The study of Philippians 4

To stand fast in the Lord is what we should be encouraging one another to always do. Be steady, reliable, faithful to the word, unmovable in the truth and contend for the original faith that was set forth in the bible and not be moved away by every wind of doctrine and thought that comes down whether by tradition of men or philosophy of men.

We need to seek to agree when we gather together to worship, being of the same mind and one accord. Look what happened on the day of Pentecost as a result of the disciples being of the same mind. Of course we have to make sure all are of the same mind in truth, but lay aside trivial disagreements at least in church meetings.

Notice that women are mentioned as laboring with Paul and Timothy in the gospel. Women have a place in the work of the Lord and they are important to God. Never should any group neglect the importance of women in the ministry of the gospel. Some of us are Marys and not Marthas.  I'm not criticizing the wonderful Martha types who care for the practical needs of people around her.  They are jewels and we all love them but we must remember that some of us are people like Mary who loved the word and wanted to be part of  spreading of the gospel.  When we shut them out because of a misinterpretation of some of the words of Paul, we are doing wrong.  Jesus did not shut women out of His ministry.  In fact God used a woman to bring the Son of God into the world in the first place.  He didn't use the man.  I'm in no way advocating usurping any authority God gives to man, neither am I advocating feminizing the bible or changing the gender of God into a female like some crazy people are trying to do.  True Mary types are women who have a meek and quiet spirit but they long to hear and then share the word with others.  It burns within them.  I sometimes wonder how many people would read these messages if they knew I was a woman instead of a man.  They could be in perfect agreement with most things I write but then find out my gender and discount it all.  This is a shame.   God puts this desire to share His word in our hearts and then some think we are to keep quiet about it.  . 

Another exhortation to rejoice and be glad in the Lord.

Moderation is being reasonable and not going to extremes. Being even tempered. Maintaining order and sound judgment. We are not to go too far to the right or to the left but be of sound mind and keep good doctrine. This does not mean that we compromise the truth. 

An example of not being moderate may be taking a scripture and basing a doctrine on it that goes beyond what the meaning is when you read in context with the whole passage.

Lacking in self-control, violent passions, overeating or drinking, overdoing things and acting in haste without thinking first are examples of not being moderate.

In other words, trust in the Lord and do not worry about things you have taken to Him in faith believing prayer. Be thankful always for everything we have and especially for God's gift of salvation and the price Jesus paid for us to have it.

This is a good guideline for how we choose to spend our time and what we listen to.

1. Whatever is true - avoid gossip and lies.
2. Whatever is honest- avoid deception and cheating.
3. Whatever is just- avoid being unfair and unreasonable.
4. Whatever is pure- avoid things that are defiled, filthy and spiritually unclean.
5. Whatever is lovely- Lovely in spirit. This would be opposite of unkindness, pride, vain glory and selfishness.
6. Whatever is of good report- If it is reported as something unfit or ungodly, avoid it.

Thank on things that are virtuous, holy and worthy of praise. Spend time in things that edify instead of wasting time in things that do not profit spiritually.

Follow after only those who are fully following the Lord and keeping His word. The minute the leadership stops following God and His word, we must continuing following the Lord ourselves. 

He was content whether he was suffering or in comfort.

God is not going to call anyone to do something that He will not give them the strength and wisdom to accomplish it. He will give strength to any that obey Him.

They showed care that Paul had to suffering beatings, prison and other hardships for the gospel's sake.

It brought Paul joy to see their care.

God will supply all needs to those who trust Him to do so.

What an example of care for fellow believers in Christ. Instead of feeling sorry for himself because he is in prison or suffering in some way, this person concerns himself more with those who might start to doubt and fear because of the sufferings they see him go through for the gospel's sake.

He continues to encourage fellow believers to carry on, keep the faith, trust in the Lord, and stand fast. May we encourage our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ in all these things. -Dorna

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