First Baptist Church of Belle Vernon

As we close out our study in Philippians, we come to v.10-21 of ch.4. Paul expresses his gratitude for the love and concern this church had for him, proven by their gifts that they sent to him (v.10). He was not telling them this because he was greedy and wanted something from them. He had learned something that all of God's people need to learn, and that is how to be content regardless of what our situation or circumstances are (v.11). Learning this lesson will be evidenced ...by our ceasing to whine, murmur, and complain when our state is not what we want it to be. If you have a need but no one is able to help--be content. If someone wants to give you something as a gift in order to be a blessing to you--be content and accept it, even if you do not think you need it. To refuse a gift when it is offered is to rob the giver of a blessing. Paul's ability to be content regardless of his circumstances rested in the Lord, not in himself (v.13). The words "I can't" need to be removed from our vocabulary and replaced with the words "I CAN do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." This should be the case regardless of the situation. Paul commends the church again for their willingness to give (v.14-18) and states a principle for giving in v.19. If the child of God gives to meet a need, whether to a church or an individual, and gives it with the right motive, then God will supply all of the giver's need according to the riches of Christ. I believe the singular word "need" indicates that God will meet each need, one at a time. So, in these verses, we see three principles for living for the child of God: 1. Be content regardless of circumstances. 2. Stop using "I can't" as an excuse, and start saying, "I CAN do all things through Christ: instead. 3. Trust the Lord to meet each need. If we trust in the Lord and rejoice in the Lord, we will find that there is no need to worry and we will not lose our joy. Keep your eyes on the skies--the King is coming! (Soon)

As we consider Phil. 4:8, there are some valuable lessons we can learn by paying attention to Paul's admonition to the church at Philippi. Having told them not ...to worry about anything, he tells them to replace worry with thoughts on several things that are worthy of thought. Notice the things Paul said should occupy our minds: 1. Things that are true--unconcealed or true in character. Paul begins with this because truth must be the foundation upon which a moral life is built. 2. Things that are honest--to worship or to venerate. These are things that claim a Christian's respect. 3. Things that are just--the observance of custom, rule, or right; whatever is righteous in the most comprehensive sense. 4. Things that are pure--purity of every kind, clean thoughts, words, deeds, motives, all that make up life and being, purity through and through. 5. Things that are lovely--pleasing, amiable, that quality in something which endears the one responsible for it. 6. Things that are of good report--whatever is attractive in character. These are the things which should excite our interests as Christian thinkers. These are qualities worthy of our contemplation. The Paul finishes the verse by telling us to think about anything that is of moral excellence and worthy of our commendation or praise. If we fill our minds with these things, there will be no reason for worry, nor will there be any room in our thoughts for it. See more

Ch. 4 of Philippians deals with the potential for our joy to be taken away through worry. In v.4, Paul begins by telling us to stand fast int he Lord. He is the Rock upon which we must stand. As the song says, "All other ground is sinking sand." As mentioned previously, v.4 tells us that our joy is to rest in the Lord. Trying to have joy that is based upon circumstances, people,or things is a waste of time and energy. When something is wrong where one of these areas is concer...ned, the natural tendency is to worry about it. Ask yourself this question: Has worrying about a problem ever solved it? If you answer honestly, you will have to say no. The child of God should not be thinking or behaving naturally, but supernaturally. Paul tells us in v.6 how we should handle things instead of worrying. After telling us to "be careful for nothing," or not to worry about anything, he tells us to pray. While worry has never solved even one problem, numerous problems have been solved through prayer. That is because the God to Whom we pray is all-powerful, and He takes care of our problems for us. When we take our problems to the Lord in prayer instead of fretting over them, then the peace of God, which surpasses our understanding, will bring a calmness to our hearts and minds (v.7). (I will deal with v.8 later.) In v.9, Paul tells us to follow His example in this area. If we handle our concerns according to what Paul taught and how he lived, then the God of peace , as well as His peace, will be with us. That, my Friend, is much better than the turmoil brought on by worrying. See more

As Paul deals with the subject of "things" in Phil. 3, he teaches that we should not let things rob us of our joy, In v.1-11, we saw that things can rob us of our joy in salvation. In v.12-21, we see that things can also rob us of our joy in Christian service. Before Paul got saved, he was a persecutor of those who followed after Christ, beginning with Stephen in Jerusalem and branching out to other people in other cities. He was saved on the road to Damascus (Acts 9). Not on...ly did his encounter with the Lord change his eternal destiny, but it also changed his attitude and purpose for living. The word "apprehend" in v.12 means "possess." Paul wanted to possess or become everything Jesus wanted him to be when He saved him. In order to do that successfully, he could not dwell on his past. He said in v.13 that he did not consider himself to "have arrived" at that point yet. He said there was one "thing" upon which he focused--forgetting those "things" which were behind and pressing forward toward that goal (v.14). In v.15, he encourages us to have the same attitude and to follow his example (v.17). While we cannot lose our salvation, we can lose our joy if we dwell on the things of the past, be it years past or merely days past. Dwelling on the things of the past can keep us from from doing what God wants us to do and from being joyful while we do it. Forget the things of the past. When the devil reminds you of your past, remind him of his future. Press forward. The Lord will set everything right when He comes. Keep your eyes on the skies--the King is coming! See more