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Bible Life Applications and Lessons in Philippians Chapter 4

(Vol. 102)

This week we are finishing life applications and lessons from the book of Philippians. Let’s take a look at what the Lord has for us in Philippians, chapter 4.

An open Bible is displayed on a wooden surface with floral decorations. The left page has a handwritten quote “to live is Christ and to die is gain” alongside a watercolor landscape. On the right, a passage from Philippians graces the page. Website link: www.homewithgraceandjoy.com at the bottom.

We studied Philippians chapters 2 and 3 last week and saw many lessons about humility and following the example of Jesus. Here are a few lessons from chapter 4.

Some of the lessons this week might be kind of heavy. If you suffer with depression, some of the Bible lessons in this chapter may be very helpful. However, depression is real. If you are struggling in this area, please talk to someone about it. You may need to seek professional help. There are many resources out there to help.

Life Applications and Lessons 

“Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

  • Your thoughts, feelings, and emotions begin in your heart and mind.
  • Good and bad begin in your mind:
    • Harmful thoughts
    • Thoughts of sin that leads to action
    • Good and God-glorifying thoughts
    • Positive thoughts that lead to positive actions
  • When you are worried or concerned about something in life, pray about it and fully give it over to God.
  • The peace of God can fully encompass our troubles and understandings!
    • His peace is greater than what we do understand.
    • His peace is greater than the things in life we don’t understand.
A quote from Romans 8:5-6 is centered on a light, abstract background with gray quotation marks. The quote discusses the contrast between living according to the flesh and the Spirit, similar to themes found in Philippians 4. The website "www.homewithgraceandjoy.com" is written at the bottom.


“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.” Philippians 4:8

  • What you continually put in your mind is what you will feel.
  • Be intentional with your thoughts. When you realize you are thinking about or dwelling on negative things, Stop!

Do you remember the Bob Newhart Show? This is one of the funniest clips that definitely goes along with purposefully stopping your negative thoughts. If you get a chance watch this 2 minute clip. You have to have some humor throughout the day!

Bob Newhart – Stop It! Clip

  • You can’t just stop thinking about things without replacing them with something else. If you leave your mind open, those bad feelings will creep back in! Purposely replace the negative thoughts with positive ones. Ask yourself, “Is what I am thinking…
    • True
    • Honorable
    • Pure
    • Lovely
    • Commendable
    • Of moral excellence
    • Praiseworthy
  • If the answer is No, stop those thought processes and purposely think about something that fits the description above!
  • Until it becomes more of a natural process or habit, you may have to pre-determine positive topics and thoughts to focus on when you find yourself dwelling on the negative.

Example of This Lesson

Early in my counseling years, I had a student who had a tendency to dwell on the negative, almost to the point of not being able to function. He was seeing an outside therapist for help, but he needed to be able to make it through the school day.

Over a period of time, I found that if I changed the subject to dogs or showed him pictures of dogs, he would eventually snap out of it. I know this sounds like an exaggeration, but it is the truth.

A collage of three photos featuring Ally, a light brown dog, playing with her friends. The top-right image shows Ally engaging playfully with a small black dog indoors. The bottom-left image shows Ally and a curly-haired dog playing on grass. The bottom-right image shows Ally napping on a soft bed under the note "Play Time." At the top are the words "Ally and her Friends
This should make everyone smile!

After about the third year of doing this, he came to my office one day really upset. We talked for a little bit, and then he said, “Isn’t this about the time you should be bringing up dogs?” 😂 He had some disabilities, but as you can see, he was very smart. Even he knew this was working for him.

    A quote from Colossians 3:2 is displayed in white text on a beige background adorned with delicate flowers. It reads, "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." Subtle, abstract shapes enhance the background. A nod to Philippians 4 and the URL "www.homewithgraceandjoy.com" are at the bottom.


    “I know 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. I am able to do all things through Him Who strengthens me. ”
    Philippians 4:12-13

    • We all want to be able to be content regardless of our circumstances. Paul gives us the secret – stay connected to the Lord and rely on Him. Stay Heavenly-minded.
    • When we focus on the things of the world, we get off balance in our thinking and can easily become discontent.
    A quote from 1 Timothy 6:6 reading, "But Godliness with contentment is great gain," is centered on a beige background with soft, cloud-like textures at the top and bottom. Below the quote is a reference to Philippians 4 for further inspiration. The website www.homewithgraceandjoy.com is at the bottom of the image.


    Philippians 4:22

    “All the saints send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household.”
    Philippians 4:22

    This was simply the closing of the letter Paul was writing to the Philippian church. However, even the closing had lessons for us.

    • Because of Paul’s hardships of jail and court time, Caesar’s household was exposed to the Gospel, and many of them were saved.
    • Don’t let your hardships go without benefit.
    • Eternal life for even one person is worth our temporary hardships.


    Life Applications and Lessons in Bible Study

    Please join our community as we read the Word and share insights on the scriptures each week.

    Life Applications and Lessons Resources

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    If you have joined me recently, these daily life applications from the Bible are examples of some of the comments I am writing in the Bibles I am giving to my grandchildren when they graduate from high school. Click here to see the post where I explain this eternal gift idea. I want to give them all the resources I can to use in today’s world!

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    Related Posts

    Simple Bible Study Ideas for Spiritual Growth
    Life Applications and Lessons from the Book of Philippians Chapter One
    Life Applications and Lessons from the Book of Philippians Chapters 2-3

    I have enjoyed this dive into the book of Philippians over the past few weeks. I hope these life applications and lessons have spoken to you in some way.

    Please share any encouragement and lessons you have learned this week as you read the Word, whether in Philippians 4 or elsewhere in the Bible.

    Until next week…

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    “being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;”
    Philippians 1:5

    (New Testament)

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    2 Comments

    1. This post was my favorite part of the Philippians series, Susan, gah it’s so so good! I use the technique you shared above to help with ruminating thoughts when I’m stuggling with anxiety. I say, “Is this true? Is this helpful? Is this kind?” and for whatever reason it helps me change my perspective because the answer is no to at least 2 out of 3 of those questions. I love the story about your student and the dogs too. Truly, you just never know what is going to resonate and I’m glad His work was able to shine through Allie and friends. Sening you hugs and as always loving this series, CoCo

      1. I am very thankful for your encouragement each week! I always second guess myself, but you always make me feel better about it. Have a wonderful rest of your week!

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