By Robert Olsen, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Christian Studies, University of Mobile
JOY THROUGH PEACE
Philippians 4:1–9
Stand (1)
Throughout the book of Philippians, Paul encourages his readers to remain firm in their faith in order to help build joy and confidence in other believers. As the culture turns more and more against Christians, it becomes more important than ever for Christians to know what they believe and stand for, even if it costs us our jobs or reputations. As we are seeing now, it is costing Afghani Christians their lives, and this should help us to be bold in our own setting.
When we choose to stand for Christ, we show others that our God is worth the sacrifice, and we bring glory to Him. We also pray this would lead others to accept Christ as their Savior, choosing to stand for something eternal rather than choosing to stand with the world.
Unite (2–3)
In the midst of Paul’s encouraging letter, he confronts a contentious situation in Philippi; two Christian women, Euodia and Syntyche, were at odds with each other.
We are never told how these two disagreed with each other, but Paul encourages them, with the help of others in the congregation, to put aside their differences.
It is crucial for Christians to work at being unified.
Internal disputes are far more dangerous to the well being of an organization than external ones.
External pressures often help to forge unity, but internal ones weaken it.
The Church should focus on our unity in Christ and our similarities rather than our differences. Our identity is to be in Christ, not our own demands or preferences.
Paul shows us it is the duty of those in the church to help bridge these differences rather than going to external authorities or even leaving these two women to handle it themselves.
The sake of the gospel is more important than our disagreements, and it needs to be our focus.
Pray (4–7)
Instead of being contentious, Paul tells his readers to rejoice in the Lord always. Because of the salvation we have in Christ, we know God has secured an eternal home for us. No matter what happens to us here on earth, God has a plan for us that we can trust.
Having joy in all circumstances encourages other Christians and also is a way to show the world the hope we have. We live in a society that has no hope. The depression rate in the U.S. is at an all-time high because people have no eternal purpose. Atheists believed getting rid of religion would result in a world of peace and happiness, but instead it has brought anger, resentment and dread.
In this environment, Christians have an opportunity to be light and salt (Matt. 5:13–16), to bring hope to the world.
This is not an easy task; just because we possess this eternal hope does not mean we are above the stresses and pressures of life. This is why Paul tells us to be in prayer and not be anxious.
Prayer gives us peace because it keeps us in communion with God and reminds us He is with us in the middle of our situations.
Dwell (8–9)
To show the Philippians what it looks like to not be anxious, Paul holds himself up as an example. Paul had been tortured, imprisoned, beaten, etc., but he always had joy because he knew he was doing God’s will. Paul told believers to focus on eternal things so they wouldn’t get bogged down with the things of this world.
Paul told them to focus on things that are honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable and morally excellent and praiseworthy.
Focusing on the beauty of Christ and His word is a good way to help us deal with the negative situations we find ourselves in and point others to Christ.
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