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 (Galatians to Colossians)
Rejoice In the Lord

 23: “Rejoice in the Lord” (Php 4:2-9)

The Basics

Setting

This section is Paul’s final encouragement to the Philippians. He exhorts them to be like-minded in the Lord, rejoice in suffering, and pray always. He also reminds them to meditate on the virtues of others and put into practice all the things they have heard and seen in him.

Key Verse

“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” (4:4).

Did You Know…?

1.      Prayer, supplication, requests (4:6): “‘Prayer’ (proseuche-) denotes the petitioner’s attitude of mind as worshipful. ‘Petition’ (dee-sei) denotes prayers as expressions of need… ‘Requests” (aite-mata) refers to the things asked for.” 3/152

2.      Lovely (4:8): “The Greek word is from pros (toward) and phileo (love), and means pleasing, agreeable, that which inspires love.”1/56

Observation

Outline

(4:2-3)

(4:4-7)

(4:8-9)

Key Words/Phrases

General Analysis

Go through the entire passage and answer the following questions based on your observation.

1.     How can we achieve unity despite differences?

2.     How can we have peace in the midst of troubles?

3.     How can we achieve holiness in the midst temptations?

Segment Analysis

4:2-3

1a.    When relationships between fellow workers break down, what adverse effects will it have on the church?

1b.    Do you need to be reconciled with someone today? (cf. Mt 5:23-24)

2.      Consider the words “in the Lord” (2), “in the gospel” (3), and “in the Book of Life” (3). Why do you think Paul mentions these things in his plea for like-mindedness?

3.      What is the Book of Life? Whose names are written in the Book of Life? (Rev 3:5; 17:8; 20:12,15; 21:27; 22:19; cf. Lk 10:20; Heb 12:23)

4:4-7

4a.    Why does Paul emphasize the command to rejoice?

4b.    How does the command to rejoice relate to verses 6 and 7?

4c.    Why must we rejoice “in the Lord” (4)?

4d.    How is it remarkable that a man like Paul encourages others to rejoice? What does this teach us about the nature of the joy in Paul?

5a.    What does it mean to let our gentleness be known to all men (5)?

5b.    Give some examples of how you can show your gentleness.

5c.    What does gentleness have to do with the fact that the Lord is at hand?

6a.    What is the way to get rid of anxiety in our lives?

6b.    Why is anxiety unnecessary?

7a.    What does it mean that the peace of God surpasses all understanding?

7b.    How is this peace different from the peace the world gives? (cf. Jn 14:27)

4:8-9

8a.    According to verse 8, what is a secret to godly living?

8b.    What adjustments can you make to your daily schedule, friends, and leisurely activities in order to live out the teaching in verse 8?

9.      Give an example from daily life to illustrate each of the following:

9a.    Whatever things are true

9b.    Whatever things are noble

9c.    Whatever things are just

9d.    Whatever things are pure

9e.    Whatever things are lovely

9f.     Whatever things are of good report

9g.    If there is any virtue

9h.    If there is anything praiseworthy

10.    To have God’s presence in our lives, what should we do more besides hearing, reading, or understanding the word of God?

11.   Compare “the God of peace” in verse 9 with “the peace of God” in 7. How are the teachings in 8 and 9 a step further than the teachings in 6 and 7?

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