Philippians 4 RDTW 109

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Today is Week 109 of Rightly Dividing the Word of truth…our study / overview of Paul’s epistles to believers in this dispensation of the grace of God. Paul has given us a pattern in his life for us to study and seek to emulate. In the first seven verses of Philippians 4, Paul gives us four key thoughts in this last, yet incredible chapter, concerning the joy of resting in Christ.

The formula for experiencing the joy of resting in Christ:

  1. Stand firm in the faith we have in Jesus Christ – V.11 Corinthians 15:58, 16:13, Galatians 5:1, Philippians 1:27, 2 Thessalonians 2:15

1 Corinthians 16:13: Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.

Galatians 5:1: Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

  1. Resolve potential conflicts through the common ground of sound doctrine – V.2-3 Paul emphasizes the importance of being like minded, and living in the unity and harmony through the foundation of truth we have in Christ.  Philippians 2:1-3, Ephesians 4:11-16

Romans 15:5-6: Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

                                             Conflict breeds anxiety!

  1. A simple exercise to practice everyday to keep the “flesh” in check – V.4-5 Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice!
  2. Overcome anxiety through prayer – V.6-7 The proper elements of prayer that God listens to are simple:
    1. Do not be anxious, trusting that our heavenly Father is listening.
    2. Turn fear into thanksgiving. 2 Timothy 1:7
    3. Pray for others – supplicate before the throne of grace. Job 42:10
    4. The end result is the peace of God that passes all understanding. 1 Thess 5:16-24

Remember: the ACTS of prayer are Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication

2 Timothy 1:7: For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Hebrews 4:15-16: For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

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