Daily Bible Study

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Day 142 Philippians 4:1 Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved. 2 I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life. 4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again, I say, rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. 6 Be anxious for nothing, 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 minds through Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned, received, heard, and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you. 10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. 11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things, I learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. 14 Nevertheless, you have done well that you shared in my distress. 15 Now you Philippians also know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. 16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. 18 Indeed, I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God. 19 My God will supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. 20 Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. 21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren who are with me greet you. 22 All the saints greet you, but especially those who are of Caesar’s household. 23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. Everyone has someone they are proud to be associated with. Their friendship brings much happiness. They encourage them in everything they do. They gain strength from their friendship and will do whatever necessary to see them succeed in their endeavors. Paul rejoiced in his association with the Philippian church. They helped him whenever possible. He knew they didn’t always have the opportunity to assist him, but when they did, he saw the fruit of their labors. Paul told them to meditate on those things which were pure, noble, just, lovely, and praiseworthy. He also told them that whatever they learned, received, heard, and saw in him, to do them, and the God of peace would be with them. Paul encouraged them in the work they did for the gospel, telling them they could do all things through God’s strength. He knew how to be content in whatever state he found himself, whether lacking or full. Paul told them to encourage one another as they encouraged him, to petition God for everything they needed, and praise Him who supplied everything. He sent them greetings from all those who ministered with him, including those of Caesar’s household. As Christians, do you encourage others in their faith? Do you rejoice when you see the work they do? Or do you complain because you don’t have everything you need? When you encourage others, you bring a blessing to yourself. You find joy in helping those in need. When you think about all the things that are noble, just, pure, true, lovely, and praiseworthy, you will find the strength to continue in the work God gave you. When you give your petitions to God, He will give you everything you need to further the work of the gospel. When you see God’s hand of provision in your life, you will rejoice as Paul rejoiced. You will praise God for everything He does for and through you. Your faith will increase, and you will grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ. Then you will be content because you know God works in you in everything you put your hand to accomplish. Let’s pray: Father, thank you for putting people in my life to encourage and bless me. Help me bless and encourage others and rejoice in everything You do through me. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. Copyright © 5 December 2023 by Valerie Routhieaux The image belongs to me.