Philippians 4

Philippians 4:3 those women which laboured with me in the gospel

Joe J. Christensen

Women who are called as missionaries render outstanding service, and they have been doing so for a long time. The Apostle Paul received help on his mission from Lydia and other sisters in Philippi. When he wrote his epistle to the Philippians, he asked them to "help those women which laboured with me in the gospel." (Philippians 4:3.) Early in this dispensation, in the August 1840 Millennial Star, Parley P. Pratt emphasized, "It is their privilege. . . to labour with us in the gospel, like the holy women in the days of Paul." (Joe J. and Barbara K. Christensen, Making Your Home a Missionary Training Center [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1985], 86.)

Philippians 4:5 Let your moderation be known unto all men

Joseph Smith

In all matters, temporal or spiritual, preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ, or in leading an army to battle, victory almost entirely depends upon good order and moderation. (Encyclopedia of Joseph Smith's Teachings, edited by Larry E. Dahl and Donald Q.Cannon [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1997], "Moderation")

Ezra Taft Benson

The condition of the physical body can affect the spirit. That's why the Lord gave us the Word of Wisdom. He also said that we should retire to our beds early and arise early (see D&C 88:124), that we should not run faster than we have strength (see D&C 10:4), and that we should use moderation in all good things. In general, the more food we eat in its natural state-without additives-and the less it is refined, the healthier it will be for us. Food can affect the mind, and deficiencies of certain elements in the body can promote mental depression. A good physical examination periodically is a safeguard and may spot problems that can be remedied. Rest and physical exercise are essential, and a walk in the fresh air can refresh the spirit. Wholesome recreation is part of our religion and is a necessary change of pace; even its anticipation can lift the spirit. ("Do Not Despair," Ensign, Oct. 1986, 2, 4)

M. Russell Ballard

To you who feel harried and overwhelmed and who wonder whether you ever will be able to run fast enough to catch the departing train you think you should be on, I suggest that you learn to deal with each day as it comes, doing the best you can, without feelings of guilt or inadequacy. ... No one can do everything. ... Remember, our Heavenly Father never expects more of us than we can do. (Ensign, Nov. 1991, p. 95.)

Brigham Young

By temperance and moderation lay the foundation for the development of the mind.

...As I said to the brethren the other day in the Thirteenth Ward schoolhouse, with regard to worldly pleasure, comfort, and enjoyment: you may take as much as you please of the Spirit of the Lord, and it will not make your stomach or head ache. You may drink nine cups of strong spiritual drink, and it will not hurt you; but if you drink nine cups of strong tea, see what it will do for you. (Discourses of Brigham Young, selected and arranged by John A. Widtsoe [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1954], 182.)

Philippians 4:7 the peace of God...passeth all understanding

Ronald T. Halverson

[The Savior said]: "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)

The peace that He spoke of is defined by one writer: "True joy is an intense inner peace and happiness."

It is the peace that Paul spoke of, "the peace of God, which passeth all understanding." The gospel of Jesus Christ brings peace of mind, heals the soul, and calms the troubled heart. It gives definition and meaning to the purpose of life, the spiritual reassurance that God lives and Jesus is the Christ.

Joy and peace of mind that truth seekers throughout the world desire to find can only be found by knowing and living the principles of the gospel. ("Ye Also Shall Bear Witness," Ensign, Nov. 1998, 79)

James E. Faust

A major reason this church has grown from its humble beginnings to its current strength is the faithfulness and devotion of millions of humble and devoted people... They have largely surrendered their own interests, and in so doing have found "the peace of God, which passeth all understanding" (Philip. 4:7). I wish only to be one of those who experience this supernal inner peace. ("Five Loaves and Two Fishes," Ensign, May 1994, 6)

Joseph B. Wirthlin

If sin has deprived us of peace within, we can repent and seek forgiveness of our sins. The Lord said that he "cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance; Nevertheless, he that repents and does the commandments of the Lord shall be forgiven." (D&C 1:31-32.) Elder Spencer W. Kimball wrote: "The essence of the miracle of forgiveness is that it brings peace to the previously anxious, restless, frustrated, perhaps tormented soul. In a world of turmoil and contention this is indeed a priceless gift." (The Miracle of Forgiveness, Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1969, p. 363.)

