Happy Fourth of July! This week, we’ll continue investigating Philippians.
Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, whom I long to see… stand firm in the Lord in this way… I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to live in harmony in the Lord. Indeed.. help these women who have shared my struggle in the cause of the gospel, together with Clement as well as the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
In verses 1-3, Paul does mention his desire to see the Philippians followers, but calls out Euodia and Syntyche [SEEN-teh-kee] to live in peace with one another and advises them to stand strong together in following the Lord.
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all people. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, think about these things. As for 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.
In these next few verses (4-9), Paul calls on the Philippians (and those of us living today) to have joy in the Lord, not to worry about anything, but to let God know about your needs. Christ will bring us peace if we believe in Him. He also tells us of the types of things we should focus on – qualities that honor God. There is never anything wrong with that. Other translations phrase this as “dwell on these things,” not just “think about them.” In any situation, no matter where we are, what circumstances we face, it is always possible to honor God and find mental peace by thinking about His Word.
But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly… Not that I speak from need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with little, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me…
Paul continues teaching that we should rejoice in Jesus no matter our needs or hardships – it is always possible to seek contentment in Christ. No one can stop you from doing that. Ever.
You yourselves also know, Philippians, that at the first preaching of the gospel… no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving except you alone; for even in Thessalonica you sent a gift more than once for my needs... But I have received everything in full and have an abundance; I am amply supplied… And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Now to our God and Father be the glory forever and ever. Amen... The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
Paul finishes his letter by thanking the Philippians for their graciousness and concern for him. The Lord used His Philippian followers to meet Paul’s needs. In the same way, you can meet the needs of the people around you – be they neighbors, coworkers or family.
Have a wonderful week!
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