PHILIPPIANS 4:1-23
1) ¶ Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, [my] dearly beloved. 2) I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord. 3) And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and [with] other my fellowlabourers, whose names [are] in the book of life. 4) Rejoice in the Lord alway: [and] again I say, Rejoice. 5) Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord [is] at hand. 6) Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7) And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 8) Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things. 9) Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.______________ 10) ¶ But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.___________________________ 11) Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, [therewith] to be content. 12) I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need._______________ 13) I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me._______________________ 14) Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction. 15) Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. 16) For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.__________________ 17) Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. 18) But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things [which were sent] from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God._______ 19) But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. 20) ¶ Now unto God and our Father [be] glory for ever and ever. Amen. 21) Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you. 22) All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar's household. 23) The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [be] with you all. Amen. |
1) In conclusion, my dear brothers, who I miss, you, who give me such joy, you who are my epistle written in the flesh, an offering to God, as my crown to cast at the feet of Jesus, I, Paul, encourage you to continue, persist, stand, be firm in your faith in Jesus. _________________
2) I encourage and request that Eudoias (Christian woman at Philippi) and Syntche (also a female member of church at Philippi) that they not disagree or dispute but give into the Love of God. (Bro J.R. and Bill?) ___________ 3) And I also request those truly born again, or transformed who are in thje Lord’s yoke or harness along with me who helped me preach and teach Christ, that they help these women. Along with Clement (believed to be an early Apostolic father at Philippi and later bishop of Rome) with other workers in the gospel whose names have been recorded in the “book of (eternal) life.” The book of life is referred to in the book of Revelation, by Jesus, Revelation 3:5 when addressing the church at Sardis. These ones will be vouched for by Jesus. (Also see Revelation 13:8; Revelation 17:8; Revelation 20:11-15 Verse 15 says: And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. St. Paul considered these men Christians._________________________________ 4) You whose name is in the book (and not blotted out) be very, very, very happy in the Lord. When? ALWAYS. Then he repeats his command that they must celebrate their good fortune: greatly, vastly, intensely and always. Do you rejoice in all things? What is the difference between rejoicing in all things and rejoicing for all things?_ 5) Communicate your good fortune, your fairness, mildness, gentleness, be well communicated, comprehended and understood, since the Lord Jesus is near and about to return. ________ 6-7) Don’t worry! Be happy! Why? Well you can take your concerns and problems and troubles to God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. You know HE will HEAR!____________________________________ 7) Knowing that, you can rest (be in a state of peacefulness) This Supernatural comfort and this knowledge: that God is in control, will rule. HIS peace should be upon you, in your mind and in your inner most being. You will have special, God-rest.__________________________________ 8) Concluding again, I say to those who are transformed by Christ, whom I consider my brothers, here is what we are to think about: (instead of being worried about life). We are to think, meditate, take into our mind ONLY these things that are truthful, honest, (honorable, trustworthy) just (righteous, upright), pure (clean, chaste, sacred, unblemished) lovely (pleasing, acceptable, proper), of good report (well sounding, words that are uplifitng, not harmful, not gossip, encouraging); other virtue (moral, good, ethical, righteous) and praise (commendation, of worship, good acclaim). Keep your mind and thoughts pure before God. (The mind or thinking pattern of Christ or a follower of Jesus). Is your mind always, always thinking, the things God wants you to think? Does TV news help this process? What about reading the Bible? Listening to good Christian music? What did David want us to learn when he (through the Holy Spirit) wrote: “I will set no wicked thing before my eyes” Ps. 101:3?______________________ 9) Again I remind you to remember what I showed you and told you. What you have seen me do, you imitate. God will be pleased and will be with you and remain with you. __ 10) And again I want to thank you for the gifts which I know come because of the love of the Lord in you. And I know you would have done even more if you had the ability to do so.___________________________________ 11) Now, I am not asking for more or saying I need more. I do not. As I have learned (from God) to be content and prosper (Spiritually & other wise) no matter what the circumstances in which I find myself in this life.________ 12) I know how to live when I have little and what to do, when I have more than enough. I am taught and learn of God when I am well fed and cared for (I thank God) or when I am in need. God supplies my needs.___________ 13) I have learned to depend totally on Christ Jesus. HE is my strength. John 15:5 ________________________ 14) However, I really appreciate what you have done. It was good of you to do this and to remember me here in jail and where I am in distress, need, adversity, ordeal, misfortune. ________________________________ 15-16) As you all know, when I left your area, no other body of believers sent me any support, it was only your offerings that I received. Remember when you sent things to me in Thessalonica. And it was not just once, but multiple times. 17) I do not remind you of this, because I want another offering, but I do desire that God will bless you as you give to me, that God may place your giving in His savings account for you._____________________________ 18) I am reporting that I have received all that you sent with Epaphroditus. And it was something that pleases God. HE knows and God appreciates it, for you. Does giving ultimately help others or you? ___________________ 19) However, it is God who, whether by you or another or supernaturally, will furnish all that I need. HOW? God is rich. God owns all the cattle on a thousand hills; all the gold or silver in the ground. God provides all the blessings: physical, Spiritual and it is to Him I look.____________ 20) Therefore, to Father-God be my adoration and praise, now and later and forever. Amen (Amen= Greek Lexicon ─ Strong's Number 281 amen {am-ane'} of Hebrew origin 2a) at the beginning of a discourse ─ surely, truly, of a truth 2b) at the end ─ so it is, so be it, may it be fulfilled. It was a custom, which passed over from the synagogues to the Christian assemblies, [paraphrase by Bro. J.R.] that when he who had read, spoken or had offered prayer to God, the others responded Amen, and they agreed, as if they themselves had so prayed or so stated.)__________ 21-22) Give sincere, cheerful greetings from me, Paul, to everyone who has truly received Jesus as Lord and Savior. Your fellow believers with me, Paul, warmly greet you, especially those who are saved and are a part of the Roman emperor’s dwelling place. ____________________ 23) May the favor of the Messiah of Israel (and all mankind) be ever with you. Are you certain you have obtained the ultimate grace of God, through our Lord, Jesus Christ? |