PHILIPPIANS
CHAPTER 4

¹Therefore, 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!

Exhortations

²I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. ³Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow,^[1] help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
⁴Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

Paul wraps up with an exhortation to do what he has told them to do – stand firm in the Lord. The Philippians are his joy and crown; Paul loves them and longs for them to do well by and for the Lord. As he noted before, the Philippians were already living rightly, and so these encouraging words are to entice them to persevere in standing firm in the Lord, especially since he knows how frail we are in spirit.

Commentators are in agreement on v2. It appears that Paul was expected by the audience with this letter to settle a quarrel that had erupted between Euodia and Syntyche, two women who have worked boldly at Paul’s side for the advancement of the gospel (v3). There really is no way to speculate what their disagreement might have been, but we note that Paul desires them to agree, and to do so in the Lord, for, as Calvin says, “Every combination will inevitably be accursed, if apart from the Lord, and, on the other hand, nothing is so disjoined, but that it ought to be reunited in Christ.” Also some suggest, interestingly, that Paul speaks of his wife (Yokefellow or Syzygus) in v3. This is hardly likely, as Paul was certainly unmarried when he wrote his letters to the Corinthians and spent most of his time from then on in prison. More likely, Paul is asking his fellow servant in Christ (yokefellow, or the proper name Syzygus), to take this burden of uniting these women upon himself. Paul desires that Clement and his other fellow workers there in Philippi come to aid in this matter as well, for all of them are included in the book of life (see Exodus 32:32; Psalm 69:28; Revelation 20:12).

Finally, in v4, Paul gives an appropriate command to rejoice, given the challenges of the day that were facing these Philippians. Troubles and dangers from every side were upon them; they were amidst circumstances of hostility and disturbance. But they should rejoice. Perhaps the Philippians were appalled by persecutions, or imprisonments, or exile, or death; yet here is Paul setting himself forward, who, amidst imprisonments, in the very heat of persecution, and amidst apprehensions of death, is not merely himself joyful, but even stirs up others to joy. The sum, then, is this – that come what may, believers, having the Lord standing on their side have amply sufficient grounds for joy.

And Paul says it again: Rejoice! This joy is meant to be exceeding and abundant, permanent and repetitious joy. We, as united to Christ forever, ought to live in this world with great joy. Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus! Rejoice. I say it again. Rejoice!

⁵Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. ⁶Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
⁸Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. ⁹Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me--put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Thanks for Their Gifts

¹⁰I 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. ¹¹I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. ¹²I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. ¹³I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
¹⁴Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. ¹⁵Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; ¹⁶for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need. ¹⁷Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account. ¹⁸I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. ¹⁹And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
²⁰To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Final Greetings

²¹Greet all the saints in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me send greetings. ²²All the saints send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar's household.
²³The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.^[2]

We’re looking at verses 5-23 of chapter 4, in which Paul concludes his letter to the Philippians. There are a number of commands worth reviewing closely here, all following up the exhortation to always and continually rejoice. We understand justification, and so we rejoice. And these commands are meant to follow that up to being about sanctification, the obedience of faith Paul mentioned in Romans 1. And there is a timeless treasure from Paul’s pen found in this conclusion as well, “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation.” Wouldn’t you love to be able to say that? Let’s learn how.

1. V5-7 – Paul commands gentleness in v5. Everyone should see us Christians and think that we are gentle or meek, or humble in spirit. And what ought our motivation be for being gentle? The Lord is near! We might be inclined, out of fear, to put away our faith for a time when in the company of unbelievers. After all, we don’t desire to be ridiculed. But how can we do such a thing when the Lord is near? For the same reason, the Lord is near, we are not to be anxious about anything. That’s a challenge! Jesus asked rhetorically, “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” The answer of course, is no one. So do not worry. Do not be anxious. The Lord has complete control of our lives. And that’s a comforting truth, but Paul knows that knowing that truth, as we all do, and living that truth are two different things. So he gives us a method to follow in order to avoid anxiety. Here it is: Present your requests to God. The key phrase in v6 is, “in everything.” No matter what, keep a prayerful, thankful (humble) attitude. Paul tells the Thessalonians the same simple thing: “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances. This is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:13). God’s will for us Christians is to be joyful, to be thankful, and to be prayerful. And as we exhibit these qualities, we show that God’s will is our utmost priority. Do you exhibit these characteristics? If so, then you surely know the result: Peace!

   The outcome of this three-step plan – rejoice, pray, give thanks – is peace. Paul says in v7 that the peace of God transcends all understanding. This is the peace of Romans 5. There is no more hostility and no more anxiety. Do not fear; the Lord is near. This peace that results from prayers of supplication and thanksgiving will guard the hearts and minds of those in Christ Jesus. This peace has nothing to do with our circumstances, for it is ever-present. It’s peace in trial and tribulation and tension and tranquility.

