In
humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.
But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.
James 1:21-22
They searched the Scriptures daily, to see whether these
things were so. Acts 17:11
Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you -
What
The Christian Has According To Phil. Four
Preface
As a prelude to our current lesson, I wish to call your attention to Rom. 8:31-39, where the apostle Paul says; --- "What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? (32) He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? (33) Who will bring a charge against God's elect? God is the one who justifies; (34) who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. (35) Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? (36) Just as it is written, "FOR YOUR SAKE WE ARE BEING PUT TO DEATH ALL DAY LONG; WE WERE CONSIDERED AS SHEEP TO BE SLAUGHTERED." (37) But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. (38) For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, (39) nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
In contemplating the many themes that our merciful God has left for our learning and edification, I sometime have a rather rough time trying to determine what sort of lesson I might present to you that would best express my deep heartfelt appreciation for every brother and sister, old and young alike for the Christ-like spirit, encouragement and pure joy I have been able to share with you in Christ. Of course, human words could never begin to express my true feelings, thus I must turn to the magnificent infallible word of God.
So as you might notice by the title, I have chosen to talk about "What The Christian Has According To Philippians Four". --- We must bear in mind that this letter was written while Paul was in prison and yet while in chains and suffering, the whole theme of the letter is REJOICE!! --- For instance in the 2nd chapter in Vs. 17-18, Paul writes; --- "But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all. --- You too, I urge you, rejoice in the same way and share your joy with me." --- Paul goes on to talk about his brother and fellow soldier Epaphroditus who had been distressed because the brethren in Philippi had heard he was sick to the point of death, and God had mercy on him and on Paul as well, lest he should have sorrow upon sorrow (if Epaphroditus had died). Then in Vs. 28 Paul says; --- "Therefore I have sent him all the more eagerly so that when you see him again you may rejoice and I may be less concerned about you."
At the moment, as a groundwork for this lesson, I would like to draw your attention to what the apostle of the Lord has to say in Phil. 4:4-19; --- "
(4)Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! (5) Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. (6) Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. (7) And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (8) Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. (9) The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.(10) But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity. (11) Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. (12) I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. (13) I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. (14) Nevertheless, you have done well to share with me in my affliction. (15) You yourselves also know, Philippians, that at the first preaching of the gospel, after I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you alone; (16) for even in Thessalonica you sent a gift more than once for my needs. (17) Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account. (18) But I have received everything in full and have an abundance; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God. (19) And my God will supply all your needs according His riches in glory in Christ Jesus." --- Now, let's go back and observe just a few of the precious promises God has given to these beloved brethren.
1. The privilege of prayer: And I call your attention to Vs. 6; --- "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." --- According to Mr. Webster, "privilege" means: "a right, favor or advantage granted to a person or group of persons not granted to others." --- Which gives rise to the question, just who has this spiritual blessing or privilege of prayer? I'm persuaded that the apostle John fills in the question mark here, in 1 Jn. 5:13-14; --- "These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life. --- This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us." ---
Furthermore, John goes on with this thought in 1 Jn. 2:1-6; --- "My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; --- and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world. --- By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments. --- The one who says, "I have come to know Him,? and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; --- but whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him: --- the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked."
How many people do you know who call themselves Christians and yet depend on psychiatric consultants and or pills for the calming of mental or emotional strain of some sort? Please don't get me wrong, I believe this to be a good thing in many cases. But listen to what the word of God says in Vs. 6; --- "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." --- According to Webster's New World dictionary, this word "anxious" comes from the word "anxiety" which is: 1. A state of being uneasy, apprehensive, or worried about what may happen; concern about a possible future event. 2. An abnormal state characterized by a feeling of being powerless and unable to cope with imaginary threatening events. Vs. 6 in the KJV reads; --- " Be careful for nothing
; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." Strong's Greek Concordance uses the Greek word "merimnao", which means simply to be anxious about, or take careful thought. --- Now anxiety may vary from mild concern to a paralyzing fear or dread. But friends, Paul said for God's people not to be overcome by worrying too much about things, but to let God know about it, depend on Him and His word which is able to save to the utmost. Or as Peter states it in 1 Pet. 5:6-7; --- "Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, --- casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you." --- Which brings us to our next point;2. The peace of God keeps us sane: --- Phil. 4:7; --- "And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." --- Just what kind of peace are you referring to Paul? Peace among nations from war? No! --- Surely not the upside-down cross symbol that the "peaceniks" used to display. Absolutely not! --- Well Paul, would you perhaps have reference to the peace which comes from a quiet calm weekend in the country , away from it all? (including the assembling of the saints)? Don't think so!
