Single lesson
Philippians 4: Rejoice in the Lord
Philippians 4:1–9; Philippians 4:10–20; Philippians 4:21–23
Philippians 4 teaches believers to stand firm in the Lord, rejoice, pray instead of giving way to anxiety, think about what is good, and value generous giving. This lesson helps children trace those ideas through the whole chapter.
Before you teach
In Philippians 4, Paul speaks warmly to the believers, urges two women to agree in the Lord, and gives clear instructions about rejoicing, gentleness, prayer, thoughts, and actions. He then thanks the Philippians for their generous support, speaks about contentment through Christ, and closes with greetings and grace.
Students will be able to name three teachings from Philippians 4 and explain how rejoicing, prayer, contentment, and generosity appear across the passage.
Welcome: Stand firm in the Lord
4 minWelcome the group and introduce the main idea: Paul tells believers to stand firm in the Lord. Briefly explain that this chapter includes help for disagreements, worry, thinking, giving, and greetings. Ask children to listen for repeated words such as rejoice, prayer, and peace as the passage is read.
Philippians 4:1, Philippians 4:2, Philippians 4:4, Philippians 4:6, Philippians 4:7
Read and explain: Rejoice, pray, and think carefully
8 minRead Philippians 4:1-9 aloud. Explain that Paul urges Euodia and Syntyche to think the same way in the Lord, then tells the church to rejoice in the Lord always. Show how prayer with thanksgiving is set against anxiety, and how Paul directs their minds towards what is true, honourable, just, pure, lovely, and praiseworthy.
Philippians 4:2, Philippians 4:4, Philippians 4:6, Philippians 4:8, Philippians 4:9
Discuss: Contentment and generous support
7 minRead Philippians 4:10-20. Help children see that Paul is thankful for the Philippians' care, yet he says he has learned contentment in different circumstances. Explain that 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me' sits in this section about being humbled, abounding, being hungry, and being in need. Notice too that their gift is pleasing to God.
Philippians 4:10, Philippians 4:11, Philippians 4:12, Philippians 4:13, Philippians 4:18, Philippians 4:19
Make and respond: Reminder card from Philippians 4
7 minChildren choose one verse or phrase from the chapter for a reminder card. They may pick rejoice, pray with thanksgiving, think about what is worthy of praise, or stand firm in the Lord. Invite each child to give one realistic example of when that verse could help at school, at home, or with friends.
Philippians 4:1, Philippians 4:4, Philippians 4:6, Philippians 4:8, Philippians 4:14
Closing: Greetings, grace, and review
4 minRead Philippians 4:21-23. Point out that Paul ends with greetings to the saints and a blessing about the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. Review the chapter by asking children to name one instruction, one example of generosity, and one closing detail they heard. Finish with an optional prayer.
Philippians 4:21, Philippians 4:22, Philippians 4:23
Questions to explore
Why does Paul mention Euodia and Syntyche at the start of this chapter?
Use Philippians 4:2-3 to notice that Paul urges them to think the same way in the Lord and asks for help because they had laboured in the Good News.
Philippians 4:2, Philippians 4:3
What does Paul tell believers to do instead of being anxious?
Look closely at Philippians 4:6-7 and name the actions of prayer, petition, thanksgiving, and making requests known to God, along with the peace that follows.
Philippians 4:6, Philippians 4:7
How do Philippians 4:13 and 4:14-18 help us understand what Paul is talking about?
Read the surrounding verses and see that Paul speaks about contentment in many circumstances and thanks the Philippians for sharing in his affliction and sending help.
Philippians 4:12, Philippians 4:13, Philippians 4:14, Philippians 4:18
Make, think or respond
Philippians 4 Reminder Card
What you’ll need
- paper or card
- pencils or pens
- crayons or markers
- Bible
Try it together
- Read several short options from Philippians 4, such as verse 4, 6, 8, or 13.
- Ask each child to choose one verse or phrase that shows the main teaching they want to remember.
- Have them copy the words neatly onto a small card and decorate it with simple symbols from the passage, such as praying hands, a heart, or a gift.
- Invite each child to share one real-life situation where this reminder could help them obey what the passage says.
This activity helps children keep one clear instruction from Philippians 4 in mind and connect it to rejoicing, prayer, right thinking, contentment, or generosity in the chapter.
Adapt for your group
- For younger children, shorten the reading by reading selected verses aloud twice and let them choose from only three reminder phrases: 'Rejoice', 'Pray with thanksgiving', or 'Think about these things'.
- For older or more confident readers, ask them to match each key idea to its verse and explain in one sentence how Philippians 4:10-20 connects thankfulness, contentment, and giving.
An optional closing prayer
Dear God, please help us stand firm in the Lord, rejoice in you, pray with thanksgiving, think about what is good, and be generous. Please let your peace guard our hearts and thoughts in Christ Jesus. Amen.
Read the Bible passage World English Bible Classic
Philippians 4
1 Therefore, my brothers, beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved.
2 I exhort Euodia, and I exhort Syntyche, to think the same way in the Lord.
3 Yes, I beg you also, true partner, help these women, for they labored with me in the Good News with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
4 Rejoice in the Lord always! Again I will say, “Rejoice!”
5 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.
6 In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.
7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report: if there is any virtue and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
9 Do the things which you learned, received, heard, and saw in me, and the God of peace will be with you.
10 But I rejoice in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your thought for me; in which you did indeed take thought, but you lacked opportunity.
11 Not that I speak because of lack, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content in it.
12 I know how to be humbled, and I also know how to abound. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret both to be filled and to be hungry, both to abound and to be in need.
13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
14 However you did well that you shared in my affliction.
15 You yourselves also know, you Philippians, that in the beginning of the Good News, when I departed from Macedonia, no assembly shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you only.
16 For even in Thessalonica you sent once and again to my need.
17 Not that I seek for the gift, but I seek for the fruit that increases to your account.
18 But I have all things and abound. I am filled, having received from Epaphroditus the things that came from you, a sweet-smelling fragrance, an acceptable and well-pleasing sacrifice to God.
19 My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
20 Now to our God and Father be the glory forever and ever! Amen.
21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you.
22 All the saints greet you, especially those who are of Caesar’s household.
23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
World English Bible Classic. Public domain.
Source passages
Something to make together
These activities connect with the passage. Choose one that suits your group and the time you have.
