Mutual Support Phil 3:17-4:9 SS Lesson for 11/16/2008 OUTLINE

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1 Mutual Support Phil 3:17-4:9 SS Lesson for 11/16/2008 Devotional Scripture: 1 Thess 1:1-10 OUTLINE INTRODUCTION OVERVIEW AND APPROACH TO LESSON LESSON INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND From the NIV Standard Lesson Commentary From the Bible Expositor and Illuminator MAJOR THEME ANALYSIS SUPPORT GODLY EXAMPLES AS CITIZENS OF HEAVEN (PHIL 3:17-21) Good and bad examples to follow (17-19) Good Examples Blameless and upright saints (Ps 37:37) Spiritual fathers (1 Cor 4:15-16) Those who follow the example of Christ (1 Cor 11:1) Those who have godly speech, life, love, faith and purity (1 Tim 4:12) Godly spiritual leaders (Heb 13:7) Bad Examples Those who cause divisions (Rom 16:17) Those who do not obey God's word (2 Thess 3:14) Those who immoral, greedy, idolater, slanderer, drunkard or swindler (1 Cor 5:11) Those who are idle and do not live according to God's word (2 Th 3:6) Those who are evil and ungodly (2 Tim 3:1-5) Those who are divisive (Titus 3:10) What it means to live as a Citizen of Heaven (20-21) It means that I have treasures in Heaven (Matthew 6:20) It means that have a reason to rejoice (Luke 10:20) It means that I have a dwelling that is eternal and cannot be destroyed (2 Cor. 5:1) It means that I have a living hope and an inheritance (1 Peter 1:3-4) As a sincere Christian, I should conduct myself as if I am in Heaven (from Barnes' Notes) SUPPORT THROUGH REJOICING AND PEACE (PHIL 4:1-9) Why Rejoice (4) Rejoice because I have a Savior (from Barnes' Notes) Rejoice because regardless of my situation, through God I have the victory (Hab 3:16) Rejoice because of how good God has been to me (Psalm 9:2) Rejoice because God is trustworthy (Habakkuk 3:18) Rejoice because God is in total control (Psalm 33:1) Relationship between Rejoicing and Gentleness (5) Gentleness is a Divine Attribute (From the NIV Standard Lesson Commentary) Gentleness displays one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit along with joy (Gal 5:22-23) Gentleness helps me live a life worthy of God's calling which is a reason for rejoicing (Eph 4:1-2) I can rejoice that I am one of God's chosen people who is clothed with gentleness (Col 3:12) Rejoice that as a man of God He gives me the power to pursue gentleness (1 Tim 6:11) Rejoice that gentleness helps in obtaining my inheritance (Matt 5:5) What the Nearness of Jesus does for me (5) I can call on Him at any time (Isa 55:6) Goodness and love will follow me (Ps 23:6) I am filled with joy (Ps 16:11) Jesus satisfied my every need (Ps 17:15) Jesus supplies me with an eternal home (2 Cor 5:1) Mutual Support Page 1 of 11 SS Lesson for 11/16/2008

