Living With Confidence and Joy: Philippians 4.8

Introduction to Philippians

An Introduction to Philippians presented by The Gospel Coalition. Includes an outstanding introductory video from The Bible Project and maps, notes, and other materials from the ESV Study Bible.

https://bit.ly/2NDzAEZ

The Text in Context

Bob Deffinbaugh, "Stand Firm, Stand Together (Phil. 4:1-9)" from the series To Live Is Christ: A Study of the Book of Philippians.

https://bit.ly/2NBAeTE

Philippians 4:1 NIV

Acts 16:6-10 NIV

Ancient Philippi

Philippi

Philippi was established by Thasian colonists in 360/359 BC with the name Crenides. In 356 BC Philip II of Macedon, conquered the city and renamed it Philippi. The city reappears in the sources during the Roman civil war that followed the assassination of Julius Caesar. His heirs Mark Antony and Octavian confronted the assassins of Caesar at the Battle of Philippi on the plain to the west of the city in October 42 BC. Antony and Octavian were victorious. They released some of their veteran soldiers and colonized them in the city. In 30 BC, Octavian became emperor, reorganized the colony, and established more settlers there. The city was ultimately renamed Colonia Augusta Iulia Philippensis after January, 27 BC, when Octavian received the title Augustus from the Roman Senate. Wikipedia. Read more…

https://bit.ly/2NgnySD

Philippians 2:5-11 NIV

Philippians 3:4-9 NIV

Philippians 4:2-3 NIV

1. Address the…

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1. Address the drama in your life.

Romans 12:16-18 NIV

Euodia and Syntyche

Robert F. Hull Jr., "Constructing Euodia and Syntyche: Philippians 4:2–3 and the Informed Imagination" Priscilla Papers, Vol. 30, No. 2. Spring 2016.

https://bit.ly/2N649E2

Christian women at table. Third century fresco in the catacomb of Santa Priscilla, Rome (detail).

Philippians 4:2-5 NIV

For Reflection/Discussion: Paul states that he is pleading with two women whom he calls out by name. What does the word "plead" imply about the gravity of the situation? Why, in your judgment, did Paul use their names rather than refer to a generic conflict within the church? What evidence is there that this was a personal conflict rather than a conflict over theology or doctrine? How can conflict between two people in a congregation have negative repercussions for the whole church? What are Paul's solutions to the problem? What does it mean to be "of the same mind in the Lord"? How do relationship problems undermine our joy? Are there any people with whom you have unresolved issues that need to be addressed? What steps can you take to address the situation in a positive way?

2. Address the…

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2. Address the worry in your life.

Philippians 4:6-7 NIV

Matthew 6:25-34 NIV

If you can worry, you can pray.

Matthew 26:36-39 NIV

2 Corinthians 12:7-9 NIV

Isaiah 55:8-9 NIV

Ephesians 3:20-21 NIV

How To Stop Worrying

Whitney Hopler, "How To Stop Worrying: 13 Practical Steps" Crosswalk, November 15, 2011.

https://bit.ly/2x9HcWo

For Reflection/Discussion: What do you worry about? Why do you worry? Does worry help? What does worry imply about your view of God? In what ways can prayer be an antidote to worry? What is the difference between prayer, petition, and thanksgiving? What does Jesus have to say about worry in the Sermon on the Mount? Do you have any strategies you find helpful when you begin to worry?

3. Address the…

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3. Address the negativity in your life.

Philippians 4:8-9 NIV

Focus on God and who you are in Christ.

The thoughts that you dwell on today create the future you will dwell in tomorrow. — Pastor Jeff

For Reflection/Discussion: Do you ever find yourself having negative, unhealthy, or discouraging thoughts? Are the infrequent or habitual? To what extent are we responsible for our negative thoughts? What impact do our negative thoughts have on us? on our relationships with others? on our relationship with God? Why is it important to understand and frequently remind ourselves of who we are in Christ? What is the difference between what Paul is counseling us to do in Philippians 4.8 and "the power of positive thinking"? How do the thoughts that we dwell on create the future we will dwell in tomorrow? Can you think of ways that your thinking may limited you in the past?

Anxious for Nothing

5 Days

Read Plan

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