| Back to Home Page | Back to
Book Index |
Philippians
Chapter Four
I.
Content of the Chapter
Christ is the Strength of Believers in Their
Conversation
A. Stand fast in the Lord (v.1);
B. Be of the same mind in the Lord
C. Rejoice in the Lord:
1. Rejoice in the Lord always (v.4-5);
2. Have the peace of God in Christ Jesus
1) By prayer and supplication
with thanksgiving
let God guard your hearts and minds (v.6-7);
2) Meditate on
and do good things and
the God of peace will be with you
(8-9);
3. Rejoice in the Lord greatly for having known of the care of believers (v.10);
4. Christ is our strength everywhere and in all things:
1) Having learned in whatever state we are
to be content (v.11);
2) Christ is our secret to whatever conditions
everywhere and in all things (v.12);
3) We can do all things through Christ who
strengthens us (v.13);
5. Receive the provision of God in Christ
Jesus:
1) The worker are provided by the church
(v.14-16);
2) The desire of the worker for the church
(v.17);
3) Regard material gift as acceptable sacrifice well pleasing to God (v.18);
6. To our God and Father be glory
and grace and peace be with all the saints (v.20-23);
II.
Verse by Verse Commentary
Phil. 4:1 “Therefore
my beloved and
longed-for brethren
my joy and crown
so stand fast in the Lord
beloved.”
YLT: “So then
my brethren
beloved and longed for
my joy
and crown
so stand ye in the Lord
beloved.”
Literal
Meaning: here Paul addresses
believers in Philippi different from believers in other churches
unveiling the
special position of believers in Philippi in the heart of Paul: 1) two times of
“my beloved”
the word originates the divine love of God
which indicates that
Paul deeply loves them in the Lord; 2) “longed-for”
it reveals the deep love and earnest
remembrance; 3) “brethren”: the relationship of life; 4) “my joy”
it shows that their condition in the Lord
makes him joyful; 5) “my crown”
crown represents the victory in the race
valuable things or the joy in the festival. Therefore
believers in
“Therefore”
here Paul exhorts them to “stand fast” for the reason
mentioned in chapter three
including the heresy that has crept into the
church. “Stand fast” is the most important condition in spiritual war (Eph.
6:14).
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) The effect of the works done for the Lord is
one of the sources of the joy of both the workers and believers. However
if we
believers do not work for the Lord
we can not taste such joy.
2) We should “run” and “press on” (Phil.
3:12-16) in spiritual growth and service. However
we shall “stand fast” in
faith.
3) The devil leaves no stone unturned to make
the children of God stumbled. Therefore
we shall stand fast.
4) No matter how strong believers are
they can
in no wise stand fast by themselves
but can stand in the Lord.
Phil. 4:2 “I implore Euodia and I
implore Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord.”
YLT: “Euodia I exhort
and Syntyche I exhort
to be of the
same mind in the Lord;”
Meaning of Words: “implore”: beseech
entreat
beg; “Euodia”: fine travelling
the one who obtains
the
one who has arrived; “Syntyche”: lucky
pleasant countenance;
Literal
Meaning: Euodia and Syntyche are two fellow
workers in the church in
“Be of
the same mind”
it indicates that
not only do they have the same mind and thoughts but also they are in harmony
in life so that they have the same feeling and attitude.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) When dealing with the disharmony among the
fellow workers
Paul does not condemn
but implores. He stands on either side
and such attitude fosters the reconciliation of the fellow workers.
2) “Euodia”
may be she has
obtained what she “desires”. “Syntyche”
may be she has “kind and pleasant”
appearance. However
both of them are not of the same mind. How imperfect it
is!
3) “Be of the same mind”
it should be in the
Lord. We cannot be of the same mind outside of the Lord. Even though we have
the so-called same mind of men in the world
it only destroys but not profits.
4) “In the Lord”
it is where all estrangements
or misunderstandings are eliminated. Any iniquity or prejudice should be
brought before the Lord.
5) It is insignificant who is right or who is
wrong in the church
but it is serious if believers in the church are not “of
the same mind” ---- not let the mind of Christ Jesus in us (Phil. 2:5).
Phil. 4:3 “And I urge you also
true
companion
help these women who labored with me in the gospel
with Clement
also
and the rest of my fellow workers
whose names are in the Book of Life.”
