Week 4 - Philippians 4:4-9
Note: As we approach this text, remember the context of what is happening in Philippi at this time. There was great opposition and suffering for the church in that city. This is the lens we use with our text this week.
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Prayer Prompts
Name any worry or anxiety you are carrying with you today. What do you fear will happen? Spend a little time naming it before God in prayer.
Rejoicing is central in our text and is paired with the words always and again. Take some time to rejoice in the Lord right now.
Talk with God about exchanging your fear for what is true, noble, and admirable.
Spend some time in prayer acknowledging how this exchange can bring wholeness in your body, mind, and spirit.
Journal Prompts
Joy in this passage is not something that comes and goes with our mood or season, but instead is central to the Christian journey. Rejoicing in God is the outward expression of our inner joy in Christ. Take a few minutes to journal how this modifies your idea of joy.
Jot down a definition of anxiety. In what ways do you feel anxious?
Paul, the author, writes about thinking about whatever is excellent or praiseworthy. Make a bullet point list of anything that is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, or admirable in your life today.
How does thinking in this way, along with the truth of God’s nearness, counter any anxiety you may be feeling in your life? Spend time journaling your response.
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