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Weekly Message | December 21st, 2008
Passage: Philippians 4:1-23
Key Verse(s): 4,5
The title of today's message is, "The Lord is near." In Philippians 4:1-23 we find so many wonderful verses that are worthy to memorize. In verses 4 and 5, St. Paul summarizes the content of Christian life. It is to rejoice in the Lord always. This is so important that he says it again: Rejoice. This is what Christian life is about. Rejoice in the Lord.
There is no real certainty in this world. So people all experience anxiety. Contentment is rare for people. However, in Christ Jesus we find reasons to be joyful always and learn the secret to be content in any and every situation. In this troubled world our spirit can experience peace that passes all human understanding.
First, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything….present your requests to God" (4:1-9). For the past few months American people experienced the collapse of trust. Last week another financial fraud incident occurred. Regulators say Mr. Madoff himself estimated that $50 billion in personal and institutional wealth from around the world was gone (NY Times 12/19/08). All of a sudden, people’s jobs do not seem to be so secure. Our confidence in the health of US system of governance is shaken. It is no wonder why people feel very anxious these days. Paul also lived in very anxious time. His world was as uncertain as ours. He wrote this letter just a few years before Roman Army destroyed Jerusalem at AD 70. The Jewish nation was then destroyed and disappeared for almost two thousand years until it was rebuilt in 1948. His personal circumstance, with failing health in the dark prison as an old man, was not a happy one at all. Even so, he was full of spirit of Christ Jesus.
Look at verse 1: "Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends!" This is an exciting description of Apostle Paul's attitude toward the fellow Christians in Philippi. He loved them dearly from his heart. He regarded them as the reason for his joy and glory in the presence of Christ Jesus.
Look at verse 2: "I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord." Lydia and the jailor's family were the pioneering members of the Philippian Church (Acts 16:13-15, 31-34). After a number of years, two women, Euodia and Syntyche, seemed to have some influence in the church. Probably, they were wives of key leaders. Anyway, their personal conflicts spilled over into the small church and it caused frictions and hardships. Paul was very well aware of the problems. But he did not take sides. Paul's earnest plea was that both Euodia and Syntyche agree with each other in the Lord.
Look at verse 3: Paul had a very high regard for these women. They were faithful gospel co-workers. They contended at Paul's side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of his fellow workers. Their names are in the book of life. They loved the Lord. They worked well with Paul, but not with each other. So Paul urged the leaders to actively work toward the resolution of these matters.
Look at verse 4: "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" This is Paul's instruction to Christians. However, this instruction is in obedience to Jesus' command. Jesus commanded his disciples to "rejoice and be glad" even when they receive persecutions (Mat 5:12). One time the disciples had a wonderful evangelistic journey. They were so excited because of the mighty work of God. However, Jesus said, "Do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven." (Lk. 10:20) Jesus told his disciples to rejoice. Rejoice in both difficult times and victorious moments. Rejoicing is for all circumstances.
Look at verse 5:"Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near." If we rejoice in the Lord, we are mindful of others. We experience God’s presence that is near to us. The spirit of Jesus Christ is with us. We find rest in our souls. So we treat others with the gentleness of Jesus Christ, who humble and gentle in heart (Mt 11:29).
Look at verse 6: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Here, Paul is presenting practical ways how to deal with our anxiety. What do we do with the anxiety that arises in our hearts? First of all, we accept the truth that God knows our reasons for anxiety. To some people who experience extreme anxiety may use medical help. Our body needs medical attentions as needed. Here, Paul speaks here about our spiritual approach. We present your requests to God." It is to present out requests to God--honestly and affirmatively. We don't have to pretend as if we are not anxious about anything. We offer prayers and petitions. Prayer involves worship and adoration. We reflect on God's attributes and honor Him. Petition is to seek God with specific requests. It is based on our needs. Worship God first and then speak about particular things to God. Do all this with thanksgiving.
What are the outcomes of prayer? Look at verse 7: "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." We don't know how it works. The peace of God rests in our soul. We find peace of God that is beyond what we can explain in words. This peace of God guards our minds and hearts in Christ Jesus.
Look at verse 8: "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things." Our life styles depend on our thinking life. "Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires." (Ro 8:5) The way we think, that's the way we become. Our Lord Jesus displays each aspect of godliness: (1) Jesus is true. His promises are true. His words are true; (2) Jesus is noble. He is not so selfish and petty. He is generous and sacrificial; (3) Jesus is pure. He is holy; (4) Jesus is lovely. He is love; (5) Jesus is admirable in his sacrifice on our behalf; (6) Jesus is praiseworthy for his superb sacrifice; (7) Jesus is excellent for his work. Therefore, as we walk with Christ, we imitate his attitude and spirit in us.
Look at verse 9: "Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me--put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." They observed all aspects of Paul's life with their eyes, ears, minds and hearts. What did they see? They saw a dedicated, happy and blessed life that was near to God. The great spiritual discipline is to practice of God’s presence in our lives. We learn to live before God who is very near. Through this constant practice we impart others this gift of God’s presence. This world has so many people who presence may make us nervous, anxious, fearful and dread. But by the grace of God we don’t have to become burdens to others. In my short life some of the most memorable moments were to be with God’s people who help me experience joy, peace, comfort and assurance that Christ gives. In this coming year, let’s pray that we may practice the presence of Christ so that we may share this gift of God’s peace with others.
