PHILIPPIANS (17): Overcoming Strife and Anxiety (3:20 - 4:9)

After describing the wonderful transformation that we will receive at the resurrection of our bodies, Paul addresses a problem of strife in the Philippian Church, a personality clash between 2 strong women, giving us an example of how to deal with such conflicts, by calling each one to have the attitude of Christ toward the other, and thereby come into harmony with each other, for the sake of Christ and His Gospel. By reminding them of the supreme importance of the propagation of the Gospel and being written in the Book of Life, Paul helps them to humble themselves and put their petty squabbling aside for the sake of what is truly important - the salvation of souls. Then Paul gives 3 keys to a vibrant spiritual life of joy and peace: (1) rejoicing in the Lord (v4), (2) praying about things with thanksgiving, instead of worrying about them (v5-7), and (3) meditating in God's Word (v8-9). Anxiety comes from pride, when we try and handle everything in our own strength. But if we will humble ourselves before God and submit ourselves and our problems to Him in prayer, then we will be able to receive His abundant grace for the situation (1Peter 5:5-7, James 4:6), which includes the Peace of God, which will fill and relax our souls, and also protect them from anxiety and negative thoughts. As we commit all things to God in prayer and meditate on His Word, then the Peace of God and the God of Peace will be with us.