7 day plan

A week with the Philippians

Day 2 of 7

NIV

Philippians 4:4-5

Final Exhortations

4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

Reflection:  A Philippian believer: “Paul says we need to rejoice in the Lord.  What does he mean?   How can he really expect us to rejoice when we don’t know if we will be alive tomorrow? Many of us have lost our income because we are followers of Christ. We don’t know what tomorrow holds or where we will get enough food to fill our stomachs.

“And, Let your gentleness be evident to all?  Why gentleness? Surely he doesn’t mean letting everyone trample on you? Jesus didn’t let people trample him. Maybe gentleness means loving each other, even when we disagree, or loving those who don’t believe, even when they badly mistreat us?

“And – how do we rejoice when life is so tough? We know Jesus endured the hardest things – people didn’t understand when he explained the kingdom of God to them, nor his death on the cross. Yet he rejoiced, and willingly continued living God’s way.

“What does Paul mean by the Lord is near? Either – he keeps looking after us now, or that his return is near? Maybe it is both.  These words sustain me – they keep ringing in my ears, encouraging me to keep going.”

A few thoughts for us…

In the uncertainties of our lives during the pandemic, rejoicing in the Lord has been even harder than usual! How do we respond to these words of comfort? What are some things we can rejoice in?

Prayer:  Father – please help me to remember to rejoice in you. Please help me by your Spirit, to remember there are always things I can thank you for, no matter what my situation. Thank you that you are near me, and will return to bring all things under you.  Amen.

Days

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.