2 Being near to Jesus means I am in a far, far better place (Phil 1:23) Peace through Prayer (6) Peace because of the lack of worry (Matt 6:33-34) Peace because my hope is in God's provisions (1 Tim 5:5) Peace because the prayers of the righteous work (James 5:16) Peace because prayer keeps me watchful and able to persevere (Luke 21:34-36) Peace through a Comforted Mind (7) Comforted mind through the knowledge of God (Col 3:9-10) Comforted mind through an inward renewal by the Holy Spirit (2 Cor 4:16-17) Comforted mind through the comfort of God (2 Cor 1:3-4) Comforted mind through a good conscience (1 Peter 3:18-21) Peace through Holy Thinking (8) Peace with God through making every thought be obedient to Him (2 Cor 10:5) Peace through controlling my speech (Matt 12:36) Peace through the holiness that comes from God (1 Peter 1:16) Peace through Practicing Righteousness (9) Peace comes by doing with is good and considerate to others (Titus 3:1-2) Peace comes by doing as much as possible to promote it (Rom 12:18) Practice righteousness through obedience to God's word (Heb 5:14) Peace through God handling those things that I have no control (From the Bible Expositor and Illuminator) CONCLUSION AND OTHER THOUGHTS CONCLUDING THOUGHTS FROM THE NIV STANDARD LESSON COMMENTARY CONCLUDING THOUGHTS FROM THE BIBLE EXPOSITOR AND ILLUMINATOR PRACTICAL POINTS FROM THE BIBLE EXPOSITOR AND ILLUMINATOR HEART OF THE LESSON FROM THE BIBLE EXPOSITOR AND ILLUMINATOR The pattern and example of Paul (Phil. 3:17-19) The believer's citizenship in heaven (Phil. 3:20-4:1) The right temperament and spirit (Phil. 4:2-7) Concentrate on the right things (Phil. 4:8-9) Mutual Support Page 2 of 11 SS Lesson for 11/16/2008

3 Introduction Overview and Approach to Lesson The lesson ouline came from The Bible Expositor and Illuminator with the details coming from a couple of previous lessons - 06/18/2000 and 06/25/2000. The lesson examines Support. The study's aim is to learn how believers can identify themselves with Christ and develop a faithful, joyful, and peaceful walk with Him. The study's application is to help believers live a life that is trustful and free from anxiety by developing a confidence and optimism in God so that we can meet and overcome everyday challenges. Lesson Introduction and Background From the NIV Standard Lesson Commentary Paul s letter to the Philippian church was written while he was imprisoned in Rome, awaiting his trial before Caesar. This is where we leave Paul at the end of the book of Acts. Therefore, we date the letter sometime around AD 63. Philippi was located in the Roman province of Macedonia, in the northeast section of modern Greece. By the time Paul visited Philippi on his second missionary journey (Acts 16:12; early ad 50s), the city had become an important Roman/Latin center in that Greek area. It was designated as a Roman colony, giving its residents special privileges. Many of the citizens of Philippi were descendants of Roman legionnaires who settled there after their terms of service in the army were finished. Paul s first visit to Philippi included a time in jail. The miraculous deliverance of Paul and Silas resulted in the conversion of the jailer and his family (Acts 16:23 34). Another prominent convert in this church was a wealthy woman named Lydia (Acts 16:14). Paul seemed to have maintained a close relationship with the Philippians over the years that followed. He remembered that they had supported him financially after he left them (Philippians 4:15, 16). The church even sent assistance to Paul while he was under house arrest in Rome. This came in the form of money and a helper named Epaphroditus (Philippians 2:25; 4:18). This visit by Epaphroditus was the occasion for Paul s letter to the Philippians. The apostle had learned of several problems that were plaguing the church. One of these was infighting among some prominent members of the congregation. This public feuding had drained the congregation of its joy. Our lesson this week explores Paul s remedy for joy-restoration and shows how his words are still applicable today. From the Bible Expositor and Illuminator Paul and his coworkers came to Philippi on his second missionary journey. According to Acts 16, some notable events occurred when this church was planted in Macedonia. To begin with, there were not enough Jews to have a synagogue in the city, but there were some women who met on the Sabbath. Among them was a businesswoman named Lydia, "whose heart the Lord opened" (vs. 14). After her baptism, she urged the missionaries to stay at her house. While Paul was going to the place of prayer, a demon-possessed slave girl kept following him. Finally, he cast out the evil spirit. This led the owners of the slave to bring Paul and Silas before the magistrates, who had them beaten and imprisoned. In prison, however, Paul and Silas continued to witness, leading to the conversion of the jailer. These events led to a hasty departure for Paul and Silas from Philippi. Even so, they had planted a church in this Roman colony. Philippians is another of Paul's Prison Epistles. Its primary emphasis seems to be Christian experience, focusing on Christ as the source of believers' aspirations. This lesson deals with such topics as following godly examples, looking forward to glorified bodies, remaining faithful, and experiencing joy and peace. A review of Acts 16:6-40 tells about the Macedonian vision that led Paul and his missionary team to Philippi, the first European convert to Christ (Lydia), Paul and Silas's release from prison, and the jailer's family being won to Christ. The believers at Philippi were the recipients of Paul's letter at a later time. Major Theme Analysis (Scriptural Text from the New King James Version; cross-references from the NIV) Mutual Support Page 3 of 11 SS Lesson for 11/16/2008

