Gann's Commentary on the Bible

Philippians 4:1

Ch. 4 The Christian Life is the Serene Life

The Secure Mind

ch. 4 Paul had good excuse to worry, but did not. Philippians 4:7-8

Philippians 4:2

Philippians 4:3

Philippians 4:4

Rejoice -- Key Verse and Key Word for the entire book.

Philippians 4:6

Careful for nothing -- anxious -- = to be pulled in many directions.

Worry is: 1) wrong thinking (the mind)

2) wrong feeling (the heart)

It involves the whole inner man.

Worry - the greatest thief of JOY.

See Sermon: "The Warrior Peace"

The patron goddess Athena, the goddess of wisdom. A virgin holding an olive branch, Peace; on her head a Greek warrior’s helmet, and in her other hand a spear to protect the peace she brought to earth. Image in the Pantheon.

Philippians 4:7

Peace of God --

Keep -- = garrison, guard like a soldier.

v. 7 - With the peace of God guarding you Philippians 4:7

v. 9 - And the God of peace guiding you, Philippians 4:9 ... so why worry!

Hearts and minds --

Through -- "in" describes condition under which such a pace will keep is, "in Christ."

1) Right Praying - v.6-7

Prayer - (adoration)

Supplication -

Thanksgiving - (appreciation)

2) Right Thinking - v. 8

Involves heart and mind

3) Right Living - Philippians 4:9

"do" to have God’s peace.

Philippians 4:8

1) Right Praying - Philippians 4:6-7

Prayer - (adoration)

Supplication -

Thanksgiving - (appreciation)

2) Right Thinking - Philippians 4:8

Involves heart and mind

3) Right Living - Philippians 4:9

"do" to have God’s peace.

Philippians 4:9

Received -- To make it a part of you.

In me -- Paul an example

Do -- Something to "Do" to have God’s peace.

See notes on verses 7 and 8.

Philippians 4:10

Your care of me -- God provided the right time for them to supply Paul’s need, php 4.14.

How to be Content:

The Secret of Contentment - v 10-23

1) The Overruling Providence of God - v.10

2) The Unfailing Power of God - v.11-13

3) The Unchanging Promise of God - v.14-20

4) Fellowship with the People of God - v.21-23

Philippians 4:11

See v. 10 for the Secret of Contentment. Philippians 4:10

Philippians 4:12

Abased -- to have little

Abound -- to have much

Instructed -- Instructed by whom? The Lord.

Philippians 4:13

2) The Unfailing Power of God - v.11-13

Philippians 4:14

See v. 10 for the Secret of Contentment. Philippians 4:10

3) The Unchanging Promise of God - v.14-20

a) Budding tree - v.10 "flourish"

b) An investment -v.14-17

c) A sacrifice - v.18

Philippians 4:17

Not because -- Giving is good for the giver!

An odor -- Our giving, an offering, a kind of sacrifice. Romans 12:1 ; Hebrews 13:15

Epaphroditus -- He was the Philippian church’s representative sent to deliver the monetary gift and stay on to help Paul (cf. Philippians 2:25-30).

a fragrant aroma; an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God -- This came from an OT metaphor of an accepted sacrifice on the altar of burnt offerings (cf. Genesis 8:21; Exodus 29:18; Exodus 29:25; Exodus 29:41; Leviticus 1:9; Leviticus 1:13; Ezekiel 20:41). This same type of metaphor is used by Paul in 2 Corinthians 2:15 and Ephesians 5:2.

The help given to Paul as a minister of the gospel is in reality given to God and will be repaid and blessed by Him!

Philippians 4:19

God shall supply -- God’s providence.

Philippians 4:20

Philippians 4:21

See v. 10 for the Secret of Contentment. Philippians 4:10

How to be Content:

The Secret of Contentment - v 10-23

1) The Overruling Providence of God - v.10

2) The Unfailing Power of God - v.11-13

3) The Unchanging Promise of God - v.14-20

4) Fellowship with the People of God - v.21-23

Philippians 4:22

Philippians 4:23