Philippians 4

Philippians 4

I love chapter four of Philippians.  I know I really stressed how great chapter 2 is, but the reality is that I just love the book of Philippians.  Paul writes with such practical advice for the church.  In chapter four alone I find six different verses which are stand out verses, meaning they really pack a punch for each of us in our Christian walk.  These verses have been quoted time and again by numerous believers from all walks of life.  Let's look at each of these with a brief explanation.

Verse 4:  Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!--I once heard Dr. Mark Foley speak on this passage to which he reminded us that Paul is stating that we must rejoice not in circumstances for they will change but to rejoice in the only true constant, our Lord Jesus Christ.  By the way, Paul really wanted to stress this by repeating himself!

Verse 6:  Don't worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving; let your requests be made known to God.  Paul continues the thought of rejoicing in spite of circumstances by saying not to worry about anything.  He tells the reader to take the burden or worry to God through prayer.  I think the major problem we see in situations where we worry is not that we don't pray, but that we pray without leaving the problem in God's hands.  We lay it at His feet but pick it up before we leave.  In addition, we also fail to trust God is listening, caring, and working the situation out to our best in the way we want.

Verse 7:  And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  Here Paul is carrying out the thought of submitting our worries to God by stating that WHEN we leave our cares with God we will experience such a peace that only God can bring.  This peace will not only be indescribable but liberating from the anxieties of life on this earth. 

Verse 8:  Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise—dwell on these things.  Paul recognizes the mind is a powerful weapon for or against us depending on how it is utilized.  What we find is that Paul is stressing the importance of understanding the correlation between the things we think about compared with the way we act.  If we think on worldly things dwelling on them, then our attitude and actions will  reflect the world.  Additionally, he recognizes that if we think on God and His realm then we are more likely to take on the attitude and activities of God.  As the mind thinks, so the person shall act.  There was an old saying years ago about the dangers of drugs that went like this, "The mind is a terrible thing to waste."  I think this statement is equally true, "The mind is a terrible thing to misuse!"

Verse 13:  I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me.  At Faith Academy Christian School where Raegan attended in Mobile they asked the student athletes and cheerleaders who were graduating to give their favorite Bible verse.  When they responded, the majority of the students quoted this verse.  Raegan had on her megaphone for cheerleading this verse.  I have heard many people quote and use this verse in trying times.  What makes it so powerful and widely quoted?  There seems to be a correlation between accomplishing great things in the power of God.  However, if we look at the context Paul is stating that regardless of what state of circumstances he has been in, he has found that through the power of God he could succeed.  Paul reminds us that he has plenty and he has had little to nothing, but regardless God has strengthened him to succeed in the mission to which God has called him.

Verse 19:  And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever.  Like many other verses in the Bible, this one is often misquoted.  I hear people say, and my God will supply all MY needs...when the verse really says all YOUR needs... We like to think that God is going to supply our needs, and he will but the context of the verse deals with Paul's encouragement to the Philippians for giving generously to his mission endeavors while in Thessalonica and Macedonia.  He wants them to understand that as they have sacrificially given, God will supply for the needs they encounter.  Therefore, be cautious in claiming this verse out of context.  Paul states that because of their generosity, God will supply their needs.

While I have listed several primary verses, I would love to hear your thoughts on which verse means the most to you and why.  Please post your comments here for a source of encouragement to all of us.