Living In A Culture
Barry Applewhite, author
Next Sunday a special guest preacher, Andy McQuitty, from Irving Bible Church, will share a powerful message from Philippians 4. So to prepare us for that message, we’re reprinting an Engage God Daily from 2017 on this amazing passage. It’s a “best of” from our archives by Barry Applewhite.
Day 1: First Looks
The passage for this week is one that Paul has been aiming for in his prior writing in this letter. Though the assembly in Roman Philippi is by no means in crisis, their unity is essential to proclaiming the good news about what God has done in Jesus Christ. Yet this colony of heaven lives in Roman Philippi, and their new mindset interfaces with that culture. What was essential for them to figure out is also vital for us!
Read
Philippians 4:1-9
1 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!
2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable. — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me — put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
What affectionate language do you find in this section?
What does Paul say about various emotions in this section?
What spiritual models does Paul point to?
