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?
