Phil 4:2-14
SS Lesson for 08/22/2010
Devotional Scripture: Isa 55:6-13
The outline of the lesson came from Bible Expositor and Illuminator. This week's lesson studies Growing in Joy and Peace. The study's aim is to learn that God wants the believer to replace worry with trust. The study's application is to put our confidence in our sovereign Lord when challenged by life's problems.
Joy vs. Happiness
Is it possible to be too happy? This may seem like a silly question, but it speaks to the heart of what drives much of our society today. We are forever engaged in Thomas Jefferson’s elusive “pursuit of happiness.” The problem is in determining what makes us happy and at what cost. If more and better possessions make us happy, is it worth it to work three jobs in order to afford them? If deep personal relationships make us happy, what will we do when they end? If winning in competition makes us happy, how can we survive losing? Some writers today, both religious and secular, question this all-consuming focus on happiness. It is argued that a well-rounded person is one who experiences pain as well as happiness. These writers claim that there is value in melancholy, strength in sadness. Jesus himself pronounced a blessing on those who mourn (Matthew 5:4). In today’s text Paul exhorts the readers to rejoice continually. This presents us with a conundrum if we equate joy with happiness. How can I be happy when I am unhappy? Am I just supposed to fake being happy all the time? Should I paint a smile on my face or wear a mask? This misses the important point that happiness and joy are not the same thing. Joy is not a fleeting and easily manipulated emotion. Joy is hopeful, deep-seated confidence in our existence as children of God. Joy is a positive look at the present because we know our future is secure through faith in Christ. Joy is based on never having to doubt the acceptance of a loving and caring heavenly Father. We may not always be happy. In fact, it is unreasonable and unhealthy to expect to be happy all the time. But we may always rejoice, even in the darkest experiences of our lives.
Lesson Background
Throughout the Christian era, churches have been known to raise funds for purposes outside their own congregations. One of Paul’s great projects was raising relief money “for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem” (Romans 15:26). This was a widespread effort brought on by a famine of several years’ duration in the temple city. Today’s churches give large amounts of money to various ministries and parachurch organizations. Some churches do this through coordinated denominational efforts. Independent churches support such works on an individual basis according to the policies and decisions of each congregation. All churches, however, like to support people and ministries with which they feel a personal connection. Modern opportunities for travel allow churches to send representatives to foreign fields to assist and to evaluate the ministries they support. Reports from these travelers energize the congregations and spur even greater giving. We do not know exactly how Paul funded his travels. His first missionary journey included three passages onboard ship, which would have been costly. These may have been funded by Barnabas, who was a person of some means (see Acts 4:36, 37). Paul’s later journeys (without Barnabas) seem to have been more on the order of shoestring operations. He spoke of times of hunger and hard work (2 Corinthians 6:5). He seems to have taken temporary employment as a tentmaker to support himself when necessary (Acts 18:3; compare 1 Thessalonians 2:9; 2 Thessalonians 3:7–10). Paul’s relationship with the Philippian church was unique. This church supported him long after he left its city (see Philippians 4:15, 16; compare 2 Corinthians 11:8, 9). They received no direct benefit from his ministry, yet they understood Paul’s burning desire to take the gospel to people all over the Roman world (see Romans 1:14, 15). They even sent Epaphroditus to help Paul while he was imprisoned in Rome (Philippians 2:25, 30). They shared with him monetarily because they believed they shared his ministry. The Philippian church was the result of Paul’s ministry, but Paul’s ongoing work was an extension of the Philippians’ ministry. This made them willing to share generously and selflessly. Is it any wonder, then, that Paul is so full of joy when he writes to them? And wouldn’t the Philippians have been energized and encouraged when they received a letter from the missionary they were supporting, along with a firsthand report from their messenger? The financial matters of this affiliation cannot be separated from the deep personal relationship between Paul and his beloved Philippians.