2. V8-9 – Paul commands the Philippians to do two things in this passage, and they go together: (1) think rightly and (2) behave rightly. V8 offers several synonyms for our contemplation. Think about true things; think about noble things (things of gravity or sanctity – avoiding profanity and shallow thoughts); think about right, or just, things (don’t contemplate cheating or lying); think about pure things (chastity); think about lovely things; think about admirable things; think about excellent things; and finally, think about praiseworthy things. In our world of corruption, there are few things that meet these criteria. In fact, we ought, with the psalmist, to meditate on the Lord day and night, for ultimately, He alone exhibits perfectly these qualities (as far as praiseworthiness goes, consider that even pagans are glad that Christians behave with compassion as they often do), and it is from Him alone that every good thing comes.

   This element of thought life is where I struggle most. I cannot control my mind. It wanders and wonders into trouble on what seems like a minutely basis. I’m constantly fighting my thoughts to bring them into this fine line that Paul commands us to tread. But you know, just when I think that this is where I struggle most, I read on into v9 and find that my behavior doesn’t really line-up with Paul’s either. There Paul says to do the things that he has said and done. Whatever we learn, receive, or hear from Paul – in fact, whatever we see in Paul – we ought to put into practice. I find myself falling short not only of God’s glory, as the Scriptures tell us all men do, but also of Paul’s standards, my own expectations, and the hopes that others may have in mind for me. Therefore, I must confess, where Paul teaches us to rejoice, I find myself in despair. I am greatly saddened by my sinfulness, by my inability to do the things I want so badly to do. Here Paul says that as we do these things, the God of peace will be with us. But Paul understands the struggle I have. Romans 7 helps me tremendously with my despair, because it drives me to the Lord – my source of righteousness that comes not from myself but from God in Christ Jesus.

   Though sanctification is sovereignly controlled by God (Philippians 1:6, 2:13), He causes us to “work out” our salvation (Philippians 2:12) by means of a struggle that we are aware of and a process that we are conscious of. What does this conscious process involve? How does it work? We know that God has given us the Holy Spirit by whose power we can overcome sin, but how do we consciously apply this power in our lives to effect sanctification? One thing we can do is covered elsewhere in Paul’s writings. He says to put off the old man and to put on Christ. For example, if we struggle with telling lies, we need to start telling the truth. Paul’s example in this section is in regards to anxiety. If you struggle with worry, think about good things and pray continually. Ultimately, as we make strides in putting off wickedness and putting on holiness, sanctification happens in us by the grace of God. Objective peace is the result.

3. V10-13 – Paul shifts gears now as he begins to draw this letter to a close; he once again reminds the Philippians how much he appreciates their support for him. He has told them this already, but in the course of his challenging, yet encouraging teaching, they may have forgotten that he truly loves them. This principle reminds us how easy we forget the strength of genuine love when chastisement is ongoing. But, as the author of Hebrews declares, discipline is done out of love, and for the good of those who experience it. V10 is a challenge due to the fact that we don’t know the exact circumstances that Paul and the Philippians had experienced. It appears that they supported Paul, then perhaps lost interest for a time – but only on account of their own hardships and struggles – and then, when it really mattered most (when the opportunity to show their concern came), they renewed their support for Paul. And he is grateful.

   V11 supports this line of reasoning, as well as Paul’s living out the gospel message and the truth of God’s sovereignty. Paul is not angry at the Philippians lack of support (for a season); he’s not complaining that they failed him, or anything like that. Rather, he turns to explain his contentment in light of any circumstance. It’s important to note that Paul learned contentment. It wasn’t, and isn’t, necessarily a trait that we inherit from our parents. Contentment flies in the face of fallen humanity, because we are all about self, and that entails unending, never satisfied, selfish desires. Thus we have to learn contentment. It’s hard, but the only time when we can learn contentment is in time of want. As v12a declares, whether we have needs, or whether we have plenty, we must strive for contentment by putting off wants. Whether we are well fed or hungry, we need to be content. How is this possible? Paul tells us in v12b that it is a secret! Yet, Paul has “learned the secret of being content in any and every situation.” How can we learn it?

   It’s as simple as Romans 8:28 – “God works all things for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.” It’s not easily put into practice, but knowing this truth is half of the battle. Christians please God when, out of faith, we do not measure happiness by abundance, or sadness by lack. Calvin says, “Prosperity is wont to puff up the mind beyond measure, and adversity, on the other hand, to depress. From both faults [Paul] declares himself to be free… If a man knows to make use of present abundance in a sober and temperate manner, with thanksgiving, prepared to part with everything whenever it may be the good pleasure of the Lord, giving also a share to his brother, according to the measure of his ability, and is also not puffed up, that man has learned [contentment]. This is a peculiarly excellent and rare virtue, and much superior to the endurance of poverty. Let all who wish to be Christ’s disciples…accustom themselves to the endurance of poverty in such a manner that it will not be grievous and burdensome to them when they come to be deprived of their riches.” So as Christians, we measure our joy and satisfaction in life by the will of God, which, we are persuaded by faith, governs our affairs by His providence and good pleasure. And thus this letter to the Philippians is all about joy in whatever circumstance we face. If God is for us, who or what can possibly be against us? Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say it. Rejoice!

