Philippians 4 – Don’t Worry, Be Happy
·
History
and Background
o
Written by Paul while he was in prison in Rome
awaiting his trial.
o
Written to the Philippian Church which was
established by Paul on his second missionary journey.
o
The church was the first Christian Congregation
in Europe, which was located in Macedonia.
o
The Church at Philippi supported Paul through
prayer, money, and goods.
o
Paul starts this chapter by admonishing 2 of the
woman leaders of the Philippi Church to work out their differences. Paul encourages them to be of the same mind
o
. His
uses this encouragement to further encourage others within the Philippi Church.
·
6 Promises
we have from God
o
(verse 5)
The presence of God to
accompany us.
o
(verse 6) The privilege of prayer to help
us in our life. (Matthew 6:25-34, Psalm
1:2)
o
(verses 7 and 8)
The peace of God to help us. (Daniel 6, Psalm
19)
o
(verse 11) The policy of contentment to calm
us.
o
(verse 13) The power of Jesus Christ to
strengthen us.
o
(verse 19) The promise of God’s provision for
us.
·
Main
Themes
o
We should be full of joy as God has all things
and God is in control.
§
Our rejoicing is a testimony that can be seen by
others.
o
Take everything in Prayer to God
§
Prayer brings peace and removes our cares and
worries.
§
The peace of God will produce a calm heart and
mind.
o
Be thankful in everything.
§
Paul acknowledged that God would supply him with
everything he needed for the work in his ministry.
§
Paul was thankful that God used the Philippian
Church to provide for his needs.
o
Offering encouragement to others.
§
Paul encouraged the Church to stay involved in
the ministry because their fruits would be added to their account in heaven.
§
God’s blessing would be upon them because their
involvement in God’s work
o
To glean Paul’s secrets for joy peace,
contentment, and strength.
·
Questions
to Ponder/Life Lessons.
o
In what are we to always rejoice?
§
In the Lord always.
o
Why are we to let our gentleness be known to
all?
§
The Lord is at hand.
o
What is the antidote for anxiety?
§
Letting our requests be made known to God with
an attitude of thanksgiving.
o
What will the peace of God do in response to our
thankful prayer?
§
Guard our hearts and mind through Christ Jesus.
o
Upon what things should we meditate?
§
Things that are noble (high moral principles and
ideals), Just, pure, lovely, things of good report (give an account of),
anything of virtue, and anything of praise.
o
What had Paul learned about his journey through
life with Jesus as his Lord and Savior?
§
To be content in whatever state he found himself
in.
o
How was Paul able to do all things?
§
Through Christ who strengthens him.
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