YLT: “and I ask also thee
genuine yoke-fellow
be assisting
those women who in the good news did strive along with me
with Clement also
and the others
my fellow-workers
whose names in the book of life.”
Meaning of Words: “help”: aid
help
take; “labor with”:
wrestle in company with
seek jointly;
Literal
Meaning: “you also
true companion”
it means that those who take the
responsibility of the works are like yoke fellows. Or perhaps the “companion” is the original meaning of the certain
person (Philem. 10-11) or it refers to Epaphroditus (see Phil. 2:25).
“Labored with”
it indicates that they had not only wrestled in company
with Paul but also suffered from the labor.
“The Book of Life”
it is the book in which God records all those who
have part in the life of God (Ex. 32:32; Ps. 69:28; Rev. 3:5).
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) “True companion”
“labored with” and “fellow workers”
it shows that Paul regards his fellow
workers
no matter male or female
young or old
equal
not his subordinates.
2) Those who yoke and labor together are not of
the same mind ---- this is the worst fault of the workers of God.
3) When problems arise among the fellow workers
all the yoke fellows in the church shall not condemn anyone
but “help” to
foster the peace and harmony. This is what they are supposed to do.
4) When there is no harmony among the leading
brethren of the church
if the church sympathizes or favors anyone
there will
be terrible consequences ---- either strife or division.
5) Those whose names are in the Book of Life in
the heavens may have not lived a life of testimony. How lamentable!
6) The names of the true workers of God are in
the Book of Life. They are known and remembered by God. Men may not know their
works
but it is enough that God knows.
Phil. 4:4 “Rejoice in the Lord always.
Again I will say
rejoice!”
YLT: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say
rejoice;”
Meaning of Words: “always”: every when
at all times;
Literal
Meaning: “rejoice…rejoice”
this is a command
a command from God. God always provides first and then
demand. He never commands us to do anything impossible. “Rejoice”
this is a
kind of emotion and feeling deeper than happiness. Since it is a kind of
emotion and feeling
how can it be commanded? Joy is also a kind of heart and
mind. The joyful feeling does not come from external smooth environment
but
from inner heart and mind. Therefore
joy can be decided by one’s will. We can
decide that we have a joyful mind in any environment.
“Rejoice in the Lord always”
it indicates that such joy is a kind of
particular joy
not joy stirred up by sight but joy in the Lord.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) Paul repeatedly commands us to rejoice
so
joy is so important to us.
2) The word rejoice in the imperative shows our
obedience and determination. When we are determined to obey the command of God
joy will be filled in us immediately.
3) “The Lord” is the origin of joy. “In the
Lord” is the secret of rejoicing always. Abiding “in the Lord” is the condition
of rejoicing in any case.
4) The closer we are to the Lord
the more
joyful we will be. The deeper our relation with the Lord is
the deeper our joy
will be.
5) When we have no joy or have no reason for or
comfort of joy
we should still rejoice. Even when you are in manifold
temptations
you shall still rejoice.
Phil. 4:5 “Let your gentleness be
known to all men. The Lord is at hand.”
YLT: “let your forbearance be known to all men; the Lord
near;”
Meaning of Words: “gentleness”:
mildness
moderation
patience;
Literal
Meaning: “let…”
it is a command
the third one in this chapter.
“Be
known to all”
it is not doing
before men purposefully
but manifesting the inner virtue and letting others know
(Matt. 5:16).
“Gentleness”
it means forgiving others in the
principle of righteousness and not seeking his own right
so it also carries
another positive meaning except for humbleness and patience ---- be able to
bear ignoble and low environment or unduly treatment of others. Gentleness is
neither weakness nor giving up one’s status. Instead
we shall stand fast in
truth for the Lord.
“At hand”
it is near in both “time” and “space”. The former points that
the Lord’s second coming is at hand
and the latter means that the Lord is
close to us ---- He is just near us and in us.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) One who always rejoices must be gentle. If
one is not gentle and is worried about this and that must not be joyful.
2) Believers should be considerate of others in
everything. The leaders especially need such “gentleness” (2Cor. 10:1).
3) The life of the one who is full of Christ
inside is quite gentle. No matter what kind of environment he is faced with
he
is not disturb.
4) The best secret of gentleness for believers
is being in the Lord and remembering the Lord’s second coming.
