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Teaching Notes PHILIPPIANS 4
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Chapter 4. Joy
Euodia and Syntyche, 2-3. Two women leaders, either of social
rank, or deaconesses, or those whose homes were used as
churches, who were allowing their personal differences to become
an annoyance to the church.
Rejoice, Rejoice, Rejoice, 4-7. Joy is the predominant note of
this Epistle. Written by a man in prison, who for thirty years had
been mobbed, beaten, stoned, and" cuffed about. enough to make
the angels gasp. Yet he is overflowing with JOY. The very things
which would naturally tend to make him sour only added to his
happiness. It is simply amazing what Christ can do in one's life.
“The Lord is at hand”, 5: Paul had said. ten years earlier, in
II Thes 2, that the Lord would not come till after the Apostasy:
but that apostasy was working fast in some of Paul’s churches,
and he never got his mind completely off the approaching near-
ness of the Lord's Coming. This was one of the secrets of his
perennial joy. Another was his unceasing prayer With thanks-
giving. 6. Gratitude to God for what He does give us will surely
incline Him to grant what we do not have.
The Coming of Epaphroditus, 10-20. He had brought the offer-
ing of money to Paul, 18. Paul was profoundly grateful. for as a
prisoner he had no means of sustenance except what the prison
allowed. The most beautiful and exquisitely delicate touch in
this entire Epistle is in 1'7, where, in thanking them for the
money, he tells them that he appreciated it, not so much because
he needed it, though he did need it sorely, 2:25, but because it
gave them a share in the rewards for his work, “fruit credited to
their account". Because they supported him, his work was theirs.
In the Final Day they would be rewarded for the multitudes of
souls they had helped him to save. The lesson holds for us, in our
missionary offerings, of the modern world, Each offering, just a
mite of an offering, does not amount to much. But even as the
tiny raindrops that fall all over the central part of the North
American continent make possible the torrent that rolls over
Niagara Falls, so these mites pf offerings from hundreds of
thousands of Christians all over the land together constitute the
stream of funds which is supporting the vast army of foreign
missionaries out on the far-flung battle lines of the Cross, endur—
ing hardships for Christ we would not think of enduring here
at home, the noblest army of men and women the sun ever shone
on. Those who, by their offerings to Missions, make themselves
а part of this mightiest movement of all the ages, will. in the
day of final reckoning, be entitled to share in its rewards.
Social Standing of NT Christians, 22, “they of Caesar's house—
hold", from the palace of Nero. Most of the early Christians were
of the humbler classes. Many of them slaves. But there were
some prominent people among the converts, as these from
Caesar’s palace. The treasurer of Ethiopia, Acts 8:27. Cornelius
the centurion, Acts 10:1. A foster-brother of Herod, Acts 13:1.
Proconsul of Cyprus, Acts 13:12. Chief women nota few of
Thessalonica, Acts 17:4. Greek women of honorable estate in
Berea, Acts 17:12.'City treasurer of Corinth, Rom 16:23. Joanna
the wife of Herod’s steward, Lk 8:3.
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Overview: Philippians Bible Project
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oE9qqW1-BkU
Overview Philippians Bible Project
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oE9qqW1-BkU
From:
https://www.readscripture.org/
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Philippians 4 New International Version (NIV)
Closing Appeal for Steadfastness and Unity
4 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!
2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.
Final Exhortations
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, 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. 9 Whatever 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
10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I 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.
13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15 Moreover, 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; 16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. 17 Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. 18 I have received full payment and have more than enough. 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. 19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
20 To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Final Greetings
21 Greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me send greetings. 22 All God’s people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household.
23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.[a]
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New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Some content adapted from Halley, Henry H., Bible Handbook, Grayson Publishing, Minneapolis, MN. © 1927 - 1959, 1964
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Hugh C. Wood, Atlanta, Georgia
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