Summary: 1: Paul is joyful for them, their faithfulness and growth spiritually. And tells them to stand fast (faithful). 2-3 he is pleading with the two ladies to unite and be like-minded in Christ (they had a disagreement- in the moment he is writing to them they aren’t doing so, he’s telling them to have the same mind in the Lord so there’s no division ) and verse 3 Paul is encouraging the church to help them in their work (as well as with reuniting them) alongside his other fellow-workers, with clement, these people’s names are in the book of life. (Names being in the book of life even with this unlikemindedness shows that we aren’t saved by what we do but by faith in Jesus- our names are written in the Book of life when we accept Jesus- not after we work our way- cz we can’t). Vs 4 “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” Paul is telling them this (while in prison) to rejoice in the Lord always (not based on circumstances) but to rejoice in Him in everything (His faithfulness and the fact that He is there and in control should be the reason we rejoice always). 5 be the light, let the fruit of the Spirit be evident I your life, reflecting the character of God as a witness people because the Lord is at hand. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV Don’t let something cause you anxiety, instead bring this in prayer to God. With supplication- asking earnestly for help, then give thanks- showing faith that He is faithful to answer as He had previously. And because of this (laying of our burden to Him) we now have peace- cz we leave His presence knowing He will sort it out so now there’s nothing troubling us. And with this, the peace of God which is surpasses understanding (it’s past comprehending) - will guard our thoughts (now we aren’t stressed cz He is now guarding our thoughts, so those anxious thoughts have no way in) so what then? We rejoice always! 😊 (how do we rejoice always? Vs 8 answers) 8-9 - dwell your mind on positivity- whatever you’re feeding your mind is what’s gonna shape you. Then if what’s feeding into your mind is true, noble, just, pure, lovely, praise worthy- then I’m gonna be guarded from anything disturbing my joy, Then that’s how we rejoice in the Lord always- cz our minds are guarded from destructive thoughts- and we’re shaping to be like Him then. 9 they’ve been taught the truth, now it’s time to live it and when we do this, the God of peace will be with us. (Peace also comes by walking in obedience to God’s will) - it’s for our own good to obey Him- when we follow His commands (don’t steal etc we have peace, but if not, we steal- jail, then no peace) Peace comes through prayer also cz we know He is able to do it, He is capable. And when in harmony with Him, we can trust that He will, and are at peace. 10- 19 he is thankful for them, how they continually care for him and cater to his needs. Not necessarily talking about him needing it cz he is at peace with whatever he has little or much (seeing the counsel he just gave I. previous verses in action). His joy isn’t circumstantial, His satisfaction comes from God so whether he has much or little- he is content. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” - whatever circumstance he is faced with, he will remain content, faithful, at peace why? Cz of Christ- satisfied through Him. The rest of the verses he is thanking them in all the areas they’ve supported him, he’s not just happy about receiving but the fact that their generosity shows fruit (character development, growth)- which is what he wants for them. What they gave was an acceptable sacrifice to God cz they sacrificed for His work from their hearts, and because of this, God will make sure we don’t lack. God doubles back, it’s as if we’re lending to Him. If not here, then in heaven. Some way, some how, you will be repaid😊. 10 he then ends it with thanking and glorifying God 21-22 he tells them to greet the brethren then sends his greetings especially from the household of Caesar (those in the empire of Caesar that has accepted the faith). Then he blesses them with the grace of God. Begins by grace and ends with grace.