Philippians 4:6 - Printer Friendly

ESV: do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

NIV: Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

NASB: Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

CSB: Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

NLT: Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.

KJV: Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

NKJV: Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;

Because the Lord is at hand, or is about to return (Philippians 4:5), believers should set their lives and thoughts in certain ways. Paul begins with a contrast between anxiety and prayer. He notes believers shouldn't be "anxious about anything." This does not imply a complete lack of concern. Nor does it mean Christians are to be careless. Instead, it means that believers should not be fearful, paranoid, or uneasy. Why not? Believers can speak directly with God, the maker of heaven and earth, who has all power and authority, who is in total control of the situation.

Instead of anxiety, believers are to humbly and gratefully approach God with whatever is on their minds. Mature prayer includes thanking God for what He has done in addition to asking for help in areas of need. This is the Christian prescription to reduce anxiety in all areas of life. This does not mean believers are going to live a worry-free life. Nor does it mean additional help won't be required. However, it does show that addressing problems in our lives should begin with prayer.

Philippians 4:2–9 is Paul's appeal to the Philippian Christians regarding how they handle disagreements within the church. Paul is particularly concerned with an argument between two women, Euodia and Syntyche. Paul's advice is to focus on our ability to rejoice in our fellowship with Christ. The result of that emphasis ought to be an attitude of ''reasonableness,'' seen by all people. With a proper focus on positive things, we can experience peace through the power of God.

Paul specifically asks two Christian women, Euodia and Syntyche, to settle their personal dispute. Other Christians are encouraged to act as reasonable, Christ-filled people. Paul notes that his experiences have taught him to be content with whatever material blessings he has. This reliance on the power of Christ not only allows believers to be content, it produces peace in our relationships to other Christians. This also requires a deliberate choice to set our attention on positive things. Paul extends sincere thanks to the Philippians for their generous support.

After putting suffering and hardship into perspective in the previous three chapters, Paul now gives specific thanks to the Philippians for their support and generosity. Prior passages in this letter have explained concepts like humility and hope, as well as a focus on Christ. Positive attitudes, and beneficial thinking, are especially important. In this concluding section, Paul calls on the Philippians to act with ''reasonableness,'' especially as they handle disagreements within the church. Paul is confident that God will bless these faithful Christians for their generous support.

Philippians is Paul's discussion of living the Christian life. In this letter to the church of Philippi, Paul highlights themes such as joy and glory. He also puts great emphasis on how a Christian's thinking—their attitude—affects the way they live out their faith. Paul is very thankful for the support of the Philippian church, but is also concerned about the influence of various false teachers. This letter is less theological than most of his other writings, and more practical.

Accessed 9/14/2024 6:46:30 PM