Sharper Iron — Letters from Prison - Philippians 4:2-9: Joy for Whatever

St. Paul commends particular members of the Christian congregation in Philippi to agree in the Lord as they continue to labor together with him and each other in the Gospel. That Gospel allows Christians to rejoice in the Lord always, because His return is near. Therefore, we live not with anxiety and worry, but with gentleness, prayer, thanksgiving, and the peace of God that surpasses all understanding. St. Paul encourages the Philippians to imitate him in thinking about whatever is good and right and true, knowing that the God of peace is with them.

Rev. Merritt Demski, pastor at St. John Lutheran Church—Hannover in Alta, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Philippians 4:2-9.

To learn more about St. John Lutheran, visit stjohnhanover.org.

“Letters from Prison” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that studies Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon. Even when Paul was imprisoned for the sake of Christ, the Word of God remained unbound. The apostle’s letters from prison still fill us with the same joy that his chains could never silence.

Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God’s Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

Sharper Iron is underwritten by Lutheran Church Extension Fund. Together in faith, LCEF helps to start, sustain and strengthen LCMS ministries through financial and strategic partnerships. Visit lcef.org.

Philippians 4:2-9

Exhortation, Encouragement, and Prayer

²I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. ³Yes, I ask you also, true companion,^[a] help these women, who have labored^[b] side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.

⁴Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. ⁵Let your reasonableness^[c] be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; ⁶do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. ⁷And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

⁸Finally, brothers, 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. ⁹What you have learned^[d] and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

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Footnotes

Philippians 4:3 Or loyal Syzygus; Greek true yokefellow
Philippians 4:3 Or strived (see 1:27)
Philippians 4:5 Or gentleness
Philippians 4:9 Or these things—⁹which things you have also learned

Rev. Timothy Appel

Although a mathematics degree may not be incredibly helpful to (proudly born-and-raised Texan) Rev. Timothy Appel while hosting Sharper Iron, his love of CFW Walther and the season of Easter will come in handy. His Call is shepherding the flock at Faith Lutheran Church in Godfrey, Illinois, and he’s also husband to wife Kristin and dad to their growing basketball team of children. When he’s not carrying out pastoral duties, you may find him reading “The Lord of the Rings,” snacking on Reese’s peanut butter cups, playing dominoes with his boys, or studying up on Texas history (including Sam Houston, of course).