Paul’s Appeal to Have the Peace of Christ <4:1-23>
(a) Peace with the Brethren <4:1-3>
Peace with each other as family in Christ is fundamental, in consideration of the fact that as citizens of heaven and the eager anticipation of our final redemption, this should be the encouragement that is needed for such peace; “Therefore…that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends!” <4:1 (NIV)>. Having our minds set on heavenly things will cause us to stand firm in our faith and not fight and argue over the minor details that Satan will surely bring to the forefront in our daily lives and within the Church <cf 1:27-30; 1 Cor.15:58>. So he appeals to “Euodia and …. Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord.” <4:2 (NIV)>, while encouraging those that are closer to the situation, Clement and the rest, to help in settling the conflict <cf 2:2>. The importance of such peace is emphasized by Paul’s statement “whose names are in the book of life.” <4:3 (NIV); cf Rev.3:5; 20:15> God’s heavenly register of all His children; and it is His expectation that all His children live in peace with each other.
(b) Peace with the Lord <4:4-9>
Paul here gives us the recipe for peace with the Lord, since it is very likely for any of His children to be defeated by circumstance and suffering in life, he encourages us to “rejoice always” <4:4; cf Hab.3:17-18; Jas.1:2; 1 Pet.4:13>, and to exhibit Christ-like consideration to all our brethren <cf 2 Cor.10:1; 1 Tim.3:3; Tit.3:2>, because the Lord is nearby <see Rom.13:11; Jas.5:8-9; Rev.22:7, 12, 20> so we should not be anxious (self-centred, exhibiting counterproductive worry and non legitimate cares and concerns for the spread of the gospel (NIV Study Bible)) for anything <cf 2:28; 2 Cor.11:28; Matt.6:25-31; 1 Pet.5:7>. He encourages them that in every circumstance they should “by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” <4:6 (NIV)>, for in doing so “the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” <4:7 (NIV)>, and “such peace is not based on a psychological state of mind but an inner tranquility based on peace with God” (NIV Study Bible) <cf Jn.14:27; Rom.5:1>. Such peace is beyond all human intellectual capacity and acts as a guard or protection to the child of God <cf Eph.3:18-20; 1 Pet 1:5>.
Peace with God can also be shattered by what influences our thought life, and when such thoughts are negative it will soon influence our speech and actions. Not only does Paul encourage us to think on the positive things of the Scriptures, he also encourages us to act on them: “Finally, brothers, 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.” <4:8-9 (NIV); cf Isa.30:1-18>. Not only will this produce a healthy thought pattern, it will produce moral spiritual excellence keeping us at peace with God.
(c) Peace in All Circumstances <4:10-19>
Paul now expresses that he rejoices “greatly in the Lord” because they have renewed sending their gifts for him, a renewal that was not necessarily a fault of theirs since his arrival in Rome had been delayed for various reasons, and they had no opportunity to send their gift <4:10>; he affirms that his rejoicing is not because he was in need for he had learned “to be content whatever the circumstances.” <4:11 (NIV); cf 2 Cor.4:18>; stating that he knew what is was to be in need and what it was for him to have an abundance <4:12; cf 2 Cor.11:9; 1 Tim.6:6-8; Psa.106:14-15>; but he appreciated their gifts <4:14,18>.
“I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” <4:13 (NIV)>, everything specifically that is pleasing to God, for it is He that supplies such strength <cf 1 Cor.10:12; 2 Cor.12:9-10; Jn.15:5; Eph.3:16-17; Col.1:11>.
“And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” <4:19 (NIV); cf Matt.6:33-34>; God, who is personal to each of His children, knows our needs and will make sure that they are all supplied, maybe not in our time but in His time; such needs are met according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus which are the true quantity of His blessings to each individual believer <cf Eph.1:7b-8, 18; 3:16-21>.
(d) Conclusion <4:20-23>
In consideration of he truth he has just expressed, his worshipful expression is “To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” <4:20 (NIV); cf Rom.11:36>; and in a closing remark he sends greetings from the saints in Rome and concludes “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.” <4:23 (NIV)>