4 Support Godly Examples as Citizens of Heaven (Phil 3:17-21) 17 Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. 18 For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame-- who set their mind on earthly things. 20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself. Good and bad examples to follow (17-19) Good Examples Bad Examples Blameless and upright saints (Ps 37:37) 37 Consider the blameless, observe the upright; there is a future for the man of peace. Spiritual fathers (1 Cor 4:15-16) 15 Even though you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. 16 Therefore I urge you to imitate me. Those who follow the example of Christ (1 Cor 11:1) 1 Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. Those who have godly speech, life, love, faith and purity (1 Tim 4:12) 12 Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. Godly spiritual leaders (Heb 13:7) 7 Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. Those who cause divisions (Rom 16:17) 17 I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. Those who do not obey God's word (2 Thess 3:14) 14 If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of him. Do not associate with him, in order that he may feel ashamed. Those who immoral, greedy, idolater, slanderer, drunkard or swindler (1 Cor 5:11) 11 But now I am writing you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat. Those who are idle and do not live according to God's word (2 Th 3:6) 6 In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers, to keep away from every brother who is idle and does not live according to the teaching you received from us. Those who are evil and ungodly (2 Tim 3:1-5) 1 But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, Mutual Support Page 4 of 11 SS Lesson for 11/16/2008

5 not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God-- 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them. Those who are divisive (Titus 3:10) 10 Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him. What it means to live as a Citizen of Heaven (20-21) It means that I have treasures in Heaven (Matthew 6:20) 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. It means that have a reason to rejoice (Luke 10:20) 20 However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven." It means that I have a dwelling that is eternal and cannot be destroyed (2 Cor. 5:1) 1 Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. It means that I have a living hope and an inheritance (1 Peter 1:3-4) 4 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, [4] and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade--kept in heaven for you, As a sincere Christian, I should conduct myself as if I am in Heaven (from Barnes' Notes) That is, this is true of all who are sincere Christians. It is a characteristic of Christians, in contradistinction from those who are the "enemies of the cross," that their citizenship is in heaven. Here it cannot mean that their "conversation," in the sense of discourse or talking, was in heaven; nor that their "conduct" was in heaven-- for this would convey no idea, and the original word does not demand it; but the idea is, that they were heavenly citizens, or citizens of the heavenly world, in contradistinction from a worldly community, They were governed by the laws of heaven; they were a community associated as citizens of that world, and expecting there to dwell. The idea is, that there are two great communities in the universe-- that of the world, and that of heaven: that governed by worldly laws and institutions, and that by the laws of heaven; that associated for worldly purposes, and that associated for heavenly or religious purposes; and that the Christian belonged to the latter-- the enemy of the cross, though in the church, belonged to the former. Between true Christians, therefore, and others, there is all the difference which arises from belonging to different communities; being bound together for different purposes; subject to different laws; and altogether under a different administration. There is more difference between them than there is between the subjects of two earthly governments. Support through Rejoicing and Peace (Phil 4:1-9) 1 Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved. 2 I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, 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 gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Mutual Support Page 5 of 11 SS Lesson for 11/16/2008

