Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for January 12, 2014

Teacher: Dr. Matthew McKellar
Associate Professor of Preaching/Chair of the Preaching Department
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

“He Has You Covered” Philippians 4:2-7 Bible Study 01/12/14

Our passage this morning includes some of the most well-known verses in the letter to the Philippians. A proper understanding of it requires that we see the “big picture” contextually in terms of Paul’s circumstances and those of his recipients. In spite of less than ideal circumstances (Paul is in prison and Euodia and Syntyche are in conflict!), the experience of God’s surpassing peace remains a distinct possibility. With fatherly concern, Paul assists his readers in focusing on the “big picture” in order that they might persevere, having been “covered” with the peace of God. You can enjoy the protection of God’s surpassing peace when you take seriously the prerequisites for it.

I. Rejoice continually (4)
-inclusive command

-specific focus

II. Relate reasonably (2-3, 5)
-from observation to imitation

-imminent and intimate perspective

III. Request comprehensively (6)
-clear prohibition

-balanced perspective

-panorama of prayer

IV. Receive expectantly (7)
-with the result that…

-guaranteed covering

-the God of peace going, the peace of God guarding…

V. So what?
-Let Scripture sustain you in the “race”

-“Thy mighty name salvation is, and keeps my happy soul above: Comfort it brings, and power and peace and joy and everlasting love. Jesus, mine all in all thou art, my rest in toil, my ease in pain, the medicine of my broken heart. In war my peace, in loss my gain, my smile beneath the tyrant’s frown, in shame my glory and my crown.” (C. Wesley)

-Do we delight in Jesus? It is difficult to rejoice in someone with whom we have no relationship.

-The one who gives peace is our peace!