King James Version

The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Philippians

Chapter 04

Commentary

 Clearly Paul had a great deal of love and respect for the Philippians. Verse 1 opens the chapter with very honorable exaltations. Paul was moved with compassion concerning the Philippian church. He expressed a personal address to a couple of the men, while remaining passionate and Godly. In verse 5 Paul tells the Philippians to "let your moderation be known unto all men." This isn't a contradiction to any instruction to be humble or meek. Moderation in this context means to forbear; to hold up. "Let all men know that you will stand strong and tall because the Lord is at hand."

 Verse 6 should be closely examined because at first glance it could be easy to misunderstand. I have researched the individual definitions to the key words in this passage and noted them here. Careful in this context means carnal mindedness, riches, worldliness. So it's being said to NOT be carnal minded. to NOT be worldly, and to NOT be of a mind for riches. Instead, request from God with suplication and thanksgiving, through prayer. So, if you are lacking, or if you pray in behalf of those people who are lacking, God wants us to approach Him with that lack, and be thankful. He wants us to know we will be made whole. It's not enough to simply hope for fulfilment. We must outright expect it and be grateful for it directly from the start. As a result, we will maintain sound minds and hearts with a peace that we never knew, through Christ Jesus.

 Verse 8 is very popular with devout christians all over the world. This is a very good focal point for any meditation. If we can keep our minds on the depth and gravity of just this small list of things we should think about, that uncomparable peace will be on us and remain on us. This peace is not all that is offered as a result of simple prayer. Verse 19 expands that very thought by saying, "God shall supply ALL your need according to HIS riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Now that covers all things. There is not therefore NO more lack. Glory be to God.

G. Neil Armstrong

03/12/2013 5:18 AM 

 Introduction