9. Rejoice in the Lord Always (Philippians 4:2-9) -- Inductive Bible Study Questions

Disciple Lessons from Philippians, Paul's Letter to the Church at Philippi

9. Rejoice in the Lord Always (Philippians 4:2-9)
Inductive Bible Study Questions

by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson
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Dealing with worry and stress

Vss. 2-3 are poignant: Paul pleads with two women who he names to "agree with each other in the Lord," to end their long-running animosity or rivalry, and he calls on his "true yokefellow" (some think this might be Luke), to assist them in reconciliation. Sometimes just a pair of leaders at odds can cause all sorts of disquiet, and an undercurrent of unrest which can keep a church from healthy growth. We will concentrate, however, on vss. 4-9, a wonderful exhortation on how to have inner peace. Paul is expounding a way to help people deal constructively with stress, anxiety, and trouble. Considering what he had been through, and was currently going through, he spoke from some experience with stress.

Level 1: What Does the Text Say

1.1 What are the verbs in vss. 4-9 which are used in the imperative or command mood?

Level 2: What Does the Text Mean?

2.1 (vs. 4) "Rejoice" is Greek chairo, "rejoice, be glad" (BAG 873b).Is Paul asking stressed-out people to fake gladness? What is the *manner* Paul suggests people should rejoice? What effect does true rejoicing have on a person?

2.2 (vs. 5) Why should Paul mention "gentleness" (KJV "moderation") in the context of stress? What temptation do stressed out people sometimes succumb to?

2.3 (vs. 6) "Do not be anxious about anything" (KJV uses an obsolete sense of the word "careful"). In vs. 6, what are the elements Paul would have believers substitute for anxiety? How would you distinguish between the first two elements?

2.4 (vs. 6) What are the things that can prevent us from presenting our requests to God? Why does anxiety tend to breed prayer paralysis?

2.5 (vs. 6) How does the element of thanksgiving transform the other two elements? What is the relationship between thanksgiving and faith?

2.6 Verse 7 is a promise to "guard" (KJV "keep") our minds. The Greek word phroureo is used in two senses "to hold in custody, confine" as well as "guard, protect, keep". Why do our hearts and minds need protection?

2.7 What is the identity of the "guard" mentioned in vs. 7? How can a non-rational element protect a rational function?

2.8 Why is Paul's mind-food menu in vs. 8 especially nutritious in times of stress?

2.9 Does Paul's prescription for anxiety and stress in vss. 4-9 differ materially from a secular "positive mental attitude" or "science of the mind"? If so, in what ways does it differ?

2.10 Vs. 9 It is extremely difficult to become a mature Christian without being part of a Christian community. Why is it so important to see and observe living examples of the Christian way of life?

Level 3: What Does the Text Mean to Me?

3.1 "Joyless" and "Christian" are an oxymoron. If you were counseling a joyless Christian, what would be your step-by- step advice?

3.2 How have you been applying these principles to your struggles this week? How can we be praying for you over this coming weekend?

Disciple Lessons from Philippians

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