Chapter 2:2,3,4,5

2:2-5  "make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. 5Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus

John in this epistle points out that God demonstrated an attribute of his Godliness when he sent Christ to this earth. He demonstrated his love. His love was so complete that he sent his son to pay for our sins. It is a demonstration Godly perfection.

It is the same spirt that Paul suggested for every believer's relationship when he wrote in Philippians 2:2-5 "make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. 4Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. 5Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus"

When man sinned it left an emptiness in the divine order. Christ came to complete the arrangement and to restore man to sonship with God.

Chapter 4: 9
4:9 "The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you."

   This text focuses on Paul as he encourages the Christians at Philippi to follow the examples they have seen as they attempt the Christian life.
   Paul made three missionary journeys. In that time he established churches in many towns and cities, one of which was at Philippi. While in their presence he constantly taught them and demonstrated what it meant to be a Christian. In a great sense, he was their father in the faith. They were bold while in his presence. They were restrained while in his presence. They were reserved while in his presence. However, Paul was a great distance from them and his time was running out.
   This letter was designed to be an encouragement to remember the things he had taught them. It is a benediction; or a final thought before parting company.  The fourth chapter's benedictory rehearses everything Paul had taught them one last time. He did not write them again. Scanning the fourth chapter Paul encouraged them to: 1) Rejoice in the Lord always (v4) and always find a reason to give God praise in any situation, 2) Don't worry about anything but trust in God (v6) because doing so would give them a peace that "surpasseth all understanding." 3)Think positively, focusing on whatsover things that are honest, just, pure, lovely and of good report. 4)Be content (v11) regardless of the circumstance, God is God in every situation.  5)Don't Doubt your ability, (v13) because any worthy Godly inspired challenge that you meet can be conquered because "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me"; and 6)Count on God for the supply (v19) he is the source of all your blessings and he has promised to bless those who abide in him. "My God shall supply all your need.." was his constant reminder.
   Verse nine is an encouragement to the Philippians to take to heart all that they have learned in the course of the short Christian experience. He told them to take four things with them in life: What they learned. They had learned Christian practices that included, gathering on the Lord's Day, sharing in The Lord's supper, singing Psalms of praise, supporting each other in the faith, and participating in Christian fellowship. These practices were easy to follow as long as they were in Paul's presence, what he suggested is that they take with them into life, even outside his presence, what they have learned.
   What they have received.  They had received material and spiritual blessings while under Paul's instruction.  They received an abundance of God's spirit and often received material blessings as well. The memory of how God has blessed them in the past would be a source of strength for them in the future.
   What they have heard. They had received in countless study sessions, sermons and lectures the fine points of the spiritual life. They had been taught God's viewpoint of love, hate, damnation and the good life. Repeatedly they had received the lectures until they rang in their ears. Now, on this benedictory note, Paul tells them to take what they have learned with them into life and remember it all.
   What they have seen. In the course of their experience they  witnessed God's power in action. They saw many miraculous things happen that confirmed the power and majesty of God. The sick had been healed, the downtrodden had been lifted up and prayers had been answered in front of their very eyes.  Paul encouraged them to remember what they had seen and take that with them.
   His final benediction is that the "Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.." Or that the merciful presence of God should follow you where ever you go!