Phil. 3:17 - 4:7 Instruction on Living as Citizens of Heaven
When I was a Sunday School teacher in my former church, one of the things that bugged me was that, according to the material we used, each lesson I was to teach was to be completely self-contained. A key element from the scripture allotted for that week's study would be expounded upon, without regard to how that passage fit into the context of the whole book. It would be easy to do that with this passage; there's some good stuff in here. But I still think that you really can't isolate a scripture from its context...you lose some of the application.
1) Follow Paul's Example. (3:17 - 4:1)
Paul didn't start the topic fresh at verse 3:17; it is a continuation of his discussion that we looked at last week. Join with others in following my example...live according to the pattern we gave you. The example Paul is referring to is, of course, the example of his life they watched as he lived and ministered amongst them, but he has reiterated it in the passage we looked at last week, in 3: 7 - 14: Counting all his works of righteousness as rubbish, forgetting past achievements, he focuses on Jesus and continues to press on towards what Christ has called him to do/receive.
He contrasts this with the lifestyle of those who do not do this...those who set themselves opposed to the cross of Jesus.
Look at how Paul describes such people: Their destiny is destruction no matter how things appear now, the ultimate fate of those who do not follow Jesus is...destruction; their god is their stomach - they are ruled by their appetites, their glory is in their shame - their value system is messed up, Their mind is on earthly things- their priorities are wrong.
But, Paul says, one who believes in and follows Jesus is a citizen of heaven...and we are not headed for destruction, but for transformation.
That, Paul says, once again referencing his example, is how we stand firm in Christ.
2) Live in agreement (4:2 - 3)
Apparently in Epaphroditus' news about Philippi, he mentioned there were a couple of ladies who were having trouble getting along. Paul is grieved over this; no doubt he even had these two women in mind as he dictated the first part of Chapter 2. But now he's specific, asking them by name to agree with each other. He even asks the rest of the body in Philippi to help them resolve their differences. No mention of taking sides, or determining who's right and who's wrong. Just - agree. Agree to disagree, if necessary, but don't cause division in the body.
3)Pursue Peace (4:4 - 7)
Now Paul gives the recipe, if you will, for living guarded by God's peace. First, he says, rejoice! Always rejoice! But for the full impact of the next phrase, I'm pulling out the Amplified, since the KJV and the NIV use different words: Let all men know and perceive your unselfishness - your considerateness, your forbearing spirit.. The Amplified shows a clear connection to Paul's earlier exhortations in chapter 2. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves (2:3).
Next, a reminder that God is near, so we can easily reach Him. Therefore, we shouldn't worry about anything, but, via prayer and with thanksgiving, tell Him what we need.
And, when we do those things, we will have the peace of God in our lives, guarding our hearts and minds.
If I ask myself, 'From what does my heart and mind need to be guarded?' I can come up with two categories of threats: those from the outside, and those from the inside. Outside threats would be attacks and enticements (temptations) from the enemy; inside threats would be my own selfish desires and personal ambitions. But if God's peace is operating in my life, I am protected in all those areas.
Things to think about: In what areas of my life am I pursuing my own agenda or own appetites? What needs am I clinging to myself, looking for answers in my own strength, instead of turning them completely over to God and trusting Him to do what is really best for me?
The Study so far:
Feb. 5 Intro
Feb. 12 Lesson 1 Phil. 1:1 - 11 Affectionate Greetings
Feb. 19 Lesson 2 Phil. 1:12 - 29 Testimony in a Time of Suffering
Feb. 26 Lesson 3 Phil. 2:1 - 16 Exhortation to Humility
March 5 Lesson 4 Phil. 2:17 - 30 Commendations of Coworkers
March 12 Lesson 5 Phil. 3: 1 - 16 Warnings Regarding Legalism
March
March 26 Lesson 7 Phil. 4:8 - 23 Gratitude for Concerned Support
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