Philippians: Joy in Christ
Paul wrote Philippians from chains, yet it is one of his most joyful letters. This free guide walks your group through the joy and peace of chapter 4, with background on the city and church.
Rejoicing in the Lord, prayer with thanksgiving, and learned contentment let God's peace guard our hearts in every circumstance.
Background
Euodia and Syntyche
Paul urges two women who had labored with him in the gospel "to think the same way in the Lord" (v. 2), and asks a trusted companion to help them (vv. 2-3). Unity is not a side issue in this letter.
Prayer and peace
Instead of anxiety, Paul calls for prayer and petition with thanksgiving. Then the peace of God "will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus" (vv. 6-7). "Guard" is a military word that fit a city full of soldiers.
Contentment and the gift
Paul has learned contentment in plenty and in need. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (v. 13) is about that contentment. He thanks the church for their gift brought by Epaphroditus, calling it a sweet-smelling sacrifice to God (v. 18).
Read it together
21For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.Philippians 1:21 (WEB)
4Rejoice in the Lord always! Again I will say, “Rejoice!” 5Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. 6In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. 7And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.Philippians 4:4–7 (WEB)
11Not that I speak because of lack, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content in it. 12I know how to be humbled, and I also know how to abound. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret both to be filled and to be hungry, both to abound and to be in need. 13I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.Philippians 4:11–13 (WEB)
Discussion questions
- Observe: What specific instructions does Paul give in verses 4-9?
- Observe: What has Paul learned, and how did he learn it (vv. 11-12)?
- Interpret: How does the context of verses 10-19 shape the meaning of verse 13?
- Interpret: How are prayer, thanksgiving, and peace connected in verses 6-7?
- Apply: What anxiety can you turn into a specific prayer with thanksgiving tonight?
- Apply: Is there a relationship where you need to "think the same way in the Lord" (v. 2)?
Scripture: World English Bible (public domain). Study notes are original and checked against Dallas Theological Seminary faculty works.