Philippians 4:2-9 V. 2. “I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord. V. 3. “And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other of my fellowlaborers, whose names are in the book of life. V. 4. “Rejoice in the Lord always; and again I say rejoice.

V. 5. “Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. V. 6. “Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. V. 7. “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

V. 8. “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. V. 9. “Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do; and the peace of God shall be with you.”

Admonitions Contained in these Verses: Christians, resolve your differences! 4:2-3. “Rejoice in the Lord,” 4:4-5. Avoid Anxiety, 4:6-7. Control Your thoughts, 4:8. Follow Paul’s Example, 4:9.

Christians, Resolve Your Differences, Philippians 4:2-3! V. 2: “I beseech Euodias and Synthyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord. – Names of women– who had a disagreement. V. 3. “And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also.. – Yokefellow (not identified by name). V. 3. “Whose names are in the book of life,” Exodus 32:33,34; Luke 10:20; Rev. 3:5; 13:8

“Rejoice in the Lord..,” Phil. 4:4. “Rejoice” – a central theme. Phil. 1:18,26; 2:16,17; 3:1; 4:4,10. – “In the Lord,” the sphere of true rejoicing. – “Always” – under all circumstances! “Let your moderation be known..” v. 5. – “Gentleness” (NKJV), termed “graciousness or forbearance” (Mar. Ref). “The disposition of one who is willing to forego his own ‘rights’ in the interest of the higher good of others.”

Avoid Anxiety, Philippians 4:6-7. “Be Careful (“anxious”) for nothing. – Compare with Matthew 6: “But in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. – Don’t worry; Pray! Note: “Prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving.” “And the peace of God …shall keep your heart – “Keep” – a military concept, depicting a sentry standing guard!

Control Your thoughts! “Think” on “Whatsoever is: (v. 8). True. True to fact, consistent with revealed word of God. John 8:32; 17:17. “Honest” (“Noble”). That which is honorable, worthy, venerable, holy,” Arndt & Gingrich. “Just” – to be right before God; to deal rightly with fellow man. Cf. Psalm 89:14. “Pure” – Stainless, chaste, unsullied. “Lovely.” That which is morally attractive. “Of good report” – Lit. that which is fit to hear!

Follow Paul’s Example! V. 9, Some things they had learned, received, heard & seen: The Gospel, Acts 16: How to Act under Persecution, Acts 16:25. Faith in the future, Philippians 1: Sacrificial concern for his brethren, 2: One who had his priorities in order, Philippians 3:4-8. The example of one who refused to waver in his service to God, Phil. 3:13,14!

Some Practical Lessons to Gleaned from these Verses: Christians should resolve their personal differences, Phil. 4:2; Matt. 5:23; 18:15-17! There is Work Women can Do for the Lord! Christians are to “Rejoice in the Lord,” 4:4. Christians should insert Prayer in the Place of Worry, 4:6-7. Christians should follow God’s Prescription for good Mental Health, Philippians 4:8.

Conclusion: The reasons why the saints at Philippi were told to “rejoice in the Lord” is because: – They were “in the Lord,” Acts 16:15; Gal. 3:27. – Their names were in “the book of life.” And by their being faithful to the Lord, they were able to “know the peace of God which passeth all understanding,” v. 6. Do You “know the peace of God??”