Setting

This section is Paul’s final encouragement to the Philippians. He exhorts them to be like-minded in the Lord, rejoice in suffering, and pray always. He also reminds them to meditate on the virtues of others and put into practice all the things they have heard and seen in him.

Key Verse

(4:4)

Did You Know...?

1. Prayer, supplication, requests (4:6): “‘Prayer’ (proseuche ) denotes the petitioner’s attitude of mind as worshipful. ‘Petition’ (deesei) denotes prayers as expressions of need… ‘Requests” (aitemata) refers to the things asked for.” [ref]
2. Lovely (4:8): “The Greek word is from pros (toward) and phileo (love), and means pleasing, agreeable, that which inspires love.” [ref]

Outline

  • Pleas for Unity in the Lord
    (4:2-3)
  • Be Joyful and Prayerful
    (4:4-7)
  • Pursuing Higher Virtue
    (4:8-9)

General Analysis

Show All Answers Hide All Answers
  • 1.

    Go through the entire passage and answer the following questions based on your observation. How can we achieve unity despite differences?

    •  
    •  
    •  
    •  
    Show Answer
    (The answer is empty)
    Hide Answer

  • 2.

    How can we have peace in the midst of troubles?

    •  
    •  
    •  
    •  
    Show Answer

    Paul reminds the believers the basis and reasons for unity—that they all have one Lord, that they all labor for the same gospel, and that they all have a share in the Book of Life. Unity among believers is possible and necessary because of their spiritual ties and common goals.

    Hide Answer

  • 3.

    How can we achieve holiness in the midst temptations?

    •  
    •  
    •  
    •  
    Show Answer

    The register in heaven of those who are saved.

    Hide Answer

Segment Analysis

Show All Answers Hide All Answers

  • 4:2-3

    1a.

    When relationships between fellow workers break down, what adverse effects will it have on the church?

    •  
    •  
    •  
    •  
    Show Answer
    (The answer is empty)
    Hide Answer

  • 1b.

    Do you need to be reconciled with someone today? (cf. Mt 5:23- 24)

    •  
    •  
    •  
    •  
    Show Answer
    (The answer is empty)
    Hide Answer

  • 2.

    Consider the words “in the Lord” (2), “in the gospel” (3), and “in the Book of Life” (3). Why do you think Paul mentions these things in his plea for like-mindedness?

    •  
    •  
    •  
    •  
    Show Answer

    Paul reminds the believers the basis and reasons for unity—that they all have one Lord, that they all labor for the same gospel, and that they all have a share in the Book of Life. Unity among believers is possible and necessary because of their spiritual ties and common goals.

    Hide Answer

  • 3.

    What is the Book of Life? Whose names are written in the Book of Life? (Rev 3:5, 17:8, 20:12, 15, 21:27, 22:19; cf. Lk 10:20; Heb 12:23)

    •  
    •  
    •  
    •  
    Show Answer

    The register in heaven of those who are saved.

    Hide Answer

  • 4:4-7

    4a.

    Why does Paul emphasize the command to rejoice?

    •  
    •  
    •  
    •  
    Show Answer

    Paul repeats the command to rejoice probably because it is easy to be discouraged in the midst of sufferings, disharmony, and the threat of false teachings. But Paul wants them to transcend all these difficulties and live above the problems of life by having the joy of the Lord, for joy is the key to a victorious life. Paul’s emphatic exhortation is also an expression of the overflowing joy in him.

    Hide Answer

  • 4b.

    How does the command to rejoice relate to verses 6 and 7?

    •  
    •  
    •  
    •  
    Show Answer

    Following the command to rejoice, Paul presents the peace of God as the basis of joy and teaches us how to receive that peace. Peace from God is the foundation of true joy.

    Hide Answer

  • 4c.

    Why must we rejoice “in the Lord” (4)?

    •  
    •  
    •  
    •  
    Show Answer

    Happiness is an emotion. Joy is an attitude. Happiness is based on the circumstance. Joy is founded on Christ. Therefore, in order to have true joy, we need to have a Christ-centered attitude. While our circumstances may change, our Lord does not change. He has overcome the world, and through faith in Him, we can transcend problems and difficulties in life. If we have Christ in our lives, no circumstance can take away our joy.

    Hide Answer

  • 4d.

    How is it remarkable that a man like Paul encourages others to rejoice? What does this teach us about the nature of the joy in Paul?

    •  
    •  
    •  
    •  
    Show Answer

    Paul is in chains, but he can still exhort the believers to rejoice. This is a powerful demonstration that Paul’s joy surpasses his adverse conditions. Not only so, his joy overflows to others, bringing comfort and encouragement.

