Encouragement, Exhortation, and Prayer Offered from Captivity

By:  Dale Weckbacher

Philippians 4:8

 Finally^[c] brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable,whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy—dwell on these things.

(CSB)

The letter from the Apostle Paul to the Church in Philippi is concluding.  In Philippians 4:2-9 the Apostle Paul offers encouragement, exhortation and prayer to those in Philippi.  Remembering that Paul is offering this from captivity in jail for his faith makes this passage even more remarkable as it demonstrates someone more interested the welfare and wellbeing of others over his or her own. 

The passage begins with urging Euodia and Syntyche to agree in the Lord.  Scripture does not provide any details with Philippians 4:2 the only mention of these individuals in scripture.  One could interpret this passage to mean that these two people had disagreements and should seek resolution of these disagreements through seeking agreement in the Lord.  However, the passage could also be a word of exhortation reminding them not to allow disagreements to divide the church.  Whatever interpretation one gives this scripture, the passage serves to remind the Church live and serve God through agreement in the Lord.  However, Philippians 4:3 leans to the belief these women agreed as their contention for the Gospel is praised. 

Those choosing to make Jesus their savior have a high calling.  The greatest threat to those with this high calling is that they become divided over petty differences, making ministry ineffective.  Euodia and Syntyche are viewed by Paul as examples of serving Christ in unity and not allowing differences which are sure to exist between diverse groups of people render the ministry ineffective (Ephesians 4:1-6).  Rendering of selfish differences that can potentially become wedges of Satan that divide the church are best mitigated through service to others (Matthew 20:20-28).

The passage continues in Philippians 4:4-5 with a call on God’s people to rejoice always.  Notice it does not say to rejoice except for when times are tough but to rejoice always.  If anyone had reason to complain and not rejoice, it would be the Apostle Paul but instead of complaining, we see him urging those in Philippi to continue rejoicing in the Lord.  Rejoicing always provides encouragement to those in the Body of Christ that are in need but also shows those outside the Body of Christ what it means to have total confidence and faith in God.  I imagine those around Paul that daily saw his joy in the Lord found encouragement in how he handled himself while imprisoned.  After all, every believer in Jesus as Savior has hope in the glory of God and eternal life (Romans 5:2-3; John 3:16). 

Paul then urges those in the Church not to worry about anything but instead pray and petition God for help (Philippians 4:6).  Those choosing to take their cares to the Lord as opposed to worry are rewarded with the peace of God (Philippians 4:7).  This peace is more than just a life of tranquility but also a peace that guards our minds and hearts.  Romans 12:2 urges believers in Christ to have a transformed and renewed mind that thinks about (Philippians 4:8),

1)      Truth - God

2)      Honorable things – Things that honor and glorify God

3)      What is just – Thoughts that align with God and His Word

4)      What is pure – Thoughts without sin

5)      Lovely things – thoughts admiring God and the beauty of His creation

6)      Good things – Thoughts without malice

7)      What is moral – Lust for God and not of the flesh (Psalm 42:1)

8)      What is worthy of praise – Thoughts meditating on the things of God worthy of praise.

From these renewed and transformed thoughts we are ready to carry out God’s will in our lives (Philippians 4:9).  May God bless everyone reading this and may the peace of God dwell in everyone’s life.