My brothers and sisters, we can be at peace if we "let virtue garnish [our] thoughts unceasingly." (D&C 121:45.) The power is in us as spirit children of our Heavenly Father. He and his Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, have provided the way for us to be at peace. We can enjoy that peace of God which passeth human understanding. (See Philip. 4:7.) We can enjoy it personally, within our families, in our communities, in our nations, and in our world if we will do the things that produce it. This peace leads to happiness. ("Peace Within," Ensign, May 1991, 38)

Philippians 4:8 The Admonition of Paul

Of all the admonitions of Paul, of all his inspired advice, of all his exhortations, Joseph Smith included this one as the thirteenth article of our faith. It is an admonition for the saints to search out all good. While the world accuses us of being closed-minded, the opposite should really be the case. We reject evil in all of its manifestations but accept every form of goodness and righteousness throughout the earth-in whatever form it may be. As Mormon taught, "Wherefore, all things, which are good cometh of God...that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him is inspired of God." (Moro. 7:12-13) How broad and all encompassing is this doctrine? It acknowledges the good in all men of all religions, from all sources, from all cultures. It spans the best of literature, philosophy, and government as well as the best of fashion, entertainment, and music.

David B. Haight

On March 1, 1842, Joseph Smith, at the request of Mr. John Wentworth, editor of a Chicago newspaper, composed thirteen brief statements known as the Articles of Faith, which summarize some of the basic doctrines of the Church. As the concluding statement, the Prophet wrote this inspired code of conduct: (quotes A of F 1:13).

What an inspiring description of good people, God-fearing people, people committed to deal justly with mankind! These would be the type of people who could raise up a nation and help it survive, and the kind of people to comprehend the true gospel of Jesus Christ with the needed faith to proclaim it to the inhabitants of the earth. ("Ethics and Honesty," Ensign, Nov. 1987, 13-14)

Gordon B. Hinckley

That article of our faith is one of the basic declarations of our theology... We ought to reflect on it again and again. I wish that every family in the Church would write out that article of faith and put it on a mirror where every member of the family would see it every day. Then, whenever we might be tempted to do anything shoddy or dishonest or immoral, there would come into our minds with some force this great, all encompassing statement of the ethics of our behavior. There would be less rationalizing over some elements of our personal conduct which we try to justify with one excuse or another. ("Fear Not to Do Good," Ensign, May 1983, 80)

James E. Talmage

In this article of their faith, the Latter-day Saints declare their acceptance of a practical religion; a religion that shall consist, not alone of professions in spiritual matters... but also, and more particularly, of present and every-day duties, in which proper respect for self, love for fellow men, and devotion to God are the guiding principles. Religion without morality, professions of godliness without charity, church-membership without adequate responsibility as to individual conduct in daily life, are but as sounding brass and tinkling cymbals-noise without music, the words without the spirit of prayer...

The comprehensiveness of our faith must appeal to every earnest investigator of the principles taught by the Church... Within the pale of the Church there is a place for all truth-for everything that is praiseworthy, virtuous, lovely, or of good report. (Articles of Faith [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1981], 390.)

Philippians 4:12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound

Most of us don't need any help when life is abundant. In the gospel, knowing how to abound means to be humble and grateful to the Lord for his many blessings. Knowing how to be abased is a different story.

Many people fall apart when the comforts and finer things of life are taken from them. Indeed, knowing how to be abased is the essence of true meekness. Paul could be content in the worst of circumstances. Joseph Smith expressed it this way,

"Some of the company thought I was not a very meek Prophet; so I told them: 'I am meek and lowly in heart,'... you cannot find the place where I ever went that I found fault with their food, their drink, their house, their lodgings; no, never; and this is what is meant by the meekness and lowliness of Jesus." (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1976], 270.)

