Living a Life of Genuine and Generous Friendship, part 4

If those conditions are met, the wonderful result is that, the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (Together.) Together! It is good news that the peace of God can guard my heart and mind, individually. It is wonderful news, that the peace of God can guard our hearts and our minds, together, corporately.
 

This is important because one person who is at peace can easily be dismissed as an exception. But you cannot dismiss an entire congregation of peaceful and happy people, who live without anxiety. This kind of community life, is an example of the Kingdom of God here, now, on earth… as it is in heaven. And then, the fourth principle of: Living in Genuine and Generous Friendship is to…
 

4. Think about the “Whatevers.” Let’s read about the whatever’s in Philippians 4:8–9 “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable — if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy — dwell on these things. 9 Do what you have learned and received and heard from me, and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.” (emphasis mine)
 

This list of “whatever’s” in Philippians 4 is a life-giving list! These whatevers teach us to be like Jesus, and we should dwell on these things. What’s more, we should do it together. What makes these “whatevers” so powerful is that we can share them with one another when we come together. (Remember our focus today is that this chapter is about Living in Genuine and  Generous Friendship together in Christian community.)
 

If God speaks anything noble, or right, or lovely, or admirable, or excellent, or praiseworthy with one of us… it only makes sense that she or he should share that with all of us. Amen! That’s how the body of Christ comes into its fullness; head, torso, arms, and legs, hands and feet are all functioning to propel us, as a body, into the destiny that God has for this body of believers.
 

This list of four community traits is only the first half of the chapter. Paul’s reason for writing this letter was to acknowledge a generous gift that the church in Philippi had send to him, while he was in prison, in Rome.
 

Remember, Paul is in a Roman prison; Romans didn’t give prisoners three meals, tv, air conditioning, or medical care. If the person imprisoned received no support from the outside world, they died a slow, painful death. So what Paul was speaking about here, is a financial gift delivered along with a brother who had been tasked with serving Paul, in whatever way Paul needed, while in prison. (Buying food, blankets & pillow, etc.). So, he was writing to acknowledge this incredible, generous gift.
 

Through his letter, we learn the significance of: Living a Life of Genuine & Generous Friendship. Let’s look at the next section of verses: “10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly because once again you renewed your care for me. You were, in fact, concerned about me but I lacked the opportunity to show it. 11 I don’t say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I find myself. 12 I know both how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content — whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. 13 I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me.
 

14 Still, you did well by partnering with me in my hardship. 15 And you Philippians know that in the early days of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving except you alone. 16 For even in Thessalonica, you sent gifts for my need several times. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the profit that is increasing to your account. 18 But I have received everything in full, and I have an abundance. I am fully supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you provided — a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.
 

19 And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 Now to our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen” CSB. 

In those verses, we have the opportunity to see Paul’s personal response to the gift the Philippians had given him and we get to see some things that are eternally true, for any community of faith. Here are three important takeaways for any community, that wants to learn: How to Live a Life of Genuine & Generous Friendship…  We will dive into those three applications tomorrow.

Continued tomorrow