Phil. 4:6 “Be anxious for nothing
but
in everything by prayer and supplication
with thanksgiving
let your requests
be made known to God;”
YLT: “for nothing be anxious
but in everything by prayer
and by supplication
with thanksgiving
let your requests be made known unto
God;”
Literal
Meaning: “anxious”
it is the self-centered and unprofitable
anxiety
which manifests the lack of faith upon God’s care and protection.
“Be anxious
for nothing”
it does not say
that we need not show any concern for
(2Cor. 11:28) things of ourselves
of
our family
of the church or of God
but means that we need not to be in charge
of or be worried about the above-mentioned things.
“In
everything”; everything in our
daily life;
“Prayer”: general prayer;
“Supplication”:
the concentrated and earnest petition;
“Thanksgiving”:
it is thanksgiving of confidence ---- one is confident of assuredly obtaining
though the supplication has not been granted. This is the highest expression of
faith.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) The reason for joy is “being
anxious for nothing”. The way of “being
anxious for nothing” is “committing
oneself by prayer”. Our whole life is too short to experience and enjoy this
principle.
2) Many anxieties of believers are groundless
and unnecessary
for anxiety is of little avail.
3) Since believers have a God who looks upon
us
we shall have no anxiety.
4) There is not any burden that the Lord is
unwilling to bear for us. Anxiety shows that we do not believe the Lord and are
unwilling to cast the burden upon the Lord.
5) If we have no “breach” in our heart
we will
not be entangled with any anxiety and will be anxious for nothing.
6) Worries
anxieties
doubts and unbelief ----
all of them are the worst weaknesses of Christians.
7) Believers should not be anxious for
anything
but shall pray for everything.
8) It is a privilege of praying to God for
Christians. No matter in adversity or in prosperity
we can let “everything” be made known to God
9) We shall bring “everything” to the presence
of God. We have nothing too trivial to pray and commit to God.
10) Prayer in anxiety is the source of power in
believers’ daily life.
11) Prayer
supplication and thanksgiving are
the excellent way for believers to cast their anxieties upon God. A Christian
who is able to pray in everything is the one who has no anxiety at all.
12) If we can give thanks for the things that
make us anxious
the burden will be decreased half.
13) Those who are anxious for things in the
world cannot rejoice. If we desire to rejoice
we have to overcome all the
anxieties. .
Phil. 4:7 “and the peace of God
which
surpasses all understanding
will guard your hearts and minds through Christ
Jesus.”
YLT: “and the peace of God
that is surpassing all understanding
shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.”
Meaning of Words: “guard”: be a watcher in advance
protect
(a military word);
Literal
Meaning: “surpasses all understanding”: exceedingly surpasses man’s imagination
and appreciation. Only those who have experienced it can understand it.
“Peace”: inner rest;
“Guard”
it is a military word
describing the situation that a watcher
is on sentry.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) “The peace of God”
it is in the most depth
of man
which can not be touched by external difficulty or disturbance. It is a
kind of transcendent peace beyond explanation.
2) God’s thoughts are not men’s thoughts
neither are men’s ways God’s ways (Is. 55:8). God’s loving-kindness
tender
care and works are far beyond our interpretation (Eph. 3:18-20).
3) When believers cast all their care upon God
they will enjoy the inner peace in depth of heart.
4) Anxiety is that the enemy attacks our mind
and causes havoc in our mind and thus affects our heart.
5) The peace given by God is the peace of God
namely
God Himself. The peace of God can guard our heart like the army protect
the city so that no anxiety can further its step toward the scope.
6) God does not guard our environment or make
our environment peaceful
but lets us peaceful in our heart.
7) He who is peaceful and smooth inside has no
breach
so no anxiety can creep into the heart of him.
8) If we have really known that the Lord loads
us day by day (Ps. 68:19)
we will have the peace surpassing all understanding.
Such peace is enough to protect our heart from anxiety. And it will be
impossible for us to be anxious or rely on ourselves anymore.
Phil. 4:8 “Finally
brethren
whatever
things are true
whatever things are noble
whatever things are just
whatever
things are pure
whatever things are lovely
whatever things are of good
report
if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate
on these things.”
