We have reached the last chapter of Philippians. Read Chapter 4. What have you learned about joy/rejoicing? See also 1:4, 1:18, 1:25. 2:2, 2:17, 2:18, 2:29 3:1, 4:1, 4:4, 4:10. What steals your joy? What brings you joy?
In verses 4-7, what are we instructed to do? Do we tend to give these commands as much weight as we do when told not to steal, murder, lie, covet or engage in immorality? Should we?
What is the promise in verse 9? Is it conditional on what we do? What is the promise in verse 19? Is it conditional?
Last week we discussed Paul’s purposes in writing. He was sending Epaphrodites back to Philippi with a letter thanking them for their gift and support of his ministry but also he was reminding them important truths in light of the increasing persecution. He urges them to maintain the attitude of Christ and follow his example of being poured out like a drink offering for the sake of Christ and the gospel. Looking over the whole book what is the theme of the book of Philippians?
Learning to be content is a process (4:11). What have you learned on your journey to contentment?
Finally, what was the things the Lord impressed upon your heart as you studied Philippians?
Poiema by Lynn 
God’s instruction is so clear, concise, and simple. In Philippians, Paul writes for the brethren to rejoice in the Lord…………………. (again I say rejoice!) Have joy!
Pray with joy, rejoice no matter how Christ is proclaimed, whether it be from envy, strife, goodwill — Phil. 1:15), or as we may be facing death (poured out as a drink offering). Rejoice!
When any of life’s circumstances are challenging, I can rejoice and have joy when my mind is dwelling on whatever is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, of good repute, excellent, and worthy of praise. It is a discipline and a practice to dwell on these. It requires much quiet time in prayer and devotion to our loving Lord Jesus (my/our best friend). There are many things, people, and activities that bring me joy however, spending time with Jesus is my greatest joy!
Knowing the God of peace will be with me is my greatest comfort. His unconditional peace is my fulfilled need.
Thank you, Lynn, for sharing your paintings of Ko’Olina and Bellows. What a beautiful gift to receive.
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I knew you would be able to figure out where the pictures were 🙂 As for your observation it is a discipline to think on those things, I had just read what you wrote and began worrying about a minor situation and thought here is my pop quiz for the day. So I gave thanks, cast my burden on Him and tried to think on the things that are true and excellent. But I had to do it a few more times as well and now I have the peace that God is in control and I can rest in that.
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So that’s what you’re into when you mentioned painting, Lynn. I never knew you had that passion. It’s wonderful to see your gift!
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The predominant theme in Philippians is JOY. No matter what the circumstance, Paul rejoices. While in prison, he sends letters stating his joy to the Philippians for their faith and thoughtfulness. Foremost, he is full of joy when it comes to knowing Jesus. We too, can learn from Paul’s teaching, that we should not let circumstances dictate how we feel, but the fact that Jesus is in us and with us that we have reason to be grateful and joyful. That’s why it’s admirable to hear Debbie praise our Lord after all she’s gone through.
What kills my joy? Spending time (a lot) thinking about these things, then putting it in writing, only to have it disappear from the screen, nowhere to be retrieved. That, admittedly, is one of my “killjoys”. But I’ve done it differently this time, to be sure it doesn’t happen again. The disappearance, that is.
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God promises his peace in verse 9 when we apply our learning to life. Isn’t that what is missing in so many lives? Peace.
Adding to that in v. 19, we are assured that our needs will be met (not necessarily our wants) as God richly blesses those who are his children. That in itself leaves us no excuse to be discontent or in want of anything, but to show that we can be satisfied with Christ alone and what he is to us.
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On my journey to contentment, I’ve learned that in our earthly lives, we need things/conditions in order to fulfill wants/needs, whether physical, mental, social, psychological, etc. After we acquire them or attain the goals or objectives, what then? Does that quest continue for more–more things, goals, objectives? I think there would be no end to our saturation point. But knowing Christ fills that void of always having to shoot for the next rung of achievement, or item of status. He alone gives me hope, fulfillment and satisfaction in living.
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