and have us show our regards and concern, express our value of the mercy and sense of our dependence on him.
4. The effect of this will be the peace of God keeping our hearts. The peace of God, that is, the comfortable sense of our reconciliation to God and interest in his favour, and the hope of the heavenly blessedness, and enjoyment of God hereafter, which passeth all understanding, is a great good than can be sufficiently valued or duly expressed. It has not entered into the heart of ham, 1 Co. 2:9. This peace will keep our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus; it will keep us from sinning under our troubles, and from sinking under them; keep us calm and sedate, without discomposure of passion, and with inward satisfaction. Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee, Isa. 26:3. - Matthew Henry
==philippians 4:8:
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Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things
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Horatius Bonar: “Our light must shine. It must diffuse itself around, making men to feel that we are children of the Most High God. In word, in look, in life, in daily deportment, our character as men redeemed by blood and dwelt in by the Spirit, must be apparent. All things that are lovely and of good report must be seen in us; so shall it be known Whose we are and Whom we serve.”
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This is such a helpful metric to judge social media time by. If it is not true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, or commendable it is not worth our time.
Paul also says in Romans 12:1–2, “Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship. Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” Scripture, not social media, is what renews our hearts and minds. Scripture provides discernment for all of life’s decisions and the will of God. May our hearts overflow with the words of Christ and not the next influencer. --Tiffany Dickerson |
Scripture is interesting when Jesus is talking about the enemy. He said that he’s a murderer from the beginning and the father of all lies. The enemy works the same way now as he did at the beginning with Adam and Eve. The conversation was subtle at first. “Maybe God doesn’t want you to get what He’s got. Can you really trust Him?” And what he was doing on day one was lying and twisting God’s truth.
I think that’s the way he operates right now. He’s still saying, “Surely God didn’t say that.” Or he’s taking a natural fear and ultimately turns it into a mental stronghold. I believe choices come out of our thoughts and whoever controls the thought narrative ultimately controls the story. --Louie Giglio; Don’t Give Your Enemy a Seat at the Table? |
==philippians 4:8:
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The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.
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In his word, God tells us to not be anxious! That’s a command from the Lord, so every time we are anxious about life we’re actually demonstrating uncertainty towards God’s word. Let that sink in for a second. Instead of trusting in God’s promises we doubt His abilities or that He cares for us because we are going through a rough time. How silly does that sound, doubting the creator of the world? Yet I have been guilty of doing this all too often.
So, how do we shed our anxiousness? Well, God tells us that we should pray to Him with thanksgiving and make our request known to Him. Stressed out, pray. Worried, pray. Anxious, pray. I think at times our problems look so big because we have taken our focus off God and put all the focus on our problem. He is so much bigger than our problems. He's our healer, our provider, our shelter, our everything, sometimes we need to remember what we should be focusing on, or rather, who. [SOURCE: Kayla Alexander] |
==philippians 4:9:
The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.
==philippians 4:10:
But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity
==philippians 4:11-13:
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“I have learned to be content with whatever I have. I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”
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I believe it would help with our anxiety and stress if we could just sincerely place our lives into His hands and rest in the confidence that He knows about our situation and is working behind the scenes for our best interest. As a counselor, I realize that when someone is desperate for an immediate solution, advising them to keep praying and be patient is not what they want to hear. Proverbs chapter 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all of thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. In ALL thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.” Observing this carefully allows us to comprehend He is simply wanting us to stand on what He has promised. He desires that we trust Him not only in times of crisis but every moment. -Dr Billy Holland;
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Crosswalk posted: Just like Philippians 4:13 says, the athletes can do all things through God, who strengthens them. They can be strong in any type of circumstances – either good or bad – if they rely on God as their source of strength. For athletes who are victorious, God is there to bring them joy and to remind them that their worth is based on his love for them, not on their achievements. For athletes who face disappointment, God is there to offer encouragement and to remind them that their value is not diminished by a loss. God’s supportive strength isn’t reserved only for Olympians. God makes it available to each of us, as well. Just as athletes face different outcomes at the Olympics, we also encounter a spectrum of experiences in our own lives. We sometimes win by achieving our goals and sometimes lose by missing out on what we want. Regardless of our circumstances, God’s promise remains true: He is always there to strengthen us. Philippians 4:13 directs our attention to the limitless strength that God provides. Whether we are seeing our dreams come true or suffering through challenging situations, we can rely on God’s strength to see us through. The strength God gives us encompasses everything we need strength for – physical endurance, emotional resilience, mental fortitude, and spiritual sustenance. We can “do all things” – which means that we can handle any situation we encounter well – when we rely on God’s strength to help us do so. The more we connect with God’s presence with us in all circumstances, and the more we pray for God to help us when we need strength, the stronger we can become. |
==philippians 4:18:
Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God.
==philippians 4:19:
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And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
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The Lord has a storehoue of abundance with which to meet our every need.
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Randy Alcron Files
“Paul told the Philippians, “I have received everything in full, and I have an abundance. I am fully supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you provided—a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God” (Philippians 4:18, CSB). Their financial gifts were gifts to God. Since they gave so generously to provide for him and his work, Paul was confident God would provide the same for them: “My God will supply all your needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19, CSB). This is a familiar promise, but most people don’t realize that in context, it is specifically for givers who have stretched themselves to become sacrificial partners in Kingdom ministry. “For even in Thessalonica you sent gifts for my need several times” (v.16). --Randy Alcorn
Let us take a moment to reflect on the implications of this promise. It means that we can cast aside our anxieties and worries about our needs being unmet. We can approach God with confidence, knowing that He is ready to provide for us.
