Philippians 4

Christian Practices
4:1 So then, my brothers and sisters, dear friends whom I long to see, my joy and crown, stand in the Lord in this way, my dear friends!

4:2 I appeal to Euodia and to Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 4:3 Yes, I say also to you, true companion, help them. They have struggled together in the gospel ministry along with me and Clement and my other coworkers, whose names are in the book of life. 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say, rejoice! 4:5 Let everyone see your gentleness. The Lord is near! 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, in every situation, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, tell your requests to God. 4:7 And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

4:8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of respect, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if something is excellent or praiseworthy, think about these things. 4:9 And what you learned and received and heard and saw in me, do these things. And the God of peace will be with you.

Appreciation for Support
4:10 I have great joy in the Lord because now at last you have again expressed your concern for me. (Now I know you were concerned before but had no opportunity to do anything.) 4:11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content in any circumstance. 4:12 I have experienced times of need and times of abundance. In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of contentment, whether I go satisfied or hungry, have plenty or nothing. 4:13 I am able to do all things through the one who strengthens me. 4:14 Nevertheless, you did well to share with me in my trouble.

4:15 And as you Philippians know, at the beginning of my gospel ministry, when I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in this matter of giving and receiving except you alone. 4:16 For even in Thessalonica on more than one occasion you sent something for my need. 4:17 I do not say this because I am seeking a gift. Rather, I seek the credit that abounds to your account. 4:18 For I have received everything, and I have plenty. I have all I need because I received from Epaphroditus what you sent – a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, very pleasing to God. 4:19 And my God will supply your every need according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. 4:20 May glory be given to God our Father forever and ever. Amen.

Final Greetings
4:21 Give greetings to all the saints in Christ Jesus. The brothers with me here send greetings. 4:22 All the saints greet you, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household. 4:23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Job 3

II. Job’s Dialogue With His Friends (3:1-27:33)
Job Regrets His Birth
3:1 After this Job opened his mouth and cursed the day he was born. 3:2 Job spoke up and said:

3:3 “Let the day on which I was born perish,
and the night that said,
‘A man has been conceived!’

3:4 That day – let it be darkness;
let not God on high regard it,
nor let light shine on it!

3:5 Let darkness and the deepest
shadow claim it;
let a cloud settle on it;
let whatever blackens the day terrify it!

3:6 That night – let darkness seize it;
let it not be included among the days of the year;
let it not enter among the number of the months!

3:7 Indeed, let that night be barren;
let no shout of joy penetrate it!

3:8 Let those who curse the day curse it –
those who are prepared to rouse Leviathan.

3:9 Let its morning stars be darkened;
let it wait for daylight but find none,
nor let it see the first rays of dawn,

3:10 because it did not shut the doors of my mother’s womb on me,
nor did it hide trouble from my eyes!

Job Wishes He Had Died at Birth
3:11 “Why did I not die at birth,
and why did I not expire
as I came out of the womb?

3:12 Why did the knees welcome me,
and why were there two breasts
that I might nurse at them?

3:13 For now I would be lying down
and would be quiet,
I would be asleep and then at peace

3:14 with kings and counselors of the earth
who built for themselves places now desolate,

3:15 or with princes who possessed gold,
who filled their palaces with silver.

3:16 Or why was I not buried
like a stillborn infant,
like infants who have never seen the light?

3:17 There the wicked cease from turmoil,
and there the weary are at rest.

3:18 There the prisoners relax together;
they do not hear the voice of the oppressor.

3:19 Small and great are there,
and the slave is free from his master.

Longing for Death
3:20 “Why does God give light to one who is in misery,
and life to those whose soul is bitter,

3:21 to those who wait for death that does not come,
and search for it
more than for hidden treasures,

3:22 who rejoice even to jubilation,
and are exultant when they find the grave?

3:23 Why is light given to a man
whose way is hidden,
and whom God has hedged in?

3:24 For my sighing comes in place of my food,
and my groanings flow forth like water.

3:25 For the very thing I dreaded has happened to me,
and what I feared has come upon me.

3:26 I have no ease, I have no quietness;
I cannot rest; turmoil has come upon me.”

Scripture quoted from The NET Bible®, New English Translation, Copyright (c) 1996 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C., reprinted with permission from Bible.org. For further study, see articles on Bible.org and the NETBible study environment at NETBible.org.

For more information on Riverview Church, see RivChurch.com.