Philippians 4
- v 1 tells us to stand firm!
- v 4 again tells us to rejoice. Chapter 3 has already told us the sort of things we should be rejoicing in.
- v 6-7 tells us how we should be continuously praying rather than getting anxious. Then we will receive the peace of God!
- v 8 is a real tricky one. We need to think about good things. I don’t think this verse is thinking about pretty dresses and cupcakes. Hebrews 12:1-2 tells us we need to focus on Jesus, so perhaps it’s more about that.
- Get on with it! v 9 tells us to put into practice what we have learnt.
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.
(James 1:22-24)
- Sometimes it’s hard to be happy with what we have. Paul has learnt to in v 11-13
Implications for Mosaic
- We can encourage one another in standing firm (Hebrews 3:13)
- We need to rejoice together. Give each other things to give thanks for and tell each other what God is doing so we can praise him for it.
- We need to encourage one another to put what we learn into practice
Summary
- Love one another! Romans 12:10 tells us we need to “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honour one another above yourselves.” Sorry, all those commitment-phobes out there!
- Loving one another keeps us pure and righteous. Have a look at what Jesus says in John 15:1-17. Loving one another seems the way to get and remain plugged into Jesus.
- Jesus is our confidence and reason to rejoice.
- Rejoice some more.
- Get on with it! Paul constantly reminds us to put what we know into practice.
- Don't you just love Philippians?
- What do you do to avoid being anxious? (I have a prayer book, so when I'm worried I write it all down in there)
- Do you feel like your life is missing something or are you happy with what you have?
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