But it's important to note that the provision of our needs is not always in the way we expect or on our preferred timeline. God's ways are higher than ours, and His timing is perfect. He may supply our needs through unexpected sources or bring about solutions we never imagined.
Therefore, let us surrender our concerns to Him and trust in His unfailing faithfulness. He is faithful to His promises, and His provision goes beyond material needs. He also cares for our emotional, spiritual, and relational needs.
But it's important to note that the provision of our needs is not always in the way we expect or on our preferred timeline. God's ways are higher than ours, and His timing is perfect. He may supply our needs through unexpected sources or bring about solutions we never imagined.
Therefore, let us surrender our concerns to Him and trust in His unfailing faithfulness. He is faithful to His promises, and His provision goes beyond material needs. He also cares for our emotional, spiritual, and relational needs.
This promise reassures believers that God is faithful to provide not just material necessities, but also spiritual, emotional, and relational support, through an abundance of grace and power available in Christ. It emphasizes a trust in God's infinite resources and a promise of fulfillment from His glory.
God's provision covers all "needs," not just material ones, but also spiritual and emotional well-being, according to the context of the biblical verses. The provision is "according to His riches in glory," signifying that God's resources are infinite and far exceed human limitations. This phrase is central to the promise, indicating that all blessings and provisions come through one's relationship with Christ. The promise is offered to those who trust and rely on God, cultivating freedom and confidence in His faithfulness, according to Bible Hub. The declaration serves as a counter to anxiety, teaching believers to cast aside worldly desires and find contentment in God's sufficient provision, notes BibleRef.com.
Matthew 6:31-33: Jesus instructs followers not to worry about material needs, as God knows what they need and will provide for them.
2 Corinthians 9:10: This verse speaks of God supplying seed to the sower and bread for food, linking His provision to generosity and continued growth.
God's provision covers all "needs," not just material ones, but also spiritual and emotional well-being, according to the context of the biblical verses. The provision is "according to His riches in glory," signifying that God's resources are infinite and far exceed human limitations. This phrase is central to the promise, indicating that all blessings and provisions come through one's relationship with Christ. The promise is offered to those who trust and rely on God, cultivating freedom and confidence in His faithfulness, according to Bible Hub. The declaration serves as a counter to anxiety, teaching believers to cast aside worldly desires and find contentment in God's sufficient provision, notes BibleRef.com.
Matthew 6:31-33: Jesus instructs followers not to worry about material needs, as God knows what they need and will provide for them.
2 Corinthians 9:10: This verse speaks of God supplying seed to the sower and bread for food, linking His provision to generosity and continued growth.
JR Miller Files
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble.” Psalm 46:1
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
Many a great battle is won by the reserves. The struggle is perfectly balanced, and victory is uncertain. Then, one side or the other brings up the reserve army, and instantly the question is settled.
Life’s battles and crises are often determined in the same manner: by reserve resources — or their absence.
Our days are not all bright, easy, and free of pain. The course is not always smooth. We all have tasks and duties which completely overwhelm our ability. We are all assailed by spiritual foes and temptations — and victory comes only if we can call our reserves into action. Blessed are those who have learned to draw on the infinite resources of divine strength. With the fullness of God as a reserve, they can never fail.
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” Ephesians 6:10-11
“And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19
-------J.R. Miller was a pastor and former editorial superintendent of the Presbyterian Board of Publication from 1880 to 1911. His works are now in the public domain.
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
Many a great battle is won by the reserves. The struggle is perfectly balanced, and victory is uncertain. Then, one side or the other brings up the reserve army, and instantly the question is settled.
Life’s battles and crises are often determined in the same manner: by reserve resources — or their absence.
Our days are not all bright, easy, and free of pain. The course is not always smooth. We all have tasks and duties which completely overwhelm our ability. We are all assailed by spiritual foes and temptations — and victory comes only if we can call our reserves into action. Blessed are those who have learned to draw on the infinite resources of divine strength. With the fullness of God as a reserve, they can never fail.
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” Ephesians 6:10-11
“And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19
-------J.R. Miller was a pastor and former editorial superintendent of the Presbyterian Board of Publication from 1880 to 1911. His works are now in the public domain.
==philippians 4:20:
Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
==philippians 4:21:
Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren who are with me greet you.
==philippians 4:22:
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All the saints greet you, but especially those who are of Caesar’s household.
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The word “especially” means “in greatest degree.” With a special touch Paul concludes the book of Philippians with emphatic emphasis upon God’s sovereign work in spite of his adversity in jail. He singles out the Praetorian Guard for special mention.
Caesar’s household is not the members of the family of Caesar. They are not his kin. The imperial guard was the institution that chose the Caesar. Paul led many of these men to Christ while in prison. The Philippians had a part in their salvation by their support of the apostle. The Praetorian Guard (one of the most powerful political institutions of the Roman empire, 1:13) gives greeting to this motley little church in Philippi!! No wonder Paul could say that what had happened to him advanced the gospel (1:12). If the Praetorian Guard could live for Christ in that institution, we can live for Christ in school, business, police force. |