God provides Christians with His joy and peace. The continued deepening of these qualities is a distinctive mark of Christian commitment. We can experience His joy and peace in every area of our lives. Christians need to be careful that peace and joy are not lost through disunity. Disharmony among fellow workers in the gospel of Christ can rob God's people of their inward joy and peace, as well as outward tranquility. Christians can rejoice in the Lord at all times because of who He is and due to His provision for us regardless of our situation in life at any one time. Appropriate behavior also contributes to the joy and peace Christians may experience. This includes acting in a big-hearted manner toward others, avoiding worry by approaching God in prayer, and pondering those virtues that affect behavior. Paul has given us instruction on these matters and modeled appropriate behavior for us. Joy and peace are also to be found in sharing with fellow workers in their needs and afflictions. It is right and proper to share in common cause with them in their need. It seems to be a human trait to worry about things. In some cases it can lead to burdensome phobias and even insanity. Considering the fact that Christians possess heavenly citizenship and look forward with a sure hope to Christ's return, their outlook should be concentrated on faith rather than anxiety. This lesson text provides a prescription for dealing with fear and for cultivating joy. Very few in the Bible suffered as much for the cause of righteousness as Paul did. He listed the trials he endured as a missionary in 2 Corinthians 11:23-28. You might have your students turn to that passage to grasp the degree of his sacrifice. In spite of it all, Paul was able to keep a positive attitude and to share with others his remarkable antidote for anxiety.
(Scriptural Text from the New King James Version; cross-references from the NIV)
2 I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord.
3 And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.
Because human beings are estranged from God, we have the natural tendency to be estranged from one another as well. We therefore have to work hard to be “of the same mind.” The results, however, are worth it. As the psalmist said, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Ps. 133:1).
5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, 6 so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
10 I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.
27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel
2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.
15 If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.
20 However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."
28 May they be blotted out of the book of life and not be listed with the righteous.
32 But now, please forgive their sin — but if not, then blot me out of the book you have written." 33 The Lord replied to Moses, "Whoever has sinned against me I will blot out of my book.
5 He who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out his name from the book of life, but will acknowledge his name before my Father and his angels.
19 And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!
5 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;
7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy — meditate on these things.
9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.
Rejoice that they have such a Saviour. People everywhere have felt the need of a Saviour, and to us it should be a subject of unfeigned joy that one has been provided for us. Find happiness not in riches, or gaiety, or vanity, or ambition, or books, or in the world in any form, but in communion with the Lord Jesus, and in the hope of eternal life through Him.
I heard and my heart pounded, my lips quivered at the sound; decay crept into my bones, and my legs trembled. Yet I will wait patiently for the day of calamity to come on the nation invading us.
Personal Commentary
No matter what happens in my life I must remember God is in control and I have the victory. Be JOYFUL in all this
I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.
Personal Commentary
Knowing how good God is to me and to look at His wonders is enough to praise and Rejoice in God
yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.
Personal Commentary
I decide how I respond to life’s situations. God teaches me to rejoice regardless. Trust God for all things.
Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him.
Personal Commentary
Boldly praise God knowing that He is totally in control. Only the righteous can truly praise God because of the intimate fellowship with Him.
Gentleness reflects the divine nature described in Psalm 103:8: “The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.” He who constantly rejoices in the Lord will not respond angrily in word or deed to small vexations. He can answer a scowl with a smile and an insult with a favor, because he knows that the Lord is constantly present to provide patience and to dispense in his own time whatever judgment is appropriate.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
1 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near.
Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
And I--in righteousness I will see your face; when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness.
Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.
I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far;
33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
The widow who is really in need and left all alone puts her hope in God and continues night and day to pray and to ask God for help.
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
34 "Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap. 35 For it will come upon all those who live on the face of the whole earth. 36 Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man."
9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.
16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.
18 For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit, 19 through whom also he went and preached to the spirits in prison 20 who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, 21 and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also-not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ,
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken.
for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."
