Do Not Be Anxious
Key Verses 06: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”
Introduction:
Php 4:6-7 is one of the most favorite bible verses for Christians. “Do not be anxious.” In the world, there are so many things that make them anxious and fearful. Here, Paul encouraged them to rejoice and to have peace of God. The trademark for Christians is joy and peace. God gave them to Christians through Christ. God really wants them to have peace and joy in their hearts always. If we do not have joy and peace in our hearts, then we can say “something is not right.” If we do not have joy and peace, we need to think about the reason why we don’t have them. We need to think about how to keep joy and peace in our hearts. The two key words in today’s passage are “joy” and “peace”. We want to know why it is important to keep them.
V2-3
2 I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 3 Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
What was Paul’s concern for Euodia and Syntyche? (2) How does agreeing together “in the Lord” help to settle disagreements? Whom does Paul tell the Philippians to help, and how does he value them? (3)
Q1 A. What was Paul’s concern for Euodia and Syntyche? (2)
2 I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord.
Paul’s concern was that Euodia and Syntyche did not agree.
The word “entreat” means “ask earnestly”. Until now, Paul has said many things, but he has not mentioned their problem. Now here Paul directly asked them to agree in the Lord.
Q1 B. How does agreeing together “in the Lord” help to settle disagreements?
“In the Lord” means “based on what Jesus has done for them.” When Euodia and
Syntyche remembered how Jesus forgave their sins on the cross, they could forgive
each other and agree. The Lord accepted both of them through his cross.
Q1 C. Whom does Paul tell the Philippians to help, and how does he value them? (3)
3 Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
Paul told “true companion” to help these women. “True companion” could mean the church leaders or those who have concern for their problems. They did not take any action because they might not have known what to do. They might have thought that it would be better just to pray. But Paul asked them to help these women. Helping, of course, includes prayer.
Paul valued these two women so much. He described them as “who have labored side by side with me in the gospel.” He valued them so highly despite their weaknesses. This is how Christ sees us. We all have defects. But to Christ, we are so precious. To Paul, these two women were so precious because they fought to defend and confirm the gospel together with him side by side. The expression “side by side” means these two women were equal to Paul in terms of “importance” before his eyes.
Paul also did not forget other coworkers. He mentioned them as “with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers”. He described them as “whose names are in the book of life.” Before men’s eyes, they have many weaknesses, and may be mature enough. Before God’s eyes, they are recognized, and their names are in the book of life.
Additional note from question 1. (v2-3)
2 I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 3 Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
These two women coworkers were important. The church was started by Lydia, a woman. So in the Philippian church, many women coworkers were there. Women might have a larger population. There, probably women’s voice was strong.
They disagreed. We do not know what they disagreed about. It could be a church matter, or a theological matter, or other things. Because these two women disagreed, there was a very strong negative influence on others and the church.
These two women were very useful coworkers to Paul. He said, “Who labored side by side with me.” After Paul left, these two women began to disagree.
Paul used “entreat”. It is a strong word. So their disagreement was serious. “I entreat Euodia,” and “I entreat Syntyche.” It shows both of them have issues, and both of them should be changed.
So far, Paul has spoken to the whole church. But here Paul specifically mentioned these two women. Sometimes we need such a kind of personal help.
“Agree in the Lord.” It shows these two strong women have very different opinions and it was hard for them to agree. But Paul said, “Agree in the Lord.” We see this kind of disagreement in any church. If such a disagreement is not resolved, the church is divided.
So we need to learn how to resolve such disagreements. The Philippian church lost joy and peace because of the disagreement between these two women coworkers. To restore joy and peace of God, Paul had to tackle the issue of their disagreement.
“You” means true companion. Paul really asked other people to help them.
From “agree in the Lord”, we can learn a couple of things. The first meaning is that believers must have agreement and be united in Christ. It is not right to have disagreement and division in the church. Paul says, “agree in the Lord”. It means “to be united with Christ” and “learn from him.” Each side has certain good and right points. But to harmonize with each other, if they should deal with the matter with Jesus’ heart and mind. Then, they can find how to agree with each other.
In most cases, the real cause is one’s mindset or attitude. The examples of unhealthy attitudes are to push one’s opinion all the way or not being willing to make any compromise or adjustment.
These women need to come to Christ and think about his heart.
Paul asked them to think about the interests of Christ and think about the mind of Christ. (Php 2) People are hurt not because of different opinions but because of the tone of voice or because of some harsh words.
People can be divided not by issues but by emotional issues. It can be a pride issue. So it is good to start the discussion with prayer. To have the mind of Christ, and discussion works better.
