Philippians 4:10-13

Philippians 4:10-13

English Standard Version 

 Imagine having a credit card where you never have to pay the bills.  You'd never be concerned about what things cost -- you'd simply put it on the card.  No anxiety over the price of gas, no second thoughts about what you buy in the grocery store.  When the car breaks unexpectedly, you'd just put it on the card.  When the hot water heater explodes... no problem.  Just charge it.  Imagine how peaceful you'd be, never worrying about money.

  That's a glimpse into the situation Paul is talking about.  The Gospel has thoroughly penetrated his heart, and so he can be content.  He might be getting beaten by Roman soldiers or enjoying a Corinthian sunset -- in both situations, he is confidant that the Creator of the Universe loves him enough to die on a cross for him, and Paul knows he is claimed by God for all of eternity.  Given such knowledge, what can the world do to him that might rock his boat?  If he's a little hungry, he doesn't have concern, because he is beloved by the God who knit together his innermost being.  Paul knows he'll be taken care of.  And if there's a task in front of Paul, Paul takes it up with confidence, because God has led him this far, so surely the next step will be covered in grace, too.

  You are loved just the same as Paul.  How does that change you?

Philippians 4:8-9

Philippians 4:8-9 

English Standard Version 

   Your thoughts will lead your heart.  Our hearts don't just come up with random ideas and lead us astray -- when we find ourselves in sinful situations, it's often because our thoughts have been dwelling on those, and they lead our hearts to a certain place.  

  What do you think on when you don't have anything else to think about?  Answering that will often reveal what our true gods are.  If we train our minds to think on Christ, then that will lead our hearts into love with God.  It's not easy, and requires constant attention... but the more we dwell on Christ, the more our hearts will be pulled towards Christ, the more peace we'll find in life, because we find confidence in Christ, and in Christ alone.

Philippians 4:4-7

Philippians 4:4-7

English Standard Version 

  When people think about what a Godly person might act like, I doubt that Philippians 4:5 is one of the verses they turn to, but perhaps they should -- wouldn't it be great if the church was known for churning out reasonable people.  Society could use more of those -- maybe our ad campaigns should invite people to come and find reasonableness.

  What enables us to be reasonable?  

  Our hearts are guarded by the peace of Jesus Christ.  When we trust in this, then we don't have to be anxious that something else will steal or destroy our hearts.  We are filled with a peace that the world cannot understand, because the world knows fear, but we know peace, and we rest in God, with the knowledge that everything that needs to be done has been done.

  Exhale...

Philippians 4:1-3

Philippians 4:1-3 

English Standard Version 

  Have you ever carried something tremendously heavy by yourself?  I remember when I was in college, a friend asked me to move her refrigerator at the end of the school year.  It was heavy and awkward and not easily done, but I struggled along and finally made it.  At the end of it, I realized how much easier it would have been with a partner.  I hadn't really thought ahead, and so I figured it was easier and faster to do it on my own, but looking back, I was terribly wrong.

  Many things in life are like that.  As we get older and life gets more complex, it's often not physical tasks that we're undertaking on our own, but relationship and vocational tasks.  Out of pride, we often try and tackle these on our own, not wanting to seem weak by needing help, but the reality is that these things are easier and often more enjoyable when we have a companion.  Paul is reminding the church in Philippi that he doesn't spread the Gospel on his own -- he had companions, Euodia and Syntyche, who worked side by side, along with others, in sharing the Good News of the church.

  So let us humbly admit that we need companions, and welcome the opportunity to share a burden.  We're often eager to help others but don't recognize that it can be a gift to allow others to help us.  May we form tighter bonds in our communities and help build new relationships by opening up our lives to allow others to help us out.