Philippians – Peace, Gentleness & Joy

Hi ladies! I want you all to know you have been on my heart and mind all week! In the chaos of this crazy world, I couldn’t help but wonder where today’s study finds you. How are you doing, sweet friend?

It’s so good to know that in the midst of the madness, we are firmly planted in Jesus Christ – the solid Rock! Though the earth crumble and time be no more, we are daughters of the King – servants of the Most High God – eternally His!

Be steadfast, girlfriend! Be steadfast!

Well, let’s dive into today’s study and see if we can’t get a word from the Word!

Our text for today is Philippians 4:4-7.

It’s a power-packed segment of Scripture with five commands! One is repeated twice, but if you’ll read through Philippians 4, we find Paul giving his the Philippian church his final thoughts and words of encouragement.

Interesting to think that although Paul was speaking to the church in Philippi, that his words of admonition and encouragement echo through the portals of time into our own hearts today!

Look at our text below. I have highlighted each command (for you grammar geeks, I’ve highlighted each “imperative”) 🙂

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

There’s so much to learn as we disect these verses, but for the purpose of time, I’m just going to hit the hightlights.

It may seem strange, but Paul was commanding joy. Is that possible? Can we make ourselves be joyful? The Amplified gives us insight – “delight, gladden yourselves in Him“.

You see, if joy is based on our circumstances, our joy thermometer will adjust itself with our various degrees of difficulties. But if we find our joy IN HIM, it will be immoveable because He does not change – and neither does our position in Him change.

He commands us to rejoice in the Lord twice. He commands us to be publically and overtly gentle. He commands us to refrain from being anxious. And he commands us to let our requests be made known unto God.

Let’s do a little word study and see how well our lives line up with the Word!

REJOICE = chairōto be glad, thrive

I absolutely LOVE the definition THRIVE! It certainly describes a life rejoicing in our Savior with unhindered joy!

1. Do you find that you’re thriving in your day to day walk?

2. Write out what you think “thriving” or “rejoicing” in the Lord looks like on a daily basis.

GENTLENESS, MODERATION = epieikēsgentle, fair, mild, suitable

When I looked up the words used to define the word gentless or moderation I found that the definitions are striking similar to humility, kindness, fairness, even-tempered and self-controlled. Characteristics that should define our lives and be evident to those around us.

3. Can the characteristics above be used to describe your life?

4. Which characteristics would someone close to you say you need to work on?

4. Is your moderation or gentleness obvious to those around you?

PEACE = eirēnē fearless, harmony, tranquility

Peace. Shalom! It was a word very familiar to Paul and the Jewish nation. But Paul’s awareness of its significance became much more profound when he met the Prince of Peace on the road to Damascus!

Much like joy, peace is an inward state of being that is evidenced by our conduct. Others see peace in us when peace governs our hearts. When it doesn’t, they don’t. Without having been born again by the Living God no one can experience true peace. But once we belong to Him, walking in peace is a choice.

5. Do you walk in the peace that is yours?

6. What, if anything, steals your peace and your joy?

7. Is God bigger than your greatest trial and your deepest fear?

Much of the fruit of the Spirit is wrapped up in these traits. So today, sweet friend, I pray you will walk in the joy, gentleness and peace that is yours in Christ and through Christ!

Don’t let the events of this life shake you! We have a God who reigns sovereign over he universe. He holds us in the palm of His hand and we are His!

So rejoice, my friend! Let others see your gentleness. Do not fear! Cast all your care upon Him! And did I mention, REJOICE!

By the way, I have to tell you, I’m SO happy Paul is talking about JOY in JESUS! Finally, after how many weeks of studying the Book of Joy, we get to rejoice!

I’d love to have you join us in our study of Philippians! You can receive your Bible study in your inbox by clicking this link. Or you can click on the Google or Networkedblog link to receive it in your feeder.

© Stephanie Shott, 2011

2 Comments

  1. This could not have come at a better time for me Steph. I needed this reminder of not allowing anything to take my joy away. Thanks for your devotion.

  2. Hi Cindy ~ Isn't it funny how the little and the big things can steal our joy with equal measure! Praying for you, sweet friend! 🙂

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