“In the Lord”. The Lord said on the cross, “Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.” It could mean to accept what others want with pain and suffering. It is a way of losing. But it is the way of Christ.
“whose names are in the book of life.” When we see others’ weaknesses and their wrong, it is easy to look down on others. But Paul did not do so despite their weaknesses. We need to see others as precious children of God whose names are in the book of life.
This is the year 1054 when Christian churches were divided. Until then, there was only one church. It divided Christianity into the Roman Catholic Church in the West and the Eastern Orthodox Church in the East. The split was caused by theological disagreements, such as “the filioque clause”, the Pope’s authority, and political and cultural differences between the Eastern and Western Roman Empires. This formal separation, marked by mutual excommunications between the Pope and the Patriarch of Constantinople, continues to divide the churches.”
“The filioque clause” is one phrase added to the Nicene Creed. It says “and from the Son.” It was added by the Western (Catholic) church. With the clause, it means the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son. The Eastern Orthodox church rejected it.
Those divisions cannot divide Christ, and all Christians are still brothers and sisters in the Lord.
V4-7
4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Why does Paul repeatedly tell the Philippians to rejoice? (4) What does Paul want them to make known to others? (5) What should we do when we become anxious? (6) Why is it needed to do so?
Q2 A. Why does Paul repeatedly tell the Philippians to rejoice? (4)
4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.
So far, Paul has said, “Rejoice in the Lord.” Now here he says, “rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS.” This is the ultimate command. He emphasizes again by saying, “Again I will say, rejoice.”
Christians do have reasons to rejoice “in the Lord” always. When they think about what Jesus has done for them through his death on the cross and resurrection, they can rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS. All of their troubles, persecutions, and hardships of life cannot take away their joy in the Lord.
Q2 B. What does Paul want them to make known to others? (5)
5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand;
Here, “reasonableness” is interpreted as “gentleness” in NIV. Here, “reasonableness” refers to something that makes sense according to reason. It excludes extreme opinions or views. Reasonableness can refer to “sound judgment” or “fairness”
“Everyone” includes “non-believers” in addition to believers.
“The Lord is at hand” could be the reason why they should let their reasonableness be known to everyone. Here, the word “everyone” includes unbelievers.
“At hand” can mean the Lord’s second coming is near. We should know the presence of the Lord all the time as if he is near us.
Q2 C. What should we do when we become anxious? (6)
6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
Let our requests be made known to God in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving. In life, there are many things to make us anxious. When we are anxious, we can be ruled by anxiety or fear. We cannot rejoice, and we cannot have the peace of God.
If we are anxious about anything, it can be an opportunity for us to come to God and let our requests be made known to God.
In addition, even when we are anxious, we need to even give thanks to God for the things that make us anxious.
It requires a humble heart to bring all of our anxiety, fear, and worries to God.
But ‘with thanksgiving”, not with grumbling or complaining. It means faith to believe God is in control of all things, and that he is a good God. We thank God saying “Thank you for listening us” and “We trust you that you will do something good for us.”
Q2 D. Why is it needed to do so?
God knows everything. God cares us. He knows our need. Why should we let God know things that make us anxious?
We can demonstrate our complete trust in him through faith. In this way we can glorify God.
Additional notes fron verses 4-6
4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
“Rejoice in the Lord always”. Paul asked them to rejoice. He emphasized “again I will say, rejoice.” 1 Th 5:16-18 “16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
To rejoice is God’s will. It shows our condition and status and our relationship with God. It shows what kind of faith we have. God wants us to trust him absolutely and keep our joy in our hearts. Rejoicing in the Lord is our strength and power. “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Jer 8:10)
When we have joy, we are strong. Joyful people are always positive. They have hope. Later, we see “peace”. Joy and the peace of God are real power. This peace will guard our hearts and minds.
Keeping the joy is a really important thing.
“Always” means all circumstances and any condition. Regardless of any circumstances and conditions, we can rejoice. “In the Lord” means “deep trust in the Lord” and “be united with him.”
We can find all kinds of reasons that make us sorrowful. We have many problems to make us sad and discouraged.
But we find Jesus, who is bigger than our problems. None of this world, angels, hardship, famine, and any troubles separate us from the love of God and make us more than conquerors. (Romans 8:37) The love and hope we find in Christ is beggar than any troubles and hardships.
“Rejoice in the Lord always”. Paul was not asking for something impossible. Whenever God asks us to do something, it is possible in God.”
