GOD’S PEACE GUARDS YOUR HEARTS AND MINDS

Passage: Philippians 4:1-9

Key verse: 6-7

NIV

Closing Appeal for Steadfastness and Unity

4 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for,(A) my joy and crown, stand firm(B) in the Lord in this way, dear friends!

2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind(C) in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers,(D) whose names are in the book of life.(E)

Final Exhortations

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!(F) 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.(G) 6 Do not be anxious about anything,(H) but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.(I) 7 And the peace of God,(J) which transcends all understanding,(K) will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brothers and sisters, 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. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice.(L) And the God of peace(M) will be with you.

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Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Source: BibleGateway

ESV

4 Therefore, my brothers,[a] whom I love and (A)long for, (B)my joy and (C)crown, (D)stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.

Exhortation, Encouragement, and Prayer

2 I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to (E)agree in the Lord. 3 Yes, I ask you also, true companion,[b] help these women, who have labored[c] side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, (F)whose names are in the book of life.

4 (G)Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness[d] be known to everyone. (H)The Lord is at hand; 6 (I)do not be anxious about anything, (J)but in everything by prayer and supplication (K)with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And (L)the peace of God, (M)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[e] and (N)received and heard and seen (O)in me—practice these things, and (P)the God of peace will be with you.

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Footnotes
  1. Philippians 4:1 Or brothers and sisters; also verses 8, 21
  2. Philippians 4:3 Or loyal Syzygus; Greek true yokefellow
  3. Philippians 4:3 Or strived (see 1:27)
  4. Philippians 4:5 Or gentleness
  5. Philippians 4:9 Or these things—9which things you have also learned
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Source: BibleGateway

Paul exhorted the Philippian brothers and sisters to stand firm together in the Lord. But unity was threatened by conflict between two strong believers, Euodia and Syntyche. Paul did not side with one. Paul pleaded with them to be of the same mind in the Lord (2; 2:5). Instead of focusing on their differences, these women of faith should first focus on Jesus. Are you facing differences and conflict with another brother or sister? Pray to be of the same mind in the Lord.

Paul further directed the Philippian Christians and us to always rejoice in the Lord. However, life presents many problems that can make us anxious and steal our joy. The antidote to an anxious heart is prayer in every situation. When we come to God with requests and thanksgiving, God promises to us his peace that is beyond understanding. God’s peace guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. With God’s peace, we overcome anxieties. We can think about excellent and praiseworthy things (8). What makes you anxious? What keeps you up at night? Bring it, with thanksgiving, to God in prayer. God will give you his peace.

Prayer: Father, we need your grace and mercy in our conflicts, anxieties, and problems. We thank you for your sure victory and for your peace that guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

One Word: Experience God’s peace today