The church at Philippi was the first church Paul founded in Macedonia. My favorite chapter in the Book of Philippians is Chapter 4.  This chapter has so many nuggets that speak so much to my heart. I am going to attempt do a short overview and share some of my thoughts with you.

Philippians 4:4. Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say, rejoice!

Rejoice means to show great joy or delight. Who better to delight in than our Maker, the giver of life, and the Creator of all things. Indeed He delights in us – Zephaniah 3:17 …. He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.”

Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;

This verse tells us to stop fretting. Just be still. Come before Him with thanksgiving. Lay your burdens before Him. You can’t carry it. You will become weary and defeated. Lay it all at the foot of the Cross where He took it all up for you – Matthew 11:28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest

Philippians 4;7  And the peace of  God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 

Have you ever known the peace of God? You see there is a constant onslaught against our minds by the enemy of our soul. That is why we are asked to guard our hears with all diligence in Proverbs 4:23 Keep your heart with all diligence, For out it springs the issues of life. When we learn to rest in Him, His peace becomes ours.

Philippians 4:8 Finally brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – mediate on these things.

You have to be intentional about what you allow into your thoughts.  You have the mind of Christ. Romans 8:6 says “For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.” The friends you keep, the books you read, the music you listen to, and what you watch on television influence your thought life and outlook on life. Be selective about your choices, that they bless and edify the name of the God that we serve.

Philippians 4:11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.

Being content is not an easy thing to achieve. The human spirit is in a constant state of striving. We clamor for many things and our needs appear insatiable. There is only One who can fill that deep void within our soul. He is in the person of our Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God. Hebrews 13:5 says, Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

Philippians 4:13  I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Doing things in our own strength is an exercise in futility at best. When you meet the Living Christ, all clamoring and striving ceases. He loves us unconditionally and frees us from the burden of works or trying to earn His love. He has loved us freely. You need to come to a place of total dependence on Him as in not leaning on your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6). When we depend on our own strength, we will fail, besides it only leads to heartache.

Philippians 4:19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Paul was confident that God would meet their needs (the Church at Philippi) because of their generous giving. We are not talking about a blanket ticket to prosperity; or a ticket to sit around waiting for manna to fall from heaven. this verse is sometimes taken out of context. God loves a cheerful giver, the God who is pleased with their gift to Paul will supply all their needs. I would think that this has to do with our attitude towards the resources Gog has provided us. Obviously if we are stingy with these resources, there will be no blessing forthcoming. It will helpful to get a different perspective on this verse. Please feel free to share your thoughts.

I certainly hope you have enjoyed taking this journey through Philippians 4 with me. Until next time, stay blessed

Yaa F. Attobrah