Well then, just what peace are you trying to express to us? Paul says, "I'm trying to get across to you the joyfulness and happiness that comes from loving God and His Divine will for us in this life. The peace that one is filled with in loving the brethren, showing deep concern for the spiritually weak, the sick, the elderly as well as the young. One who demonstrates a burning compassion for lost souls in the world, enough to make the time to go out in the highways and hedges and flush them out in great patience and kindness gently leading them to a saving knowledge of the will of God." --- "I'm talking about the peace that comes from knowing you've gone another day from the time you awaken to the time you lay your head on the pillow at night in complete faithfulness to the Lord, in both the spirit and the letter." --- The inner peace that come from knowing that I'm striving to do God's will, thus He perceives me as being justified in His sight made achievable by the sacrifice of His only begotten Son and I have the hope of eternal life. --- YES! This is the peace which surpasses all comprehension.
Our loving Savior said to the apostles in Jn. 14:27; --- "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful." --- Jesus was referring to the peace which can only come from the indwelling of the Holy Spirit; and Paul said in Gal. 5:22-23; --- "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, --- gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law." --- And may I suggest to you dear soul, every day that you bear the fruit of the Spirit in your lives, you will, there's no maybe about it, you WILL find the peace of God that passes all comprehension. --- Another promise God has given the Christian according to Phil. 4:8-9 is;
3. A pattern of others to follow: --- "Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. (9) The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you." --- Also Paul admonished the brethren at Corinth as we read about in 1 Cor. 11:1; --- "Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ."
Peter exhorted the elders in 1 Pet. 5:2-3; --- "Shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; --- nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock." --- I'm truly convinced that in most congregations of the Lord's people that there are many fine men, women, boys and girls who have indeed proven themselves as an example to be patterned after in their zeal to serve God in every aspect. There's no need to mention names because by their fruits, they are known.
Teachers: We need to thank God for all our men and women who spend numerous hours in preparing and
presenting their lessons to encourage the faint hearted.
Song Leaders: A special thanks must go to those men who lead singing to the praise and glory of God. Our
singing should be a strong point in our worship.
Lord?s table and Greeters: For those who zealously and reverently serve the Lord's supper and the many
who go out of their way to greet visitors making all to feel as if they are much
honored guests and warmly welcome them into the worship of the saints of God.
Mothers: We must not forget to pay tribute to the many dedicated mothers and wives who strive daily to rule
their homes with all godliness, being submissive to their husbands in the Lord. Seeing to all the
necessities of the children both physically, mentally and spiritually. The Lord knows; many times
they put us men to shame.
Young People: A very special appreciation and thanks needs to go out to the young Christian boys and girls
Who maintain a determination to remain faithful in spite of all the peer pressure they endure
on a daily basis. --- Oh, how my heart goes out to these young people as all can see their
attentiveness and child like faith in the Christ who loves them so dearly. --- We who are older
can well stand to follow the pattern that these young men and young ladies have set for us.
You youngsters, don't you ever forget that you always have someone who is looking to you for
A pattern to follow, good or bad.
So let me put the question back to you; if Jesus were to come this very day, would you be willing to let the record stand as is? Or might there be some things you would be ashamed of and would like to change?
Today is the greatest opportunity you may ever have. --- Are you being the example in your daily living that would cause the Righteous Judge to say; --- "Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world."? --- But for the time being, let's notice still another blessing that our loving Father gives His children:
4. Guiding principle of contentment to calm and strengthen: --- Again we review Phil. 4:10-13; --- "But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity. (11) Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. (12) I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. (13) I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. (14) Nevertheless, you have done well to share with me in my affliction."
Paul says that he has learned to be content or happily satisfied no matter the circumstances that might come his way. Why? --- "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." --- How many times have you wished; "If I could just get away from this grueling job." --- "What I wouldn't give to move away from this boring neighborhood." --- "Away from the everyday hum-drum of housekeeping." --- "Away from this awful school." --- "If I could get a better, more reliable car." --- "A better state of health or well being." --- If, If, If.