YLT: “As to the rest
brethren
as many things as are true
as many as grave
as many as righteous
as many as pure
as many as lovely
as
many as of good report
if any worthiness
and if any praise
these things
think upon;”
Meaning of Words: “true”: not concealing; “noble”: honorable; “just”: equitable; “pure”: clean; “lovely”: amiable
acceptable; “of good report”: reputable; “meditate”: consider
take an inventory
estimate
suppose;
Literal
Meaning: “true”: honest in
morality;
“Noble”: honorable things that men will show
respect for;
“Just”: things are right to God and to men;
“Pure”: have no constitution
or motivation of sin at all;
“Lovely”: amiable and
pleasant things;
“Of good report”:
things of good reputation before all;
“Virtue”: it especially
refers to things excellent in morality;
“Praiseworthy”:
things worthy of praise
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) Man’s mind is the stronghold of Satan.
Therefore
man’s mind should be firstly brought into captivity (2Cor. 10:4-5)
and then he can obey God.
2) Believer should use his mind actively and
positively. If one’s mind is passive and negative
the devil will easily creep
into and occupy his mind.
3) If Satan has seized our “mind”
it has
controlled our “whole life”. Therefore
believers should guard our mind and
thoughts carefully.
4) “Works” stems from “mind”. Man’s mind has
great influence upon his works. If one lets something occupy his mind
it will
dominate his words and works sooner or later.
5) If we set out mind on all the good things
that we are supposed to meditate on
there will be of no disharmony (4:2).
6) If one’s mind has not been defiled with
immoral things
his inner peace will disappear.
7) If we believers often mediate on the virtue
of Christ manifested on others
we will be encouraged and be spiritually
edified.
Phil. 4:9 “The things which you
learned and received and heard and saw in me
these do
and the God of peace
will be with you.”
YLT: “the things that also ye did learn
and receive
and
hear
and saw in me
those do
and the God of the peace shall be with you.”
Literal
Meaning: “which you…in me”:
Paul sets himself as an example for believers.
“Things
which you learned”
it relates to his
knowledge of truth;
“Things
which you received”
it relates to his spiritual provision;
“Things
which you heard”
it relates to his
preachment and teaching;
“Things which you heard”
it relates to his conversation;
“These
do”
it is “meditate on” in the previous
verse
and “do” in this verse;
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) Meditation without doing is still of no
profit to us. Sound meditation should bring about sound works.
2) Paul dares to ask men to learn from him
for
he has firstly learnt from Christ. One who has learnt has the right to ask
others to learn from him.
3) A spiritual leader is not a conductor behind
the scenes
but a pioneer before the rest. He who guides others with oral
teachings and has no practical performance of himself cannot give true help to
men.
4) A good preacher should have the following
four conditions at least: a) abundant knowledge about truth ---- let men
“learn”; b) abundant spiritual provision ---- let men “receive”; c) abundant
capabilities of expression ---- let men “hear”; d) abundant examples of
conversation ---- let men “see”.
5) Our “doing” has inseparable relation with
the peace of God. If we believers meditate and do those good things
we will
surely have the peace of God.
6) God is “the God of peace”. He is the source
of peace. Once man has the presence of God
he will have peace.
Phil. 4:10 “But I rejoiced in the Lord
greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished
again; though you surely did care
but you lacked opportunity.”
YLT: “And I rejoiced in the Lord greatly
that now at length
ye flourished again in caring for me
for which also ye were caring
and lacked
opportunity;”
Meaning of Words: “flourish again”: revive;
Literal
Meaning: this verse points
that the joy of Paul is not because of the gift of the Philippians
but their
care for him. The Philippians cared for Paul
but had no chance to express
their solicitude. Now through the gift and service brought by Epaphroditus
their care for Paul reappeared before him
like the flourishing buds
making him joyful and elated.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) It is the best encouragement of expressing
the inner solicitude to those whom one cares for.
2) Though someone is inept in oral expression
by words
he shall express his love in practical conversation by works.
3) It is a good thing for believers to show
concern for one another. And the solicitude for others should be manifested in
due time.
Phil. 4:11 “Not that I speak in regard
to need
for I have learned in whatever state I am
to be content:”
YLT: “not that in respect of want I say
for I did learn in
the things in which I am -- to be content;”
Literal
Meaning: Paul is truly
grateful for the gift of Philippians
but he does not confide in the gift with
all his heart
for “in whatever state he is
to be content”
which means that
he is quite content with what he has possessed.
