August 16, 2012
IN HIS HANDS
Philippians 4
Audrey Daniels
Central Truth
God is in control, and God is good. If we live in relationship with Him, not getting anxious about our lives, but putting our hope in Him, God will give us His peace that protects our hearts and minds.
Key Verse | Philippians 4:6–7
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)
Philippians 4
1 Therefore, my brothers, 1 4:1 Or brothers and sisters; also verses 8, 21 whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.
Exhortation, Encouragement, and Prayer
2 I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 3 Yes, I ask you also, true companion, 2 4:3 Or loyal Syzygus; Greek true yokefellow help these women, who have labored 3 4:3 Or strived (see 1:27) side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement 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 reasonableness 4 4:5 Or gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, 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 your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned 5 4:9 Or these things9which things you have also learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
God's Provision
10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
14 Yet it was kind of you to share 6 4:14 Or have fellowship in my trouble. 15 And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. 16 Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. 7 4:17 Or I seek the profit that accrues to your account 18 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. 19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Final Greetings
21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. 22 All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar's household.
23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
Footnotes
[1] 4:1 Or brothers and sisters; also verses 8, 21[2] 4:3 Or loyal Syzygus; Greek true yokefellow
[3] 4:3 Or strived (see 1:27)
[4] 4:5 Or gentleness
[5] 4:9 Or these things—9which things you have also learned
[6] 4:14 Or have fellowship in
[7] 4:17 Or I seek the profit that accrues to your account
Dive Deeper | Philippians 4
From a young age, I knew that God had the whole world in His hands. Yet, when it comes to parts of my life that mean the most to me, I don't always act like I believe this.
A few years ago, my husband and I were so excited to learn that I was pregnant. We immediately sat down together and prayed, knowing that we were not guaranteed anything in life, and we wanted to be thankful for everything.
When that pregnancy ended in miscarriage, I experienced deep grief. I tried as best as I could to trust God and not be anxious or fearful.
A few months later, I was pregnant again. I knew I needed to hold this child with open hands, because the tighter my grip, the less I trust God to take care of me -- no matter what. This pregnancy ended the same as my first. I was initially angry, but then I knew that God is good, and He would use my experience for His glory. Within a few months, I was pregnant for the third time.
God taught me that I needed to hold this child with open hands, because this child is in His hands. I may lose this child here on earth, but God is not going to lose His grip, so I need not be anxious.
Ultimately, I want His will to be done, and I trust that He can use any hardship I experience for His glory. Now that I have a one year-old son, it's even more difficult not to be anxious over him. This lesson is something I return to continually, so that I can be reminded to trust God, even with my son's life.
After all, God Himself loves us so much that He sent His own Son as a ransom for us.
Discussion Questions
1. What uncertainty about your future is causing you to be anxious? What are you clinging to that you are anxious about losing?
2. Trust that God has everything safely in His hands. How can you start to hold your future and the things in your life with open hands because that is true?
3. What time can you set aside to talk to God? When you pray, do you start by thanking God for all the blessings in your life?
WEEKLY FAMILY ACTIVITY
August 13-17 (Philippians 1 - Colossians 1)
Read Philippians 2: 1-11.
• What does it mean to be selfish or to try to impress others?
• Why would those things go against what God would have you do?
• What, instead, does Paul say we should do? (verse 3 & 4)
• What would it look like in your own life to do those things?
• What did Christ do for you?
• How did He show humility?
•
Is it easy for you to be humble, not seek everyone's approval, and to serve others above yourself?
Activity: At a family meeting, ask each person to identify someone to serve. For the person you identify, think about doing something that puts that person before yourself. Try to think of someone who cannot do anything for you in return!