Philippians 4
by Pastor David Groendyk

In many ways, I think Paul’s reminder that “our citizenship is in heaven” (3:20) could be the header for Philippians 4. Remembering where our true citizenship lies changes our perspective about everything in life. In verse 2–9, Paul is exhorting the believers in Philippi to stay focused on the right things. Euodia and Syntyche are virtually unknown in Scripture, except for the fact that they are arguing with each other. That’s not what you want to be known for. Paul exhorts them to put aside their differences so that they might be able to focus on what’s really important: laboring to bring the gospel to the world. The reason for their argument is not revealed to us, but we know that it was hindering the gospel from being preached. What arguments do you see believers engaged in now that are hindering church unity and effective ministry?

Paul also reminds the church that the Lord is at hand and we have no reason to be anxious. Rather than focus on our earthly troubles, we are to remember that we have a Father that we can go to in prayer. We are to remember that we have a Father who is perpetually taking care of us and has taken care of us for our entire lives. In fact, the whole point of verses 10–20 is that God supplies every need that we have, and that we’re called to live lives of contentment based on that truth. But notice that God’s response to our requests and anxiety in verse 7 is not to give us what we ask for. God’s response is to give us peace. The solution to our anxiety is not getting what we want, but remembering who’s in charge of it all, and knowing that whether or not our situation turns out the way we want it, God is still taking care of us. What are you anxious about? What do you need to turn over to God?

Finally, Paul tells us to fill our minds only with what is godly. I listened to a podcast recently that challenged Christians regarding what they fill their minds with. A healthy Christian might hear two sermons on Sunday, read the Bible every day, and attend one Bible study during the week. That would be a pretty great week for most of us! All of that time spent listening to the Word of God might add up to about five hours. Now think about how much time you spend listening to the news, scrolling through Facebook, and reading political articles. Does all of that other stuff outweigh the amount of time we spend filling our minds with God’s Word? Are we filling our minds with what is honorable and pure and lovely, or what is divisive and biting and belittling? Arguments, anxieties, and unhelpful time-spending are ways we show that we’re focused on the wrong things in life. Unity and reconciliation, prayer and trust, and edifying mind-fillers are what the Christian must focus on.