Welcome to Day 2336 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Philippians-10 The Cure for Anger and Anxiety – Daily Wisdom

Putnam Church Message – 02/11/2023 Joy in Sharing – The Cure for Anger and Anxiety Philippians 4:1-9 Last, we focused on Standing Firm without Standing Still in a message titled Hanging Tough and Looking Up. Today, we begin the last section of Philippians, Joy in Resting, and specifically focus on how we often fight for peace when we have already been given The Cure for Anger and Anxiety. Today's scripture passage is Philippians 4:1-9. Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends! I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life. Final Exhortations Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. In Philippians 4, Paul puts the finishing touches on his symphonic “Ode to Joy” with a soaring, moving, inspiring conclusion. Some of the most quoted, best-loved passages of Scripture are found in Philippians 4—as are a few obscure lines. We also get a sneak peek into the lives of some Philippian Christians and their real-life conflict. In this final chapter, Paul argues that there is joy in resting. He includes perhaps the finest passage on contentment in all the Scriptures, and this contentment is the essence of joyful living amid a restless world. Whether the cause of our unrest is disunity (4:1–3), anxiety (4:4–7), lack of peace (4:8–9), discontent (4:10–13), or need (4:14–19), Paul encourages believers to find Christ-centered, Spirit-empowered joy in resting in God, and God alone. “Stand firm in the Lord!” (“Stay true to the Lord,” NLT.) With this command, Paul begins to wrap up his letter to the Philippians. But what does it look like to “stand firm”? Psalm 1:3 describes this well:  “They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.” Or we may imagine a believer clad in the spiritual armor of God, standing firmly against the “strategies of the devil” (Eph. 6:11, 13), dodging and deflecting his fiery arrows of temptation. In Philippians 4, though, Paul unexpectedly applies the notion of “standing firm” concerning the experiences of anger and anxiety. The former causes outward conflict and division, while the latter leads to inward turmoil and despair. I can’t imagine two subjects more relevant and practical to deal with than anger and anxiety. In a world of constant infighting and hand-wringing, anger and anxiety have pervaded even our churches, which should be flagships of both relational harmony and inner peace. Paul tackles these problems head-on in Philippians 4:1–9, revealing how we can “stand firm in the Lord” against anger and anxiety. 4:1–3 Standing firm in the Lord precedes relating well in the family of God. This isn’t the first time Paul mentions this crucial principle. In 1:27, he wrote, “Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News.” This is a foundational concept for Paul. Standing firm includes following the Lord’s commands, believing His Word, embracing His priorities, loving His people, and following His example. Believers who are committed to standing firm in the Lord have less difficulty when it comes to relating well to fellow believers who are united “in the Lord.” Those who stand firm in the Lord have Christ as their unshakable common ground. His big picture and overarching plan become the shared narrative of our lives together—narrow-minded opinions and personal preferences become silly things in light of the unity that comes through standing together in the Lord. Harry Ironside once wrote, “It is always the effort of Satan to hinder the people of God from steadfastly clinging together, and presenting a united front to the enemy. Alas, Satan's efforts to introduce dissension so readily succeed because of the flesh in us.” In 4:1, Paul says, “In this way stand firm in the Lord.” In what way? Paul probably knew what he was about to say to Euodia and Syntyche—two women in the church at Philippi who had an unresolved dispute. These two women would apply the principle of standing firm in the Lord by dissolving the dissension. To underscore this, Paul repeats the phrase “in the Lord” in his appeal to the two women: “be of the same mind” (4:2). In other words, they would apply the general principle of standing firm in the Lord (4:1) by living in harmony in the Lord (4:2). Though Paul briefly mentions Euodia and Syntyche, we can still draw a few reasonable conclusions based on observing these verses. First, they are both members of the same church in Philippi. We don’t know what their specific relationship is. Perhaps they are sisters, in-laws, or ministry partners—maybe even a mother and daughter. In any case, they are sisters “in the Lord” and members of the same body of Christ. Second, they are in a disagreement, causing strife and disunity. Paul urges them both to “be of the same mind” (4:2). He uses the exact phrase in Romans 15:5, “Live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus.” and in 2 Corinthians 13:11, “Live in harmony and peace.” This doesn’t mean that we cease holding our own opinions about things, but it does mean that we don’t hold our opinions on specific issues over our value for others. We don’t know what the particular