Practice what you have learned and seen.
Practice what you have learned and seen.
[Philippians 4:1~9]
□ Praise and Sharing
[New Hymn] No. 455 Those Who Follow the Heart of the Lord
How was your last week?
Supreme Court Visit and Playground Worship
The best teaching is the one that demonstrates truth through life. There is no better textbook than the exemplary life of the teacher. So Paul says to the church in Philippi, “Do what you learned and received and heard and saw in me” (Phil 3:17 Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you followed in us; 4:9 Do what you learned and received and heard and saw in me, and the God of peace will be with you). Paul embraces the church with his heart, loves it, and prays for it. And he wants the church community to be built up as one body in Christ Jesus. In particular, he asks that church workers unite in unity and reconciliation rather than conflict over minor differences. When the community becomes one and dwells in the true truth, the saints enjoy true peace.
□ Words and Sharing
1. Paul urges the members to be united in love (verses 1-3).
1) What did Paul advise Euodia and Syntyche (verse 2)?
2 I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord.
Paul urges Euodia and Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord.
2) What does Paul ask of his “yoke-fellow (true companion)' (verse 3)?
3 And I ask you, true yokefellow, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
Paul exhorts them, “Help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also and the rest of my fellow workers.”
<Sharing 1> Euodia and Syntyche were Paul's faithful co-workers. However, for some reason, their relationship was tense. Paul mediates so that they can come together again and restore their relationship. Let’s talk about how to resolve misunderstandings and conflicts that arise in the community.
If it is not a matter of truth or a matter of distorting the gospel, it would be better to have the mind of Jesus Christ and consider others better than ourselves and compromise in order to have the same mind, rather than sticking to our own opinions.
2. Paul teaches what the church community must pay attention to and practice (verses 4-9).
1) What is Paul repeatedly admonishing us to do (verse 4)?
4 Rejoice always in the Lord. Again I say, Rejoice.
2) What happens when we pray when we are worried (verses 6-7)?
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
3) What should the Philippian church ‘think about’ and ‘practice’ (verses 8-9)?
8 Finally, brothers, 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. 9 The things you learned and received and heard and saw in me—put them into practice, and the God of peace will be with you.
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.
The Philippian church members must practice what they have learned, received, heard, and seen from Paul.
<Sharing 2> Because we do not pray, our worries and concerns increase. The peace of God comes to those who pray, and their thoughts and hearts are not shaken. What are you worried and anxious about right now? If you have ever experienced peace through prayer in a difficult or hard situation, please share it.
My first solo trip to Pakistan
<Sharing 3> Christians should always seek the truth, maintain a godly life, and live a life that is praised by God and people. It takes effort to think, learn, and practice for that life. Let’s share how our devotional life (Bible meditation and prayer) is maintained these days.
We must wake up even more early in the morning and devote ourselves to Bible meditation and prayer.
□ Let's pray together
Lord, help us follow Your heart and resolve the misunderstandings and conflicts that arise in our community!
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving present our request to God, so that we may have peace.
Lord, let us always pray and meditate on Your Word so that we may find true joy and rest in You!
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