Everyday Reminders

INTRO

This is the last chapter of the book of Philippians. This letter was not written to a church in crisis but was a letter of appreciation and encouragement. As Paul wrapped up the letter, he built momentum in the encouragement to keep spreading the good news. In chapter 4, Paul gave some last minute, basic everyday reminders that were necessary for the church to mature.

Think about some of the everyday reminders in our world today:

• Employees must wash hands before returning to work.
• Please do not feed the animals.
• Caution—Hot Coffee
• Zero Entry Pool—No Diving
• Please turn off the lights when leaving

We know these things—they’re obvious! But people still think we need to be reminded. Paul left his readers a list of reminders that were important to remember.

TEACHING

Philippians 4:1-2: Paul’s words were for “my beloved” (v. 1 NASB). Paul ministered with the Philippians and helped them build the church there. He had a long-term relationship with them, which allowed him to speak into them and made them willing to listen. Paul referred to them as “my joy and my crown,” a reminder of all they had accomplished together. Paul used the word “entreat” (ESV) meaning to address, to speak to, to instruct or teach, before addressing an estrangement between two women, Euodia and Syntyche (v. 2). We don’t know what their disagreement was about, and it’s the only time Paul gave names. He then gave instruction equally without taking sides. The language he used was a gentle reminder. In verse 2, Paul asked them to agree with each other in the Lord. His first everyday reminder then was: Pursue unity within the body. He wanted the women to model to the leaders how to maintain unity before their disagreement got out of hand.

Philippians 4:3: Paul used the phrase “true companion” (ESV) to show the relationship he had with his church leaders, that enabled him to speak into and encourage them. He was saying, “Hey, Skipper, remember the good old days when we labored together? Can you go help these women out?” His second everyday reminder is: Good relationships are relational currency.

Philippians 4:4: Paul instructed them to show great joy in the Lord. The everyday reminder is: Don’t be a party pooper. In other words, do not bring discouragement to a joyous occasion!

Philippians 4:5–6: Be reasonable, and don’t let anxiousness rule you. Doesn’t anxiousness produce unreasonableness at times? If you’ve ever been anxious or been around someone who is anxious, you’ll know that anxiety can make some decisions seem irrational. I believe reasonableness in the context of anxiousness is an antidote. The everyday reminder is: Keep calm. Be steady. Stay ready (with prayer).

Philippians 4:7: This everyday reminder is: Allow God to overwhelm you with His peace.

Philippians 4:8: Paul told the Philippians to dwell on what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and worthy of praise. The everyday reminder is: Do the right thing. Stay true to what you believe and know about the Lord.

Philippians 4:9: Paul told them to practice the things they had learned because he had given them this list of reminders of what to do. Reminder: Do the right thing. Everything Paul reminded them of had purpose and had a greater meaning connected to the reminder.

Philippians 4:10–20: Paul thanked the Philippians for sending him money when he apparently didn’t specifically request it. Imagine the emotions and the affirmation of his leadership he must have felt as he wrote this. The people he poured into over several trips were living out the example he set and were now pouring back into his life. It seems they were looking for an opportunity to bless Paul and thank him for his ministry to them. Paul wanted the people around him to be blessed for the fruit they harvested.

CLOSING

God knows the needs of doing ministry. Sometimes, He will put in our mind who to bless and how much, only to find out later that was the exact need of the recipient. Paul wrote this letter to the Philippians as a way to encourage them and thank them for walking along side of him in ministry.