Rome for the Holidays
* After his long and difficult journey from Caesarea, Paul finally arrived in Rome. "When he got to Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, with a soldier to guard him" (Acts 28:16).

* Read Acts 28:30-31. Paul spent at least two years under house arrest, waiting for his trial. During that time, he wrote these letters: Ephesians, Colossians, Philemon, and Philippians.

Thanksgiving Recipe
* While in Rome, Paul wrote a letter to the Christians in Philippi. Paul and Silas had first visited Philippi about eleven years earlier (Acts 16:11-40).

* Toward the end of his letter, Paul offers some exhortations. Read Philippians 4:4-9. With these exhortations, Paul offers a recipe for Christian thinking and living.

1. In verses 4-6, Paul gives three imperatives: 1) rejoice; 2) let your gentleness be evident to all; and 3) do not be anxious. In addition, he expects the ingredient of thanksgiving. Under what conditions are these actions and attitudes expected? How is this possible?

† "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, NIV)

* In verse 8, Paul lists several qualities that his readers should think about. We should let our minds constantly dwell on such things, in the light of the Truth. Such thoughts, along with Biblical teaching and example, should affect our behavior (4:9a).

* By following the recipe, "the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus" and "the God of peace will be with you." (4:7, 9, NIV).

† "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you Trust in the LORD forever,for the LORD God is an everlasting rock" (Isaiah 26:3-4, ESV)

Whether Well Fed or Hungry
* Read Philippians 4:10-20. Paul has already told the Philippians to rejoice (3:1, 4:4). Now he says that he is rejoicing. One reason for his rejoicing is the Philippians' concern for him.

2. Paul says that he has "learned the secret of being content in any and every situation." What is "the secret of being content?"

3. How does contentment relate to ambition? If the Christian is content, does that mean that he/she is less ambitious? Explain.

Giving & Thanks
* Paul expresses his thankfulness to the Philippians. They had provided material support, but they had done much more than that. They were his "partners in the gospel" (1:3-5, 4:14-15).

4. While Paul is very thankful for their support, he does not communicate a desire for more. According to verse 17, what is Paul's desire concerning the Philippians?

5. How does Paul describe the Philippians' gifts to him? (4:18) What does this say about our giving today?

* "And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased" (Hebrews 13:16, NIV).

Reflection/Application

† When you are thankful, to whom are you thankful? Can you be thankful in all circumstances? Can you be content whatever the circumstances? If you know "the Rock," you can be. Do you know Him? Do you want to know Him? Ask questions and take the appropriate steps.

†As a Christian, are you following the "thanksgiving recipe?" Are you experiencing God's peace? Have you learned to be content whatever the circumstances? Meditate on Paul's exhortations in verses 4:1-9 and make a specific commitment to put them into practice.