Again, I will say “rejoice”. He emphasized again and again. We need to think about “rejoice” seriously. Usually, we live without joy. We live our daily lives with concerns and some negative things. But God’s children should keep joy in their hearts and be joyful all the time. If our hearts do not have joy but are dry or anxious, we need to restore joy and keep the joy.
Someone claims if we are joyful, we can overcome 80% of our sickness, like cancer. One man kept singing hymns and laughing, and his cancer was gone.
Joy makes our Christian life very productive. Many brilliant idea and wisdom comes when we are joyful.
In this world, we cannot find true joy. We have many troubles. But the things we find in Jesus Christ give us true comfort, hope, and joy. We believe he will do something good. That faith and trust, and hope can make us joyful. Our joy in Christ is the expression of our faith - how much we believe in him and how we really value him.
The power of joy works for mothers who take care of mentally ill children. Some mothers take care of their children until they die. Usually, mothers come to meetings, not fathers or siblings.
In the meeting, many mothers come. Some mothers are very joyful even when they share serious problems of their children, like violence. Other mothers are very depressed. Joyful mothers have more capacity to take care of their children.
There was one joyful mother. His son was mentally ill, and her husband got stroke. But she was joyful. But she has to take care of 3 people. She had her son, 21 years old, who could not communicate with others properly. She brings her son to Disyenald even though he is yelling at people. People did not like her son. But she did not care, but still took him to parks and other places. She had many painful stories. But she shares them with joy. She is a Christian. God gave her strength. Usually, mothers who care for mentally ill children can become very sick. So sometimes caregivers die earlier than the sick people. But she looks younger and stronger because of her joy that comes from God.
5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand. We need patience. In the world, we can be mistreated unfairly. Then we can be angry and hate others who do that. When we face an unfair situation, we become emotional and angry. Then it is easy for us to react very harshly. Even our actions are not reasonable because they come from unreasonable reasons. But even in an unfair situation, we need to show our gentleness and kindness and endure.
“Everyone” refers to people in a church and outsiders (non-believers). The Lord is at hand. God is in control of everything in his sovereignty. If we put everything in God’s hands and trust, we can act reasonably.
We Christians should be very generous. When we act in anger when we are offended by other rude drivers, we can be very selfish and become angry. But we Christians should act differently.
6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
“Do not be anxious” means ‘stop being anxious.' Instead of being anxious, but in everything we pray. When in a situation where we become anxious, what we need to do is to pray instead of being anxious.
Prayer. What is the difference between prayer and supplication? “Prayer” means ‘turning our hearts to God', and having a dialogue with God. It is having interaction and fellowship with God. Instead of having anxiety, turn to God and talk to God.
“Supplication” is what you need.
“With thanksgiving,” not just asking, but with thanksgiving. “Let your request be made known to God.”
Jesus said God already knows what we need. Why should we let God know things that make us anxious? When we are anxious, why do we have to let God know in thanksgiving?
It is because we trust God and believe he will turn everything into good things. With faith, we can give thanks. Thankfulness is the expression of faith. God heard and what you have prayed is registered in God. And with faith of our eyes, we can see the result of our prayer.
Thanksgiving glorifies God. Psalm 50:23
“The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me; to one who orders his way rightly I will show the salvation of God!”
Thanksgiving. Instead of insisting on our agenda, we come to God and are ready to follow his will.
Anxiety is the opposite of joy and peace.
With thanksgiving, we trust what God can do. Most of all, we believe he is our Father. When we give thanks to God with such trust, our problems can be overcome by God’s power and love.
Thanksgiving makes our prayer very powerful. In thanksgiving, there is no room for anxiety. Thanksgiving pushes away all anxiety, fears, and worries. It restores joy and peace in our hearts.
1Th 5:16-18 “rejoice, pray always, give thanks”
We need to think about who God is. “Let your request be made known to you.” Why, when he already knows all our needs?
We put everything in his hands when we pray. We put everything in his hands. It is the expression of our trust. And it is necessary.
What will happen if we do what Paul encourages us to do? (7) What is special about the peace of God? (7)
Q3 A. What will happen if we do what Paul encourages us to do? (7)
7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
We will have the peace of God, and it will surpass all understanding, and will guard our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus.
Q3 B. What is special about the peace of God? (7)
7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
The peace of God is the peace that comes from God. It is special because it surpasses all understanding. Reason cannot explain why we have peace of God. It is special because it will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Our hearts and minds are peaceful even when we are in anxious situations after prayer. It is evidence of how the Lord cares for us.