    Hide Answer

  • 5a.

    What does it mean to let our gentleness be known to all men (5)?

    •  
    •  
    •  
    •  
    Show Answer

    We need to show gentleness to all, not just the people we favor.

    Hide Answer

  • 5b.

    Give some examples of how you can show your gentleness.

    •  
    •  
    •  
    •  
    Show Answer
    (The answer is empty)
    Hide Answer

  • 5c.

    What does gentleness have to do with the fact that the Lord is at hand?

    •  
    •  
    •  
    •  
    Show Answer

    Gentleness involves great patience because it requires us to deal kindly even with those who are against us. When there is disharmony among believers, showing gentleness can be a great challenge. But instead of arguing and complaining, we should wait for the coming of the Lord, who will judge everyone according to their deeds. Knowing that the Lord is coming soon to examine our works and reward us encourages us to persist in our gentleness (cf. Jas 5:8).

    Hide Answer

  • 6a.

    What is the way to get rid of anxiety in our lives?

    •  
    •  
    •  
    •  
    Show Answer

    “In everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God” (4:6). When we cast our cares on the Lord (Ps 55:22; 1Pet 5:7), we have no need to be anxious because we trust that He will take care of us. Being thankful always also relieves us of our anxiety because, by counting the blessings of God, we are constantly reminded that God will always watch over us, just as He always has.

    Hide Answer

  • 6b.

    Why is anxiety unnecessary?

    •  
    •  
    •  
    •  
    Show Answer

    Anxiety does not solve problems but only adds burdens to our hearts (cf. Mt 6:27, 34; Lk 12:25-26). Besides, knowing that God will take care of our needs, why should we be anxious?

    Hide Answer

  • 7a.

    What does it mean that the peace of God surpasses all understanding?

    •  
    •  
    •  
    •  
    Show Answer

    1. God’s peace can give us an inner tranquility so miraculous that it is beyond rational explanation. 2. God’s peace can calm our hearts so perfectly in ways that our own attempt to alleviate anxiety by means of reasoning or positive thinking can never do.

    Hide Answer

  • 7b.

    How is this peace different from the peace the world gives? (cf. Jn 14:27)

    •  
    •  
    •  
    •  
    Show Answer

    The peace that the world gives only provides a temporary sense of security that is easily unsettled when trouble comes. For example, we may pay for health insurance, but when we become ill, the insurance cannot help us deal with our sorrows, fears, or depressions within. The peace from God, however, goes much deeper. It does not necessarily change the circumstance or remove the difficulties we face, but it is able to give us inner joy and strength to overcome the difficulties.

    Hide Answer

  • 4:8-9

    8a.

    According to verse 8, what is a secret to godly living?

    •  
    •  
    •  
    •  
    Show Answer

    Godly conduct begins with godly thoughts. What we put into our mind determines what comes out in our words and actions (Mt 15:18-19). We must reprogram our thinking. It takes practice, but it can be done. Fill our hearts with the Word of God and ask God to help us focus our mind on what is good and pure (cf. Ps 139:23-24).

    Hide Answer

  • 8b.

    What adjustments can you make to your daily schedule, friends, and leisurely activities in order to live out the teaching in verse 8?

    •  
    •  
    •  
    •  
    Show Answer
    (The answer is empty)
    Hide Answer

  • 9.

    Give an example from daily life to illustrate each of the following: a. Whatever things are true b. Whatever things are noble c. Whatever things are just d. Whatever things are pure e. Whatever things are lovely f. Whatever things are of good report g. If there is any virtue h. If there is anything praiseworthy

    •  
    •  
    •  
    •  
    Show Answer
    (The answer is empty)
    Hide Answer

  • 10.

    To have God’s presence in our lives, what should we do more besides hearing, reading, or understanding the word of God?

    •  
    •  
    •  
    •  
    Show Answer

    We must do the word of God (9).

    Hide Answer

  • 11.

    Compare “the God of peace” in verse 9 with “the peace of God” in 7. How are the teachings in 8 and 9 a step further than the teachings in 6 and 7?

    •  
    •  
    •  
    •  
    Show Answer

    Verses 6 and 7 teach us to let the peace of God keep our hearts and minds from anxieties through prayer, petition, and thanksgiving. Verses 8 and 9 go even further and teach us the way to have God’s continual presence in our lives. If we do God’s Word, God Himself, the author of peace, will be with us at all times. Therefore, not only should we come to God for peace when we have trouble in our lives, we should all the more seek to let the God of peace dwell in us by living out His Word. When God’s living Word is embodied in our lives, we will naturally experience God and all His blessings.

    Hide Answer