UBF Daily Bread

GUARD YOURSELVES IN CHRIST

Passage: Philippians 4:1~9

Key verse: 7

Closing Appeal for Steadfastness and Unity

4 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for,^(A) my joy and crown, stand firm^(B) in the Lord in this way, dear friends!

²I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind^(C) in the Lord. ³Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers,^(D) whose names are in the book of life.^(E)

Final Exhortations

⁴Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!^(F) ⁵Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.^(G) ⁶Do not be anxious about anything,^(H) but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.^(I) ⁷And the peace of God,^(J) which transcends all understanding,^(K) will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

⁸Finally, 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. ⁹Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice.^(L) And the God of peace^(M) will be with you.

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1. Rejoice! (1-5)

Paul concludes his letter with appeals to stand firm in the Lord, be united in the Lord, and rejoice in the Lord always! He repeats the command to rejoice! The decision to rejoice is a safeguard for our souls. It helps us to be gentle to all and to be near to the Lord.

2. Guard yourselves in Christ (6-9)

Anxiety attacks us from within and robs us of joy and peace. Paul's counsel is to pray in every situation, be thankful, and present our requests to God. Then, the peace of God resides within and helps us overcome our calculations. Most importantly, this peace guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, we must meditate on what is true, noble, right, pure, love, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy, and practice good.

Prayer: Lord, help me to have your peace that overcomes all understanding and guard myself in Christ Jesus!

One Word: Guard myself with the peace of Christ