Philippians 4
Finding Joy and Peace in Jesus Christ
What brings you peace and comfort during times of stress and trial? In his letter to the Philippians, Paul frequently spoke of joy and peace. In concluding this letter, Paul taught that Jesus Christ is the source of peace and rejoicing and emphasized what the Saints could do to feel joy and “the peace of God” (Philippians 4:7). As you study, seek to identify ways you can receive increased joy and peace through Jesus Christ in your own life.
Writing exercises. Inviting students to respond to thought-provoking questions in writing can help them deepen and clarify their thoughts. As students respond to questions in writing before sharing their thoughts with the class, they will have time to formulate their ideas and receive impressions from the Holy Ghost.
Student preparation: Invite students to ask a few friends or family members how Jesus Christ brings them peace and joy in their lives.
Possible Learning Activities
The following activity is intended to help students recognize obstacles they face to peace and happiness. It can also help them assess where they go to find greater peace and happiness. Consider displaying this image or recreating it for students to view.
Paul’s challenges
Examine the following image representing the Apostle Paul and some of his challenges and possible worries. Bear in mind that these are in addition to Paul being on house arrest while writing his letter to the Philippian Saints. Consider how these challenges may have been obstacles to Paul’s feelings of peace and joy.
In your study journal, create a circle with a stick figure or line-drawing that represents you, like the one of Paul. Outside the circle, list some of your own worries or concerns that may sometimes make it difficult for you to feel peace and joy.
Consider which of the following questions would be best to discuss as a class and which would be best for students to respond to in their study journals.
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Where do people look to find greater peace and joy in this life? Where do you search for peace and joy? Have you been successful in your efforts?
A message of joy and peace
Despite being under house arrest and facing other challenges, Paul frequently spoke of joy and peace in his letter to the Philippians. While Paul told the Philippians that he found great joy in their kindness and care toward him (see Philippians 4:1, 10, 14–16), he consistently reminded them of the ultimate source of his joy.
Read Philippians 4:4, 10, 13, and consider marking who Paul attributed his joy and strength to.
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Why do you think Paul regularly spoke of Jesus Christ as the source of his strength, joy, and peace?
President Russell M. Nelson taught why Jesus Christ is the source of peace and joy.
My dear brothers and sisters, the joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives.
When the focus of our lives is on God’s plan of salvation … and Jesus Christ and His gospel, we can feel joy regardless of what is happening—or not happening—in our lives. Joy comes from and because of Him. He is the source of all joy. …
Just as the Savior offers peace that “passeth all understanding” [Philippians 4:7], He also offers an intensity, depth, and breadth of joy that defy human logic or mortal comprehension. For example, it doesn’t seem possible to feel joy when your child suffers with an incurable illness or when you lose your job or when your spouse betrays you. Yet that is precisely the joy the Savior offers. His joy is constant, assuring us that our “afflictions shall be but a small moment” [Doctrine and Covenants 121:7] and be consecrated to our gain [see 2 Nephi 2:2].
(Russell M. Nelson, “Joy and Spiritual Survival,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2016, 82)
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What did President Nelson teach that was most meaningful to you? Why?
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How do you think truly understanding and applying President Nelson’s teaching could impact your life?
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How has Jesus Christ brought you peace and joy in your life?
Claiming the joy offered by Jesus Christ
The following activity could be completed by students individually, or students could study individually and then create a list together as a class.
Both President Nelson and the Apostle Paul gave specific counsel about what we can do to claim the peace and joy made possible by Jesus Christ.
Read Philippians 4:6–9, 11 and the following statement by President Nelson, looking for how we can find peace and joy in Jesus Christ. You may want to mark in your scriptures or list in your study journal what you find. Note that Joseph Smith referenced Philippians 4:8 as “the admonition of Paul” and included it as part of the thirteenth article of faith.
How, then, can we claim that joy? We can start by “looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith” [Hebrews 12:2] “in every thought” [Doctrine and Covenants 6:36]. We can give thanks for Him in our prayers and by keeping covenants we’ve made with Him and our Heavenly Father. As our Savior becomes more and more real to us and as we plead for His joy to be given to us, our joy will increase.
(Russell M. Nelson, “Joy and Spiritual Survival,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2016, 82)
Either before or while students do the following study activity, consider inviting them to listen to, sing, or read the words of a hymn associated with the topic of peace. For ideas of hymns to use, see “Peace” in the topics index of Hymns, available at ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
Examine the list or notes from your study of Philippians and President Nelson’s words, considering what stands out most to you and why. Identify a principle and write it in your journal along with the scripture reference that it comes from. Your bolded truth might begin like this:
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I can rejoice and receive more of God’s peace as I …
Seek inspiration from the Spirit to deepen your understanding of the truth you found through additional study. Some ways you might do this include:
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Looking up a key word from the principle you found in the Guide to the Scriptures, Topical Guide, or Gospel Topics, available at ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
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Finding cross-references to related scriptures. These could be doctrinal mastery passages or scriptures found in the footnotes. Consider writing these scripture references near the verse where you identified the principle.
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Reviewing For the Strength of Youth: A Guide for Making Choices (booklet, 2022).
Give students an opportunity to share what they learned. Ask follow-up questions that can help them apply what they have learned, such as the following:
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How can applying this principle help you find joy and peace? What will you do to draw upon the Savior’s help and power to do this?
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In what way might your life change as you experience increased hope and “the peace of God”?
Commentary and Background Information
What can I do when it is hard to find peace and hope?
How can I find peace in Jesus Christ?
Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:
Seeking Christ in every thought and following Him with all our heart requires that we align our mind and desires with His. The scriptures refer to this alignment as “stand[ing] fast in the Lord” [Philippians 4:1]. This course of action implies that we continually conduct our lives in harmony with the gospel of Christ and focus daily on everything that is good. Only then may we achieve “the peace of God, which passeth all understanding” and which will “keep [our] hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” [Philippians 4:7].
(Ulisses Soares, “Seek Christ in Every Thought,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2020, 82–83)
Sister Jean B. Bingham, Relief Society General President, taught:
Jesus Christ is also the source of peace. He invites us to “lean on [His] ample arm” [“Lean on My Ample Arm,” Hymns, no. 120] and promises the “peace … which passeth all understanding” [Philippians 4:7], a feeling that comes when His Spirit “speak[s] peace to our souls” [Alma 58:11] no matter what challenges surround us. Whether they are personal struggles, family troubles, or community crises, peace will come as we trust that God’s Only Begotten Son has power to soothe our aching souls.
(Jean B. Bingham, “That Your Joy Might Be Full,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2017, 86)
What blessings will come as I seek for peace in Jesus Christ?
President Russell M. Nelson taught:
Now, my dear brothers and sisters, I bless you to be filled with the peace of the Lord Jesus Christ. His peace is beyond all mortal understanding. I bless you with an increased desire and ability to obey the laws of God. I promise that as you do, you will be showered with blessings, including greater courage, increased personal revelation, sweeter harmony in your homes, and joy even amid uncertainty.
(Russell M. Nelson, “A New Normal,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2020, 119)
Supplemental Learning Activities
Consider giving students time to notice the similarities between Philippians 4:8 and Articles of Faith 1:13. Students could then create an “if/then” statement based on these teachings and Paul’s promise in Philippians 4:9. Alternatively, students could do something like the activity in Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 with the heading “I can ‘think on’ things that are true, honest, and pure.”
Create a poster
Consider inviting students to create a poster like those found in the For the Strength of Youth magazine based on one of Paul’s teachings in Philippians 4. Invite students to share what they create and why they chose what they did.