Philippians 4

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”?

Rejoicing reminds a believer that God’s character is bigger than our circumstances.

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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”?

 

The world we live in is the opposite of gentle. Paul uses this term because he knows that when we live in gentleness, we will stand out as a light for Christ which gives us a platform to proclaim Jesus to others.

 

“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?

 

Anxiety could be defined as temporary atheism; anxiety shows that we do not trust that God is able to provide. This does not mean that we can’t be anxious as Christians, but it should define how we handle anxiety (whether through worry or prayer).

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  • Why does scripture ask us to pray “with thanksgiving”? How do thankful prayers eradicate anxiety?

 

Praying in this way reminds us of God’s past work and faithfulness in our life and then assures us of His future goodness and faithfulness. Anxiety dies when we pray with thanksgiving, because that shows are ultimate trust in God.

 

“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?

 

This means that we will constantly think / meditate on these things, things that glorify God rather than things that draw us away from God. These are good things from above!

 

  • Why is this verse SO practically helpful in your relationship with Christ and walk in the Spirit?

 

This is so practical because most of the time, the focuses of our culture are directly opposed to Phil 4:8. This verse can be applied in how we dwell on things every single day, in our thoughts, words and actions.

 

  • How does secular music interfere with this command? How does porn interfere with this command? How does bitterness interfere with this command?

 

Secular music often makes us think of things opposed to God (typically, not always, the themes of these songs can cause us to idolize other things, whether it be love, lust, money, partying, etc.)

Porn – takes away all purity, anything lovely, a good reputation, and takes you away from God. Bitterness – makes you dwell on others, not God. This can make you long for others to be hurt which does not draw you closer to God.

 

“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?

 

Paul is saying, as God teaches us throughout scripture, that it is more blessed to give than to receive. We should be more content with seeing others grow and succeed.

 

“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?

 

God shows us that although life’s circumstances can change, God’s unfailing love NEVER changes, and He will always provide for our needs. We are not promised tomorrow, so we should be thankful for every day we have.

“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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