Philippians 4:2–7 | Resources
Discussion Questions
What do you think it means to “agree in the Lord?”
Why is division in the body of Christ so damaging? Have you ever experienced this?
Paul exhorts the church to rejoice. Why? What are the results of continual rejoicing?
Summarize verses 6 and 7 in your own words. How are you doing obeying this command?
Today are you experiencing the peace of God? Why or why not? Today are you worrying or praying?
In light of our text/sermon, what would it look like to obey?
Memory Verse
“Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6–7 (CSB)
Devotional
I’ve never served in the armed forces, so it’s difficult for me to know what goes through the hearts and minds of men and women on a battlefield when the order to charge or to fire is called out. I am confident, however, that it is difficult to achieve victory without proper organization and training.
The battle cry rings out in Philippians 4:5 “the Lord is at hand.” Surrounding this battle cry is the command to bring to order the training and skills required to win the battle. Before this cry, Paul seeks to set things in order between Euodia and Syntyche. Two women who had labored side-by-side with Paul, and who were undoubtably important for the battle the Philippian church is called to fight. The fight requires a unified force—not one fighting within itself.
Paul reminds believers to rejoice in the Lord. Keep your morale up. He says to be reasonable. As we stand ready for battle, we should still be prepared for peace when possible.
After the battle cry, Paul exhorts the Philippian church to be anxious about nothing. When we are in a battle, we don’t have time to worry. Remarkably, Paul reminds believers that we can have the peace that passes all understanding to guard our hearts even in the midst of battles. Imagine having peace even when a battle is at hand. God gives us that peace, but it’s easier to rest in that peace if we have prepared for the battle and trust in God’s promises.
Are we ready for battle if it’s necessary? Are we trusting God, or are we anxious about what we want? Do we feel the peace that passes understanding guarding our hearts and minds, or are we searching somewhere else for our peace?
The Lord is at hand, so we can trust in him.