Philippians Chapter 4

Your learning comes from reading and studying the Bible. After you have read the Scripture passage below, answer the following questions. It's a good idea to do them every day.

1 Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.

2 I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.

6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. 11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. 12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

14 Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction. 15 Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. 16 For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. 17 Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. 18 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. 19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. 20 Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

21 Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you. 22 All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar's household.

1. Read verse one. Exactly how are the Philippians to stand and what is the “therefore” there for?

3. What does it mean to have one’s name written in the Book of Life? (See Rev 20:11-15 and 21:9-27)?

Look at the table below. The word “joy” occurs six times in the Book of Philippians and the word “rejoice” eight times. From looking at each occurrence given below, what are three things the Philippians told to do with joy, and what 4 causes are the Philippians given to rejoice or be joyful?

Ch	Vs	Scripture from the Book of Philippians
1	4	In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy
1	18	But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice
1	25	Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith
1	26	so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me
2	2	then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose
2	17	But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you
2	18	So you too should be glad and rejoice with me
2	29	Welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor men like him
3	1	Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you
4	1	Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends!
4	4	Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
4	10	I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it

1. Paul exhorts the Philippians to think on seven things in verse eight shown below. What about you? What can you or could you think about? Fill in the table below.

	Things I can think about that are true, noble, right, pure, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy
True
Noble
Right
Pure
Admirable
Excellent
Praiseworthy

2. Do you think Paul experienced God’s peace that surpasses all understanding that he speaks about in verse7? Why or why not?

1. What are some things that the Philippians (and we fellow Christians today) should and should not do that will give them the peace of God in the verses below?

2. Paul says in verse 12 that he has learned the secret of being content in any and every situation. What is that secret?

1. How does not being content with our situation work against us and against our relationship with God?

Put yourself in the Philippian church. Assume you were involved in the establishment of the church when Paul first arrives some time ago. And now some time later, this letter sent from Paul in a Roman jail was just read to you (all four chapters) for the first time. How does the letter:

Philippians Chapter 4

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