Paul’s content does not come from the material provision
but from his
inner provision ---- Christ (v.13). Such “content” makes him pay little attention
to the physical environmental condition. No matter rich or poor
he can still
rejoice and deal with it well.
“I have
learned”
it indicates that
content is not out of one’s optimistic character
but is obtained after
learning.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) The reliance of believers in shortage is not
rich men
but the all-sufficient God.
2) He who is content does not speak for his
shortage
so his words have rather spiritual power.
3) The adaptive faculty of believer for
physical environment is decided by his spiritual condition.
4) He who has learned to be content has
attained to a degree of “no choice”. When a man does not choose for himself at
all
he can be sufficiently content.
Phil. 4:12 “I know how to be abased
and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to
be full and to be hungry
both to abound and to suffer need.”
YLT: “I have known both to be abased
and I have known to
abound; in everything and in all things I have been initiated
both to be full
and to be hungry
both to abound and to be in want.”
Meaning of Words: “abase”: humble
bring low
humiliate;
“full”: make animals fat;
The Background: “have learned”
it is a generic term ---- when the
ancient Greek participated a mysterious religion
they had to take part in a
mysterious ceremony which called for rather great price.
Literal
Meaning: “abased”: the humiliation suffered in hunger and
shortage;
“Abound”: the full condition;
“Have learned”
it refers to an unknown way from learning and
experience;
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) The secret of content for believers is the
union with the Lord everywhere in everything.
2) Those who have not learned may complain in
abasement and poverty and lavish in abundance. However
he who has learned may
rely on God in shortage and devote his money to the divine service in
abundance.
3) He who “has learned” should undergo a long
and tough period. Only the one who has learned can find the secret of dealing
with everything.
4) An unbeliever does not know the secret of
dealing with various problems. However
as long as we believers rely on Christ
with whole heart
we must be able to learn the secret gradually.
5) Christians do not purposefully choose
poverty or richness
hunger or fullness
shortage or abundance
but live a
“two-sided” life according to God’s guidance. Christians neither mortify the
flesh nor fulfill the lust.
Phil. 4:13 “I can do all things through
Christ who strengthens me.”
YLT: “For all things I have strength
in Christ's
strengthening me;”
Meaning of Words: “strengthen”:
enable
empower
be (make) strong;
Literal
Meaning: “strengthens me”
it is not external power but internal
provision.
“All things”: the various situations mentioned in verse twelve as well
as all the things that please God;
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) Only those who are strong inside can do all
things.
2) If we are strengthened by the Lord
we can
do all things. What we are unable to do can be done by the One who
“strengthens” us.
3) To abide in the Lord is the source of being
strengthened and being always strong for believers.
4) If the Lord allows us to encounter
something
He will surely strengthen us.
5) God is a God of works. And He is also a God
who works through us. Since God works through us
He must strengthen us.
6) The precondition of God’s working through us
is that we shall let Him work on us first. Only those who are willing to let
God work on them can be strengthened by God to work for Him.
7) If we have simple and direct faith to commit
us unto the Lord
we will be content in any condition.
8) According to the original
“in Christ” is
the key of the secret of Paul’s content. .
Phil. 4:14 “Nevertheless you have done
well that you shared in my distress.”
YLT: “but ye did well
having communicated with my
tribulation;”
Meaning of Words: “share”: be partaker of
co-participate in;
Literal
Meaning: “shared in distress”: the sharer of distress
the partaker of
distress;
Believers in
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) It is a good thing in Christ of sharing joy
and distress together.
2) Paul could bear all the distress himself
but it was a good thing that believers in
Phil. 4:15 “Now you Philippians know
also that in the beginning of the gospel
when I departed from
YLT: “and ye have known
even ye Philippians
that in the
beginning of the good news when I went forth from
Meaning of Words: “share”: it shares the same root of word
with the word “fellowship” (Phil. 1:5).
Literal
Meaning: “giving and receiving”: it refers to the giving and receiving in money or substance
just like the
“credit side” and “debit side”.
Paul does not receive the gift of any church flippantly
lest he should
know the church helps him out of sincerity. Paul trusts in the motive of the
devoting of the church in
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) It is unsuitable for the preachers of the
Lord to receive the gift of anyone or any church blindly.