6 6 Be anxious for nothing, 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 minds through Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy-- meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you. Why Rejoice (4) Rejoice because I have a Savior (from Barnes' Notes) Rejoice that they have such a Saviour. People everywhere have felt the need of a Saviour, and to us it should be a subject of unfeigned joy that one has been provided for us. Find happiness not in riches, or gaiety, or vanity, or ambition, or books, or in the world in any form, but in communion with the Lord Jesus, and in the hope of eternal life through Him. Rejoice because regardless of my situation, through God I have the victory (Hab 3:16) 16 I heard and my heart pounded, my lips quivered at the sound; decay crept into my bones, and my legs trembled. Yet I will wait patiently for the day of calamity to come on the nation invading us. Personal Commentary No matter what happens in my life I must remember God is in control and I have the victory. Be JOYFUL in all this Rejoice because of how good God has been to me (Psalm 9:2) 2 I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High. Personal Commentary Knowing how good God is to me and to look at His wonders is enough to praise and Rejoice in God Rejoice because God is trustworthy (Habakkuk 3:18) 18 yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. Personal Commentary I decide how I respond to life s situations. God teaches me to rejoice regardless. Trust God for all things. Rejoice because God is in total control (Psalm 33:1) 1 Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him. Personal Commentary Boldly praise God knowing that He is totally in control. Only the righteous can truly praise God because of the intimate fellowship with Him. Relationship between Rejoicing and Gentleness (5) Gentleness is a Divine Attribute (From the NIV Standard Lesson Commentary) Gentleness reflects the divine nature described in Psalm 103:8: The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He who constantly rejoices in the Lord will not Mutual Support Page 6 of 11 SS Lesson for 11/16/2008

7 respond angrily in word or deed to small vexations. He can answer a scowl with a smile and an insult with a favor, because he knows that the Lord is constantly present to provide patience and to dispense in his own time whatever judgment is appropriate. Gentleness displays one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit along with joy (Gal 5:22-23) 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Gentleness helps me live a life worthy of God's calling which is a reason for rejoicing (Eph 4:1-2) 1 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. I can rejoice that I am one of God's chosen people who is clothed with gentleness (Col 3:12) 12 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Rejoice that as a man of God He gives me the power to pursue gentleness (1 Tim 6:11) 11 But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Rejoice that gentleness helps in obtaining my inheritance (Matt 5:5) 5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. What the Nearness of Jesus does for me (5) I can call on Him at any time (Isa 55:6) 6 Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Goodness and love will follow me (Ps 23:6) 6 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. I am filled with joy (Ps 16:11) 11 You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. Jesus satisfied my every need (Ps 17:15) 15 And I--in righteousness I will see your face; when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness. Jesus supplies me with an eternal home (2 Cor 5:1) 1 Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. Being near to Jesus means I am in a far, far better place (Phil 1:23) 23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; Mutual Support Page 7 of 11 SS Lesson for 11/16/2008

8 Peace through Prayer (6) Peace because of the lack of worry (Matt 6:33-34) 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Peace because my hope is in God's provisions (1 Tim 5:5) 5 The widow who is really in need and left all alone puts her hope in God and continues night and day to pray and to ask God for help. Peace because the prayers of the righteous work (James 5:16) 16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. Peace because prayer keeps me watchful and able to persevere (Luke 21:34-36) 34 "Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap. 35 For it will come upon all those who live on the face of the whole earth. 36 Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man." Peace through a Comforted Mind (7) Comforted mind through the knowledge of God (Col 3:9-10) 9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Comforted mind through an inward renewal by the Holy Spirit (2 Cor 4:16-17) 16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. Comforted mind through the comfort of God (2 Cor 1:3-4) 3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. Comforted mind through a good conscience (1 Peter 3:18-21) 18 For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit, 19 through whom also he went and preached to the spirits in prison 20 who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, 21 and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also-not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, Mutual Support Page 8 of 11 SS Lesson for 11/16/2008

