Continuing in Crazy Times: COVID-19, Part 2

 

As we enter our second full week on not meeting together in person because of the COVID-19 crisis, I felt like we needed to finish out this 4th chapter of Philippians as Paul continued some good words for us in our particular situation.

 

Please remember from last week that the Philippian Church had their own crisis.  It certainly doesn’t seem to be of the same magnitude as ours, but it was a crisis nonetheless.  Two ladies were at odds with one another and dividing the church.  Paul called on them to be of the same mind and for others to bring them together.

 

For us, we were encouraged in our own crisis to resolve to endure, rejoice in the Lord, respect others, rest in Jesus coming, and request of God in prayer. 

 

This morning, beginning in Philippians 4:8, Paul finished his letter, and I want you to see how this text applies to us.  Next Sunday, I plan to be back in Mark 11 to finish that chapter. 

 

 

1. Dwell on the good, and the result will be God’s presence, Philippians 4:8-9

8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

 

Beginning in verse 8, Paul gave a list of 6 descriptions in identifying what is good.  True is that which is honest.  Noble is that which worthy or respect.  Just is that which is right compared to wrong.  Pure is that which is free from sin.  Lovely is that which promotes peace rather than conflict.  Good report is that which is positive rather than negative. 

 

When we can identify such, Paul said to meditate or think or dwell on these things. 

 

Perhaps there are other things in our world that meet all of these criteria, but the one that immediately comes to mind is God’s Word. I read this week that Billy Graham said toward the end of his life that if he could live life all over again, he would spend more time studying God’s Word.

 

For many because of COVID-19, we have more time than we had previously, and it is certainly important to be informed on all that is going on, but don’t miss this opportunity. 

 

Not much new is on TV right now.  There are no sports, and we need to take a break regularly from all of the dark and grim statistics of COVID-19.  Therefore, instead of more time on Facebook or Pinterest or Social Media or NetFlix, let’s spend more time in our Bibles.

 

Meditate, think on, dwell on God or in God’s Word as it is true and noble and just and pure and lovely and of good report and praiseworthy.  Then notice the result of such action in verse 9: God’s presence. 

 

When we dwell on the good and live out what we have learned, Paul said the God of peace will be with us. 

 

Brothers and sisters, perhaps more so than anyone alive today can remember, we need God and we need Him to intervene.  Dwell on the good, His Word.

 

 

2. Discipline yourself to be content, and the result will be God’s Provision, Philippians 4:10-20.

10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. 11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.  14 Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress. 15 Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. 16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. 18 Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. 19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. 20 Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

 

Beginning in verse 10, we see another personal experience of Paul’s that involved a love offering for him from the Philippian Church. 

 

Paul’s was on house arrest in Rome.  More than likely, he was even shackled to a Roman Guard as he penned this letter.

 

Before he was arrested, he was in need of financial assistance, and the Philippian Church was the only church that helped him. 

 

However, notice what happened before Paul got their offering.  He disciplined himself to be content or satisfied.

 

In verse 11, Paul said he learned or disciplined himself to be content.  Again, in verse 12, he said he had learned this position.  It is not our natural disposition. We want and want and want.

 

However, Paul said in verse 12 that he had been abased or without, and he learned to be satisfied in that state, but he also learned to be content and satisfied when he abounded or was full.

 

Verse 13 is the key to learning or disciplining yourself to be content.  You can do anything and all things when Christ is your strength. 

 

So there are several applications here before we move on.  First, we learn that our contentment is independent of our circumstances.  We think that we will learn contentment when we have a lot.  No, Paul said he learned contentment when he had a little and had a lot.  Therefore, discipline yourself today independent of your current state.

 

Can this apply to our situation with COVID-19?  Absolutely.  There is no reason to hoard or stock pile hand sanitizer and toilet paper.  Learn to be content. 

 

Second, we so often quote Philippians 4:13 out of context, and therefore render it null and void.  When you’re doing what God’s want you to do, yes, you can succeed and will succeed because of Christ strengthening you. 

 

However, when you’re doing what you want to in contrast to what God wants you to do, Philippians 4:13 does not and will apply to you. 

 

When Paul disciplined himself or learned to be content, it was then that God provided for Him through the Philippian Church. 

 

Verse 15 says the Philippian Church was the only church to help Paul, and a man named Epaphroditus delivered the assistance.  Notice that Philippian Church was a pleasing aroma, a sacrifice to God, as they assisted Paul. 

 

Again, brothers and sisters, I have shared this with you in recent days how essential it was during these times if you can to continue to give, please do.  Your ministers here depend on it, and our missionaries around the world depend on it, and it is a sweet-smelling aroma unto the Lord. 

 

When we learn to be content, God promises to meet all of our needs through Christ Jesus, and we praise the Lord for that wonderful promise as Paul did in verse 20.

 

To God and our Father be glory forever and ever.  Amen. 

 

 

3. Deliver a greeting to your brothers and sisters, and the result will be God’s Partners.

21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren who are with me greet you.  22 All the saints greet you, but especially those who are of Caesar’s household.  23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

 

Don’t miss these last three verses. Paul encouraged his Philippians brothers and sisters to greet everyone on his behalf. 

 

Brothers and sisters, it is imperative in times like this that we stay connected as a body of Christ.  It may be harder right now because of meeting restrictions, but you know what, we have this great tool called a phone.

 

Yes, it can send emails and text messages and Facebook messages, but you know that else it can do?  It can call others. 

 

You know that benefit that brings to you?  It reminds you that you are not alone.  We are all in this together.  COVID-19 has affected everyone.  No one is immune.