REJOICE IN THE LORD ALWAYS

Philippians 4:1-23
Key Verse: 4 Lesson 4

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”

* Whatever is true…think about such things (1-9)

1. What does Paul desire the Christians at Philippi to do (1)?

1
Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how
you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends!

How does Paul plead with the two women and other leaders (2,3)?
2
I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. 3
Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side
in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose
names are in the book of life.

2. What is so critical about rejoicing in the Lord always (4,5)?

4
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident
to all. The Lord is near.

What does Paul teach about the nature and power of prayer (6,7)?
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Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with
thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all
understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

3. Think how our Lord Jesus, who displays the aspects of godliness mentioned
in verse 8.
8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is
pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy
—think about such things.

What is important about one’s thought life (Ro 8:5-8)?

Ro 8:5
Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that
nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on
what the Spirit desires. 6 The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the
Spirit is life and peace; 7 the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's
law, nor can it do so. 8 Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God.

Why does Paul ask them to practice what they have learned (9)?
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Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into
practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

* I can do everything through him who gives me strength (10-13)

4. What is the Philippians’ concern (10; 2Co 11:9; 2Ti 4:16)?

10
I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed,
you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.
2Co 11:9
And when I was with you and needed something, I was not a burden to anyone, for
the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied what I needed. I have kept myself from
being a burden to you in any way, and will continue to do so.

2Ti 4:16
At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it
not be held against them.

How did Paul clarify any potential misunderstanding (11)?

11
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the
circumstances

5. How did Paul experience both times of need (12a; Acts 23:11; 1Co 4:11-13; 2Co
11:23-29)
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I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret
of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty
or in want.
Acts 23:11
The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have
testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.”
1Co 4:11
To this very hour we go hungry and thirsty, we are in rags, we are brutally treated, we are homeless.
12
We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure
it; 13 when we are slandered, we answer kindly. Up to this moment we have become the scum of the earth,
the refuse of the world.

2Co 11:23
Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more. I have worked much harder,
been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. 24 Five times
I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three
times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, 26 I have been constantly on the move. I have
been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in
danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers. 27 I have labored and
toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have
been cold and naked. 28 Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. 29 Who
is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn?

…and times of plenty (12b; Acts 15:24-35, 19:8-11)?

Acts 15:24
We have heard that some went out from us without our authorization and disturbed you, troubling your minds
by what they said. 25 So we all agreed to choose some men and send them to you with our dear friends Barnabas and
Paul— 26 men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27
Therefore we are
28
sending Judas and Silas to confirm by word of mouth what we are writing. It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and
to us not to burden you with anything beyond the following requirements: 29 You are to abstain from food sacrificed
to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality. You will do well to avoid these
things. Farewell. 30 The men were sent off and went down to Antioch, where they gathered the church together and
delivered the letter. 31 The people read it and were glad for its encouraging message. 32 Judas and Silas, who
themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the brothers. 33 After spending some time there,
they were sent off by the brothers with the blessing of peace to return to those who had sent them. 35 But Paul and
Barnabas remained in Antioch, where they and many others taught and preached the word of the Lord.

Acts 19:8
Paul entered the synagogue and spoke boldly there for three months, arguing persuasively about the
kingdom of God. 9 But some of them became obstinate; they refused to believe and publicly maligned the
Way. So Paul left them. He took the disciples with him and had discussions daily in the lecture hall of
Tyrannus. 10 This went on for two years, so that all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia
heard the word of the Lord. 11 God did extraordinary miracles through Paul…

6. By learning the secret of contentment did Paul become lazy, indifferent, or

separated from life issues and larger goals (13a)?
13
I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Who is the source of all his strength (13b; 1Sa 7:12; Ps 33:20; Isa 41:10)?
13
I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
1Sa 7:12
Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it
Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far has the LORD helped us.”
Ps 33:20
We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield.
Isa 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will
strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

* My God will meet all your needs in Christ Jesus (14-23)

7. What is so wonderful about the relationship between Apostle Paul and the
Philippians (14-20; Lk 6:38)?
14
Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the
early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church
shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16 for even when I was in
Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need. 17 Not that I am looking for a
gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account. 18 I have received full payment
and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you
sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will
meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be
glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Lk 6:38
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together
and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be
measured to you.

How does he show concern for them while relating all Christians in Rome to them
(21,22; 1:1; 1:13-16)?
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Greet all the saints in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me send greetings. All
the saints send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household.
Php 1:1
Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus at
Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons…
Php 1:13
As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone
else that I am in chains for Christ. 14 Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the
Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.
15
It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16
The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel.

What do you learn from his closing benediction (23; 2Ti 4:22)?
23
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen
2Ti 4:22
The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you.

• What do you learn from this passage about Apostle Paul’s life of faith?

• How have all your needs been met in Christ Jesus?