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ

Chieko N. Okazaki

We do not know the challenges and adversities that life will give us. But the scriptures promise us that "with God nothing shall be impossible" (Luke 1:37), and we can say with the Apostle Paul, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" (Philip. 4:13).

The scriptures are filled with testimonies of the strength that comes from the Savior. I always feel a lift of the heart that comes to me when I read these rejoicings of the prophets:

Moses exulted, "The Lord is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation" (Ex. 15:2).

David sang, "God is my strength and power: and he maketh my way perfect" (2 Sam. 22:33).

To Isaiah, the Lord promised, "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness" (Isa. 41:10).

How can we build this kind of faith in the strength of the Savior? David had counsel for the people of his time that I repeat to you: "Seek the Lord and his strength ... continually" (1 Chr. 16:11). "Blessed is the man [or woman] whose strength is in thee. ... Go from strength to strength" (Ps. 84:5, 7).

Sisters, strengthen yourselves by seeking the source of true strength-the Savior. Come unto him. He loves you. He desires your happiness and exults in your desires for righteousness. Make him your strength, your daily companion, your rod and your staff. Let him comfort you. There is no burden we need bear alone. His grace compensates for our deficiencies. ("Strength in the Savior," Ensign, Nov. 1993, 95-96)

Marvin J. Ashton

Change in our own church assignments may be... disturbing. Often when we express a wish to never have that assignment, the bishop or stake president offers us the blessings of that self-same calling. At those times it is good to remember the words of Paul when he, troubled by many ailments, said, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" (Philip. 4:13).

As a Church with lay leadership, the blessings of change come often. Very few of us feel adequate to meet those changes with our own talents. How grateful we can be for the strength of Jesus Christ which helps us with the changes brought by new callings and increased responsibilities. ("Progress through Change," Ensign, Nov. 1979, 63)

Philippians 4:15-16 no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only

"Paul and Silas left Philippi with the formal apology of the city fathers and fresh scars of their public beating. (Acts 16:11-40) But Saints eternally blessed by the missionaries would not ignore their practical needs. Paul and his companions went seventy-five miles west to Thessalonica, where ugly opposition was stirring, and the Philippians filled Paul's needs there once and then sent help again (Philip. 4:16). After a riot in that place, persecution soon forced Paul to the new field of labor in southern Greece. He left three branches of the Church in northern Greece, which explains another compliment to the Philippians: 'In the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only' (Philip. 4:15, NKJB). In this time Paul was at Corinth, laboring intensely at missionary work and earning bread by his trade. He preached the gospel to the Corinthians 'freely'; 'other churches' paid the cost of Corinthian service, for 'that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied' (2 Cor. 11:7-9).

"These references of aid at Corinth show that the Philippians were able to send messengers three hundred miles. They did the same thing when Paul was more than twice that distance in Rome." (Richard Lloyd Anderson, Understanding Paul [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1983], 293 - 294.)

Philippians 4:14-19 Paul Paraphrased

"You have done well to help me when I needed it. You will remember that you were the only church of saints which sent me aid when I left Macedonia. Even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me needed food and supplies on two occasions. Now I compliment you not because taking care of me is important; I am glad to see that your behavior is that of true saints and your assistance an example of the fruits of the gospel in your hearts. I know that the Lord will count it to you for righteousness. I have the gospel and therefore have everything I need, but I do appreciate the things you sent me by way of Epaphroditus. I am sure the Lord is pleased with your sacrifice on my behalf. Though I can't personally repay you, I know the Lord will bless you abundantly for your goodness."

Philippians 4:22 All the saints... of Caesar's household

Joseph E. Robinson

When Felix and Agrippa would have freed [Paul], he had made the appeal to be tried according to the rights of a Roman, by the Roman law. By that means his life was saved, and he was taken to the household of Caesar, and had the privilege of declaring for upwards of two years... the Gospel in the very household of the emperor, to the reclamation or conversion of many souls of Caesar's household. (Conference Report, April 1907, Second Overflow Meeting. 93 - 95.)