As the old cow once said, "If I could get to that luscious green grass on the other side of the fence!"
For those of you who tend to be discontent and unhappy with whatever the situation, listen to what the Hebrew writer had to say in Heb. 13:5-6; --- "Let your way of life be free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, "I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU," 6 so that we confidently say, "THE LORD IS MY HELPER, I WILL NOT BE AFRAID. WHAT WILL MAN DO TO ME "? --- Are you allowing God to be your helper, your strength and guide? --- If you don't always remember to bring yourself in prayer and study God's word with a ready and willing heart, you're not.
Ask yourself, how much do I truly depend on God? --- How much do I depend on my brethren? --- How often do I go out of the way to let others know assuredly they can depend on me? --- There will always be the weak and faint of heart, and they must be able to depend on you; and we all must remember to depend on God in everything, for He will never, never let us down. --- In conclusion, I would like to suggest one last promise according to Phil. Four, the promise to;
5. Provide all our needs: --- (Vss. 18-19); --- "But I have received everything in full and have an abundance; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God. --- And my God will supply all your needs according His riches in glory in Christ
Jesus." --- The world's wisest and richest man known today is but a lowly vagabond in the sight of God, so long as he depends on self rather than God. --- The Master Teacher once told His disciples as we look back on His words in Mt. 6:24-30; --- "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth. ---?For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?" ---"Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they" ---"And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life" --- "And why are you worried about clothing" Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, --- yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. --- "But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith!" --- "Do not worry then, saying, `What will we eat?' or `What will we drink?' or `What will we wear for clothing?' --- "For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. --- "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. ---"So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
Just how far do you imagine our mighty and loving God will go to provide all that's needed for you? The beloved Paul has amply made reply to this inquiry in Rom. 8:31-32 from our initial Scripture reading; --- "What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? --- He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?" --- The apostle goes on to say down in the closing verses of that same chapter as you may recall; --- "(37) But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. (38) For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, (39) nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
In the beginning of this article I made the statement that the whole theme of Paul's prison letter to the church in Philippi was REJOICE! (used at least a dozen times) And in verse 4 he shouts it out; --- "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!" My question to you today my friend is; can you rejoice in these things? Can you rejoice in The privilege of prayer? The peace of God keeps us sane? --- How about in your daily life, can you rejoice in knowing that you set a pattern of others to follow? Do you go by the guiding principle of contentment to calm and strengthen your soul? And do you depend on the Lord above to Provide all your needs? Or do you look to your own strength and wisdom? Are you genuinely subject to the King?
In Acts 16 we read about how that Paul and Silas along with Luke were going to a place of prayer near the city of Philippi when they came upon a certain slave girl who was possessed by a spirit of fortune telling and continually cried out "These men are bond-servants of the Most High God, proclaiming the way of salvation."
She kept this up for many days until it finally became irritating to Paul, so by the authority of Christ, he commanded the spirit to come out of her. Well, this brought down the ire of her masters on Paul and Silas because it would affect their profit. So in vs. 19 it says they dragged them into the market place before the authorities. Skipping on down a bit to Vs. 22, we find where the chief magistrates were so enraged they tore the robes off Paul and Silas, and inflicted many blows on them with rods and had them thrown into prison.
Well you know the account where God caused a great earthquake that shook the prison so hard that the doors came open and the chains were unfastened. The jailer who had been asleep woke up, saw the doors open and thinking all the prisoners had escaped, he drew out his sword and was about to kill himself, when Paul cried out in Vs. 28; --- "Do not harm yourself, for we are all here." The account continues in Vs. 29-33; --- "And he called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas, --- and after he brought them out, he said, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" --- They said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household." --- And they spoke the word of the Lord to him together with all who were in his house. --- And he took them that very hour of the night and washed their wounds, and immediately he was baptized, he and all his household." --- Dear friend, the Bible says this was most certainly a time for rejoicing! Vs. 34; --- --- "And he brought them into his house and set food before them, and rejoiced greatly, having believed in God with his whole household." He rejoiced because he had recognized his lost condition, had been taught the word of the Lord and obeyed the gospel. --- Have you obeyed?
Submitted for your learning and edification,
Earl Wilburn