2) True devotion of the gift makes both the
giving and receiving sides like fellow partakers taking part in the same
career. The profit that the receiver has obtained by the gift of the giver also
abounds to the giver’s account.
Phil. 4:16 “For even in Thessalonica
you sent aid once and again for my necessities.”
YLT: “because also in Thessalonica
both once and again to my
need ye sent;”
The Background: when Paul preached in Thessalonica
believers there were still young. Paul
worked with his own hands night and day (1Thess. 2:9; 2Thess. 3:8) so as not to
burden anyone. Possibly
his earning was quiet limited
so the church in
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) If every church only provides the workers in
the local church only
many workers may suffer hunger and many works of the
Lord will suffer loss.
2) Today
many local churches that are rich
have not done according to the examples in the Scriptures to care for the
necessities of the workers who serve in poor areas.
3) Today
there are also many preachers who
desire to serve in urban areas or big churches only
but do not want to serve
in rural areas or small churches
for they have not learned in all things.
4) Though Paul has not served in the church in
Philippi yet
but the church in Philippi still provides for Paul’s necessities “once
and again”
which shows that
what they has done is out of the Lord’s burden and loving care
not of personal
interests.
Phil. 4:17 “Not that I seek the gift
but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.”
YLT: “not that I seek after the gift
but I seek after the
fruit that is overflowing to your account;”
Meaning of Words: “fruit”: profit; “account”: treatise
(commercial term);
Literal
Meaning: Paul’s word
indicates that the help of the Philippians in gift
which is a kind of valuable
investment.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) Paul does “not seek” toward men
but “seeks”
toward God. He does not seek anything for himself
but seeks abundance for
others.
2) A true servant of the Lord does not seek the
gift from men for his own material necessity.
3) Material gift shall make the fruit of
spiritual work abound. And the increase of the fruit of spiritual work shall be
to the account of those who devote. The circular working continues unceasingly.
4) All that we have devoted for God shall be to
our account.
Phil. 4:18 “Indeed I have all and
abound. I am full
having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you
a sweet-smelling aroma
an acceptable sacrifice
well pleasing to God.”
YLT: “and I have all things
and abound; I am filled
having
received from Epaphroditus the things from you -- an odour of a sweet smell --
a sacrifice acceptable
well-pleasing to God:”
The Background: in the times of the Old Testament
the
sacrifice that the people of God offered for thanksgiving is called “an
offering of a sweet odor” (Gen. 8:21; Ex. 29:18
25
41; Lev. 1:9
13)
through
which hose who offered the sacrifice desired to please God.
Literal
Meaning: “I have all”: I have received all things.
“An
acceptable sacrifice
well pleasing to God”
in other words
the sacrifice is what God
ordains. And God accepts it for it is offered through Jesus Christ (1Pet. 2:5).
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) The devotion of the gift is as offering the
sacrifice. The motive and heart are crucially important (1Sam. 15:22).
2) Paul receives the gift of the church in
3) Both the receiving and giving between the
workers and believers should be done by God. All that believers have given for
the workers are given to God. And all that the workers have received from
believers are obtained from God.
Phil. 4:19 “And my God shall supply all
your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
YLT: “and my God shall supply all your need
according to His
riches in glory in Christ Jesus;”
Literal
Meaning: “my God”
Paul uses
the phrase again (Phil. 1:3)
showing that he has really experienced the
faithfulness and power of God.
The word “need” is the same with “necessity” in verse 16 (“my necessity”)
which shows that he concludes that the provision of God will not be interrupted
according to his own experience.
“Riches”
the plural form of the word indicates that God does not supply
us in one particular aspect of His riches but that He supplies us with all his
unsearchable abundance.
“Supply
all your need”
it means that God
provides all the need of us.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) The Philippians care for the need of Paul
and Paul also cares about the need of the Philippians. How beautiful the mutual
care for one another in the Lord is!
2) It is more blessed to give than to receive
(Acts 20:35).
3) Give
and it shall be given to us (Luke
6:38). God will never doubly reward us for what we have given to Him.
4) God knows our “need” and supplies all our need.
His attendance is too complete and perfect. However
men may seek for other
things besides our “need”.
Phil. 4:20 “Now to our God and Father
be glory forever and ever. Amen.”
YLT: “and to God
even our Father
the glory -- to the ages
of the ages. Amen.”
