Philippians 4:1-9
17/7/22
Scripture
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Questions
Unity comes up again and again in Paul’s letters. In fact, much of what spurs his letter writing is to avoid division in the church. He uses theology to show that the church is the one multi-cultural family promised to Abraham. We don‘t know where Euodia and Syntyche disagreed but what are some of the divisions we learn of in the NT letters? What are some of the issues that divide Christians today?
The book of life [earlier a scroll!] is something that Moses was aware of [Exodus 32:31-33]. It appears in both the Old Testament [Psalm 69:27-28; Daniel 12:1] and the New Testament [Hebrews 12:22-23; Philippians 4:3; Revelation 3:5, 13:8, 17:8, 20:12-15, 21:27] including the teachings of Jesus [Luke 10:20]. How is Paul sure someone’s name is in the book of life? Is there any suggestion with Paul that those who “struggle” and are “workers” [v3] are in because of their works? How does James put works in relationship to faith [James 2:14-16]?
How do we rejoice in the Lord always [v4]? Do we sing all the time?
“Gentleness” or “reasonableness” [v5] could be translated "forbearing, fair1". Why must we are fair in dealing with “all people”? How does this bring the Lord nearer to people?
How do we reduce anxiety in our lives [vv6-7]? Anxiety “disorders” are a huge issue in mental health affecting many people. What is going wrong?
If we continue to sin we may well suffer anxiety. This may be the Holy Spirit convicting us and/or the tension between who we appear to be and what is going on inside us. What sort of things should be filling our thoughts [v8]? Do you need to repent of things you are doing or thinking about? Who are your role models?
Are you putting into practice what you are learning [v9]?
Please NOTE I do not wish to in any way belittle the genuine mental health issues that affect so many. I do understand that so many suffer through no fault of their own and often because of the wickedness of others. I also realise that there are no quick fixes.
More
Philippians at the Bible Project
Alexander Souter, A Pocket Lexicon to the Greek New Testament, 1917, 92.