   Finally, in v13, we get the source of Paul’s contentment: Jesus Christ. And Jesus gives Paul strength to be content – more than that – to be able to do “everything.” What does “everything” entail here? Other versions say, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” While some want to make this out to mean more than what Paul has in mind, it seems reasonable to understand Paul, given the context, as meaning that he can live contentedly in health and prosperity just as rightly as in sickness and poverty only by the power of Christ at work in him. It is truly an impressive sight to see a contented person in any circumstance, and lest we attribute that contentment to the person’s greatness, Paul reminds the Philippians that he can do all things, as in “even reach this high virtue of contentment,” only through Christ, who gives him strength to be content in any and every circumstance.

4. V14-18 – Paul begins v14 with “yet,” showing that he is still thinking about the timely generosity of the Philippians. Despite his contentment in any circumstance, Paul is still grateful for whatever the people of God provide for him, for he knows that they are only providing what God wants him to have. He doesn’t want them to think that he is not grateful due to his contentment. He also wants them to continue in generosity, for that is a treasure which no missionary, or child of God for that matter, can do without.

   By their generosity, the Philippians share in Paul’s troubles. Had they not been generous, they would not be sharing in his poverty. Can you relate to this experience? I can. When I look back over the years of my charitable contributions, I add it all up and would sure like to have that back for my own personal use. But, you know, I’m glad to share in the troubles of financial insecurity so that my hope remains firmly in Christ, and not in money. Have I learned the secret of contentment? Perhaps to some level in some circumstances, and to other levels in other situations, but certainly not as well as Paul. I haven’t been tested like Paul.

   Paul continues to show gratitude in v15-18, explaining that the Philippians have repeatedly proven their generosity, even in the early days of their Christian walk, in the early days of Paul’s ministry, when no other congregations were willing to help – though those other congregations were certainly more able to help. God can use our willingness, even when we lack ability. Paul includes “the matter of giving and receiving,” because he was giving spiritual goods to the churches, which received them, and they were giving material goods to Paul, who was receiving them. There was mutual benefit in this matter, so that neither party could claim to be losing out on one end of the bargain. In fact, only the Philippians were fulfilling their duty to support with material harvest Paul as the giver of spiritual seed (1 Corinthians 9:11).

   In v17, Paul just wants to make sure that the Philippians know his genuine contentment. He wasn’t looking for a gift, but he accepted what they gave and commended them here for doing their duty. But notice that their generosity doesn’t earn the Philippians favor with God. Rather they were willing to give out of gratitude for the unmerited favor (grace) they had already received from God through Paul. And Paul concludes in v18 that their gifts, which were in all likelihood somewhat meager, were not only satiating to him, but also, and more importantly, pleasing to God. Thus all our generosity, while directly to humans in need, ought to also be seen as sacrifices to God, in the sense of Hebrews 13:16, which says, “Do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” Furthermore, this reminds me of John 3:21, which says that our good deeds are wrought by God. We do good deeds, which God prepared in advance for us to do, as a result of having God at work in us (Ephesians 2:10; Philippians 2:12-13). Thus let us consider, and reconsider, how we spend our time, talent, and treasure. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Please God; serve Christ by serving others with time and treasure. Make your life a living sacrifice, as Paul declares in Romans 12:1: “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship.”

5. V19-23 – Paul wraps up his short letter to the Philippians by saying that, though they have given sacrificially to the point of feeling impoverished, God will provide everything they need. Some suggest that God’s provision of their needs may be limited to the afterlife, since v19 includes, “according to His glorious riches,” but others say that God obviously provides all we need while in this life. So the statement Paul makes could very well refer to both our needs here in abundance and our needs in heaven in abundance. Paul closes with a typical doxology (from us to God) in v20. To God, our Father, be glory forever. Amen.

   Finally, v21-22 extends Paul’s greetings and the greetings of those who are with Paul in Rome to the Philippians. V22 mentions specifically the saints in Caesar’s household. Consider that they might be the most grateful at this moment, because without Paul’s imprisonment, they very well would not have been Christians at that moment. From Paul’s teaching, they understood God’s sovereignty, and perhaps most of all, understood how He reaches into the deepest of the depths – Nero’s corrupt and godless sphere of direct influence – to seek and save His lost sheep. They, above all, would have been excited to greet other Christians throughout the world, especially those as dear to Paul as the Philippians. And v23 closes a final time with a benediction (from God to us). “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.” It is the Philippians’ spirits that need Jesus’ grace here and now. They are exhibiting right behavior, but it’s not over. They are on the right path, but their minds and emotions and wills (the parts that make up the human soul), are going to be tested. And so it is appropriate that grace to their spirit will enable their spirit to keep their souls in line with right behavior – to their sanctification and the glory of God. Let the same be said of us and to us. Amen.

Footnotes

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