Proper 23: Epistle, Philippians 4:4-13                                

Philippians 4:4-13

The Holy Spirit is a craftsman. The universe is clear witness to that. But there is a brief passage in Paul’s letter to the young church in Philippi that has always drawn me with its “bookends.” And I don’t think it’s accidental. Paul is writing to encourage this church with all the heart he has for them. It is generally thought to be his most personal congregational letter. Chapter 4, verse 4 exhorts them to “Rejoice in the Lord always.” Of course, by extension this charge comes our way as well. Paul goes forward by laying out the path to the goal of rejoicing and it comes through prayer.

I wonder. Do we think of prayer as a means to rejoicing? I don’t want to get too far away from the topic above, but the question is begged: Does prayer in your life and mine lead to rejoicing? Paul wraps his teaching on prayer with the encouragement to not worry, to not be anxious about anything. The Lord is near to the Philippians says the apostle and taking that to heart and being thankful for that truth in particular will foster another blessing. And here it is: “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (4:7). The peace of God. Put that phrase in your pocket. 

In the very next line Paul calls the Philippians to another salutary discipline: meditation. Paul lists the food for thought in the next verse. “Here’s what you need to let your mind dwell on,” he might say today. A list follows that really puts the character of Christ Jesus on display. Think on these things O ancient and postmodern believers. And what is the result? “The God of peace will be with you” (4:9b). Did you catch that? Is Paul confused? Is the turn of phrase from just a few lines ago intentional? I say no doubt about it.

Paul has exhorted the Philippians to prayer with the result that the peace of God will have its way. Paul has encouraged the Philippians toward Christian meditation with the result that the God of peace will be their companion. Peace of God. God of Peace. Complete. Provision and Person. No it’s no accident. God will be absolutely everything the fledgling church at Philippi needs. And He will be everything you and I need. Today and every day. God be praised!