Philippians 4:1-9 Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends! 2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. 4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 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.
I. Context
a. Previous Passage: press on toward the goal for the prize; imagery of a race (in the Greek games); vv. 3:13-14
b. To run a race well, one has to keep his focus II. Focus on Unity with a Purpose (vv. 2-3)
a. Paul pleads with these 2 women to agree in the Lord (have the same mindset)
i. Entire letter leads up to this point
b. Distinct from the ‘troublemakers’ in the church that he references elsewhere
c. Paul mentions their partnership and reminds them of their prior working together
d. Names in the book of life—common Jewish reference to eternal life (c.f. Revelation 13:8)
e. We must make sure we don’t allow things like personality conflicts and competition in ministries cause division
III. Focus on Prayer (vv. 4-7)
a. Rejoice (prayer of praise)
b. Lift up all your concerns (prayer of petition); 1 Peter 5:7
c. Prayer of thanksgiving
IV. Focus on Christ-like attitude (vv. 8-9)
a. V. 8—train yourself to dwell on the good
i. Confess your bad attitude
ii. Be around positive people and good role models
V. The Present Reward: Shalom
a. V. 7 & 9 reference God’s peace
b. Shalom is more than just a lack of conflict—“it means absolute wholeness—full, harmonious, joyful, flourishing life” (Timothy Keller)