1 Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, 2 to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.
10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity.
11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:
12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
14 Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress.
Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
24 while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, 25 so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.
leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.
15 Be very careful, then, how you live-not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
Many people have been caught up in the craze known as “lottery fever” and have spent huge (and unnecessary) amounts of money in trying to find a cure. However, a Kentucky newspaper reporter found some people who were not at all swept up in the enthusiasm. The reporter interviewed one lady who claimed that all that money could be more trouble than it’s really worth. “Look at all the wealthy people who are still unhappy.” Later the reporter talked with a man who said, “Frankly, what am I supposed to do with all those millions of dollars? I can’t think of anything else I really need. I’m content.” Obviously this reporter had talked to two very astute people. It simply doesn’t matter how much you have if you are discontented. And it doesn’t matter how little you have if you are contented. Note that Paul said that he had learned to be content. It was not something that came naturally to him. More than likely it does not come naturally to any of us. But we can learn contentment, and we can do so in the same way Paul learned it—by enrollment in the school of Christian living. Here one learns not only contentment, but a host of other virtues that make one “educated” in the subjects that matter most. —R. C. S.
7 "Two things I ask of you, O LORD; do not refuse me before I die: 8 Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. 9 Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, 'Who is the LORD?' Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.
Then some soldiers asked him, "And what should we do?" He replied, "Don't extort money and don't accuse people falsely-be content with your pay."
But godliness with contentment is great gain.
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."
9 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being,
10 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. 30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.
This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.
34 "Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' 37 "Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' 40 "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
13 Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. 14 At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. Then there will be equality, 15 as it is written: "He who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little."
14 For this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 'The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the LORD gives rain on the land.'" 15 She went away and did as Elijah had told her. So there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family.
A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.
An old saying claims, “Money cannot buy happiness.” We often joke about this, saying that we would at least like to give it a try. We look at our lives and wonder whether more money would make things better. Would it relieve stress? Would it allow us to bless other people? Would it get me the new car or house I have always wanted? The truth is that the happiness that money can purchase is fleeting. It is not satisfying in the long run and does not give us real contentment. The desire for money will cause evil in one’s life (1 Timothy 6:10). It causes a soul-poisoning restlessness, the uncontented life always wanting more. Some of the most joyful, contented, purposeful people I have known were people of very modest means. Some of the most miserable were very wealthy. Paul’s emphasis here is that we can be content in poverty or wealth if we trust in God. Personal peace does not come from controlling our situation through abundant wealth, but in yielding that control to God and trusting him to provide. Jesus taught that concern over wealth and security was driven by a lack of faith (Luke 12:27, 28). May we seek peace through our relationship to God and our service to him.
If you were asked to make a list of your favorite verses of Scripture, Phil 4:6 might well be in your top ten. This precious verse has soothed many troubled souls. This promise unfolds in three basic parts. First, Paul confronted the Philippians with a staggering command, "Be careful for nothing." This means "Do not worry about even one thing." There is a fine line between positive concern and destructive worry. Christians usually know when they have crossed over the line. Worry is a form of pain that we readily recognize. Paul's teaching in Philippians 4:4 indicates that worry is a form of pain. He wrote, "Rejoice in the Lord always." Worry and joy are mutually exclusive. An anxious heart is a joyless heart; it is a heart that is bleeding in pain. If you are concerned about something in your life but you are still able to truly rejoice, you have not crossed over the line. If, however, your concern over something has driven the joy of the Lord from your heart, you are guilty of inordinate worry; and such worry is sin, because we are commanded not to do it. The command is staggering because it is so comprehensive. Paul wrote, "Be careful for nothing." The implication is that God is in total control of our circumstances, otherwise, there would be much to worry about! The reason we do not have to worry about anything is that God is in control of everything. Second, Paul confronted the Philippians with a sweeping responsibility, they were to pray about everything. Every concern, great or small, must be brought to God as a request. The believer must ask Him to deal with the problem that threatens his peace. This responsibility is based on an assumption. The assumption that is implicit in the text is that God will receive the problems and needs that are submitted to Him and care for them in a good and perfect way. If we did not have the assurance that God will hearken to our requests, there would be no possible way to experience peace of mind. When we present our requests to God, we need to be confident that God will hearken to our cries. But we also need to be careful to offer thanksgiving with our requests. Paul wrote, "With thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." Believers should always bring two buckets to God in prayer, one bucket filled with needs and the other bucket filled with thanksgiving. Paul does not specify what we should give thanks for, but common sense says that we should give thanks for the privilege of bringing our needs to God. We should also pray with expectation, in effect thanking Him in advance for what He will do. Thanksgiving for God's help in the past will inspire faith in the believer's heart to present his requests to God in faith. We must ask in faith, believing that He will answer our request in a good and perfect way, for without faith it is impossible to please God (Heb. 11:6). Third, Paul confronted the Philippians with a surpassing provision—while we wait in prayer, He will give us "the peace of God, which passeth all understanding" (Phil. 4:7).