problem was that was causing a dispute between Euodia and Syntyche, but we do know that it cannot have been a major doctrinal dispute like the truth of the Resurrection or the deity of Christ or whether we’re saved by faith. When significant doctrinal issues like that arise, Paul tackles them head-on. He doesn’t even mention the issue in dispute, suggesting it is not worth correcting. However, we know these two women have made a sinkhole out of a pothole. They’ve taken a small matter and turned it into a significant matter. How do we know that? Because Paul sees a need to call them out by name in a letter written to the whole church. In other words, they have caused a stir over something minor, which is starting to affect the church. Third, Paul expects both of them to respond positively to his appeal. This implies that both are at fault in the dispute, and each needs to take steps toward reconciliation. Notice the verb Paul uses—and that he uses it twice: “I plead with Euodia, and I plead with Syntyche” (Phil. 4:2). Both are responsible for the conflict and must retune their harsh tones to sing again in harmony. Paul knows them well—they have shared in his struggle for the gospel (4:3)—and he seems confident they will respond to his appeal. He doesn’t rebuke, lecture, threaten, or plead with them. He “pleads” reconciliation. Fourth, Paul calls on others to help in the reconciliation.Yes, Euodia and Syntyche are responsible for humbling themselves and restoring unity. But sometimes, a division is so deep and a long-standing dispute that it requires accountability from someone else, an objective third party who can serve as an arbitrator. In this case, Paul requests that his “true companion…help these women” (4:3). We don’t know who the “true companion” was. This person was well known, well respected, and qualified to serve as a mediator to help bring reconciliation. Having begun this section on a positive note—“You whom I love and long for, my joy and crown” (4:1)—Paul also ends with an encouraging word. Not only had Euodia and Syntyche shared in Paul’s quest to further the gospel of Jesus Christ, but so had a man named Clement (mentioned only here in the New Testament), along with many other co-laborers “whose names are in the book of life.” Paul no doubt encouraged a speedy reconciliation by reminding the disputing parties that they were one “in the Lord”—with a common hope of eternal life—and were part of a community of co-workers focused on a common goal. 4:4–7 In Philippians 4:1–3, we saw how standing firm in the Lord precedes relating well (doing away with anger) in the family of God. In 4:4–7, Paul explains how standing firm in the Lord relieves our anxiety. We’ve reached a point in our society when “worry” has become an epidemic, if not an outright plague. Strangely, some seem to treat anxiety like a close friend they don’t want to lose: They excuse it, make room for it, accommodate it, and coddle it. It reminds me of the Simon and Garfunkle song line “Hello Darkness, My Old Friend.” They treat it like a destructive, codependent relationship, and it eats away at their joy day after day. Think about what worry is and does. When we worry, we’re preoccupied with distressing fears—burdened by the past, nervous about the present, and tormented by the future. We live in the realm of “what-ifs.” That kind of mental and emotional agitation can’t be healthy. No wonder Jesus took worldly worry head-on in His Sermon on the Mount (see Matt. 6:25–34). Five times in that famous passage, the Greek term meaning “to worry,” merimnaō, appears:

1. “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life.” (6:25)
2. “Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?” (6:27)
3. “And why worry about your clothing?” (6:28)
4. “So don’t worry about these things.” (6:31)
5. “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries.” (6:34)

Importantly, having one’s name recorded in the register of heavenly citizenship provides security. Christ promises in Revelation that God will never erase the believer’s name from the Book of Life. If a person is clothed with eternal righteousness, they have an eternally secure future. God does not need a literal book to remind Him of our standing before Him. The Book of Life is a memorable symbol of permanent security. Our future blessings are certain, as if God has written our names in a great registry of the citizens of God’s Kingdom. Those constantly worrying find their lives off-kilter, teetering on the brink of breakdown. To combat this dangerous trajectory, Paul recenters our focus in Philippians 4:4: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” In a letter in which joy has been a constant theme, it’s no surprise that Paul reiterates it now as he discusses the threat of anxiety. By refocusing on our joy “in the Lord,” we already begin to pour water on the flames of worry. In 4:5, Paul relays three more dimensions of the joyful life in the Lord, which can help combat anxiety. First, when we let our “gentle spirit” shine through in our words, attitudes, and actions, it will have a transformative effect on our hearts and minds (4:5). The idea here is having an easygoing temperament. Instead of