Literal
Meaning: “glory”
it is “the
glory” in the original
which means that the glory is of God
namely
glory of
God. The manifestation of God Himself is glory.
“Father”
who relates to life;
“God”
who relates to creation;
“Forever and ever”
from generation to generation
unceasingly;
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) The ultimate purpose of the giving and
receiving of gift is giving glory unto God. When believers devote their
treasure
they should be for the purpose of glorifying God.
2) Glory should be given unto God forever and
ever. Many people give glory to God temporarily and soon give it to them.
Phil. 4:21 “Greet every saint in Christ
Jesus. The brethren who are with me greet you.”
YLT: “Salute ye every saint in Christ Jesus; there salute you
the brethren with me;”
Literal
Meaning: the most
significant meaning of the greeting in the epistles is making the readers feel
that they are really a part of the whole body of Christ and taste the
fellowship of life and the sweetness of solicitude. Such greeting has
unspeakable effect on their spiritual life.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) Those who have tasted the peace of God will
deeply desire others to always taste such peace.
2) The Lord Jesus also pays attention to
greetings (Matt. 10:12-13)
so believers shall show care for the peace of one
another.
Phil. 4:22 “All the saints greet you
but especially those who are of Caesar's household.”
YLT: “there salute you all the saints
and specially those of
Caesar's house;”
Literal
Meaning: “those who are of Caesar's
household”
possible
those
who ministered in the royal court or government of
Phil. 4:23 “The grace of our Lord Jesus
Christ be with you all. Amen.”
YLT: “the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ with you all. Amen.”
Literal
Meaning: this epistle starts
from the grace of God and ends in the grace of Jesus Christ
thus surrounding
the readers with grace.
Enlightenment
in the Word: the life of
Christians needs the grace of God by the minute.
III.
Outlines of the Spiritual Lessons
The Joy of
Christians
A. Regard believers as joy (v.1);
B. Rejoice in the Lord (v.4);
C. Joy from gentleness (v.5);
D. Rejoice
for the Lord is at hand (v.5);
E. Rejoice for being anxious for nothing (v.6);
F. Rejoice for the peace of God (v.7);
G. Rejoice for the meditations of all the
saints (v.10);
The Peace of
Christians
A. Have peace with other Christians (v.1-4);
B. Have peace with oneself (v.5-9);
C. Have peace with the environment (v.10-20);
Duties that
Christians Are Supposed to Fulfill
A. The duty of rejoicing always (v.4);
B. The duty of being gentle to all (v.5);
C. The duty of remembering that the Lord is at
hand (v.5);
D. The duty of leading a life of no anxieties
(v.6);
E. The duty of praying and giving thanks (v.6);
F. The duty of meditating and practicing
various good things (v.8-9);
How to Be Anxious
for Nothing (v.6)?
A. Trust in God in everything;
B. Prayer and supplication in everything;
C. Thanksgiving in everything;
D. Let our requests be made known to God;
Things that
Christians Should Meditate on (v.8)
A. True;
B. Noble;
C. Just;
D. Pure;
E. Lovely;
F. Be of good report;
G. Virtue;
H. Praiseworthy;
Views that Believers
Should Have On the Gift
A. God makes us care for the Lord’s workers
(v.10).
B. God provides the opportunity for us to
present the gift (v.10).
C. The one who gives and the one who received
are jointed by this (v.14).
D. The devotion of gift lets each make up what
the other lacks ---- “giving and receiving” (v.15).
E. Supply the need of the workers in others
places (v.16).
F. Be rewarded from God (v.19);
The Attitudes that
the Lord’s Workers Are Supposed to Have
A. Do not blame because of the interruption of
provision (v.10);
B. Be content in shortage (v.11);
C. Do not seek the gift (v.17);
D. Be grateful to those who give and the church
(v.10
15-16);
E. Take the material gift as spiritual
sacrifice (v.18);
F. Pray to God to reward those who give and the
church (v.17
19);
The Provisions that
Christians Have Obtained (v.19-20)
A. The origin of provision ---- God;
B. The degree of provision ---- according to
His riches;
C. The way of provision ---- in Christ Jesus;
D. The content of provision ---- all the need;
E. The measure of provision ---- abound;
F. The purpose of provision ---- give glory to
God;
──
Caleb Huang《Christian Digest Bible
Commentary Series》
Translated by Mary Zhou