Philippians 4

Grace and Peace to you,

As we conclude the shortest book thus far in the Chapter Memory Study today, we look at Paul's closing words to the church in Philippi.

The memory passage is;
Philippians 4:1,9,11,13,19 (ESV)
¹ Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.
⁹ What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
¹¹ Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.
¹³ I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
¹⁹ And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

The outline theme is Love, learn, and lean in the Christian walk.

Paul's affection for the beloved brothers in the Philippian church is evident from the very first verse. He loves them and longs for them, and he calls them his joy and crown. This underlying affection flavors even his most pointed confrontation of the letter in vv 2-3. These two women who appeared to be competing for attention or a following were reminded that we are united through Christ; all of our names (in the body of believers) are written in the book of life.

Verse 4 begins a beautiful passage of encouragement and exhortation that continues through verse 9. Rejoice in the Lord, for in Him you have much to rejoice about. Let His grace and gentleness be very evident in your lives as we live for His returning; which is near. Don't make agreements with anxiety; instead, pray and present your every need to God, in the posture of thanksgiving. He, who has no limit to grace or peace and who knows your need, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Also he writes them to dwell on things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent and worthy of praise. This is followed by a challenge for them to practice the things they have learned, received, heard, and seen in Paul so that they don't just get the peace of God, but also the God of peace.

Following an example of love and the challenge to learn from Paul's example, we read a reminder to find our contentment in God and God alone. While Paul was grateful for the gifts and support he had received, but kept it all in eternal perspective. In times of plenty and times of little, he proclaims that he is content in God who strengthens him to do all things. His focus is not the actual physical gift, but the impact, or fruit, that the gift will have in the kingdom. And what a blessing to give someone; that God will supply every need based on the riches He has in glory and gives us through Christ! And it is always and forever to Him and for His glory.

How does this affect my worship?
There seems to be a worship theme running through the Bible concerning contentedness in God. 'No matter what happens, good or bad, I will praise You. If I am in prosperity or need, I will praise You. If I overflow with joy or am burdened with sorrow, I will praise You.' How does my worship change if I really believe that He will supply all of my needs and all of my strength to stand firm for Him in this world?

How does this affect my discipleship?
For some reason, verse 9 has never stuck out to me as a verse about discipleship until now. Paul basically says 'everything I have invested in you, teaching, giving, speaking, and living; do these things as a way to get closer to God (and have Him draw closer to you).' Inherent in Paul's discipleship mentality is that he lives his whole life in front of people with the expectation that they will do the same. It must multiply so that it can reach the ends of the earth.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit,

Ethan