9 Peace through Holy Thinking (8) Peace with God through making every thought be obedient to Him (2 Cor 10:5) 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. Peace through controlling my speech (Matt 12:36) 36 But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. Peace through the holiness that comes from God (1 Peter 1:16) 16 for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy." Peace through Practicing Righteousness (9) Peace comes by doing with is good and considerate to others (Titus 3:1-2) 1 Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, 2 to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men. Peace comes by doing as much as possible to promote it (Rom 12:18) 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Practice righteousness through obedience to God's word (Heb 5:14) 14 But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. Peace through God handling those things that I have no control (From the Bible Expositor and Illuminator) Difficult times not only tend to rob us of joy; they can also remove our peace. Before we know it, we can become consumed with worry and anxiety. Because of this, Paul instructed the Philippians in how they could win against worry. In Philippians 4:6 Paul gave the process for defeating worry. With both a negative and a positive command, Paul taught the Philippians that prayer exposes worries to the light. Speaking negatively, Paul commanded, Be careful for nothing (Phil. 4:6). He was not urging a careless lack of concern or a passive lack of action. Instead, he was counseling them not to be consumed by a concern that was beyond their control. By assuming responsibility for factors that were not rightfully theirs, they would only be afflicted by false guilt, which creates unnecessary anxiety. Conclusion and Other Thoughts Concluding Thoughts from the NIV Standard Lesson Commentary As we near the time for Christmas merchandising, we begin to see the word Joy sprinkled on holiday items everywhere. Business-wise, this is safe. Who can object to such a happy little word? In the Christian faith, however, joy has a much deeper significance than being a commercial tagline. In the context of the Christmas story, joy is the response to the wonderful news that Jesus the Messiah has been born, that God has put on human flesh to take away the sins of the world. The Bible teaches that joy is much more than a happy feeling experienced by Christians once a year. Joy is to be an ongoing characteristic of the Christian believer, a deep-seated attitude that does not depend on the fortunes of this life. Joy is part of who we are as God s children. Yet many Christians live lives where joy is rare. Many churches are joyless places. The apostle Paul saw this situation in the church at Philippi, one of his most beloved congregations. For Paul, joy is our proper and natural response to the love and grace of God. Since God s love does not waver or Mutual Support Page 9 of 11 SS Lesson for 11/16/2008

10 change, our inner joy and peace can be strong and stable. We can be joyous even when our lives are going through sorrow or unhappiness. This is why James can make the seemingly contradictory statement Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds (James 1:2). If our eyes and hearts are turned to Jesus, we should experience his joy. But if we are diverted into squabbling with brothers and sisters, that joy can evaporate easily. Think, then, of your own life and your relationship to others in your church. Are you a positive influence in bringing joy into the lives of others? Have you lost your own sense of peace in joyful service to the Lord and to his church? Are you a person of whom it could be said, She is always rejoicing? Don t leave this lesson without resolving to be a rejoicer in all your tasks, roles, and responsibilities. Concluding Thoughts from the Bible Expositor and Illuminator In the verses leading up to our text, Paul mentioned several short commands that he wanted the Philippians to understand (Phil. 4:4-6). He did something very similar in his first epistle to the Thessalonians (5:16-22). Phil 4:7 amounts to a promise of what God will do for His people in the midst of so much uncertainty. These days it seems that many people talk about world peace. I recall seeing a bumper sticker that said the driver was seeking "whirled peas," with a graphic of peas in a tornado-like cone. Sarcastic as that bumper sticker is, peace is something people seek, but it usually eludes them. The kind of peace Paul was talking about in our text is far different from the kind of peace that most people envision. God's idea of peace, as shown in the text, first of all passes all understanding. It transcends our human comprehension because it is not like the temporal peace that the world knows. One nation may sign a peace accord with another, but almost before the ink is dry, sometimes both nations are back to fighting. This is not God's idea of peace. It is important to understand the way the Jews understood the concept of peace. You are no doubt aware that the Hebrew word for peace is shalom. That is the way Jews often greet each other, but it means far more than just peace. The word really gets to the idea of wholeness. When a Jewish man wished peace for his Jewish brother, he wanted all things in his life to be complete, or good. No sickness, no unemployment, having money to pay bills, all the children following God these are the ideas behind wishing for peace. That is part of understanding the peace of God. Paul went on to say that God's peace "shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." There is a sense in which our hearts and minds are the same thing, but it seems that Paul was deliberately asking us to understand them separately. By "hearts," there seems to be an emphasis on the inner person. When a man tells his wife, "I love you with all my heart," we fully understand what he is saying. He is completely devoted to her. God's peace will "keep," or guard, our devotion to Him. Second, God's peace will guard our minds. This refers to our intellect, our thinking. God's peace can drive away worry, for worry is simply a futile intellectual exercise. Paul earnestly desired that God's peace would guard the minds of the Philippians against all Satan's attacks against their thinking. Sometimes Christians get so intellectual about their faith that they forget verses like Phil 4:7. That is a shame, because when that happens, they are very prone to allowing the enemy to take advantage of them. The truth is that no matter how smart a person is, he is no match for the wiles of Satan not in the first century, and not now, either. Do you want God's peace? There is good news. God wants it for you even more than you do. Ask God for it today. Do not wait another moment. God's peace will guard you all the days of your life. Practical Points from the Bible Expositor and Illuminator 1. One who loves this world is not worthy of being followed (Phil. 3:17-19) 2. As citizens of heaven, we should not become too comfortable in this world (vs ) 3. Following the Lord requires that we encourage and help all His people, for we serve Him together (4:1-3) 4. As believers we always have reason to rejoice (vs. 4-5) 5. The cure for worry is a consistent prayer life (vs. 6-7) 6. A mind focused on what is virtuous will bring forth godly actions (vs. 8-9) Mutual Support Page 10 of 11 SS Lesson for 11/16/2008

