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OCTOBER 9
Philippians 4:1–23
Therefore, my beloved and longed-for
4 brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast
in the Lord, beloved. 4:12 abased…abound. Paul knew how to get
I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche to
2 along with humble means (food, clothing,
be of the same mind in the Lord. And I urge daily necessities) and how to live in prosperity
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(“to overflow”). to be full and to be hungry.
you also, true companion, help these women The Greek word translated “to be full”was used
who labored with me in the gospel, with of feeding and fattening animals. Paul knew
Clement also, and the rest of my fellow work- how to be content when he had plenty to eat
ers, whose names are in the Book of Life. and when he was deprived of enough to eat.
Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say,
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rejoice! 4:13 I can do all things. Paul uses a Greek
verb that means “to be strong” or “to have
strength” (Acts 19:16,20; James 5:16). He had
strength to withstand “all things” (vv. 11,12),
4:4 Rejoice in the Lord. Paul’s familiar theme including both difficulty and prosperity in the
throughout the epistle, which has already material world.through Christ who strength-
been heard in chapters 1 and 2.“In the Lord” ens me. The Greek word for strengthen means
signifies the sphere in which the believers’joy “to put power in.” Because believers are in
exists—a sphere unrelated to the circum- Christ (Gal. 2:20), He infuses them with His
stances of life, but related to an unassailable, strength to sustain them until they receive
unchanging relationship to the sovereign Lord. some provision (Eph. 3:16–20; 2 Cor. 12:10).

Let your gentleness be known to all men.
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The Lord is at hand. to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer
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Be anxious for nothing, but in everything
6 need. I can do all things through Christ who
by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, strengthens me.
Nevertheless you have done well that you
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let your requests be made known to God; and shared in my distress. Now you Philippians
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the peace of God, which surpasses all under- know also that in the beginning of the gospel,
standing, will guard your hearts and minds when I departed from Macedonia, no church
through Christ Jesus. shared with me concerning giving and receiv-
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, ing but you only. For even in Thessalonica
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whatever things are noble, whatever things you sent aid once and again for my necessi-
are just, whatever things are pure, whatever ties. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the
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things are lovely, whatever things are of good fruit that abounds to your account. Indeed I
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report, if there is any virtue and if there is any- have all and abound. I am full, having received
thing praiseworthy—meditate on these from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a
things. The things which you learned and sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice,
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received and heard and saw in me, these do, well pleasing to God. And my God shall sup-
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and the God of peace will be with you. ply all your need according to His riches in
10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now glory by Christ Jesus. Now to our God and
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at last your care for me has flourished again; Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
though you surely did care, but you lacked 21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The
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opportunity. Not that I speak in regard to brethren who are with me greet you. All the
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need, for I have learned in whatever state I saints greet you, but especially those who are
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am, to be content: I know how to be abased, of Caesar’s household.
and I know how to abound. Everywhere and 23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with
in all things I have learned both to be full and you all. Amen.
DAY 9: How do we keep the peace of God in our lives?
Paul tells us to “be anxious for nothing”(Phil.4:6).Fret and worry indicate a lack of trust in God’s
wisdom, sovereignty, or power.Delighting in the Lord and meditating on His Word are a great anti-
dote to anxiety (Ps. 1:2).“In everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving,…requests.”
All difficulties are within God’s purposes. Gratitude to God accompanies all true prayer.
“And the peace of God” (v. 7). Inner calm or tranquillity is promised to the believer who has a
thankful attitude based on an unwavering confidence that God is able and willing to do what is
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