Saturday, June 13, 2026

Opening Scripture

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. 2 Corinthians 1:3-5

Opening Prayer

Gracious Father, I praise You for all that You are and all that You’ve done. I praise You for Your abundant blessings to me in Jesus Christ, my Lord and Your Son. I praise You for Your Spirit, who lives in me, comforting, counseling, and guiding each day. Thank you for adopting me into Your eternal family. I offer myself to You this day, through Jesus Christ, who rules and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever more. Amen.

Daily Bible Reading

Philippians 4

Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends! I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me send greetings. All God’s people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

Reflection  

In today’s passage, Paul revisits Thursday’s discussion about the rivalry and personal ambition that was causing division in the Philippian congregation. Here, he names two women, Euodia and Syntyche, who were in conflict with one another. It was urgent that these church leaders find a way to settle their disagreement for the good of the group.

Paul then urges his listeners one more time to rejoice. He doesn’t tell them to be “happy.” He tells them to “rejoice in the Lord.” Their security and confidence in God’s steadfast love and provision were the basis of their rejoicing.

The “joy” we’ve been considering this week can be understood as “the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, that guards your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus.” The word “guard” (phroureó) is a military term that describes what Paul has been living with night and day under house arrest. The same way that Roman soldiers have been “standing watch” night and day over Paul, the peace of God “stands watch” over Paul’s heart and mind.

Of course, the peace and joy of the Lord come about as a result of prayer. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Choosing to pray instead of worry is the recipe for peace and joy.

And we need to think about what we think about! Paul lists six items as objects of a wholesome thought life. We need to focus on what’s “true.” In this age of “fake news” and “click bait” media, that’s a bit challenging. It also makes it more important than ever that we’re thoughtful and discerning about what we look at.

We need to focus on what’s “noble” and worthy of respect; what’s “right” and conforming to God’s standard; what’s “pure” and morally proper; what’s “lovely” and peace promoting; and what’s “admirable” and constructive. These things are “excellent” and “praiseworthy.” Go searching for these!

Paul says, “When in doubt, just do what I taught you and showed you.” He concludes with a summary statement with profound implications. “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

This often misunderstood and misused declaration speaks to the source of Paul’s joy. Paul didn’t say that he can set lofty “gym” or “sales” goals and trust that God will help him achieve them. He says that he has learned to trust God in all circumstances, and he can handle a lot or a little by the grace of God. Paul has learned the “secret” of 1 Timothy 6:6, “Godliness with contentment is great gain.”

Flourishing Habit

Flourishing Christians

It was important for Paul – from 800 miles away in prison – to address the relationship between two women, who were influential leaders in the Philippian church. They were not just members of the church. They were leaders in the church. They had served alongside Paul, and they had gotten into some sort of disagreement.

“I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.”

The disagreement between Euodia and Syntyche was viewed by Paul as not just a personal matter, but a collective concern that warranted the assistance of “a true companion” (syzyge = “yokefellow”) to help sort things out. Paul seemed confident that harmony would prevail and fellowship would be restored.

The Philippian church provides an excellent case study for women in ministry. Lydia, a trader from Thyatira, was not only the first convert in Philippi, she is also the first recorded Christian in Europe. After she and her household were baptized, it seems she hosted the early Philippian church in her home. Euodia and Syntyche were leaders in that church and co-laborers with Paul.

In addition to supporting women in ministry, today’s passage emphasizes the necessity of unity in the church. In Chapter 2, Paul urges his listeners to follow Jesus’ example of humility and to be willing to voluntarily give up certain rights and privileges as required to help preserve the unity of the Spirit. “Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure.”

Paul seems to place a greater emphasis on the sins of persistent disagreement, chronic disunity, needless quarreling, frequent grumbling, and angry arguing than we often do. The three themes of Philippians – joy, humility, and unity – walk hand-in-hand. All three are essential for Flourishing Christians and Flourishing Congregations.

Are you seeing the spiritual fruit of “joy” in your life?

Are you learning to be content in any situation?

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

Remember: Nothing changes until something changes!