Title: Paul's Last Counsel/Philippians 4:1-9
Contents Paul's last counsel/Philippians 4:1-9
Key Verse: “Rejoice in the Lord always, I say again, rejoice” (Philippians 4:4).
As we meditate on the book of Philippians, we receive great grace and feel a great challenge at the same time. They rejoiced and rejoiced in the name of Jesus even though they were in prison. They wonder if the name of Jesus can make them rejoice even in the midst of such suffering. .
As Paul wraps up his letter to the Philippian church in the text, he exhorts him to once again what was in his heart.
First, it says, “Therefore, my beloved and longing brethren, my joy and crown, beloved, stand in the Lord” (Philippians 4:1). They go around looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). So our adversary the devil is always trying to shake our faith. Why is our faith shaken? It's because we can't stand firm in the word of God.
The Lord said, “He who hears my words and puts them into practice is like a wise builder, who builds his house on a rock. The rain and floods stumble, but it does not fall, because he built his house on the rock” (Matthew 7:24). What is the secret to not falling under the conditions and being able to get up again even if you fall? You must stand in the state.
Second, it says, “Have the same mind in the Lord” (Philippians 4:2). The Philippian church was one of the exemplary churches in many ways, but there seems to be a dissonance between Euodia and Syntyche. I am emphasizing by using the word “I do” twice. Even in the church, there may be my argument and your argument. However, we must have the same mind in the Lord. It is the Lord's heart. The Greeks refer to this universe as Cosmos. ). This word means order and harmony. It means that even such a complex grand universe of all things has an orderly order.
Third, it exhorts them to “rejoice in the Lord always, again I say, rejoice” (Philippians 4:4). Even believers in Jesus suffer the same difficulties that non-believers go through, and sometimes they may experience more difficulties because they believe in Jesus. .How can we always rejoice? Furthermore, how could the early church rejoice when there was so much persecution? This is the theme and core of the book of Philippians that I have been meditating on until now. through faith” (Philippians 3:9).
Fourth, it says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication let it be known to God” (Philippians 4:6). Anxiety and anxieties and worries do not solve problems. Only asking God, who is good, solves all problems. Christians must quickly realize that it can be completely solved. When I know my limitations and my incompetence, it is an opportunity to look at the hand of the Almighty. When you do this, your faith will grow.
Prayer: Lord, today too, stand firm in you and do not be shaken, but only let me rejoice and give thanks in You.
Lord's Prayer