Philippians 4
Philippians 4:1-23
1 Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved.
2 I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord.
3 And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!
5 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;
7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.
9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.
10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity.
11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:
12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
14 Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress.
15 Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only.
16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities.
17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.
18 Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God.
19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
20 Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren who are with me greet you.
22 All the saints greet you, but especially those who are of Caesar’s household.
23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
My study Bible defines the word, supplication as a humble, earnest petition and petition by definition is a formal written request, addressed to a sovereign superior for a particular right or grace. If we put them together, we could say the prayer of petition and supplication is an earnest humble written request address to a sovereign superior for a particular right or grace.
There is a heart we’ve been given with our heavenly inheritance that will impart its culture into every encounter of life. It is a culture of love in building each other up from a stance of joy in the confidence of what has already been received. From this secured identity in Christ will come a desire to respond with provision in every opportunity where there’s a need. Instead of becoming self-focused and anxious, this heart will readily care for situations first of all in prayer with subsequent removal of any thought or discouraging fixation. But, then it will also affect every area of need with actions and giving that will care for that need with a practical demonstration of God’s love.
It’s interesting that the verse most quoted as an ability to do all things through Christ isn’t really the point Paul is trying to make. He is simply establishing that from his perspective he could do with or without their demonstrated love for him. Their care of him isn’t something he is trying to garner for his own benefit, but it is an essential indication of their own love’s development. There is fruit they will only be able to enjoy as a result of releasing a sweet-smelling sacrifice unto the Lord in their giving to his need. It wasn’t about him, it was about them and the provision of their own need that required this release of God’s love.
In this passage, Paul deals with the thoughts and diversions that would restrict the flow of God’s provision through us and to us. Any self-concerns should be quickly cared for in His presence, with peace and confidence established there. This is for essential equipping to be God’s instrument of love to someone else in need.