11 Heart of the Lesson from the Bible Expositor and Illuminator The Christian faces a wide variety of influences. Some of these influences come from the secular realm; many come from within the church itself. It is important to make the right distinctions about which influences are beneficial and which ones are negative. The pattern and example of Paul (Phil. 3:17-19) Paul advised the Philippians to observe his own example of the Christian walk. He presented himself as the standard to follow. In addition, those who walked as he did were to be regarded as examples and were to be so noted. The reason Christians need proper examples and patterns is that counterfeits are active. These impersonators are actually enemies of Christ and the gospel. Paul wrote that they were enemies of the cross. This may mean that they were opposed to the idea that Christ's death was the sufficient means of salvation. Such false teachers were more concerned with the physical aspects of life and were destined for God's judgment. The believer's citizenship in heaven (Phil. 3:20-4:1) In contrast to the false teachers who concentrated on this life, Paul reminded his readers that the Christian's true home is in heaven. The present life is only a pilgrimage. Our focus is to be on Christ, and our attitude is to be one of expectation as we await His return. At Christ's return, the believer's body will be transformed, adding further reason to be less concerned with the pleasures of this life. Christ will bring all things under subjection to Himself at that time. Armed with such truth, the believer is enabled to stand fast. The right temperament and spirit (Phil. 4:2-7) In addressing specific individuals in the church at Philippi, Paul offered several clues concerning proper Christian behavior. He first instructed two women, who were in apparent disagreement, to be of the same mind. They were to settle their differences by focusing on Christ's example. Paul next emphasized that it was important to constantly rejoice in the Lord. Christ is both the source and the purpose of rejoicing. Paul wrote that the believer by his actions needs to express God's gentleness, or goodness, to the last. This is a behavior that many will notice. The Christian can afford to be gentle toward others because the Lord's return is near. Paul finally advised that the Christian is to face problems or difficulties with prayer and supplication rather than with worry and anxiety. Worry is a passive activity that is caused by problems. It reflects weakness and helplessness. Prayer, on the other hand, is a positive action that can be used in response to difficulties. When the Christian takes control of difficulties by praying, the result will be that the peace of Christ will replace the anxiety. Concentrate on the right things (Phil. 4:8-9) Paul closed his letter with an exhortation for his readers to focus their attention and time on those things that build up and improve the Christian. Right thinking and proper living involve action and discernment. Again Paul offered himself as a standard, advising that the Philippians would be blessed if they followed what he both taught and demonstrated in his life. Mutual Support Page 11 of 11 SS Lesson for 11/16/2008