Philippians 4:4-9

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, 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 understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 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. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”

— ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭4‬-‭9‬‬

 One of the most well known passages in the book and maybe the NT.

Paul is bringing the book to a close, illustrating how the themes of sacrifice, humility, and joy can be lived out. He opens the chapter by encouraging the two women to settle their differences. I don’t think their situation is “the” reason for the writing of the book, but it’s an example of why chapter 2 was so important. 

Rather than thinking more highly of ourselves and bickering, we can rejoice in the Lord. He even says it twice to get it into the Philippians’ heads (and ours). Joy is such a difficult concept to understand and apply. I’ve had the discussion a million times, and I suppose the next section on contentment would be the key to that (as well as some of what Paul says here about being gentle and putting anxiety on the Lord). 

Reasonableness/gentleness to all people. This verse always seemed out of place in this paragraph. Need to see how it fits into Paul’s flow of thought.

Lord is near is usually a thought of judgment. God is coming. But that doesn’t fit the context of the passage of the book. God’s coming has to bring peace (v. 7) or relief from anxiety or joy. 

Don’t be anxious—I think there’s certainly a different term for the anxiety we hear today and many battle and this more general language. We need to be very cautious when discussing these things and willing to listen to those around us. There is no “one solution” for all. 

But Paul’s words should be heeded. Prayer and dependence on God will relieve so much worry and stress from our minds/hearts. “About anything”—adds a level of impossibility to the command, but that’s what he says. That’s the goal. No fears. No worries. Rejoicing in all things. I have recently met some elderly folks who look back over their lives and say there are no complaints. No worries. Just peace. That’s a tremendous statement and a worthy goal.

With thanksgiving. Yes, I’ve made the gratitude journals. Many times. They do help, focusing on blessings and not what I “lack.” But again, this cannot be the only solution. Paul is speaking generally, not solving mental illnesses for all time. 

But it’s always a good idea to be grateful. Cultivating this mindset will certainly put us on a path of joy and peace and contentment with life rather than stress/worry/frustration.

Peace of God guards hearts and minds. I don’t know if this can be put into words, and I hesitate to even try, because then it becomes “tangible” or able to be discerned whether I “have it or not.” The point is it’s not explicable. 

Finally—doesn’t have to mean this is the last sentence. Obviously, it’s not. It could mean “above all.” Need to research more exactly what it is. But Paul does want the Philippians to focus on wholesome thoughts. Pure. True. Valuable. Worthy. When God is guarding our minds, it’s so much easier to filter valuable things through them. When peace reigns in our heart, it’s easier to focus on what truly matters and what brings joy.

Paul gives one final plea for his friends to imitate him. By living a life of excellence, not just maintaining a pure heart/mind, they will show themselves to be a people of God.

Peace of God is turned to God of peace in this last verse. Of course, God is always with us. So this conditional imperative must be something more than just His presence.