Philippians 4 - A Peace That Defies Logic!

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Final Exhortations

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-6

It is really impossible to overstate the veritable treasure chest of verses in Philippians 4. I certainly won't do it justice through one, measly blog entry. Verses 4-6 are the gold standard for how we should pray when we get anxious, which is pretty much an everyday occurrence. Importantly it starts out with the the words, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again "rejoice". 

In the Greek the word "rejoice" is in the present/command form. It means to choose joy right now even through you are in the midst of anxiety provoking situations. Paul makes inclusive statements like "always", "to all" and "all understanding". Paul is showing the all encompassing power and grace of God to help us in any situation we find ourselves. 

And the antidote to anxiety is prayer. Paul tells us to pray early and often. When we pray, we not only ask God for what we need, but thank him for what we have. As we leave our petitions at God's feet, there is a special promise God makes to us. He says, "The peace which passes understanding will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus!" 

When we pray, God gives us a peace that doesn't seem to make sense based on what we are going through. That is what makes its source clearly in Him. It is a peace that can only be explained by God's presence and power. We experience peace through God the Holy Spirit. One of the great fruits of the Holy Spirit is peace. This is the peace which guards our hearts and minds like a military officer guarding a post at the risk of his life. 

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8

We often hear the saying, "We become what we think about the most". The French philosopher and mathematician, Rene Descartes said, "I think, therefore I am". Or, when I asked my Grandpa how he quit smoking he used to say, "PMA". I asked him what PMA meant, and he said, "Positive Mental Attitude". 

Paul says something similar here. He gives various things we need to focus on like truth, nobility, loveliness all with a spirit of gratitude. Of course, these things are all from God. Part of keeping the peace of God is focusing on things that glorify and honor Him. 

What is your thought life like recently? Do you ruminate on the type of things Paul lists in Philippians 4:8? 

"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:12-13

As we know, Paul isn't speaking out of a vacuum, or offering up "pious platitudes". He is speaking from his own experiences of loss and desperation. Paul has learned to be content by leaning on God. He has learned the secret to being content no matter what the situation is. When the Philippians supplied his financial needs, he realized once again that God would provide for him. Then, he utters the famous words, 

"I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13

Many athletes showcase Philippians 4:13 on uniforms. Tim Tebow, former Heisman Award winning QB from Florida had it put in white on the "eye black" on his face. I would have to say this is Paul's motto for his life, which comes through all of his letters. 

"And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19

Though the Philippians had given sacrificially to Paul even though they were not flush with cash, Paul reminded them that we can never "outgive" God. God will always provide for all of our needs and has already provided for all of our needs in Christ. The riches we have been given in Christ, far exceed any financial need we have in this life. Though finances are not unimportant, they aren't as important as the riches of God's grace and the forgiveness he gave us on the cross through His Son.