Bible Study - Simplicity (2) - A Daily Pursuit - Philippians 4:4-9 - September 8, 2019

Bible Study – Simplicity (2) – A Daily Pursuit – September 8, 2019


This is lesson two (2) in our series entitled “Simplicity: Finding Contentment in a Busy Life.”


Our focus scripture is Philippians 4:4-9.


Deepen your relationship with GOD by spending time with HIM every day.


How do we build a solid relationship with a friend? We spend time with him or her. We go through good times and not so good times. These events create bonds. We get to test and evaluate our relationship. We get to know about our friend and the more we know the deeper our relationship grows.


As Christians, salvation is the foundation for a personal, intimate, loving relationship with GOD through faith in JESUS. As Christians develop this relationship through Bible study, prayer, fellowship, and obedient service the more we know The One True GOD. False notions are dispelled. Where do these false notions come from? False notions come from human reasoning. Our human minds build attributes about GOD that we think GOD should have. Often, these attributes of GOD come through well-meaning preachers who preach feel-good sermons, our reading and misinterpretation of the scriptures, and the list goes on.


The Apostle Paul was writing to the Christians in Philippi in the church he planted on his second missionary journey around 49 AD. Paul wrote this letter while under house arrest in Rome sometime during 60-62 AD. Paul encouraged fellow Christians to beware of the teachings of the Judaizers, the false teachers who stressed legalism over the good news of GOD’S Grace. Christians are to live in unity and harmony as members of GOD’S Family.


In Philippians 4:4 Paul began with a great expression for our study and every day as we live in the sunshine of the presence of GOD through faith in JESUS – REJOICE! Let’s explore!


Let’s read Philippians 4:4-5:

⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

The Greek word for rejoice “chairo” shares the root word for joy “chara” and grace “charis.” To rejoice carries the idea of “to be happy or glad, to delight in, to celebrate or to express joy.”


So, in whom are Christians to rejoice? The LORD JESUS! When are we as Christians to rejoice? Always, which is a verb that connotes continuing, never ending activity.


For Christians “rejoicing” is a never-ending expression and a constant attitude.


How can Christians do that? It comes from the fact that regardless of their circumstances or situations they are GOD’S Sons or Daughters through the miracle of rebirth. GOD is in control therefore relax and rest in HIS arms as HE works in your behalf. Paul continued in verse 5 --

⁵ Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near.

Paul used the word “graciousness.” Graciousness has been translated “gentleness”, “reasonableness” and “considerate.” Graciousness carries the idea of an unselfish person who doesn’t demand their rights and is willing to yield to others when retaliation is expected.  

Christians are to be a witness to those around them, especially those who do not know JESUS as their personal Savior by “letting your graciousness known to everyone.” Graciousness can be translated “gentleness” which can be described as a powerful horse that yields to the constraints of its master. Gentleness is an attribute of the fruit of the Holy Spirit and is power under control of the Holy Spirit.

Christians are to live with the fact that they are examples of the presence of JESUS and witnesses to others. Christians should live with constant anticipation of the certain return of JESUS.

GOD fights the battles of HIS Children. Our part is to leave the issues we face in life in HIS hands and only do as HE instructs us.

So, what are we as Christians to do? Paul gives us a clue. Something JESUS taught in last week’s study ----

Let’s read Philippians 4:6-7:

⁶ Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

GOD is the focus. Doesn’t GOD already know what we, as HIS children need? Yes! So why isn’t “not worrying” enough? Christians need to get the issues which come into their lives out of their lives into the hands of GOD Who can bring about the right conclusion to those issues.

So how do we do that? It is through “prayer and petition” rejoicing in the fact that GOD takes it over, when we give it to HIM. Simply, Christians talk to GOD and ask HIM to take over the issue or issues trusting that HE will resolve it or them. We respond only as HE leads us.

When we, as Christians, give the issues which come into our lives to GOD with complete confidence that HE will resolve them, “the peace of GOD, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Once we trust GOD to take the issues in life, faith sustains trust.

Let’s read Philippians 4:8-9:

⁸ Finally brothers, 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 any praise—dwell on these things. ⁹ Do what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.

The Apostle Paul was not ending his letter to the Philippians by using the word “finally” but was a transition word introducing how Christians should live as “born-again” believers. Paul then describes how they are to live.

Satan attacks the minds of all humans, Christian or non-Christian. As Christians, we have the indwelling Holy Spirit to be the power and strength in our lives. But what do we, as Christians, need to do when the issues of life come into our lives? Ground zero is our thought life. So how do Christians control their thought lives and avoid worry?

As Christians, Satan knows exactly what pulls our chain, so-to-speak, to get our minds grinding or processing the issues that come into our lives. Paul used a Greek word “logizomai” which carries the idea of “to carefully and continually consider, reason or meditate on, “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 any praise—dwell on these things.”

How can Christians do that when they are amid serious issues? Paul tells us “Do what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.” Christians are to put into action by dwelling on what they know to be true, reliable, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, moral excellence, and praiseworthy.

Paul admonished the Christians in Philippi to follow his example. Just as GOD was Paul’s peace, when fellow Christians follow his example, they will experience “the GOD of peace, Who will be with them.”

So why are Christians to dwell on the positive? Because JESUS has already won the victory. We have placed the issue or issues into GOD’S hand and victory is certain. Blessings!!!