4 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends! 2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.
Paul’s final mission is to remind us that our true citizenship is in Heaven so, therefore, we are to stand firm in this truth and remember that Heaven is the true prize in this life. This is the reason to stand firm in the Lord. This finishing of the race, this crown that will be given (Stephanos, in Greek, meaning the crown given to a victor), is the trophy given to those who finish and win the race.
Our security is only found in one place: the Lord. We must be cautious about placing that trust anywhere else. Oftentimes, as human beings, we tend to drift into other places of contentment. This could be career, family, status - but even these things crumble and aren’t firm enough to place our entire lives upon. True security, or foundation, is only found in one place.
Although we know nothing about Euodia and Syntyche, it appears there was a problem in the church of Philippi that divided them. The call by Paul isn’t to take up sides but for the two women come together, united under the foundation of Christ.
True companion: there was someone in the church Paul tasked to bring these women together and remind them of the faith they shared in common, not the differences that divided them. These women, as Paul puts it, are contenders for the gospel. They have affected people and whatever their spat is, it isn’t a case of departure from the truth but of difference of opinion. So in that, it is important that one of the strong members of the church, this true companion, can help bring them back to a united understanding.
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Some can mistaken this passage as blind optimism. But that isn’t the case. Remember, Paul was writing this while in prison. His true fate was unknown. Yet, Paul was able to project a deep joy. How did he do this? Paul surrendered himself to God and knew God was in charge. Instead of trying to run the situation in his strength, Paul was able to operate in the joy of knowing that God was protecting and guiding his life in the perfect way it needed to be guided.
To help us move toward that state of understanding, Paul gives us a few items to consider:
Let your gentleness be evident to all: Gentleness is an evidence of the spirit working inside us. Our gentleness of spirit, in any situation, shows the world a calmness it desires and yet does not understand. If we, as Christians, are able to understand that God is in charge of all, then this will help us to truly release control to Him. This will aid in stress relief and help us to concentrate on the things that God wishes us to do: to affect others for God.
Do not be anxious about anything: Paul isn’t making a suggestion here. When we are unduly concerned with items in our world, we are forgetting that God has charge of it.
but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God : Paul is telling us to get reattached to the vine (John 15). Our lives, our entire lives, are under the jurisdiction of God, so all is proper for prayer and supplication. Prayer is the communication with God and supplication is the direct asking of something from God. If we come with a heart of thankfulness, God guarantees that our needs will be met.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus: God’s peace isn’t something we can outrightly understand. It is something we can’t attain on this earth, but we can strive for peace through God. His peace is something we can draw from, and this peace is a guard - a barrier- against the world influence that causes us to fall into the problem of cynicism. This peace brings us into a deeper understanding of Jesus.
8 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. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Consider Paul’s words as a place to begin to change your life. How much of our life is about the consumption of bad or destructive information. How often do we fill ourself with the troubles around us? Do we consume hate, cynicism, judgment, anger? What Paul is saying is crystal clear: concentrate on the things that are indicative of God’s peace. If we retrain our thoughts to concentrate on the beauty of God’s peace, then it will radiate into our life. Put them into practice. If we do that, then our life begins to change to reflect God rather than our own corrupt hearts.
10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 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. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
In Philippians 2:25, we see that the Philippians administered to Paul in a financial way. Here. Paul is referencing that, but also making certain that the Philippians understand that even though Paul is in need of financial support, God has shown him the wonderful lesson of provision.
1. He is content whatever the circumstance: How often do we get derailed by our circumstances? When adversity visits us, we tend to either fold up ( succumb to the trial), try to fix the situation or become consumed by it. Paul, writing from prison, understands that if God wants him to affect people and wants His message taken to others, it will be. His personal circumstance is small in God’s large vision.
2. He knows what it is to be in need, and knows what it is to have plenty: In our society, we tend to believe more is always better. To lose all is unthinkable. Paul lost everything. He was once a zealous Pharisee, the top of his class, highly- educated. He lived a life of opulence until Christ stripped it away on a dusty road heading toward Damascus. Paul understood both ends of the spectrum, wealth and poverty, and both ends have a teachable factor. When wealthy, Paul was provided for by earthly means. When an apostle for Christ, he was provided for by spiritual means. The spiritual provision is more important. It supplies all of life
3. I have learned the secret of being content: This is also a problem in our society. We are restless, unable to be content with our homes, our cars, our status. Yet Paul, understanding both ends of the spectrum, has come to a conclusion: his life experience has taught him the value of contentment. This contentment is only achieved through his relationship with Christ. This fundamental truth is about filtering his life through the relationship.
In life, we often look at Christ as an element. He’s one of many things we are about. When we compartmentalize the relationship, we lessen the power that Christ has in our life. Christ isn’t the center of our life but an element. We continue to struggle, we are restless, listless, fearful and compromised.
But if we are to view that relationship as the main relationship in our life and allow everything else to be a byproduct of it, then it changes everything. Suddenly we’re looking at our career with eternal eyes, our relationships, the way we spend our time. It gives us purpose and direction.
God wants to provide for us. But He also wants us to understand the relational aspect of it. If we are able to filter our lives through our relationship with Christ, then we are truly dependent on the vine, truly submitting our lives to Christ. And in that, Christ straightens our path so we can see the purpose for which we were created.
14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. 17 Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. 18 I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Paul’s assessment of Philippi’s help is not that he truly needed it (for Paul understands that he will be provided for regardless), but that it is an opportunity for Philippi to desire to help. Their offering, as Paul notes, is not so much for him but for the “crediting of their account.” In other words, Paul is saying that the altruistic attempt to help Paul is more valuable than the actual gift. That is the fragrant offering spoken of in verse 18, which reminds us of the sweet-smelling fragrant offerings of the Old Testament (Genesis 8:21, Exodus 29:41). This is also echoed in 2 Corinthians 8:1-5, as Paul referenced the graciousness of the Philippians. For their sacrificial offering, God will supply them their needs. Not everything they would ever desire, but the needs that they require at the time, echoing Jesus’ promise in Luke 6:38:
38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”