Notes for a Sermon to a Texas Men’s Group on Philippians 4:1-9

(by Bill Stevenson)

We as individuals make up the church and people are watching us as church representatives or
ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:17-21). Can we say to each other as fellow church members as Paul to the
Philippian Christians, “dearly beloved and longed for”. I can’t even write that in a letter. Notice he said
the words “dearly beloved” twice in the same verse. Can we feel for each other that deeply? In verse 9
Paul says to do what he does. In verse 21 Paul indicates that “every saint in Christ Jesus” should be
“saluted” or greeted with respect. Do we care for and greet with respect every born again believer we
meet no matter what they look like or how they talk? Or are we superficial and indifferent in this area of
church? Do we also really want “the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ” to be with every Christian we meet?
In verse 2, Paul indicates that we men might encourage the Christian women to “be of the same
mind in the Lord” and help those women who are active Christians. We should help the women stop the
human nature habits of gossip and criticizing. Of course we should be examples of sinless lives in these
areas ourselves, so that the ladies can’t accuse us of double standards. Let us try to encourage more the
ladies who are serving Christ by keeping our homes running smoothly and teaching our children good
discipline and morals. Let us especially be encouraging to our pastor’s wife. We can be very creative in
our ways of encouragement. The Holy Spirit will help us if we desire.
Verse 4: “Rejoice”, “rejoice”, and “always” are the key words. Can rejoicing be done always, in
every situation you are in? Only if you realize that things could be worse and that there is always
something to be thankful for. Thankfulness is the key to contentment and negative thinking cannot
coexist in the mind of one being thankful. It is easy to rejoice if you are thankful. Apostle Paul wrote this
verse after he was sentenced to death by be-heading in Rome for his Christian teaching.
Verse 5: The word “let” means “permit”. The word “moderation” in the King James Version of the
Bible means “gentleness and forbearance”. The word “all” means everyone. The phrase “the Lord is at
hand” means that “God is everywhere via the Holy Spirit”.
Verse 6: The word “careful” in the King James Version of the Bible means “anxious”. Notice the
phrase “in everything” and where the word “by” is located. What does prayer mean to us? The word
“supplication” means “to ask in a humble and earnest way”. “Earnest” means “very intense and serious”.
What does thanksgiving mean to us? Do you pray in the way this verse says to? Other Bible verses tell
us that God know what we want before we ask. He want our acknowledgment or agreement. What kind
of requests should we make to God? Shouldn’t they be for serving Him better? God will give the proper
desires of our heart if we continually pray, study the Bible, and go to church all in the right spiritual mind.
If we do verse 6, verse 7 is the fantastic promise for mental stability in our chaotic world. “All”, “keep”,
“hearts”, and “minds” are key words in verse 7. Some think the use of the words “hearts” and “minds” is
a double emphasis, but it isn’t. For example-- A person can think they are saved and say it as well and not
be saved. The acceptance of the Gospel has to get to the dirty heart for true salvation and rebirth to take
place. Just mind agreement is not enough. Then after true Christian salvation, the convert must not just
have convictions for holy living and hating sin just in his or her head in order to please others, but he or
she must get the convictions down to the “heart” in order to please God in talk or action no matter who is
around if anyone. Verse 7 also says that the peace of God will help us keep holy through Jesus Christ.
Remember 1 John 1:5-10.
Verses 8 and 9 tell us what God-pleasing thinking and actions are: true, honest, just, pure, lovely,
good report, virtue, and praise. Even when agitated by a supervisor or co-worker, such should be done as
Christ did when he had to relate to those who challenged Him when He was in human form. Live
Proverbs 3:5-6 so that you will be able to get Holy Spirit help in such challenges. True Christians should
be different in responding to any challenges. Understanding and compassion should result instead of
complaining, gossip, and vengeance.
I hope that you learned something from the information about Philippians 4:1-9.