Verse 1 Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.
This writer believes that this verse should have been the last verse of chapter 3. The Apostle Paul states in verses 20 to 21 that the believer’s conversation or citizenship or government is in heaven and that the believer should be looking for Jesus to come. Therefore, the believer needs to stand fast in the Lord or not be moved by the world, the flesh, or the Devil. He then goes into what has been numbered as chapter 4 and deals with individuals, workers in the Church and other final instructions or commandments. What do you think?
Application: Just a thought about patriotism and patriots. The dictionary definition of patriot is someone who vigorously supports their country and who is prepared to defend it against enemies or detractors. Patriotism is therefore the mindset to support and defend one’s physical country/nation. People tend to get very emotional when hearing their country’s national anthem or when cheering on their country’s representative athletes, etc. And people tend to agree to separate from the responsibilities and security of their family and friends to fight perceived enemies from other countries. Do Christian believers put as much fervor into representing and defending the Kingdom of God where their citizenship and identity resides? The Apostle Paul did. Think about it. All nations or countries will be destroyed when Jesus returns to correct all the wrongs and to end time as it is known for to usher in eternity. The only place that lasts forever is Heaven. This world is not the home of true Christian believers.
Verses 2-3 I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.
The name, Euodias, means “fragrant”. The name, Syntyche, means “with fate”. These names only appear here in this epistle and they are thought to have been female members of the church of Philippi. It is not known why the Apostle Paul specifically names them, but what is known is that this church was started by women with the help of the Apostle Paul as recorded in the book of Acts. The Greek word translated as “yokefellow” is “suzugos” and it means yoked together, united by the bond of marriage, relationship, office, labor, or other reasons. It is only used once in the entire Scripture. The name, Clement, means “mild or merciful”. The reader of this epistle is left to wonder who these women were, what their lives as Christian believers were like, and what happened to them historically. But they were/are heroes of the Faith along with the Apostle Paul and all the believers in Christ that have gone before.
Verse 4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
Why? Because the Christian believer’s name is written in the book of life, and therefore, if faithful til death, he/she will spend eternity in Heaven in the presence of Jesus Christ who is God, very God, and in the presence of the righteous angels and all the saints from all of time. What could be more worthy of rejoicing?
Verses 5-7 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. 6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Moderation as defined is the avoidance of excess or extremes, especially in one’s behavior or political opinions. One of the hallmarks of a Christian believer is their peaceful and graceful manner of engaging in anything. There are no extremes in the believer’s life, but everything is based upon the Word of God and upon the guidance of the Holy Ghost/Spirit. Everything is done for the glory of God and for the express purpose of pleasing Him. The Apostle Paul was reminding the Philippian believers that they were being observed by nonbelievers and so to remember that their lives reflected their faith in the LORD Jesus Christ. To “be careful” means to be anxious. They were not to be anxious about anything, but to seek the LORD in prayer with thanksgiving to let their needs be made known, for it was/is God who would provide for their every need for the “LORD is at hand”.
Application: The LORD truly is at hand because His Holy Ghost/Spirit dwells in each and every Christian believer. As stated in other places on this web site, God is a Spirit who manifests in three ways: as Father God, Jesus Christ, and the Comforter or Holy Ghost/Spirit. So when living in a believer, He is definitely “at hand”. Truly He will “never leave thee, nor forsake thee”. Hebrews 13:5 As a result, there is a constant peace that is always with the Christian believer regardless of the circumstances they my be in. This peace cannot be explained, only experienced.
Verse 8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Verse eight above holds the key to successful Christian living. If one is filling the mind with negative thoughts and images, the emotions will reflect the negativism and then negative behaviors happen in response to those thoughts and images. But filling the mind with the pure, lovely, and gentle things of God and of His creation will elevate the emotions with positive feelings of joy, hope, and contentment. Garbage in, garbage out is true. Likewise, beauty in, beauty out is true. It is a choice and an act of each individual’s will as to what is allowed into the mind.
