Philippians 4:1-9 (NRSV)
Read Philippians 4:1-9 on biblegateway.com
Chapter 4Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved. Verse 2I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Verse 3Yes, and I ask you also, my loyal companion, help these women, for they have struggled beside me in the work of the gospel, together with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life. Verse 4Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Verse 5Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Verse 6Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Verse 7And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Verse 8Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Verse 9Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.
Devotion
Paul gives us a map showing us how to stand firm in the Lord. He wants us to experience the full benefits of God’s mercy. Paul believes that living in Christ has the power to transform us and, in that transformation, we experience the gifts of God.
Paul instructs his hearers to “have the same mind.” Reconciliation, mending fences, is crucial to standing firm in the Lord. Another plea is to rejoice with one another! Rejoicing with one another fortifies faith. Don’t be anxious, he continues, instead pray trusting that God meets us in our worries and takes them into God’s self. Then Paul gives us good faith habits to occupy our minds (v.8). Paul truly believes that God’s redemption is already here and we only need to welcome it by embracing these habits. He is so confident in God’s ultimate victory, that he can live in peace. He wants the same for all believers.
Prayer
Gracious God, for this day, we thank you. We pray that you will help us to be the people Paul thinks we can be. Help us to trust in you so that we can give up our own selfish ways and truly be beacons for peace and hope in your world. Amen.
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