Second, “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation” (10-13). In this part the main idea is about contentment in any and every situation. This is about being happy in any and every situation. Look at verse 10: "I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me." Although Paul pioneered many churches (e.g., Galatia, Corinth, Ephesus, Thessalonica and many other small places), it was only Philippian church that consistently supported Paul. One day the Christian leaders in Philippi heard that Paul was put in a Roman prison. It was 600 miles away. Since Roman authorities treated Paul as a criminal, they probably branded anyone who tried to help him as an enemy of Rome, too. They had to overcome fear of hostile Roman authorities. The way to Rome was very dangerous one—so many thieves, bandits and robbers along the path. In addition, their lack of financial resources slowed them to respond to his needs more quickly. In spite of all these difficulties, they made every effort to help their shepherd and pastor, Apostle Paul. They finally succeeded in bringing their gifts. In this way, they showed their deep concern for Paul in a very practical way. Apostle Paul rejoiced in the Lord knowing their great effort. Paul was happy to express his gratitude for them. This is what it means to be content and happy. Express our words of gratitude to those who helped and blessed us in some way or another.
Look at verses 11 and 12:"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want." Here, the emphasis is the phrase, “I have learned”. This is very personal experience. Before knowing Christ he did not know how to be content. In fact, he was competitive and ambitious. His soul was restless, anxious and troubled. But now he learned this secret to be content (i.e., happy) in any and every situation. How did he do that? It was years of learning process. So at the beginning he had to go through steps of learning—very unnatural and awkward at the beginning, gradually get used to it, and finally settled as his habits of heart.
How did he learn this secret to be content (i.e., satisfied, happy and joyful) in any and every situation? He said, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain”(Phil 1:21). It was Jesus Christ that provides him this secret. Contentment is the fruit of seeking God through Christ Jesus. Jesus said, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled."(Mt 5:6). Jesus satisfies our needs because he came to earth, died on the cross for our sins and rose again from the dead. Contentment is to live at the present. Mathew 6:34 says, "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." The future is unknown. Worrying about it can only fill our hearts with discontent. So, we trust God for tomorrow and do what we can do today.
Most of all, contentment is possible because God gives us strength. Paul’s secret of being content in any and every situation is here when he said, “I can do everything through him who gives me strength." In the past I misinterpreted the meaning of this world. I only took this verse for the purpose of doing more through Christ. But this verse needs to be understood in the context of contentment. This is not about how to become a super performing Christian in our worldly affairs. This is about how to be content in any and every situation? We should not separate verse 13 from the context of contentment. Here is our need to be content and at the same time to continue our work. This is about the state of being satisfied with the Lord and therefore working hard for the Lord. Our satisfaction is with the Lord. Our continuous motivation is for the Lord. We continue to work hard for the Lord.
People usually settle down quickly after achieving some modest success in life. Because it is too weary to continue pursuing whatever the goals ahead of us. So in the name of contentment people no longer try anything new. But in Christ Jesus we try something new because we are content and happy. We do this for the Lord. The greatest joy, for example, is to lead people to Christ in personal faith. We help them to resolve their live issues through Christ Jesus. We then guide them to be responsible and fruitful with their talents. Finally, we pray for them so that they may become sacrificial men and women of God for Christ and his name’s sake. Would you stop because you helped 10 people over the years? Would you stop because you served 100 people? No, we will not stop if our motivation is to please the Lord. Work for the Lord. Work for the people who need the Lord. Then, out of contentment we will continue to work in any and every situation.
Third, "My God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus"(14-23). Look at verse 14-16. Here Paul praises these people who helped him in so many ways. Their help was, in some respect the hand of God to strengthen him at times. The Philippians loved Paul from the early days of their acquaintance with the gospel. The Philippian church was the only church that shared with him in the matter of giving and receiving. Even after Paul left Philippi, they sent him aid again and again when he was in need. Paul did not forget about this.
Look at verse 17: "Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account." Paul was not trying to get more gifts. Rather, he was looking to bless them and receive God's reward. What was the value of their offering? They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God." Their offering was quite valuable. It was a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. Paul was content; therefore he blessed others. This is the sign of contentment. Those who are content bless others.
Look at verse 9: "And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." St. Paul plants this word of promise to them. Our God has glorious riches in Jesus. This is a huge account. We draw from this account for our needs. This is also our Christian conviction. Our God will meet all our needs according to his glorious riches. God’s riches are greater than US government or Chinese government or any super billionaires. The other day Johnny Wilson asked me, “Can we ask Warren Buffet or Bill Gates for our renovation and expansion project?” He is a man of good ideas and he may try this. The truth is this: we live out of glorious riches that God provides. Whatever project we get involved, if they are right, God will meet our needs according to his glorious riches in this world and the heaven. Because of this conviction we are not desperate. With dignity as God’s people we are confident in any and every situation.
Look at verses 20-23: “To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Greet all the saints in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me send greetings. All the saints send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar's household. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.” This is the way he concludes his letter. The end of all—the glory of God and the grace of our Lord Jesus.
At the end of this year what we remember? Are we near the disaster coming to us? Is the prospect of our new year bleak and uncertain? No, God is near. The Lord Jesus Christ is near. Therefore, we have reasons to rejoice. Because of Christ Jesus we can be content in any and every situation. We approach today’s burdens and anticipate tomorrow’s challenges with the faith that God will meet all our needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Have a merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
December 21, 2008. Toledo UBF
Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved.
