“…but in everything by prayer…”
“but in everything by prayer”
Paul uses three different words for prayer in this verse. First, the ordinary word for prayer — “by prayer.” The second word for prayer is “supplication” which connotes the idea of asking for things. Finally, “requests” refer to particular requests.The word translated “prayer” means to present our […]
Archive for March, 1996
“…and supplication…”
The second of the three words that Paul uses for prayer in verse six is “supplication.”
“and supplication”
A supplication is a specific request for a particular need. It is a special entreaty for a special situation. This is prayer for a special need. People are praying for revival in North America. This is a supplication.Supplication […]
“…with thanksgiving…”
“with thanksgiving”
Accompany prayer “with thanksgiving.” We thank God for the privilege of prayer and for answered prayer. Thanksgiving verifies capacity of soul to appreciate God.Thanking God in advance of the answer is an act of faith. Thanksgiving looks back to previous answers to prayer and gives thanks, “Last week I went to […]
“…let your requests be made known to God.”
“let your requests be made known to God”
We are to present our requests to God as if he did not know all about it. A mother loves to listen to her crying child tell her about the problem. She shows sympathy and understanding. She wants to hear about […]
… and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Prayer and peace go hand in hand. This is the blessed result of leaving everything in the hands of God by prayer.
and the peace of God
“Peace” is harmony after the removal of all disturbing elements. The disturbing […]
“…will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
“will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
The word “guard” is a military term. It means a mount guard. This image was familiar to Philippians because the city was a military outpost of the Roman government. This word is used in II Cor. 11:32 […]
“…finally, brethren…”
In this verse we find a catalogue of thinking for developing a proper mental attitude. This is the fourth and last principle for the correction of personality conflict. The first principle focuses the mind on the Lord rather than people (v.4). The second principle–pliability and flexibility in non principle areas are crucial to incorporate […]
“… whatever things are true…”
“As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.” If the Christian is to control the thought life, he must place God’s thought structure into his mind. Paul lists nine areas around which the Christian should focus his thinking. Euodia and Syntyche thoughts shred each other with hatred and bitterness. […]
“…whatever things are noble…”
Paul is challenging Euodia and Syntyche to think in an entirely different way. They suffered defeat by bitterness towards each other. If they are to conquer these thoughts they must replace them with the way God thinks.
The second item that will counteract bitterness is to think about that which is “noble.”
“whatever things […]
“…whatever things are just…”
Today we come to the third category that changes our attitude toward others.
“whatever things are just”
“Just” is that which is right or fair. “Just” refers to conformity to God’s standards. Thus it is worthy of God’s approval. Anything that is fair and square in relation to God or man forms a […]