Philippians 4:1–9

Bringing the sermon home:

Drawing the main body of the letter to a close, Paul addresses two different kinds of peace: peace within the church, and peace within our own hearts.

The exhortation for two women in the church to be of the same mind, and for others to help them in this, is sandwiched between multiple phrases that draw our attention to the primary source of both our joy and our unity: the advance of the gospel. Gospel-engendered humility enables us to graciously disagree with one another in matters of prudence, trusting God to work in His church, even through decisions we disagree with.

Transitioning to the topic of peace within our hearts, Paul gives two challenging commands: rejoice always, and do not be anxious about anything. Paul tells us that the antidote to anxiety is prayer and praise. In prayer, we are forcing ourselves to acknowledge and accept our utter dependence upon God for whatever may come, entrusting ourselves to His good purposes for our lives.

Through praying to God, meditating on the Word of God, and imitating those who know God, may the God of peace increasingly be with us all.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. (John 14:27)

(See follow-up article here.)