Philippians 4:2-9

STP Devotional for the Week of 03/16/26

Our devo today comes from Philippians 4:2-9. To recap, we’ve talked about pressing on – continuing to strain forward, forgetting what was behind us, and standing firm on the solid rock. Now Paul has some instructions for the church at Philippi.

Verses 2 and 3 tell us about a disagreement between two women that are affecting the temperature of the church. Paul says, “I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 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 women worked with Paul to advance the gospel, so at one point they were working together and in agreement, but now they are not.

What do you suppose they could have been disagreeing about? It is interesting that the very next verses in Philippians are about rejoicing: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” This seems to indicate that the two women are involved in a negative situation that is stealing their joy. It is also interesting to note that their negativity is spilling over and affecting the rest of the church. We don’t have the letter the Philippians sent to Paul, but they obviously mentioned these women.

Why is unity among believers so important? Because it is crucial for the health and witness of the church. You can’t present the gospel clearly if you are not united in Christ. The same goes for each of STP’s classes. If cast members have disagreements with each other that spill over into the whole class, it not only drags the class down, it affects your witness to others through your show.

This is why we need to reconcile with other believers. We are to focus on our faith and mission in Christ. Humility and forgiveness are essential attitudes in Christianity. We are called to emulate Christ in order to be able to forgive those who have wronged us. So, how do we keep ourselves in agreement? We don’t focus on ourselves but focus on others and their needs.

Paul admonishes us to “Let your reasonableness be known to everyone.” (v5) When are we unreasonable? Usually when we want our own way. When we give up our will to God’s will through prayer and supplication, we receive the peace of God (another gift mentioned in Philippians) which will guard our hearts and our minds, protection we receive because we are citizens of heaven.

So, how do we change our thought life? “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.” (v8) Thinking only on things that produce excellence is thinking on things of God, like following His path, seeking His will, and loving as He loves.

Paul closes this section again saying to imitate him. “What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” (v9) He’s been wrongfully imprisoned and still chooses to worship Christ and witness to the Romans who are guarding him. He himself practices dwelling on true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent things rather than dwelling on his current circumstances. He focuses on others and is dedicated to bringing unity to the churches he started. This is how, despite his current situation, he is able to rejoice!

Rejoice!

AT HOME:

• What’s one way you can focus on Christian unity this week?

• What steps can you take to help yourself think about things that are excellent instead of worldly?