1. There will be no discord among those who are truly focused on the Lord (Phil. 4:2-3)
2. There is always reason to rejoice if we know Jesus (vs. 4)
3. Moderation or gentleness, is not to be reserved for a few but to be shown to all (vs. 5)
4. We find peace and freedom from worry when we give our concerns to God and dwell on virtuous things (vs. 6-9)
5. We may be God's means of helping others and causing them to glorify Him (vs. 10)
6. Contentment comes from knowing that God is in control of our lives (vs. 11-14)
Jesus gives the believer joy and peace (John 14:27; 15:11). Philippians 4:2-14 is directed toward guiding us to growth in God's joy and peace.
Evidently, within the Philippian church, Euodias and Syntyche were not having harmony in their relationship. Their selfishness was causing the fallen mind of Adam to be displayed. Paul exhorted them to display instead the selfless nature found in Christ (cf. 2:1-11), that is, to submit to God and do His will. Included in submission to God would be asking each other's forgiveness, and the Lord's as well. Selfishness displayed in a believer's relationships, whether individually, in a family setting, in church life, at work, or in the neighborhood, always takes away from joy, satisfaction, and contentment in the Lord. God's joy is restored only through asking an individual's forgiveness, if an offense has occurred, and asking the Lord's forgiveness.
The believer's joy is not found in people, in possessions, or in fame; rather, the believer's joy is found in the Lord. The believer should rejoice in the Lord, in who He is and what He has done and continually does for him. The Lord's presence in the believer's life should cause him to have a sensitive spirit to the Lord and to others, knowing God is his source of joy.
These classic verses tell us to not be careful (anxious) about anything, but to bring our prayers and supplications to the Lord with thanksgiving. As the believer leaves his requests and burdens with the Lord in prayer, God's peace, which passes all understanding, will keep, or guard, his heart and mind. That can be your experience as you bring your requests and needs to the Lord.
Using the mind of Christ, the believer can think thoughts that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and admirable. Such thoughts come from reading and meditating on God's Word. As the believer meditates on God's Word in the power of the Holy Spirit, he can put it into practice in his daily life. That is why Paul exhorted the Philippians to do what they had learned, received, and heard from him.
The Philippians had given money to Paul in support of his ministry. The Philippians' joy in the Lord caused them to share their money with Paul. This caused Paul to rejoice in the Lord. It is always more blessed to give than to receive. May the believer's joy in the Lord always cause him to help those in need.
Experiencing God's joy and peace, Paul had learned to be content in whatever circumstance he found himself. He trusted God to supply, and He did. Paul found that whatever he did, his strength was from the Lord. May every believer experience God's joy and peace each day! Paul found that whatever he did, his strength was from the Lord. Jesus taught His disciples this truth in John 15, explaining that they, the branches, could accomplish nothing apart from Him, the Vine.