Philippians 4

Philippians 4:1 Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.

Paul called them his joy and crown. He is speaking of rewards he will recieve from God at the bema where the judgments are made and the rewards are given. Also see how much he cares about them. The word crown refers to the laurel that was given to the victor in a race. It would be given at the bema. It is the Greek word stephanos not the word diadema which would be the crown that a king would wear.

Paul calls them his dearly beloved at the beginning of the verse as well as at the end of the verse which is used for emphasis. He wanted them to know he loved them but as always this is a reproof epistle. You always need to keep that in mind when reading any of the epistles Paul wrote.

2 I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.

Now these two women seem to be stirring things up with the believers at Philippi. Paul did not take a side he just reminded them they were to be like minded. That word is translated several different ways and I believe that will look at that word phroneō next time to see a bit more about it.

Just like many arguments it became more important than what bound these two women. 

3 And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.

The word yokefellow is the Greek word syzygos this is it's only usage in the entire word.It means someone who is united like a husband or wife or a bussiness partner. Someone who has a bond and is more than just someone you know. The rest of this verse may be there for Euodias and Syntyche it is unclear who exactly it was talking about.

4 Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.

If you are working on retemorising verses this is a great one and easy to remember.

5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
6 Ba careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

In verse 5 the word moderation is not the best translation of this word. Bullinger renders it as forbearance and Lamsa uses humility. Some of the newer translations go with gentelness.

Verse six is another that is good for memorising the word careful can and should be translated anxious. We are to be anxious for nothing but to pray with thanksgiving and give our requests unto God. To many get tied up into and forget to include God in your life.

7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

The peace of God will guard our hearts.  The Greek word is phroureō. The word means to guard. The peace of God goes way beyond anything 

8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

In verse 8 you have the figure of speech asyndeton which combined with the figure anaphora which is a repeating of a words and puts the emphasis on think of these things.

9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

Again we are to follow the example of Paul. We are told in several places to follow the example that Paul set by his walk with God and Christ Jesus.

10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.
11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

I understand that it is not wrong in and of itself to want something. We need to learn to be thankful first for what we have. Paul had suffer need at times and abounded 

If someone were to drive over your foot are you suppose to be content with that? We need to be less concerned with what we don't have and maybe not dwell on these things.

12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

As you can see Paul could go either way and still move the word.

13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Again see as I stated before a few weeks ago this verse has a context. You can go jump into a lions cage and not expect the lion to object. You can't walk off the roof and not expect to fall to the ground hard!

14 Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.
15 Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.
16 For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.
17 Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.
18 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.
19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
20 Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
21 Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you.
22 All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar's household.
23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.