Verse 9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
If the example of Godly living demonstrated by the Apostle Paul is followed, the Christian believer will have peace and run the race with success.
Verses 10-11 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. 11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
The Philippian church supported the Apostle Paul in his ministry whenever they could and whenever the opportunity arose. Remember that they could not write a check and put it in the mail or use a credit card. All moneys or tangible gifts had to be carried, usually by foot, by people who happened to be traveling to wherever the Apostle Paul was ministering or was in prison. But they were faithful in their commitment to him and toward the God they served. Because of the difficulty in receiving gifts or because of Jewish persecution, the Apostle Paul was often in want. But through all the hardships he faced because of his steadfast preaching of the Gospel, he states above that he had learned to be content.
Application: Today is the age of discontent. People seem to be always seeking bigger, better and more: better jobs, more income, more toys, more contacts on social media, bigger cars, boats, houses, wardrobes, and so on. Where is the contentment and gratefulness for all that the LORD has provided?
Verses 12-13 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
The Greek word translated as “abased” is “tapeinoo” and it means to make low, bring low, to bring into a humble condition, or to reduce to meaner circumstances. The Greek word translated as “abound” is “perisseuo” and it means to exist or be at hand in abundance. The Apostle Paul knew what is was like to live as a well to do Pharisee with respect from his peers and from the public, and he knew what is was like to be placed in stocks, hand and foot, and to be chained to Roman soldiers in a damp, dirty prison and to have public scorn. He knew what it was like to have friends and followers in abundance and he knew what it was like to have those friends and followers he trusted and loved abandon him when the persecution increased and he needed them the most. He knew what is was like to sleep in comfort with a full stomach and to sleep on the ground at the mercy of the elements with an empty stomach. He knew what it was to be foot sore and to be cast into the sea when the ship he was on wrecked. He knew what it was like to be the arresting officer of others and then to be the arrestee. He did not complain or lament his hardships, but pushed forward in the furtherance of the Gospel and in obedience to the LORD Jesus Christ. So he learned to persevere because he learned that he could do all things through Christ which strengthened him. What an example for all Christian believers to follow down through the centuries!
Verses 14-17 Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction. 15 Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. 16 For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. 17 Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.
Again the Apostle Paul refers to the giving of the Philippian church, but not just because their gifts benefited him. Had they not supported him, the LORD would have provided his needs without them. The reason he pursues this topic is because he is praising them for being like Christ. Jesus Christ met the needs of all the people that came to him during the three and a half years He walked this Earth in ministry. No one was turned away. Jesus was/is love and He demonstrated it in tangible ways. Likewise, if possible, Christian believers are to meet the needs of others, saved or unsaved. Giving is part of the Christian walk. Whatever the believer unselfishly gives, the LORD repays double. This is the fruit being referred to. Good works are part and parcel of the fruit bearing process that the LORD expects from all of His children. The Christian believer is not to be so attached to their money and possessions that these become their focus in life. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of Lights with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” James 1:17 Absolutely everything, included the believer’s physical body, belongs to the LORD. The Apostle knew this. Now you, the reader, know this too.
Verses 18-19 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. 19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Epaphoditus brought the gifts of the Philippian believers to the Apostle Paul as he was awaiting trial in prison. What a welcome event that must have been for this aging man who was facing so much uncertainty in his physical life, but looking forward to his spiritual life in Heaven. One can only imagine his emotional state and his joy in knowing that his efforts in the church that he established in Philippi were bearing good fruit.
Verses 20-23 Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. 21 Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you. 22 All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar’s household. 23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. To the Philippians written from Rome, by Epaphroditus. (Philippians 4)
The Apostle Paul may have been a prisoner of Caesar, but he was witnessing to the household of Caesar. What boldness and unfailing service on behalf of the LORD and His Gospel! There was no fear, just obedience. This writer’s prayer is that a little of the spirit of the Apostle Paul may rub off so that there is a greater and more effectual ministry outside of this web site that is pleasing to the only LORD God, Jesus Christ. Amen. What about you?