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Text: Philippians 4:2-9

Philppians continues at vv. 4:2-9

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Questions to Consider:

1. The exhortation of 4:1 is to stand firm in the Lord. It's a pivot exhortation, looking back to chapter 3 and forward to these verses in chapter 4. What does that say about the exhortations to follow? Have you thought about what's involved in standing firm in the Lord? Is standing firm in the Lord something we take for granted? Are we slipping more than standing? 4:2-9 offers four broad footholds.
2. In 4:2-3, what is the first foothold? What do we know about these two women? Are we beyond Gospel-critical disagreement? Is it beyond remedy in the Gospel? Why might Paul employ a mediator? Think on 2:21. Should the church let such disunity abide? Should we step in? Are you equipped to be a help to unify divided siblings in Christ? What should the focus of our help be? What commonalities exist that should help any disunity amongst members in the church?
3. In 4:4-7, what is the second foothold? In what is Christian joy? What is the 'when' of Christian joy? How is this possible? It seems to me that this joy has two very practical manifestations in 4:5-7. How would characterize the manifestation in 4:5? How would characterize it in 4:6-7? Have you thought of graciousness towards all others and prayerfulness to God as the fruits of joy in the Lord? Have you linked joy in the Lord with trust in Him—and this, then, to overcoming self-centeredness and anxiety? This section also clearly reveals a sinful anxiety to fight against. What does Paul importantly commend as remedial for this anxiety? Do you pray?
4. In 4:8, what is the third foothold? Is what we fill our minds with important? How have you thought about Christian meditation? If we think like the world, are we likely to live like Christ? One's said we are what we think. What do you think about that saying? Should we interact with the thoughts of the world? If so, how does that make thinking on Christ's excellencies all the more critical? Why?
5. In 4:9, what is the fourth foothold? What's the aim of all Christian thought, all time in the Word, all discipleship? What's promised to our Christian practice? How would you grade yourself on these things—agreeing, rejoicing, thinking, practicing in the Lord? Just so, you're standing firm in the Lord. Pray He'd help you to stand firmer still.