Additional note from question 3 (verse 7)
7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
One pastor said, “Before I read 7, I wondered why Paul said verses 6 and 7.” Verse 6 is “let your request be known to God.” Then in verse 7, God should say, “Your prayer will be answered and all of your anxiety will disappear.
But verse 7 does not say it. It talks about “the peace of God”. The answer to the prayer is that “peace of God” will be given to them. But our problems are still there. And we could still be anxious. But Paul says, “peace of God will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
The best answer from our prayer is not our solution for the problems but “the peace of God”. Peace of God is what God wants us to have.
“Peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Why is it important to guard our hearts and minds?
Problem-solving is endless. Even if problems are there, we can live without being bothered.
“Guard” means to protect against attack. When fear and anxiety come, our brain terrorizes our body. People with peace and joy can handle problems very well.
What God wants to give to his children is joy and peace even in this troubled and problematic world. Problems will come anyway. But God wants his people to live in joy and peace.
A lot of negative things can come into our hearts and kill our hearts.
If we lose this peace, Satan attacks our hearts all the time through problems and troubles. When we have problems, we are already anxious. In addition, Satan shoots arrows of fear, negativity, missiles of fear, worries, anxiety, and wants to kill us.
So God knows what we really need in times of trouble and problems. We want an immediate solution to our problems. But God knows better. Some relationship problems take time. What we need first is “peace”. We can be joyful in this situation and have the peace of God.
Problem-solving can also come at God’s time through God’s power and help. He can turn negative things into beautiful things.
So turn our hearts to God and pray until the peace of God fills our hearts. Satan would not give up because our problem is still there.
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
V8-9
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
What does Paul encourage us to think about? (8) How do the things that we think about affect us? Why is it important to control what we think about based on verse 8?
Q4 A. What does Paul encourage us to think about? (8)
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
8 things to think about: true, honorable, just, pure, lovely. Commendable, excellence, worthy of praise.
Paul said, “Think about these things.” After the fall, we sinners are experts at thinking about all the negative things. We think about others’ weaknesses instead of their greatness. But Paul wants Christians to think about those 8 things.
Q4 B. How do the things that we think about affect us?
We are what we think. What we think affects us profoundly. That is why we try to control what we see and read so that we may be able to control our thoughts.
To fix our eyes and thoughts on Jesus is the best way to control our thoughts.
Q4 C. Why is it important to control what we think about based on verse 8?
There are so many unhealthy and destructive things in the world. It is so easy for Christians to think about all the negative things and be influenced by them. One person is disappointed to see Christian division according to politics. They focus on politics too much and lose sight of Christ.
What should we practice? (9) Why will the God of peace be with us when we practice these things?
Q5 A. What should we practice? (9)
9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
What we have learned and received and heard and seen in Paul. These probably refer to the practices based on the gospel truth. Or they may refer to 8 things to think about.
Q5 B. Why will the God of peace be with us when we practice these things?
Because they (what Paul practised, the things that come from the gospel) or 8 things to think come from God. And thinking about such good things will give us joy and peace. Unless we change our lives, we cannot have joy and the peace of God.
Additional notes from questions 4 & 5. (Verses 8-9)
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
“the God of peace will be with you.” Instead of the peace of God but the God of peace will be with us.
Paul asked them to do 8 things. Paul talks about practical life to live by the peace of God. These 8 things are moral and spiritual life that we Christians should live.
We should be truthful, no lies, honorable, just, pure, lovely. When others see these things from Christians, they honor Christians. Keep these things in mind and hold them and imitate them instead of following what people do in the world.
People learned from Paul. So they learned by example. Paul wants them not just to learn from me but also to practice. “And the God of peace will be with you.”
Why do we have troubles in life? It is because we do not do these 8 things. For example, when we become harsh instead of being generous, we break our relationship with others. In many cases, we cause our problems.
Practice “these things” in verse 9 are 8 things in verse 8.
If we do these things, God will make our lives peaceful. The God of peace will be with us.
Some Christians always want to have peace. But they always do undesirable things. That breaks their peace. When one person was in counselling work, one day a lady came, and she was a Christian. She had depression and fear. Because she had so many undesirable relationships with many men. She got hurt a lot. She was abused a lot. You get depression when you have so many unhealthy relationships. She said, “I come to God and ask for peace.” But she has to change. If she keeps meeting so many men that does not work. She cannot have peace. So she cut relationships. Then she got a lot better. But later, she got another man. She went back to her old ways of depression.
In conclusion, God really wants to give us joy and peace. If we don’t have joy and peace, we need to check our hearts for the reason why.
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Copyright © 2025 LA UBF All rights reserved.