worrying about every small thing in our lives—and the lives of others—we need to relax. Let things go. Yield to others. Extend a hand of grace to brothers and sisters in Christ. Let insignificant things slide. Accept differences. Or, as my Dad would say: “Hang Loose.” This kind of “gentle spirit” will rain on the uncontrolled fires of anxiety. Second, we need to always bear in mind that “the Lord is near” (4:5). The fact that Christ could step into this world at any moment to take us to be with Him forever can give us hope and peace in every moment. In another letter, Paul described Christ’s coming, in which He would resurrect and rescue believers at His return (1 Thes. 4:16–17), which we read last week. Paul concluded that passage, >“So encourage each other with these words,” (1 Thes. 4:18).Comfort in Christ’s  promised return smothers the smoldering anxiety fed by fears of the future. Third, another cure for worry is to bring our concerns to God in prayer. Instead of living uptight, tense, uneasy lives, we need to bring everything to God “by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Phil. 4:6). And “everything” means everything. This is key. Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything (6). If you feel agitated, pray about it. If you’re scared, lift it to the Lord. If you’re burdened by a past that threatens to come back and haunt you, go to God and ask Him to take it from you. If you can’t get through a minute of the day without stressing about your loved ones, spend that time interceding on their behalf instead of mentally and emotionally running through fruitless “what-if” scenarios. When you do these things—rejoice in the Lord, exhibit gentleness, expect Christ’s return, and reach out to God in prayer—then God’s Spirit will quench the flames of anxiety in your heart and mind. In 4:7, Paul describes this relief as “the peace of God.” Paul probably had in mind the Jewish concept of shalom. Theologian Barry Jones brings out the fullness of the concept of shalom in his description: Shalom is often translated in our English Bibles as the word “peace.” But it means much more than our common conceptions of that word convey. Shalom is more than the absence of hostility or an inner sense of personal well-being. The nuances contained in this single Hebrew word require a cluster of English terms to adequately represent it: wholeness, harmony, flourishing, delight, fulfillment.… Shalom is the dream of God for a world set right. No wonder Paul says that God’s peace “surpasses all comprehension” and is able to “guard” our hearts and minds in Christ! This is no mere absence of anxiety, but a positive presence of God’s Spirit of comfort and joy. This kind of peace doesn’t simply extinguish the flames of anxiety—God’s shalom replaces the dry, parched conditions that ignite worry with the cool, clear, nourishing streams of the river of life! Shalom to You! 4:8–9 Thus far, Paul has discussed how standing firm in the Lord (4:1) cures divisive anger (4:2–3) and anxiety (4:4–6). In place of both interpersonal conflicts and inner discontent, God sends His peace (4:7). In 4:8–9, Paul concludes this section with some very simple, practical ways to continue to experience the presence of “the God of peace” (4:9). First, we need to clean up our thinking by feeding our minds positive thoughts (4:8). Regardless of our difficulties, disappointments, and heartaches, focusing our minds on things of beauty and virtue will quench the flames of anger and anxiety that would otherwise fuel the fire. Changing our thinking patterns in these areas will result in greater peace with others and more profound peace in our hearts. Second, we need to focus our attention on excellent models (4:9). Whenever the Philippians needed their faith, love, and hope encouraged, they could look to Paul’s example. He provided a course to follow—one focused on the person and work of Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit. Though we don’t have Paul around today, God always places in our lives observable examples who can spur us on to growth and help us experience “the peace of God” as our minds are fixed on Christ. Anger and anxiety steal our joy and rob us of peace. They force us to focus on the wrong things, drawing us away from a Christ-like life. When we turn our attention to things that are excellent or praiseworthy (4:8) and follow the godly examples before us (4:9), we will honestly know and experience what it means to “stand firm in the Lord” (4:1) and will encounter God’s peace. Peace with Others and Peace within Ourselves Application: Philippians 4:1–9 Fighting for Peace Chances are good that you resonate with one of the roles in Paul’s discussion of standing firm in the Lord. Maybe you can relate to Euodia and Syntyche: You’re in the midst of a long-standing conflict with somebody in the church, at home, at work, or perhaps in your neighborhood. Or maybe you’re stuck in the awkward position of Paul or the “true companion”—somebody in a position to help others resolve their conflicts. Perhaps you’re struggling with nagging worry or uncontrollable anxiety, either caused by authentic sources of stress or by your own obsession over things outside of