2003-11-29 - Philippians

Part 35

Philippians 4: 8-9(NIV) ⁸ Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. ⁹ Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me--put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Paul says that one thing that will go a long way to helping us maintain the focus on the Lord, is to focus our energies, our attentions on those things that are uplifting versus those things that will bring us down. (GIGO - garbage in, garbage out.)

Wiersbe notes:

"Dr. Walter Cavert reported a survey on worry that indicated that only 8% of the things people worried about were legitimate matters of concern! The other 92% were either imaginary, never happened, or involved matters over which the people had no control anyway." 3

Satan wants us to worry. Paul wants us to focus on the things that are truly pure, noble, etc, are epitomized by the truths of Scripture, the teachings that Paul had given, and those things are that which we are to put into practice. It is as we live out the example of Christ, that we will find that much of the emotional upheaval we suffer will be brought under control, and we will be truly free to experience joy. True joy is experienced when we experience the reality of the presence of the God of peace within us.

4:10-23 (NIV) ¹⁰ I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. ¹¹ I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. ¹² I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. ¹³ I can do everything through him who gives me strength. ¹⁴ Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. ¹⁵ Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; ¹⁶ for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need. ¹⁷ Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account. ¹⁸ I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. ¹⁹ And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. ²⁰ To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. ²¹Greet all the saints in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me send greetings. ²² All the saints send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar's household. ²³ The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

Now in the remaining verses, Paul takes care of some final business. He once again notes that even in the midst of a prison sentence, he can rejoice, as he experiences the love demonstrated by the Philippians. He appreciates their desire to care for him - knowing that this is an example of agapé. In fact, they're frustrated because he doesn't need them to do anything for him at this time. He gives an example that we would be good to always hold up before us, certainly depending on the Holy Spirit to allow us to practice it. He was able to be content in any situation, both good and bad. And He could do this because he depended on the Lord to provide the strength to live as God desired him to.

Paul next thanks the Philippians for all their love, their willingness to share in his suffering, and their gifts even in the early days of his ministry. The sent him aid while he was on the way to Macedonia, and then while he was in Thessalonica. In fact, they helped whenever he needed it. And lastly, he received the gifts brought by Epaphroditus. And so what joy Paul experiences, is not because of the things he has received, but because of the love the Philippians have expressed. What a joy to see God working in the hearts of His children and advancing His kingdom. Praise the Lord. Paul sends his final greetings, and so closes the letter. 3 Ibid., p. 129.

Questions or comments?

Geoff

pastorgeoff@cfdevotionals.org
http://www.cfdevotionals.org