Chapter summary
Paul urges those he loves to stand firm in the Lord (4:1). He has written of unity. Now he pleads for harmony between two women, each of whom is committed to the cause of the Gospel (vv. 2-3). Then Paul looks ahead. His dear friends will find the Lord their surest source of joy. Because of Him they need not be anxious. Because of Him, prayer brings the blessed gift of peace (vv. 4-7). And in response to Him, the Philippians are to focus on the beautiful and praiseworthy and to practice the same (vv. 8-9). On a personal note Paul now turns to their financial support. He has great joy in it as an evidence of their concern, though he is as content when destitute as when well off. What thrills Paul is that in sharing with him the Philippians are giving to God, who will meet their needs and reward them (vv. 10-20). The letter concludes with the briefest of greetings (vv. 21-23).
1) “Agree in the Lord.” This is not intellectual agreement, but interpersonal harmony. How tragic when believers with similar commitments and goals of serving God can't get along because of personality clashes.
2) Prayer: We can commit all our concerns to the Lord. We will still care deeply about those things we pray for. But because we know God hears and cares too, we can care without being anxious.
3) Thanksgiving: Thanksgiving is to accompany requests, not be triggered only by answers to our prayers. We thank God because we know that God has not only heard our request, but will send what is good. Because our prayers have been answered even as we pray, thanks are appropriate.
4) "The peace of God." This is the inner peace or sustaining confidence that God gives us when we pray with thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is an expression of assurance, and a reminder, that God has heard and will answer our prayer.
5) “Think on these things.” A concentrated, focused effort. We are to keep on stressing those things which share the qualities Paul lists: the true, which is the reliable and honest; the good, or worthy of respect; the right, which conforms to God's standards and merits approval; the pure, which is moral and uncorrupted; the lovely, which is pleasing and agreeable; the excellent, which is worthy of praise.
6) Content: What is Paul's secret of contentment? That "in every and any situation," whether destitute or well supplied with funds; to present his requests to God with thanksgiving—and then stop worrying about his circumstances.
7) It is often more difficult to receive graciously than to give graciously. Paul wants his friends to know he is truly grateful for their financial contribution, without making them feel obligated to send more. He does this by expressing the greatest joy he derives from their generosity. Their offering will be an "acceptable sacrifice," which pleases the Lord. And they will experience God at work to meet their own needs.
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