Philippians 4:10-23

In the final message in this study of the book of Philippians, Paul explains that the true contentment comes through understanding that God is absolutely sovereign. Contentment conquers the materialism that is prevalent in our culture. Our possessions, our culture’s pressure to see that we desire the biggest home, the latest cell phone — none of these leads to true contentment.

Philippians 4:4-9

Paul commands that we rejoice in all circumstances, live a life of “reasonableness,” gentleness, humility, and contentment; be anxious about nothing, but instead bring our requests in prayer, supplication and thanksigiving to the Lord. All of this is possible because the Lord is at hand.

Philippians 4:1-3

In Philippians 4:1-3, Paul speaks of two women within the church who have a disagreement of some sort. He calls upon all believers agree in the Lord (to be peacemakers), and to resolve their differences for the sake of the Gospel. We. likewise, need to lose our pride and in humility come together to resolve differences and arrive at unity.

Philippians 3:17-4:1

The apostle Paul encourages us to follow in his example, not from the perspective of an elitist or spiritual leader, but as a believer fighting every day to become more like Christ and to reflect God’s glory upon others.

Philippians 3:12-16

While sitting in a jail cell, Paul admits that he hasn’t reached the point of full maturity in Christ. “But I press on toward the goal to win the prize …” he teaches. God’s plan is for each person who has accepted Christ to become more like Christ every day. That’s why we cannot just sit on the sidelines, not growing spiritually every day. We cannot allow guilt over sin or events in our past to paralyze us. Nor can we point to the good things of our past, reflecting on the “good old days,” and “rest on our laurels.”