In the previous post I mentioned the first three verses in Philippians that were meant to encourage the church. If you haven’t read the first post I encourage you to start there. Today I want to continue with some additional verses below:
4. “Let your gentleness be known to all men.” Phil 4:5 Gentleness is defined: the quality of being kind, tender, or mild-mannered. In the amplified it states, “Let all men know and perceive and recognize your unselfishness (your considerateness, your forbearing spirit.” I remember my grandmother telling me as a child it doesn’t matter how much you know, people want to know how much you care. I have always remembered this and it has been something that Jesus showed over and over. He cared for people and showed us how to care for people as well. He loved unconditionally with a kindness and tenderness that we need today. Often today we don’t give time to others because we are so busy with our own day to day stuff. We tend to come across as rude and self-centered, yet we are called to be gentle to ALL. That means we are to be gentle with: the person that cut you off, the person that is rude to you in line, the person that yelled at you for what appears to be no reason, your spouse who doesn’t meet your expectations, your children when they are rebellious, and the list of people goes on and on. We are to be set apart from the world and being gentle is a great start.
5. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your request be made know to God.” Phil 5:6 In a time when people are full of anxiety, depression, and worry this verse is so important. We are a self inflicted stressed out society. We are always striving for more and more and find it difficult to be content. We overpack our calendars and never schedule in times of rest. Yet Paul reminds us to be anxious for nothing. Instead of worry we are to give our request to God with thanksgiving. As I have been talking with my kids these past few months I had them make a list of things they are thankful for. During Christmas we tend to take our focus off of the things we have and always looking for the next great gift or gadget, yet we need to remember what we already have. Instead of adding to our already crazy schedule we may just need a day to rest and rejoice in the Child the holiday is about.
6. “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these thing.” Phil 4:8 Where is your focus? What do you spend your time thinking on? Are you thinking on the could of, should of? Are you thinking of facts that don’t align with God’s word? When trials or situations happen do you spend your time consumed with those thoughts? If I can say one thing to encourage you when your mind has gone on rabbit trails of doom and gloom, remember “BUT GOD”. I’m sick, but God. I’m struggling to pay the bills, but God. I’m having problems with my kids, but God. My spouse wants a divorce, but God. Whatever issue you have right now don’t stop with that issue, add but God. God changes those thoughts when we meditate on His promise, His blessing, His truth. Seek out what God’s word says about your issues. You will be amazed to find His word is full of promises. Think on those promises, meditate on them, and let them become who you are. You are a child of God and he wants to bless you.
7. “The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.” Phil 4:9 I love that Paul similar to Jesus in Mark 16:17-18 states we are to do what we have seen and heard. Jesus stated, “And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” Paul did these same things and encourages those reading his letter to do the same. That is so encouraging. What have you been learning about in the bible today. Remember Jesus and Paul show us what we are capable of doing as believers and followers of Jesus Christ. We have the Holy Spirit living inside of us ready to do the impossible. We are called to be a vessel in which to be used, but first we must learn and receive so that we can go and do. I love thinking of all the things Jesus was able to do while he was here and he tells us to go and do the same. Paul adds that God will be with us and his peace will follow us.
May you be blessed
My hope in going thru some of Philippians with you is that you too will be encouraged as I have been. I write this not only for you but as I have been encouraged by the calling that we as believes all have. These words were spoken for all of us and they are so timely and necessary today. I would like to encourage you to evaluate if your conduct is worthy of the gospel. I don’t expect that we will ever be perfect but in light of these passages I pray that you would evaluate how you are living. Remember Paul wrote these words of encouragement while stuck in a prison cell. He didn’t write to complain about his situation. Instead he wrote to encourage others how to think, how to act. I pray that you would grab hold of these words from Paul and be encouraged. We have so much to be thankful for and so much God has planned for us.