Philippians #5: Chapter 4
Week 5; Chapter 4
We are reading Chapter 4 this week.
Context check!
Remember how important it is to read scripture in context and not randomly pull out verses that suit our personal purposes?
This is one that often gets taken out of context:
“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” (Phil. 4:13)
What do you think this means?
It’s not unusual to hear athletes quote this, or any number of people citing it to accomplish anything that feels too difficult.
However, this doesn’t mean we can run a marathon without training, bench-press 250 lbs., or land the job of our dreams without the qualifications, etc. Ha! No, this verse is in reference to the high and low experiences of life as referenced in the verses before that (go check it out!). He’s directly referencing what he said previously—he has learned to be content in much or in little. The “all things” he’s talking about is contentment even in times of need and suffering.
It’s rarely quoted in that way.
This is why context matters so much! When we pull that verse out and quote it as a stand-alone, we put expectations on the text (and God!) that were never intended as its meaning.
It’s something to keep in mind when we hear favorite verses quoted—are they being quoted in the context for which they’re intended?
Day 1:
▲ Make a general summary statement/paraphrase of what you think this chapter is about.
Day 2:
↑ What does this teach me about God?
Day 3:
↓ What does this teach me about man/humanity?
Day 4:
† What does this teach me about Christ (or how does this point me to Christ?
Day 5:
✓How can I apply this to my life?
Questions to consider for application:
What does the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, mean to you personally?
In what practical ways can you "stand firm in the Lord" in your daily life?
How can we practically "live in harmony" within our families, churches, or communities as Paul exhorted Euodia and Syntyche?
Day 6/7:
Use the extra day to check cross-references, look up any word definitions you may want to understand better and check study notes and commentaries to see how your interpretation compares to what others have said. Do this only after you have answered the above questions and attempted to interpret with the help of the Holy Spirit. If we rely on study notes and commentaries, we will never learn to deeply engage with the text and “rightly divide” it ourselves.
▲ Make a second summary statement
→ Challenge:
Continue memorizing Philippians 4:4-9
4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness[d] be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned[e] and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
Test yourself by reciting it to someone this week!
Accountability Questions to Consider:
How has my thought life been? Am I allowing anxious thoughts to dominate, or am I thinking on “these things” from Philippians 4:8?
Am I content in the circumstances of my life, or am I disgruntled, complaining, and waiting for better circumstances before I rejoice in the Lord?
Go Deeper:
Read Psalm 131 for an example of how the peace from Phil. 4:7 looks.
Read James 1:22 and Luke 8:21 for a deeper understanding of Phil. 4:9
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father,
We rejoice in you. Thank you for the good work you are doing in and through us. Help us to contend for your gospel, putting into practice the examples you have given us in your Word. Thank you for renewing our minds as we dwell on what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and praiseworthy. Help us to take captive every thought and submit it to you in prayer, with thanksgiving. May we be people who reflect your character, and exhibit the Joy of the Lord in every aspect of our lives!
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Blessings 🤍