Philippians 4:1–9 (May 30, 2025)

4:1 Therefore, my brothers,[a] whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.

Exhortation, Encouragement, and Prayer

2 I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 3 Yes, I ask you also, true companion,[b] help these women, who have labored[c] side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.

4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness[d] be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

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 excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned[e] and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

Footnotes

Philippians 4:1 Or brothers and sisters; also verses 8, 21

Philippians 4:3 Or loyal Syzygus; Greek true yokefellow

Philippians 4:3 Or strived (see 1:27)

Philippians 4:5 Or gentleness

Philippians 4:9 Or these things—9which things you have also learned

Philippians 4_1-9

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Summary

Paul begins this section with deep affection. Verse 1, "Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved."

He urges the Philippians to “stand firm in the Lord,” and this involves both personal reconciliation and inner peace. He pleads with Euodia and Syntyche—two prominent women in the church—to agree in the Lord (v. 2), and he encourages the wider community to help them.

What follows is a cascade of commands: rejoice always, be gentle, don’t be anxious, pray about everything. But these are not burdens—they are invitations into a life saturated with God’s peace.

The promise is remarkable. Verse 7, "And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Paul concludes with a call to disciplined thought life and gospel-shaped action. Verse 9, "What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you."

Who Is God?

God is the guardian of our hearts, and He is the God of peace who dwells with us.

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (4:7)

“What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” (4:9)

God is not distant from our anxiety—He is present in it. The word “guard” (phrourēsei, φρουρήσει) is a military term, picturing a garrison protecting a city. God’s peace is not passive—it actively defends us. Even more, He Himself—“the God of peace”—dwells with those who practice His Word. His presence is the anchor that holds us firm in stormy days.

What Is Our Guilt?

We are very quick to worry, but so slow to reconcile. And, we entertain undisciplined thoughts daily.

Verse 6, "The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God."

Verse 2, "I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord."

Though the gospel calls us to unity, joy, and peace, we often live with relational friction, unchecked anxiety, and mental distraction. Like Euodia and Syntyche, we can lose sight of Christ even while contending for the gospel. We dwell on what is wrong instead of what is true. We react rather than pray. And we expect earthly peace while disregarding the One who alone can grant true peace. Feeling anxious is not a sin, but our anxiety reveals who our true "god" is.

How Does the Grace Shine?

Grace grounds us in rejoicing, gentle confidence, and guarded peace.

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” (4:4)

“Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand.” (4:5)

Grace gives us more than commands—it gives us Christ.

He is near (v. 5).

He listens to our prayers (v. 6).

He guards our hearts (v. 7).

He dwells with those who practice His truth (v. 9).

Grace enables us to rejoice not in circumstances but in the Lord. It cultivates gentleness, dispels anxiety, and reshapes our minds to dwell on what is excellent and worthy of praise. Grace doesn’t just quiet our storms—it gives us peace in the storm.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for being near to us, not only in joy but in our fears and worries.

Forgive us for letting anxiety take root, for withholding grace in relationships, and for neglecting to pray.

Teach us to rejoice in you always, to let our gentleness be known, and to pray with our trust in you in every situation.

Guard our hearts and minds with your peace, and train our thoughts to dwell on what is true, pure, and lovely.

May your presence always be with us.

In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.