7 day plan

A week with the Philippians

Day 1 of 7

NIV

Philippians 4:1-3

Closing Appeal for Steadfastness and Unity

1Therefore, 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!

2I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3Yes, 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.

Reflection:  Introduction

This series jumps straight into the life of the Philippian church.  What do we know of it, from this letter so far?

Imagine yourself a new believer in the church in Philippi; perhaps you are the member of a household whose leader has come to follow Jesus; or you yourself are slowly accepting that Jesus is actually the Son of God. You know Jesus has restored you to a loving relationship with God. Your life has been changed. But, you can’t quiet the thoughts: We are in a tough situation at the moment. Some believers have lost their livelihood because we are considered strange.  Many people are not sure we can be trusted. And believers are frequently persecuted. Paul says in his letter that we need to ‘stand firm’ in this relationship with God. What does he mean?

A Philippian believer: “Paul writes to us from prison. He encourages us to remember all Jesus has done for us, and the brand- new life we have in him. He talks very practically about this.

“Amazingly, he says he loves us and longs for us, that we are his joy and crown, and urges us to stand firm in the Lord.

“It seems one of ways we need stand firm, is in our relationships with other believers.  My friends Euodia and Syntyche have been arguing over something – I have no idea what! Yet they and Clement are the ones who told me about Jesus! They have been so helpful to us. They have been so, so patient, they persevere in answering all our questions and…. there are plenty of them! They explained what Jesus has done for us and prayed with us. They showed us how to live as followers of Jesus. They love us and want every person in our town hear about Jesus and accept him as their Lord.

“Paul says they must be of the same mind in the Lord. I suppose Paul is asking them to forgive each other, and to remember the peace and unity they have in Jesus.  Of course, as I hear this, I realise we all need to do the same.”

A few thoughts for us…

  1. What is the core of my issue with a person in my workplace, Bible study group, family, other?  We will have differences – attitudes, how we understand God’s word, how we worship, hundreds of things. But – where is our common ground? And how can we agree to disagree, graciously?
  2. How do I respond to this passage?  Who around me needs to hear the good news, and who desperately needs words of comfort and encouragement, to stand firm, and persevere in Jesus through tough times? Ask God how you can encourage them.

Prayer:  Father, I am so thankful for Jesus. Thank you for the amazing riches you give me, when you bring me into relationship with you. Thank you for your life, death and resurrection. Please help me always remember what you have done for me.  Please help me to be a person of peace, willing to ‘give the benefit of the doubt’, to initiate reconciliation, and not wait for the other person to. To extend peace, and to forgive fully – no buts…Amen.

The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by Permission of Biblica, Inc.® All rights reserved worldwide.

Days

1
2
3
4
5
6
7

Philippians 4:1-23

Closing Appeal for Steadfastness and Unity

1Therefore, 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!

2I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3Yes, 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

4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8Finally, brothers and sisters, 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. 9Whatever 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.

Thanks for Their Gifts

10I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12I 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. 13I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

14Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15Moreover, 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; 16for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. 17Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. 18I have received full payment and have more than enough. 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. 19And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

20To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Final Greetings

21Greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus.

The brothers and sisters who are with me send greetings.

22All God’s people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household.

23The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by Permission of Biblica, Inc.® All rights reserved worldwide.