P’s and Q’s : Philippians 4
“Therefore, my beloved brethren whom I long to see, my joy and crown, in this way stand firm in the Lord, my beloved.” (verse 1)
- “Stand firm in the Lord…” Name three ways you personally have had to “stand firm” in the past week or two. What practices help you “stand firm” consistently in your daily walk?
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“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!” (verse 4)
- “Rejoice always.” Why does this practice help you stand firm? When do you have to rely on the Lord most to “rejoice always”?
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“Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near.” (verse 5)
- Why does Paul use the term “gentle” or “reasonable” when he asks us to “let your gentle spirit be made known to all men”?
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (verses 6 & 7)
- What is wrong with anxiety? What are you currently anxious about? How do these two verses speak to you today?
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- Why does scripture ask us to pray “with thanksgiving”? How do thankful prayers eradicate anxiety?
“Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.” (verse 8)
- What does it mean to “dwell” on these eight virtues?
- Why is this verse SO practically helpful in your relationship with Christ and walk in the Spirit?
- How does secular music interfere with this command? How does porn interfere with this command? How does bitterness interfere with this command?
“Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.” (verses 11 & 12)
- If you were truly content in whatever circumstances you were in, how would your disposition change? How would your temperament towards God change? Do you need to make any adjustments, personally in your sense of entitlement regarding this verse?
My disposition would be one of constant thankfulness rather than constant worry / anxiety / discontentment. Temperament is the nature of a person that affects their behavior, so my temperament towards God would change to a nature wanting to constantly be thankful to God.
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“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” (verse 13)
- How does this well known verse motivate you?
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“Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account.”
(verse 17)
- What is Paul saying to you as you give your time, talent or treasure to someone in need?
“But I have received everything in full and have an abundance; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God. And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (verses 18-19)
- The motto, “Every day is a holiday, every meal is a banquet and every breath is a gift from God,” is a reality when this passage comes alive in your heart. Why?
“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.” (verse 23)
- Having the grace of Jesus in your spirit can be the single dominating factor in the way you think, act and live. What do you need to do to put it into practice?
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