Very Practical Counsel – Philippians 4

Joy:  You’re listening to the Lifting Her Voice podcast, Episode #178.  Today we’ll read Philippians chapter 4 together. Paul gives us very practical counsel and expresses appreciation for the support he received from the Philippians.

Welcome to the Lifting Her Voice podcast.  I’m your host, Joy Miller, and I invite you to grab your Bible and join me as we simply read God’s word together.  Some things require discipline and sometimes that’s just not easy to muster by yourself, no matter how badly you want to do it or how much you know you should.  It’s just easier to do it with a friend.  So refill your coffee or tea, get comfortable in your favorite chair and follow along as I read aloud.  I’m so glad you’re here!

Welcome

I can’t decide if you are going to get tired of me saying ‘Congratulations for finishing another chapter!’ or if you need every bit of encouragement and will never weary of hearing that big ‘Congrats!’  I’m going to err on the side of the latter because being disciplined about being in the Word everyday is a big deal!

I had the joy of visiting with my friend, Roger, today when we were both at the church doing business for our individual ministries.  First, I cannot tell you what a huge encouragement this man has been to me.  He listens to the podcast and tells his friends and, writes me long texts when the Spirit inspires him.  He is Proverbs 25:11 personified: A word spoken at the right time is like gold apples in silver settings.

Anyway, Roger and I were talking about how important it is to be in the Word every day and agreed that it was the baseline for our walk with Christ.  We cannot know God without being in His Word.  If we aren’t reading it for ourselves and allowing the Holy Spirit to speak to us through and about Scripture, we are only regurgitating what we’ve heard and what seems right in our own minds.  And we know that’s a recipe for disaster.  

I never get tired of hearing how God is working in your life as you read through His Word on your own.  Tell me more at Lifting Her Voice.com, Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.  And congratulations for finishing another book in the New Testament!

Philippians Chapter 4

So then, my dearly loved and longed for brothers and sisters, my joy and crown, in this manner stand firm in the Lord, dear friends.

Practical Counsel

I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to agree in the Lord. Yes, I also ask you, true partner, to help these women who have contended for the gospel at my side, along with Clement and the rest of my coworkers whose names are in the book of life. Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. 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.

Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable — if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy — dwell on these things. Do what you have learned and received and heard from me, and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.

Appreciation of Support

I rejoiced in the Lord greatly because once again you renewed your care for me. You were, in fact, concerned about me but lacked the opportunity to show it. I don’t say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I find myself. I know how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content — whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me. Still, you did well by partnering with me in my hardship.

And you Philippians know that in the early days of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving except you alone. For even in Thessalonica you sent gifts for my need several times. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the profit that is increasing to your account. But I have received everything in full, and I have an abundance. I am fully supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you provided — a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will supply all your needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Final Greetings

Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me send you greetings. All the saints send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Closing Thoughts

What a feather pillow of Scripture!  What a mother’s hug; what a hot tub of relaxation.  It’s all here…His promised strength, His telling us not to worry, His encouragement to fill our minds with good things, His peace.  He tells us to work in unity, He tells us to rejoice, He tells us He is near, He invites us to pray.  This is our God, this is our Christ.  

It’s obvious that the Philippians are a joy to Paul.  Their support and encouragement meant everything to him.  I pray that we too will remember that we just don’t know what a little encouragement will do for someone else…a smile, a small gift, sharing that bumper crop of tomatoes that you’re overwhelmed with, a phone call.  Such a simple effort on our part just might be the best thing that happens to that person all day.  Let’s pray.

Prayer

Oh Father, what a gift this little book is.  Thank You.  Please help us to take this simple, wise counsel to heart, integrating it into our daily routines and attitudes.  Lord, our joy is complete in You.  Don’t let us forget that it is always available.  Do not allow us to lose our first love, who is Christ.  Remind us always of the Philippians.  Amen. 

Thank you for joining me here today.  I pray God will grow in you what has been planted and watered here.  In this time of unprecedented struggle worldwide, we can look to God for guidance and comfort.  Be sensitive to those in your circle of influence who need a word of encouragement and invite them to join us.  If you like this show, it would be great if you give it a five-star review.  Don’t forget to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.  See you right here tomorrow.  Be well!

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Christian Standard Bible(r), Copyright (c) 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible(r) and CSB(r) are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.