Day 178 – Friday, September 5, 2025

One Year Journey Through the New Testament

Philippians 4

Welcome to our journey through the New Testament!

Stand Fast

Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved. 

(Philippians 4:1, NKJV)

Points to Ponder:

• In this final chapter of the letter to the Philippians, Paul gave some final instructions.
• He started by telling them that they were his beloved disciples and friends. He also told them that in light of the previous teachings, that they should stand fast in the Lord.

Be United, Joyful, and Prayerful

² I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. ³ And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.

⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!

⁵ Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.

⁶ Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; ⁷ and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 

(Philippians 4:2–7, NKJV)

Points to Ponder:

• Paul then implored the two dissenters (Euodia and Syntyche) to be in unity with the Lord and one another, and the brethren. He called upon his “true companion,” an unnamed individual, to help the women come to agreement. There is much speculation as to who this person may have been, but not solid truth. He called all the Philippians to work together for the gospel enterprise.
• He continued with a call to rejoice, repeating it for emphasis. He called them to gentleness because of the soon coming to the Lord.
• He spoke to them about anxiety, encouraging them not to be anxious, but to pray about everything. Pray for your needs and believe that God will give you peace, an unearthly peace, while you wait for the answer.

Meditate on These Things

⁸ 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 things. ⁹ The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you. 

(Philippians 4:8–9, NKJV)

Points to Ponder:

• Paul then gave the readers the representative list of things that should occupy the mind of a believer.
  • True
  • Noble
  • Just
  • Pure
  • Lovely
  • Of good report
  • Virtue
  • Praiseworthy
• Paul told them to think or meditate on these things.
• He also instructed them to remember his teachings and follow his example.

Philippians Generosity

¹⁰ But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. ¹¹ Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: ¹² I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. ¹³ I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

¹⁴ Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress. ¹⁵ Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. ¹⁶ For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. ¹⁷ Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. ¹⁸ Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. ¹⁹ And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. ²⁰ Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. 

(Philippians 4:10–20, NKJV)

Points to Ponder:

• Paul rejoiced over the generosity of the Philippians.
• Paul was content in whatever condition in which he found himself, but the support was helpful.
• He commended them for being the only contributor to his ministry in the beginning. He prayed for fruit to their account.
• Paul spoke of abounding in the blessings of God, and being full because of the Lord’s provision.
• He then penned the great words, “…my God shall supply all you need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” What a powerful statement of faith.

Greeting and Blessing

²¹ Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren who are with me greet you. ²² All the saints greet you, but especially those who are of Caesar’s household.

²³ The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. 

(Philippians 4:21–23, NKJV)

Points to Ponder:

• Paul sent greetings to all the saints, and offered greetings from his traveling team.
• He then blessed them with the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and closed with an amen. So be it.

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All Scriptures from New King James Version unless otherwise noted.

Join us this afternoon at 5:00 pm for a discussion of this chapter live online. Live@5 with Dr. Greg Sloop can be found on Facebook on the Dr. Greg Sloop page or on the Kannapolis Church of God Facebook page or Youtube page. Another blog will be posted each weekday at 6:00 a.m.