1. Outline: (McGee)
I. PHILOSOPHY for
Christian living, Chapter 1
II. PATTERN for Christian
living, Chapter 2 (Key verses: 5-11)
III. PRIZE for Christian
living, Chapter 3 (Key verses: 10-14)
IV. POWER for Christian living, Chapter 4 (Key verse:
13)
2. Commands in v.1-7
v.1 stand in the Lord in this way (as the joy and crown of Paul)
v.3 help them (Euodia and to Syntyche to agree in the Lord)
v.4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say, rejoice
v.5 Let everyone see your gentleness
v.6 Do not be anxious about anything...but tell your requests to God...(the peace of God...will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus)
3. Is there any relationship between these commands?
a. "In the Lord," these commands are not changed by the environment and we can do these through the help of Jesus.
b. the standing itself is hard, therefore, if there is disagreement between fellow co-workers, we need to help them.
c. Rejoicing in the Lord is only available if we are in the Lord, and thus it mean when we follow v.1-3, that is when we are in harmony with each other.
d. Perhaps v.5-7 is in another unit because the phrase, "in the Lord" changed to "in Christ Jesus." But, the meaning seems to be connected because gentleness or yielding is certainly needed in restoring the harmony.
e. When we year do not be anxious that you will be taking advantages, because the Lord is near. He will judge and be fair to you.
4. Summary and reflection
Relationship is important. Paul encouraged the Christian living of the Philippians based on how Paul related to them (they are the joy and crown of Paul). Philippians standing the Lord also depends on their helping to restore to harmony within their co-workers and so on... How do I value relationship with other Christians? In discipleship, do they know their importance in my heart? Among co-workers, do I help others to restore their broken harmony? Or do I just be a by-standers?
"In the Lord" means our emotion does not depend the environment, but rely on the Lord. I have experienced this lately when I obeyed to God peace restore to me, although I do not have full victory yet.
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