Philippians
Philippians was taught by Dr. James Modlish

Chapter Four
(Lesson Four - 4:1-23)

 

Intro:

Philippians four undoubtedly contains some of the greatest memory verses in the Bible. Paul is drawing his letter altogether. The general theme of the book has been rejoice or joy which he shows has a most important effect on our thinking processes as Christians.

Again, as a matter of review: Chapter one dealt with the Single Mind - stability and consistency in your thinking; secondly, the Submissive Mind - turning your will over to God and letting Christ's mind "be in you"'; thirdly, the Spiritual Mind - "That I may know him", we need to get to know Jesus Christ better each day. Finally, chapter four deals with the Secure Mind.

Today finds man blessed with more material goods and opportunities for pleasure and recreation than ever before in the history of man. Yet with inflation, unemployment, the threat of nuclear warfare, the crisis in the home, divorce, crime, etc., we find ourselves living in a world of fear and insecurity.
 

Outline of The Chapter:

I. Paul tells us things we should do (1-7)
II. Paul tells us things we should think about (8)
III. Paul tells us the results if we follow his example. (9-23)

Paul tells us things we must do:

A. "Stand fast in the Lord" (vs. 1) (See: Phil. 1:27; 1 Cor. 16:13; 1 Thess. 3:8; Eph. 6:14)

B. "Be of the same mind in the Lord." (vs. 2) (1 Cor. 1:10; Phil. 3:16) The local New Testament Church is one that should be characterized by unity. The early church in the book of Acts gives us time and time again. the example. (See Acts 1:14; 2:1; 2:46; 4:24; 5:12 etc).

C. Rejoice in the Lord." (vs. 4) Again this is the theme of the book. 16 times joy or rejoice is mentioned. (Neh. 8:10; Ps. 5:12; 1 Thess. 5:16)

D. "Let your moderation be known unto all men". If a Christian is to "go overboard" so to sneak in anything it ought to be in the things of the Lord. Priorities is the name of the game. Are you known as the best golfer in your department at work? the biggest eater? the intellect? athlete? musician, etc.? We all ought to be know first... as a Christian. It is our responsibility according to the text to make our acquaintances aware of the fact that Jesus Christ occupies the attention of our lives.

E. "Be careful for nothing." Literally be full of care for nothing. Worry worry, worry! Worry is sin. The admonition is such that we aren't to worry but in everything (Rom. 8:28) by prayer and supplication with thanks giving, let your requests be made known unto God. "And it came to pass. Problems come...to pass. God is building up his children and preparing us to serve him more effectively and to meet him face to face. Usually we worry because we have brought pressure to bear on ourselves by some carnal decision or act. Even then, if we will seek God's face he will use the opportunity to teach us a more valuable lesson. How can a person have a secure mind without a spiritual mind!

The result of this: The peace of God shall keep your minds and hearts.
 

II. Things we must think on

The Word of God says "For as a man thinketh in his heart so is he." (Prov. 23:7)

Our thoughts can get us into trouble. Christmas Evans said, "The idle mind is the Devil's work shop."

All of our thoughts should fall in one of Paul's six categories in verse eight:

[1]. True

[2]. Honest

[3]. Just

[4]. Pure

[5]. Lovely

[6]. Good report

These are godly thoughts as opposed to: hatred, impurity, slander, fraud, envy,, jealousy, gossip, covetousness, strife, vainglory, pride, etc. Herein lies the importance of being in God's Word daily. The Word judges and discerns our thought patterns and when necessary will serve to alter them.

"For the Word of God... is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." (Heb. 4:12)
 

III. The results of doing...and thinking are:

A. (vs. 11) Contentment - In whatever state I am, mental, social, psychological, financial, physical, etc... I am content. Today people are searching for fulfillment, purpose, accomplishment, security, contentment, and it is all found in Jesus Christ. Outside of Him it is as temporal as a moment of time.

B. (vs. 13) Power & Strength - "I can do all things through Christ..." Supernatural strength and grace to achieve God's goals and purposes for us as men. (2 Cor. 12:9)

C. (vs. 19) Provision - Certainly the Promise Positive one yet your need might not be what you see it as. Sometimes we need a good kick in the .....

Notice that the promise in the context is to the New Testament Church in Philippi, that has provided for others outside their own church.

Summary:

Chapter One - "To live is Christ, and to die is again."
Chapter Two - "Let this mind be in you..."
Chapter Three - "That I may know him..."
Chapter Four - "And the Peace of (God ... shall keep your hearts and minds..."

 

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