Stand Fast in the Lord
Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Philippians 4:1-9. Paul exhorts the Philippians to stand fast in the Lord. What do you think Paul meant by that statement? Paul exhorts the Philippians to stand fast in the Lord because of the promise of the resurrection in the previous verse.
You will notice in Paul’s words how he addressed the Philippians. You can tell Paul really cared for them. He called them brethren, dearly beloved, and longed for, my joy and crown. Paul’s love and admiration for the Philippians shines through in the words of his letter.
Paul exhorts Euodias and Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. It seems as though these two women had a dispute and Paul wanted them to reconcile. He asks his yokefellow to help these women who labored with him in the gospel. Paul says those who labored with him in the Lord, their names will be written in the book of life.
Paul reminds them to rejoice in the Lord always. He tells them to let their self-control be known to all men. Paul tells them to not be suspicious of anything, but let their needs be known to God through prayer. Only then would the peace of God rule in their hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Verse eight is one of my favorite verses. Paul says, “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.” If we would think about this verse, our attitudes and speech would be more acceptable to God. Every time you start to have a negative thought think about this verse, and if your thoughts don’t match up to this verse, then cast them away.
Paul reminds them to do the things that he has taught them and the peace of God will rule in their hearts. If we would learn to be like-minded in Christ, as Paul exhorts these women to be, there would be fewer disagreements. If we can learn that the things of this world aren’t nearly as important as our relationship to Christ, our relationship with others would be better.
When we remember to think on the good things of God, our attitudes will be much more pleasing to God. If we can learn to do the things that we’ve been taught in the Scriptures, the peace of God will rule in our hearts and minds.
Daily Bible Reading:
Philippians 4:1-9
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 alway: 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.
Things to think about:
- What was Paul’s concern in this Scripture?
- What are the things that Paul instructs us to think about in this Scripture?
- What are some ways we can stand fast in the Lord?
Prayer of the Day:
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for this Scripture in the book of Philippians. Paul exhorts the Philippians to be like-minded. Help us to be like-minded. He encourages them to rejoice in the Lord. Help us to rejoice in You always. He tells them to pray to You for their needs. Help us to turn to You in prayer when we have needs or problems with which we need help. Paul tells them to think on good things. Help us to set our minds on the good things of God so we might experience Your peace in our lives. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Daily Bible Verse:
Featured Book:
The Book of Philippians: Paul’s Letter to Philippi
by Deborah H. Bateman
The Book of Philippians: Paul’s Letter to Philippi is a Daily Bible Reading study of the book of Philippians by Deborah H. Bateman. The book of Philippians is from the New Testament of the Bible and is one of the Apostle Paul’s letters. In the book of Philippians Paul encourages the saints at Philippi to be strong in their faith, to stand fast in the Lord, and to be content in Christ.
Paul loved the Philippians and it shows in his writing to them. Paul knew that they loved him as well. The Philippians showed their love for Paul by supporting his ministry.
Paul would never forget the Philippians because of the way they cared for him when he ministered to them. They would always have a special place in his heart.
Paul wanted the best for the Philippians. He wanted to make sure they never let anybody steer them in the wrong direction. He wanted them to stay on course and do the things he had taught them whether he was with them or not.
The Book of Philippians: Paul’s Letter to Philippi contains ten Daily Bible Reading lessons. Each lesson consists of a brief commentary, the Daily Bible Reading Scripture, several questions for contemplation or discussion, and a prayer for the day to go along with the lesson. This is a great Bible study for individual daily devotions or for a group Bible study.
For those of you interested in Bible journaling, may I suggest you pick your favorite Bible verse from each lesson and journal about it. This will be a great reminder of the lessons you learn as you read and study this book.
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Deborah
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