Philippians 4:9-23

COMMENTS

Yesterday’s passage ended with a verse that I did not address; but as I study today’s verses, I find it necessary to go back to it.

I’ve always felt it odd that Paul frequently tells his readers to watch him and to do what he does.  That always seemed arrogant and self-serving from my point of view, but I had to admit that it didn’t seem that our righteous God would give us an arrogant man as an example.  Paul wrote most of the New Testament, and these are inspired writings.  So, I am forced to reevaluate my conclusions.

 

NOTES

In verse 9, Paul tells the Philippians to copy him—to watch him and do as he does.  And he’s very specific about this:  whatever he taught them, whatever they received from him, whatever they heard from him, whatever they saw in him, they were to “put into practice”.  In verses 10-20 Paul displays the attributes he told them about in verses 4-7:

Be JOYFUL.  Verse 10 starts with Paul once again speaking of how he rejoices (“greatly” this time) in the Lord.

Be GENTLE.  As we read these verses, we find that Paul is very gentle with the Philippians.  He is kind and encouraging and loving.

Don’t be ANXIOUS.  In verse 11, he “[has] learned to be content whatever the circumstances”.  In verse 12, he "[has] learned the secret of being content in any and every situation”.

Be PRAYERFUL.  In verse 13, Paul says, “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.”  Where does that strength come from?  From prayer!

Be THANKFUL.  This passage is filled with gratitude for and recognition of what the Christians in Philippi have done for Paul.  Verse 10:  “you have renewed your concern” and “you have been concerned”.  Verse 14:  “you…share in my troubles”.  Verse 15:  “not one church shared with me…except you only”.  Verse 16:  “you sent me aid again and again when I was in need”.   Verse 18:  “I am amply supplied, now that I have received…the gifts you sent.”  And, though this gratitude is expressed to the Philippians, there is an undercurrent of gratitude to God, a recognition that He was the true provider, as he tells them in verse 19 that “God will meet all your needs”.

If you look at Paul’s teaching yesterday, these are the same elements he spoke about.

The reason Paul can tell us to emulate him is that, by the power of the Spirit, he is emulating Christ.  Lord, help me to do the same.