January 24, 2024
DAILY BIBLE READING – Philippians Chapter 4
1 Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.
2 I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.
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.
4 Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.
5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
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.
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.
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.
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.
13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
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.
King James Version. Public Domain
Commentary
Introduction
Philippians Chapter 4 serves as the conclusion of the Apostle Paul’s letter to the church in Philippi. It is characterized by encouragement toward unity, joy, and gratitude. Paul urges the believers to live in the joy of the Lord, to maintain trust during difficult times, and to pray with a thankful heart. Additionally, Paul expresses his deep gratitude for the support of the church. The chapter concludes with blessings and greetings that emphasize the heartfelt connection between Paul and the congregation.
Commentary
Verses 1-3: Exhortation to Unity
Paul begins with a heartfelt exhortation to unity. He directly addresses Euodia and Syntyche, asking for their harmony in the Lord. This personal address highlights how important peace and harmony are to Paul within the church. He also urges others to support these two women, as they have struggled alongside him for the sake of the Gospel.
Verses 4-7: Call to Joy and Trust
With the words “Rejoice in the Lord always,” Paul calls for steadfast joy that is independent of external circumstances. He encourages the believers to present their worries to God through prayer, accompanied by thanksgiving. From this arises the divine peace, which “surpasses all understanding,” guarding their hearts and minds.
Verses 8-9: Exhortation to Virtuous Living
Paul urges the congregation to focus their thoughts on what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and commendable. By thinking and doing good, the God of peace will be with them.
Verses 10-20: Gratitude for the Church’s Support
Paul sincerely thanks the Philippians for their material support. However, he emphasizes that he has learned to be content in every situation, whether in abundance or in need. His well-known confession, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me, Christ,” underscores his reliance on Christ. Paul views the church’s donations not merely as help for himself but as spiritual fruit pleasing to God. He assures the believers that God will also meet their needs abundantly.
Verses 21-23: Greetings and Blessings
In conclusion, Paul sends warm greetings to the church and specifically mentions the believers from Caesar’s household. He ends with the blessing: “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all!”
Summary
Philippians Chapter 4 is an encouraging and affectionate conclusion to the letter. Paul calls for unity, joy, and tranquility. He emphasizes the power of prayer and the importance of divine peace. Additionally, he expresses heartfelt thanks for the church’s support, demonstrating his deep dependence on Christ. The believers are urged to direct their thoughts and actions toward what is good. Paul concludes the letter with loving greetings and a blessing. The central message is: In Christ, we find joy, peace, and the strength to face all of life’s challenges.
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | Steps to Christ
Chapter 1—God’s Love for Man
Read online here
Commentary
Introduction:
The first chapter of the book The Way to Christ powerfully depicts God’s immeasurable love for humanity. It shows how this love is made visible through nature, revelation, and especially through the life and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. God is described as the source of life, joy, and truth, whose actions are always directed towards blessing and redeeming humanity. Even in a world marked by sin, His love remains visible, whether through the beauty of creation or through the redemptive work of Jesus, which clearly reveals God’s nature and His plan for salvation.
Commentary:
Chapter 1 offers a profound reflection on God’s love, which is evident throughout creation and in the redemption through Christ. A central theme is that God continues to love humanity despite their sin and strives to reconcile them with Himself. The depiction of nature as an expression of God’s care is particularly moving: every sunbeam, every flower petal, and every bird’s song is interpreted as a testimony to His immeasurable love. This reminds us that God’s care is not abstract, but tangible in every facet of life.
The chapter also addresses the dark reality of sin, which destroyed the world’s original state of perfection and freedom from suffering. Interestingly, the suffering that entered the world through sin is not portrayed as meaningless or arbitrary but as a tool that, within God’s salvation plan, serves an educational and restorative purpose. This perspective invites us to seek God’s intent even in difficult moments and to recognize that He does not abandon His children, even in suffering.
Another highlight of the chapter is the description of Jesus Christ as the perfect revelation of God’s love. Christ assumed human nature to show the world the true nature of God and to provide the way for human salvation. The chapter emphasizes that Jesus was not only a teacher or prophet but the living embodiment of divine love. His acts of healing, kindness to the weak, and willingness to make the ultimate sacrifice on the cross demonstrate the depth of God’s compassion and selflessness.
At the same time, an important misconception is addressed: Jesus’ sacrifice was not meant to move God to love or forgive humanity, but it was the result of His pre-existing love for humanity. John 3:16 is highlighted here as a central theme: God gave His Son because He loved the world. This truth not only forms the foundation of the Christian faith but also serves as a call for readers to be transformed by this love.
The chapter is not only a theological discourse but also an invitation to personal reflection. It encourages readers to contemplate the depth and breadth of God’s love and to respond by turning to Him in trust and gratitude. Particularly striking is the depiction of how, through Christ, people can become “children of God” — a calling that carries both dignity and a special responsibility.
Overall, Chapter 1 serves as an encouraging and inspiring introduction, connecting the reader to the central message of the Christian faith: God’s love is infinite, it seeks us, and it desires to draw us to Himself, regardless of our faults and weaknesses. This love is the path to true joy, peace, and hope.
Summary:
Chapter 1 of The Way to Christ describes God’s immeasurable love for humanity, which is revealed through nature, revelation, and the life of Jesus Christ. Creation reflects God’s care, and even the suffering that came into the world through sin is understood as part of His salvation plan. Through Jesus’ life and sacrifice, God’s nature is made visible — a nature full of compassion, selflessness, and a will to redeem. Christ not only revealed God’s love but also made it possible, through His death on the cross, for people to become “children of God.” The chapter invites readers to reflect on this love and find in a personal relationship with God the hope, joy, and salvation He offers.
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