August 7, 2011
Evening Service

Philippians 4

 

Review:

1.       The study this morning lead from all the turmoil going on in the world today, to the Apostle Paul saying “that I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection.”

2.      TO KNOW HIM,            is to understand His teachings.  And we can do this.  God has given us of His Spirit, so that we need no man teach us, but the Anointing you received in the beginning of your walk with God, will teach you of all things.

3.      We will finish up the letter to the Philippians this evening.  From there we will study another letter in the prison epistles, Colossians.

Paul closed the third chapter by saying this:

Phi 3:20-21  For our citizenship is in Heaven, from which also we are looking for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,  (21)  who shall change our vile body so that it may be fashioned like His glorious body, according to the working of His power, even to subdue all things to Himself.

 

Let’s begin:

Phi 4:1-23  Therefore, my brothers, ones loved and longed for, my joy and crown, stand fast in this way in the Lord, beloved ones.  (2)  I beg Euodia and Syntyche that they be of the same mind in the Lord. 

• This is a cry from the Apostle throughout his writings.  There will always be differences of opinion on things, but we must remember that someone is in charge, and in authority.  The authority we rest upon is the Word of God.  And it is the Pastor’s responsibility to point to, and receive answers from this infallible Word.  Those who are called to teach should use the Scriptures for their final answer to every question, not some man’s opinion.  We should be able to agree on the answer given from the Bible.
• Listen to the Apostle Paul;        1Co 14:36-37  What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?  (37)  If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.
• Now, you hear me use these Scriptures over, and over, but they are relevant.  Such as;  2Ti 3:16  All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

And;  Heb. 11:6;  Heb 11:6  But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

And, the Scriptures tell us how to get this faith;  Romans 10:17;  Rom 10:17  So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

• It is alright to disagree, but it should be done in love, and continue worshipping with one another.  Paul said, Rom 16:17-18  Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.  (18)  For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

Phi 4:3-23  And I entreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellow laborers, whose names are in the book of life. 

• What a wonderful thought, that your name is written in the Lamb’s book of life.  That should make us rejoice all the time.

 

 

 

(4)  Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.

• It really doesn’t matter what our circumstances are, we serve the God who is over all circumstances, and as long as we are trying to do His will, He will provide.

(5)  Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

• The Lord said He would be among us, even if just two or three were gathered together in His name.  He is always at hand.
• There was a common saying among the Apostles that they were living in the last days;  listen to these Scriptures; 
• Heb 1:1-2  God who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,  (2)  Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;
• 2Pe 3:3  Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,
• Then the Scripture we used this morning;  “But in the last days perilous times shall come”.
• And this last days is probably referring to the last dispensation of God’s plan for mankind.  It has been over 2000 years since Jesus went away, and all the while it has been in the last days.

(6)  Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 

• Hopefully we can see the importance the Apostle puts on prayer, and our attitude in prayer.  So much we can learn, and benefit from.

(7)  And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 

• Isn’t this what the world is seeking?  I think so.  I don’t believe the world is satisfied with the way it is headed.  It is still our calling to point people to the Lamb of God who will take away the sins of the world, and give them this peace that passes all understanding.

(8)  Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 

• Doing, and thinking on these things will bring peace, joy, and happiness into your lives.

(9)  Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do:

• Here again Paul is saying “as I follow Christ, you follow me.”  God gave Paul a special anointing live the life, and do His will for mankind. 

and the God of peace shall be with you.  (10)  But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.  (11)  Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.  (12)  I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 

• Sister Terrell always said, “less is better.”

(13)  I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. 

• The first Scripture I memorized after becoming a Christian.

(14)  Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.  (15)  Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.  (16)  For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.  (17)  Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.  (18)  But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well-pleasing to God.  (19)  But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.  (20)  Now unto God and our Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.  (21)  Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you.  (22)  All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar's household.  (23)  The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.