Bible Study for Texas for 10_5_92203

Posted: 9/19/03

Lesson for Oct. 5

Philippians 4:2-19

Live with genuine joy

By Joe McCammon

The scientific name for this very interesting bird is “mimus polyglottos.” Yes, it's the state bird of Texas. The proud and aggressive mockingbird, which is known for being quite an annoyance to unsuspecting cats and humans, has a unique ability to imitate the sounds of other birds, setting it apart from all the rest. One bird watcher recently reported a mockingbird that imitated 32 kinds of birds in only 10 minutes.

To simulate the songs of another bird is quite a skill. But one of the basic virtues of the Christian life, which cannot be fabricated, is genuine joy. Unwavering contentment for the believer should be a big part of the walk which sets him apart. We have every reason to be joyful when we know Christ in a personal way.

As the Apostle Paul shares some closing thoughts in the last chapter of his letter to the Philippians, he communicates to them the fact that abiding joy is a given for the child of God. The immediate circumstance in which Paul was writing was imprisonment in Rome (1:12-14). In spite of these circumstances, Paul had plenty of reasons to rejoice.

Many Bible commentators agree that the overall theme of the letter is, “I rejoice, you rejoice, we all rejoice together!” Chapter 4 effectively supports the theme, “in all things we should rejoice.” Abiding joy for the child of God is essential for all dealings of life.

Real or only assumed

Paul desired for all his brothers and sisters in Christ to have the determination to say along with him, “I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content” (4:11). He pointed out that he had experienced all the ups and downs of life and yet had found his only security in Christ. This kind of faith may be an assumed part of the Christian's life, but it is often unrealized for many who claim to have faith. We must recognize that there is a difference between happiness with the things of this temporal existence and abiding joy which is eternal. The emotion of “happiness” seems to be determined by pleasant surroundings and the bliss of having many things, only to find false security. Lasting joy for the believer, on the other hand, abides in spite of circumstances.

The original word for joy is supported by additional words such as “peace” (4:7,9) and “content” (4:11). A sense of joy, contentment, generosity and well-being permeates the letter, overflowing from Paul's life. The evidences of abiding joy as outlined in this passage were Paul's chief concern for all of his Christian brothers and sisters.

Promote peace

In the letter, we see Paul's warm feelings for the church. Paul called them “my joy and crown” (4:1). He was grateful for the Philippians and the support they had given him (4:10-19). We see his concern for his friends grow out of his real love for them. As the Philippian church's founding pastor, Paul wanted the disagreements the church was experiencing to be healed and he wanted the church to live their relationship to Christ in great faithfulness.

Paul felt it necessary to be specific about his concerns for the disunity among them. He named names so reconciliation could take place. There was no doubt about who needed to come together to restore unity. Nothing more is known of Euodia and Syntyche other than they were in some undesignated dispute. Whatever the reason, the dispute was disrupting the fellowship.

We may note that women in Macedonia apparently occupied a more prominent position in society than in other provinces in the first-century Roman Empire. Their prominence would have the effect of making the problem more visible within the community which they had been called to reach for Christ. The identity of Clement also is unknown, but the point is clear that Paul had a close working relationship with each of these individuals.

Wouldn't it be a sad epitaph for our lives if the only thing for which we are known is that we couldn't get along with others? The child of God should radiate a life of peace, and this includes our relationships with others.

Live an exemplary life

This letter shows Paul making the best of life, given the circumstances in which he found himself and the opportunities he had. In spite of all this, Paul's testimony to the readers is upbeat rather than somber. He had reminded the Philippians that “on Christ's behalf” they should not only believe in Christ, but also suffer for him, “having the same struggle that you saw in me” (1:29-30). He desired for his beloved congregation in Philippi to be examples to the lost as he had been an example to them (v. 9).

His constant prayer for them was to live an exemplary life with all the attributes of following Christ. He exhorts them to meditate (“think”) on the things of Christ (v. 8) and allow God to “keep their hearts and minds” (v. 7). The words which are listed; “true, honest, just, pure, lovely, good, virtue and praise” are the basics for the walk of Christ's followers.

We can all appreciate the importance of being able to guide and control our thoughts. We can all understand that it must be a serious thing to have lost or not to possess the power of doing so. The life of genuine joy takes into account the essential ingredients of rightful living.

Be content

A young man in college had run out of money and sent his dad a note: “No mun, no fun, your son.” In reply, he received this note from his father: “Too bad, how sad, your dad.” It can be quite a challenge to be content when very few things around us are going our way. The Christian, however, has hope in things which are far greater than himself.

Paul had learned the discipline of contentment. The word “content” has the thought of being self-sufficient. Such a person has learned to meet crises with an inner strength. It was very clear to his readers that Paul had learned how to deal with them solely because of his relationship to Christ. “Content” has the idea of being independent of external circumstances. Paul says, “I know” (4:12) with great familiarity with the ups and downs of life. In good times or hard times he did not cease to rejoice (4:4).

Contentment, however, cannot be produced by our own efforts. He wanted his readers to understand that his sufficiency did not come from strength of his own character but from Christ Jesus who dwelled within him. Paul was strong enough to endure all things only in the strength of Christ who empowered him (v. 13). He was being filled (infused) with power so that he could “do all things” for the glory of God.

Practice generosity

It was my privilege some time ago to visit the present-day city of Thessaloniki, Macedonia. Looking out over the Aegean Sea, I realized Paul also had enjoyed this beautiful scene. I remember feeling a sense of awe at the greatness of God's creation and the wonder of time and space since the world has changed so dramatically over the centuries. Human nature has never changed, however. We must live in the presence of God and in cooperation with one another.

When Paul left Philippi, he traveled to Thessalonica (70-80 miles), where he ministered for several weeks. He also established a church in that city (Acts 17:1-9). Paul acknowledged that the Philippians had sent him material support on at least two occasions. It is quite possible that, as he looked out over the coast at Thessalonica, he had pleasant memories of his relationship with the people of Philippi. His words to them in the letter were intended not only to express his gratitude but also to encourage them. Their generosity was evidence of the influence Paul had upon their lives in living a life of joy and contentment.

As all should realize, generosity becomes a blessing for everyone involved, including the giver. As the ushers on Sunday take up the offering, the prayer often is expressed with the words, “bless the gift and the giver alike.” Texas Baptists have the great opportunity to be a blessing to so many millions who need to come to know Jesus as their Savior. It is a blessing to be part of our mission to spread the gospel throughout all of Texas. The Mary Hill Davis Offering, promoted throughout the year and particularly in the fall, allows every church and individual be a part of reaching many who are lost without the joy and peace which comes with knowing Christ in a personal way. So many who have given their lives to missions and ministry, like Paul, depend on the support of Christian brothers and sisters.

It's up to you

One important point about abiding joy is that you can't depend on others to bring it to you. The other person may be depending on you to bring a little sunshine into the room. We must learn that true happiness cannot be produced from within. It comes from Christ. We all have just one chance at life. We can allow our experience to be a pleasant one with God's help or make it an altogether unbearable existence on our own devices.

Questions for discussion

How would you define happiness? How does it differ from abiding joy for the Christian?

What was Paul's concern for his Christian brothers and sisters?

Why was Paul able to be so upbeat in light of his circumstances?

Where was Paul located when he received gifts from the Philippians?

What was the source of his assurance and contentment?

Joe McCammon is pastor of Wildwood Baptist Church in Mesquite