May 5, 2022
Practice Makes Peace—God's Peace
Philippians 4
Gigi Hornberger
Central Truth
As we practice joyfully dwelling on truth, we learn Christ-strengthened contentment.
Key Verse | Philippians 4:8, 9, 11, 13
[W]hatever is true . . . think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. . . . [F]or I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. . . . I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Philippians 4
1 Therefore, my brothers, 1 4:1 Or brothers and sisters; also verses 8, 21 whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.
Exhortation, Encouragement, and Prayer
2 I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 3 Yes, I ask you also, true companion, 2 4:3 Or loyal Syzygus; Greek true yokefellow help these women, who have labored 3 4:3 Or strived (see 1:27) side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness 4 4:5 Or gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned 5 4:9 Or these things9which things you have also learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
God's Provision
10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
14 Yet it was kind of you to share 6 4:14 Or have fellowship in my trouble. 15 And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. 16 Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. 7 4:17 Or I seek the profit that accrues to your account 18 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. 19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Final Greetings
21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. 22 All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar's household.
23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
Footnotes
[1] 4:1 Or brothers and sisters; also verses 8, 21[2] 4:3 Or loyal Syzygus; Greek true yokefellow
[3] 4:3 Or strived (see 1:27)
[4] 4:5 Or gentleness
[5] 4:9 Or these things—9which things you have also learned
[6] 4:14 Or have fellowship in
[7] 4:17 Or I seek the profit that accrues to your account
Listen to the Podcast
Listen NowDive Deeper | Philippians 4
As a child, I took piano lessons. Unfortunately, because I never practiced, I didn't become a concert pianist. We all know that any new skill requires practice.
In Philippians 4, I noticed two words I hadn't noticed before: "practice" (Philippians 4:9) and "learned" (Philippians 4:11). Paul teaches that when we deliberately practice relying on Christ by rejoicing, praying, and dwelling on truth, rather than dwelling on things that make us anxious, we strengthen a tendency toward peace.
We practice the formation of a new habit. We learn to rely on His strength rather than our own. We learn that He will supply every one of our needs, which brings peace. We can practice and learn to be content, rather than anxious, even in the hardest of circumstances.
Yet, my tendency is to rely on myself. I strive to figure things out on my own. I get on the roller coaster of my feelings, my circumstances, and my agenda, and I ride the ups and downs of life (and the lives of my kids), which adds to my anxiety.
Unfortunately, the answer isn't as easy as "don't be anxious." Instead, I need to practice replacing the anxiety-inducing thoughts with the opposing truth from God's Word. Scripture has unique power (2 Timothy 3:16-17) to transform our lives (Romans 12:2). I need to practice believing that what God's Word says is true.
For example, my anxious thoughts might center around rejection, fear, or being overwhelmed. As I practice replacing those thoughts with the truth of Scripture, I am reminded:
- God will never leave me or forsake me. (Deuteronomy 31:8)
- God will provide all that I need as I seek Him. (Matthew 6:25-34)
- God will guide me and uphold me. (Isaiah 41:10)
We can trust that God is committed to supplying "every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19). In every situation, as we practice rejoicing, praying, and dwelling on truth, we learn that He is faithful to richly supply our needs, which gives us peace.
So today, let's choose to practice learning to be content in God!
Discussion Questions
1. Practice rejoicing. Have you ever considered keeping a gratitude journal? Write down at least one thing you are grateful for each day and thank God for it. Rejoice, and rejoice again.
2. Practice praying. Do you spend more time asking others to pray, telling people you will pray, responding with the praying hands emoji, or actually praying? Spend time making your requests known to God.
3. Practice dwelling on truth. What are some thoughts that you consistently worry about? Are these thoughts currently true, or are you worried about the possibility of these thoughts happening? What opposing biblical truth will you think on to replace those worrisome thoughts? What Scripture backs it up? If you are struggling with persistent anxiety, share this with your community, and search the Scriptures for biblical truth to help you evaluate your thought patterns. Whatever is true, think about these things.