Take Two in the Morning: Philippians 4, Proverbs 22

Philippians 4 is the closing chapter for this letter from Paul. Characteristically, he covers several subjects in succession...not spending significant time on any one. It is not that these subjects are unimportant. In fact they are...after all, God saw fit to preserve them as Scripture for all of us...so they are of great importance.

In Phil 4:1, Paul begins with "Therefore," eaning that the following thought is connected logically to the thought preceding. In verse 1 he tells them to "stand firm" in this way "in the Lord." The "way" he is speaking of is the thought at the end of chapter 3. We are to hold fast (Stand firm) in the understanding that we are citizens of God's Kingdom. We live with hope of greater things to come. We live in humility...knowing that God uses our service to reconcile a world to Himself. Paul says, in essence, "Count the days. You will only be here for a little while and then on to heave to be with God. Make the most of every opportunity. DOn't get wrapped up in the same petty things that consume people without the same hope you have."

In 4:4-7, Paul says we are to rejoice in everything, live honorably and humbly before others, carry every concern to God and know that God's Peace will sustain us in everything.

In v.8, get rid of "stinkin' thinkin' " and focus/dwell on those things that build up. Then he tells them in v.9, to imitate his life (what they have seen him live out). THAT IS SCARY ISN'T IT? It was always one of the most intimidating verses of Scripture for me...until I realized that Paul was not claiming to be perfect...only that he dealt with his imperfections biblically.

In v.10-14, Paul thanks the church for sending him financial support. They had supported him before and had stopped for a season...and now they have supported him again. Paul goes on in these verses and the ones to follow to explain that his thankfulness is rooted, not in receiving the gift (though that is important), but in the fact that their generosity actully will benefit them greatly (v.17). This is a principle, by the way, that even the corporate world in modern times understands...but we will have to wait for another day to unpack all of that.

V.19-20 is where I will end today. Paul says that the gifts sent by the church were a wonderful offering to the Lord and a pleasing act of worship. He then affirms to them that they have no needs...since they worshipped God in their generosity...since God WILL provide for all of their needs according to HIS RICHES in GLORY. In other words, Paul knew that faithful worship was always answered by God in met needs. (As someone once said, "you can't outgive God!")

Proverbs 22: 10 is my takeaway today. "Drive out the scoffer and contentions will go out, even strife and dishonor will cease." Sometimes we spend too much time trying to "fix" people. We hang out with people who are contentious, negative, gossips...hoping that by doing so, we will rub off on them. Often times, they just rub off on us. As a pastor, I have seen many churches suffer because "scoffers" were coddled in church. Those who simply felt it was their duty to be "devil's advocate" in everything. How rightly they assessed their alliances! Amazingly, when a community takes a stand and states that they will not be swayed by this type of activity and drive out the scoffer who refuses to change...contentions, disrespect, and strife ceases. People move on and are happier as well. If you are a scoffer...STOP IT! If you are hanging out with one who won't change his ways...stop taking his calls. Let it roll to voicemail. You will feel better and the community will benefit.

Grace,
Chris