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Scott's Reference Library
December 14, 2003 | December 17, 2006 | December 13, 2009
Philippians 4:4 through Philippians 4:7 (NIV)
4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your
gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6Do not be anxious about
anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present
your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding,
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
VERSES 2-9
Let believers be of one mind, and ready to help each other. As the apostle had
found the benefit of their assistance, he knew how comfortable it would be to
his fellow-labourers to have the help of others. Let us seek to give assurance
that our names are written in the book of life. Joy in God is of great
consequence in the Christian life; and Christians need to be again and again
called to it. It more than outweighs all causes for sorrow. Let their enemies
perceive how moderate they were as to outward things, and how composedly they
suffered loss and hardships. The day of judgment will soon arrive, with full
redemption to believers, and destruction to ungodly men. There is a care of
diligence which is our duty, and agrees with a wise forecast and due concern;
but there is a care of fear and distrust, which is sin and folly, and only
perplexes and distracts the mind. As a remedy against perplexing care, constant
prayer is recommended. Not only stated times for prayer, but in every thing by
prayer. We must join thanksgivings with prayers and supplications; not only seek
supplies of good, but own the mercies we have received. God needs not to be told
our wants or desires; he knows them better than we do; but he will have us show
that we value the mercy, and feel our dependence on him. The peace of God, the
comfortable sense of being reconciled to God, and having a part in his favour,
and the hope of the heavenly blessedness, are a greater good than can be fully
expressed. This peace will keep our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus; it
will keep us from sinning under troubles, and from sinking under them; keep us
calm and with inward satisfaction. Believers are to get and to keep a good name;
a name for good things with God and good men. We should walk in all the ways of
virtue, and abide therein; then, whether our praise is of men or not, it will be
of God. The apostle is for an example. His doctrine and life agreed together.
The way to have the God of peace with us, is to keep close to our duty. All our
privileges and salvation arise in the free mercy of God; yet the enjoyment of
them depends on our sincere and holy conduct. These are works of God, pertaining
to God, and to him only are they to be ascribed, and to no other, neither men,
words, nor deeds.