Introduction to Philippians Chapter 4 What is the ...

1 Introduction to Philippians Chapter 4 Getting along with others is one of the critical problems of life. Any display of disunity is contradictory to the teachings of Jesus Christ regarding love for one another. God expects us to get along with one another, forgiving, sharing, bearing one another s burdens and so forth. If you are not getting along with other believers it will affect your personal joy in the Lord. Outline 1) Stand firm---4:1-9 2) Thanksgiving and contentment---4:10-20 3) Closing---4:21-23 Study Read Philippians 4:1-9. Paul begins Chapter 4 with an admonition for believers to stand firm. Stand firm is a military term that pictures a soldier guarding his watch. If Roman soldiers failed to keep their post they would be executed. Paul most likely draws on this image in this verse.

2 Do you take your walk this seriously? What does Paul exhort believers to do (v. 4)? In what ways can you apply this to your life? What role do you think gentleness plays in a believer s life (v. 5)? Is their any relationship or situation that causes you anxiety (vv. 6-7)? What should we do if we are worried, and what will be the result of our action? What is the relationship between our thoughts and actions (vv. 8-9)? On what specific things should a believer think? How does the type of music to which we listen relate to this exhortation? Movies? Reading materials? Conversations? There are several principles that emerge in this passage: The Principle of Trust ( be anxious for nothing ) - An attitude that accepts all situations as being allowed by God.

3 The primary reason we do not have peace is we do not trust God. The Principle of Prayer - We also learn what leads to worry, divided attention, lack of trust, prayerlessness. The Principle of Right Thinking - Paul reminds us to constantly keep our minds centered on specific characteristics. List these characteristics. Pray that God would help you replace your attitude with joy. Read verses 10-23. In what areas of life had Paul learned to be content (v. 12)? Can you say the same? In context, to what specifically is Paul referring in verse 13? Chapter 4 Philippians There are also some principles that emerge in these verses as well: The Principle of Contentment When we realize that the things of this life do not bring happiness and will not last we will be content.

4 (Verse 12) The Principle of Confidence When we are convinced that in Christ we have all we need, that confidence is what will produce contentment. (Verse 13) How can you put these principles into effect in your own walk? Just as you keep yourself in shape to be the best athlete you can be, make it a priority to follow these principles in your spiritual life. In verses 21-23, Paul indicates the results of having preached the Gospel while in prison. What had happened? What lesson can we learn from this? . Memorize Philippians 4:8 Philippians Review Because the Chapter and verse divisions were not added until the 17th century we fail to recognize that certain books of the Bible, such as Philippians , are actually letters and therefore should be read in one sitting.

5 Read through the entire book. After reading Philippians with your freshly discovered insights, determine what Paul s purpose was in writing it. What can you learn from this overall purpose? Bible Study Guide These study guides have been designed to help you deepen your walk with the Lord. Check the Baseball Chapel website for other study guides that are easy to print off and copy. Box 302 Springfield, PA 19064