UBF Daily Bread

THE PEACE OF GOD

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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The Philippian church had disunity due to inside and outside forces. Who knows what Euodia and Syntyche disagreed about? Was it a matter of worship style, mission strategy or focus, or perhaps a personal betrayal of trust? The Judaizers’ demands made some of the believers doubt the assurance of God's grace. Fear of persecution, the possibility of Paul's death, and all of life's other concerns were also ever present.

In response, Paul said to stand firm in the Lord and to rejoice in the Lord always. Rather than dwell in anxious thoughts, Paul said to give it to God in prayer and petition. Even if we cannot change the circumstances, we can find peace in God's goodness, his unconditional love for us, and the hope of his good will and salvation to all that is beyond our limited understanding of when and how. We should keep our minds on what is good, true, noble, pure, and praiseworthy, and continue to live out the gospel in mind and action.

Prayer: Lord, calm my fears and anxiety today. I entrust it in your sovereign will. May I embrace what is good and true and experience the fullness of your peace.

One Word: Rejoice in the Lord always