Commentary on The book of Philippians. CH 4.

Truth In Scripture Pastor Rick Kabrick Thursday, February 24, 2022 Commentary on The book of Philippians. CH 4.
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Paul used the ancient Greek word for crown (stephanos) that describes the crown given to an athlete who had won the race. It was a crown of achievement not the crown that was given to a king (diadem). The Philippians, as they stand fast in the Lord, were Paul’s trophy.
These two women were faithful workers with Paul in the work of the Gospel. Yet, they had a falling out with each other over something. Paul knew that this unfortunate dispute needed to be cleared up.
And the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life. There were others in Philippi who also helped Paul. They all have the greatest honor in the world: To have their names in the Book of Life.
The Greek word Paul uses is ἐπιεικής epieikēs, = reasonable, gentile calm. Christians are not to be seen as easily angered, ruled by emotions which remember cannot think. Rather we are to be known as reasonable, wise people who can handle difficulties and disagreements with maturity.
6 Be anxious (μεριμνάω merimnaō = imperative mood, a command to NOT be anxious for nothing, NOT to be troubled with cares) for nothing (μεριμνάω merimnaō = nothing, nobody), be anxious for nothing but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
Paul wrote that everything is the proper subject of prayer. There are not some areas of our lives that are of no concern to GOD. NO, GOD is concerned with all areas of our life. We are HIS, we are the pupil of HIS eye, HE loves us. And that is not a license to sin, it is a license to serve.
Prayer is a broader word that can mean all of our communication with GOD, but supplication directly asks GOD to do something about a need.
We really can be anxious for nothing, pray about everything, ask for our desires (inside of the plan HE has for our life) and be thankful for anything.
Peace from GOD: Paul continually used this as an introduction to his letters; it reminds us that our peace comes to us as a gift from GOD.Peace with GOD: This describes a relationship that we enter into with GOD through the finished work of Yeshua.Peace of GOD: This is the peace spoken of here in Vs 7.
What we choose to meditate on, dwell on, put first in our thought processes matters. What Paul describes here is a practical way to bring every evil and nonproductive thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.
The generosity of the Philippian Christians was very much appreciated by Paul. Paul didn’t ask for money from every Church he started. Some he deliberately did not ask for money. The Philippians had an ongoing and sincere interest in his well-being.
11 Not that I speak from want (ὑστέρησις hysterēsis = want or poverty), for I have learned (μανθάνω manthanō = to learn by use and practice experience) to be content (αὐτάρκης autarkēs = sufficient, possessing enough to need no further aid or support) in whatever circumstances (hos = whoever, wherever, whatever) I am.
Contentment is not automatic and it is not a natural attitude. Rather, the OSN loves to grumble and complain, which is why Paul warned the Philippians and us to be on guard regarding it. Contentment is a learned thing, and experienced thing a thing and attitude to focus on, it is a learned skill.
12 I have learned by experience and practice to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.
His comments here are meant to include all of these situations, as well as many others. Under house arrest while writing this letter, he that he has found the secret to enduring these struggles. It was to be content in whatever circumstance the LORD put him in.
Paul used the gift, but he knew GOD would provide. One of the most important principles regarding giving in the Scriptures is that we are never the poorer for having given. GOD will never be in debt and we can never out-give GOD.
Paul calls these gifts a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to GOD. OT offerings were considered acceptable sacrifices that pleased GOD, and here Paul states under the influence of the HS that the Philippians’ gifts to Paul provided GOD the same satisfaction.
Paul took special care to include those of Caesar’s household. He may have been intentionally vague at this point, not wishing to reveal the particular servants of Caesar who had converted to Christianity in his writing. Paul uses that to point out that they, the Philippians and we and any believer has and have a far greater citizenship, we are now as believers, citizens of Heaven. We are in the world, but not of it as we are citizens of Heaven, ambassadors of Yeshua.