Finding the Peace of God Philippians 4:1-7
– The Bible Teaching Commentary –
Paul J. Bucknell
Overview of Philippians 4:1-9 | The Peace of God Philippians 4:1-7
The God of Peace Philippians 4:8-9 | Handout Philippian s4:1-9
Purpose
Philippians 4:1-7: The Peace of God – a Life Commentary discusses how to find the Peace of God from Philippians 4:1-7 . A diagram/chart is provided that gives detail of the first five steps to find God's peace. This is part two of a three part series on Philippians 4:1-9, Finding the Peace of God.
Phase I: Philippians 4:1-7
Step #1
Living in Harmony (Philippians 4:1-2)
Good relationships are vital. We normally do not think relationships are so important–especially with some people. However, peace comes from love.
The way we relate to man reflects a lot on how we relate with God. However, it is important to recognize that our peace of heart is not derived from these relationships.
"I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to live in harmony in the Lord" (4:2).
• Two women perhaps had much to do with the origin of church; meeting places.
• ‘Urge’, Urging because of relationships, easier to offend
Encourage is used twice to not give favor to either.
• To be of an opinion or frame of mind which is characterized by how the Lord would think and carry out things. (Philippians 2:2 -one of humility). Think how the same difference finds unity.
Application
Our plans, minds, hopes and aspirations, whether in leadership or in the body, must come under the scrutiny of the Lord’s humility. Peace can never be thought of as an individualistic possession. Our peace should never be thought of apart from your relationships with others.
This is not to say our peace is gotten from these relationships. The peace God desires is one where we all can mutually grow and work together even if we differ in methods and timing.
How can we have peace when we are not at peace with one another? Especially the influential people in the church whether it is over money, construction, Meeting times or whatever.
- What relationships does God want to work on with you right now?
Step #2
Helping Godly Coworkers (Philippians 4:3)
Give proper respect and assistance to those doing God's work.
The leaders are to lead God's people into God's work, not to do it on their own.
We might have differences, but we are still expected to support God's work rather than to criticize it.
"Indeed, true comrade, I ask you also to help these women who have shared my struggle in the cause of the gospel, together with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life" (Philippians 4:3).
◊ Related to previous, but hits a different spot. Support rather than criticize.
• Yoked together, yokefellow: Paul’s wife, one of the two’s husband, Epaphroditus, Timothy, Silas, Luke, Chief bishop, name “Synzygus”.
Best is comrade -Paul sees the entire church as a unit, as a single individual, who shares with him the apostolic work. -Hawthorne, p. 180.
• Take and bring together, lay hold of , help, assist
• Three groups: These women, Clement, and other laborers for the kingdom.
• Fight together side by side with”. Metaphysical word draw from games in the gladiator’s arena.
Application
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How can we have peace when we are not actively participating in God's Gospel program? The Gospel was born to be shared with others. Fight apathy.
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Write a list of leaders God expects you personally to support.
Step #3
Rejoicing in the Lord Always (Philippians 4:4)
Our greatest joy is not in things or circumstances but in the grand person of Jesus Christ. By focusing on His eternal kingdom and holy values we see our greatest service to Him is to cherish and trust Him.
His children are not to focus on how they are treated but on how the Lord has loved them!
"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4).
◊ Finally can focus on self, and yet here as His children focus is on the Lord.
• Rejoice -the action is opposite to what we feel.
• Object -in the Lord
• Duration -always
• Emphasis -”Again I say”
Application
- Come out from under the burdens of our wants and needs and focus on our Lord's grace. Be thankful and rejoice in Him.
Each time you feel critical of something going on, get by yourself and start rejoicing in the Lord till the feelings disappear.
Deceive themselves as even now ‘a quick war’. Media isn’t listening to the army speak. Don’t want to hear.