Philippians 4
1 Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.
There is Only One Way to go and without Him we would be as lost as the rest of the world.
2 I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.
Paul's asking them not to argue with one another, but to seek The Truth in one mind.
3 And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.
They worked together with one goal. To bring others to know Christ in Truth and to fight the good fight against evil. These lady's were a big help to Paul.
4 Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.
You're given another day to see all those blessings of life. Why not enjoy what The Lord has given and be glad in Him.
5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
The way in which you walk is "your moderation" so make sure they see you do as Christ would have you do as though He was coming today. "Moderation" = ἐπιεικής epieikḗs, ep-ee-i-kace'; from G1909 and G1503; appropriate, i.e. (by implication) mild:—gentle, moderation, patient, seeming, suitable.
6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
"Be careful for nothing" if you believe in God and everything He says, than you shouldn't worry. Our Father will take care of everything if you just have faith in Him. Christ Jesus tells us our Father takes care of the birds needs and He'll do even more for us. Matthew 6:26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?So don't worry about anything! God WILL take care of you. Matthew 6:31-33 31Therefore take no thought, saying, what shall we eat? ' or, what shall we drink? ' or, wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. These Gentiles don't have faith in God. They only believe in themselves and they suffer themselves for that. They refuse The Truth. If only they would change their hearts. 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
We could never grasp all understanding, but why would we need to. Our faith is in God and true faith brings true peace of mind. Do your best and give God the rest. He takes very good care of us.
8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
What kind of character do you have? Do you tell the truth? Are you honest with others and yourself? Do you stand up for God and what's right?
Do you do things for others without thought of
self, being of pure at heart? Loving towards others? How do people speak of you? Can they see Christ in you, your virtue
demonstrates your life? Are you a hypocrite or can they say you're of
Christ, praising that fact?
9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
FOLLOW God's Word and you can rest in the peace, He isn't mad at you because you're one of His. He is mad at those who refuse Him and have jumped in bed with satan. The Word gives peace because we know The Way to life. His Light has shown us His Path. Why would you want to get off a lit path where you can see where you're going. A dark path has unknown variables and no real hope. Close your eyes a walk around. It's not smart.
10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.
The Philippians took great care of Paul............when he was with them.
11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
Faith is also knowing what you have and where you are now is where God would have you be. Look at your blessings today, "be content". This in no way means to stop working to better yourself and others. Just stay focused on what is truly important. God is with you.
12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
Paul knows how to be "abased" = humble and poor and how to handle fame. He's been in many situations and because of that, he's able to talk with many different people. "Abased" = ταπεινόω tapeinóō, tap-i-no'-o; from G5011; to depress; figuratively, to humiliate (in condition or heart):—abase, bring low, humble (self), to have a modest opinion of one's self, to humble or abase myself by humble living.
13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Doesn't matter the situation, Christians are can do people.
14 Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.
Everything the Philippians have done is appreciated by Paul and was for the glory of God. The work they have done for the ministry continues even today. If you read this, you understand, I'm sure.
15 Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.
The Philippians stepped up when Paul needed them. They helped the ministry grow when other churches didn't. They were there to help him when he was in prison when the others weren't.
16 For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.
When Paul was in Thessalonica teaching, the Philippians sent their tithes to him for the continuation of the work of The Lord.
17 Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.
Paul knew it was from their heart and the Philippians are can do children of God. They want to see Paul has everything he needs to get it done.
18 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.
Paul is very grateful and understands full well the gifts of God. It's from them to be a sacrifice and acceptable to God and he accepts them.
19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
20 Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
21 Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you.
All of those in Christ, doing their part for The Kingdom of God while here on earth are saints.
22 All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar's household.
Saints within Caesar's household? Yep! While Paul was in prison, he had converted some within Caesar's own house. You can't stop The Word.
23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
May the favor of Christ be on you all. I pray this study has been a blessing to you and God bless you for your hunger of His Word. I pray I have helped you and did Him justice. Amen †