Chapter 4 Thoughts that bring joy--Leader's Guide

Chapter 4 Thoughts that bring joy

1) The book of Philippians focus mainly on “joy”

a) List down verses that spoke of joy

b) List down verses that spoke of rejoice

c) how many “joy” “rejoice” did you found?

The word “joy” occurs six times in the Book of Philippians and the word “rejoice” eight times.

The word “joy” occurs six times in the Book of Philippians and the word “rejoice” eight times.

Ch	Vs	Scripture from the Book of Philippians
1	4	In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy
1	18	But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice
1	25	Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith
1	26	so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me
2	2	then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose
2	17	But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you
2	18	So you too should be glad and rejoice with me
2	29	Welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor men like him
3	1	Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you

4	1	Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends!
4	4	Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
4	10	I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it

2) Paul describes a situation in verses 2 and 3.

• What is the problem?
• What solution is proposed?
• How is the church motivated to solve the problem?  
• I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. ³ 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.
• (Note this church had 2 other problems in c3:1-3, the reintroduction of Jewish teaching and in c1:27-30, external opposition)

3) in v6 “do not be anxious about anything…”. Ultimately if you are worry, you should present your request to God. How often you put your worry first to God? cf 1 Pet 5:7. How do you feel after praying?

- “…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.”

akin to a filter with SEVEN layers

“…whatever is true…”

• Don’t just BELIEVE whatever you’re told, FIND OUT and ASK FOR PROOF

“…whatever is honorable…”

• “noble/honorable”: of good quality; ref. to character

“…whatever is just…”

• “just”: correct/right/fair

“…whatever is pure…”

• “pure”: shameful/morally impure

“…whatever is lovely…”

• “lovely”: nice/beautiful; a simple concept, nothing complicated

“…whatever is commendable…”

• “commendable”: worthy of respect

“…if there is any excellence…if there is anything worthy of praise…”

• may speak of God’s excellence, or even the excellence of people who

have done things that have touched our lives

4)  Paul exhorts the Philippians to think on seven things in verse eight shown below. What about you? What can you or could you think about? 

5) v11  talks about being content with what you have. ie living simply!

  ⁶ But godliness with contentment is great gain. ⁷ For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. ⁸ But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.⁹ Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.
1 Tim 6:6-9


⁷ To this John replied, “A person can receive only what is given them from heaven. ²⁸ You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him.’ ²⁹ The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. ³⁰ He must become greater; I must become less.”^[h]
John 3:27-30



 ¹¹ I have seen something else under the sun:
   The race is not to the swift
   or the battle to the strong,
nor does food come to the wise
   or wealth to the brilliant
   or favor to the learned;
but time and chance happen to them all.

Ecc 9:11


⁸ Keep falsehood and lies far from me;
   give me neither poverty nor riches,
   but give me only my daily bread.
⁹ Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you
   and say, ‘Who is the LORD?’
Or I may become poor and steal,
   and so dishonor the name of my God
Prov 30:8-9. Are you contented with what you have? Share your thoughts. 

Follow up v13 (I can do all things through him who give me strength)

6) The Philippians shows support and encouragement to Paul’s ministry by aid him with gift and support. As of current, is there any form of encouragement and sense of belong you felt after joining with this group? (or any positive note). Share.