Detail: Ministers Corner « Philippians Bible Study « Lesson 20: "What to think and do" Phil. 4:8,9:
Lesson 20: "What to think and do" Phil. 4:8,9
June 3, 2020
READ Phil. 4: 8,9. Paul began a theme in Phil. 3:1, which he has continued to build upon. Line by line, precept upon precept, teaching upon teaching. Each one has to do with being "safe" in Christ. It is safe to trust in Christ for salvation. It is safe to choose the imputed righteousness of Christ over the works of the Law. To be safe, we must "press on" to spiritual maturity. The citizens of heaven are safe compared to the enemies of the Cross. To be safe one MUST "stand fast". If one is safe in Christ, he will find the "peace of God that surpasses all understanding."
So in our text today in Phil. 4:8,9 Paul addresses what a believer ought to "think and do" to remain safe in Christ. It is accurate to say that the life of a christian involves change. It begins with our being "born again, born of water and the Spirit." Without this second birth you remain in the flesh and you will not be saved. (Jn. 3: 5,6) Paul affirms this in 1 Cor. 15:50, "Now this I say brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does corruption inherit in corruption."
This change involves crucifying the sinful desires of the human flesh. In Gal. 5: 24,25, Paul tells us about the evidence of those who belong to Christ, "And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with it's passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit let us also walk in the Spirit." Your life must change!
Paul told the church at Rome not to conform to the life style of those in this world in Rom. 12:2. Instead, he tells them to be "transformed by the renewing of their minds." How do you transform a sinful lifestyle? By renewing your minds! If you want to change the outward man, you begin with changing the inward man. (2 Cor. 4:16)
To reach this change, Paul tells the Philippians six things they should think or meditate on in v. 8. What we think has a direct impact on how we act. Proverbs 23:7, "For as a man thinketh in his heart so is he." Jesus knew that evil begins in the mind or "the heart". In Mt. 15:11, He told the Pharisees "It is not what goes in the mouth that defiles a man; but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man." Even the Lord connected the mind of a man with the manner of his life.
The disciple of Christ must guard and condition his mind with the right things. This is not "positive thinking", but "godly thinking".
The first of these godly guidelines for meditation is to "think on things that are true." The only source for absolute truth is God's word. This is why Jesus prayed for all believers saying, "Sanctify them in the truth, your word is truth." When you read God's word, do you meditate or think on it? David in Ps. 119:11, "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against You." Jesus in Mt. 4:4, "For it is written, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God." Meditate on the truth revealed in God's word.
Then Paul asks us to think on things that are "noble". The word is also translated as "reverent" in some verses. This is likely Paul's meaning. A reverent mind-set is necessary for one to worship God. The believer should have a worshipful mind-set at all times. In Eph. 5:19, "speaking to one another in Psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your hearts to the Lord." You and I should have worship in our minds daily.
Things that are "just" or righteous are also encouraged. A righteous man has a mind-set that God approves of. He forgives and holds no grudges. He loves without motives. He never seeks to victimize or exploit someone else. Jesus might have given the greatest compliment to one of the more obscure disciples, Nathaniel. When Jesus met Nathaniel, He said, "Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit." (Jn. 1: 47)
Paul next says to meditate on those things that are "pure". The Grk. word means "morally clean and undefiled." Immoral thoughts are sinful. Jesus went as far as equating the lust for sexual immorality with the actual sinful act. Read Mt. 5: 27,28. One cannot expect to live free of sexual immorality if one thinks about it.
"Lovely" things are to be thought of as well. This is not thinking about the outward appearance of men or women. But instead it is about the character traits that make one beautiful to God and most people. Such qualities include generosity, graciousness, compassion, kindness and thoughtfulness. When one shows you these gifts it is wise to commit them to memory that you might add them to your outward self.
The last of these six are thing "that are of good report". This includes memories of wonderful and kind things that others have done for you. In the final verses of chapter four Paul will remember on two occasions when the church at Philippi gave him generous gifts. When one remembers what others in Christ have done for them love is quickly spread to others.
These are the things to feed the inward man that you might reshape the outward man. Paul concludes briefly noting what the believers should do in verse 9. They must remember the teachings that he has given them. Also they should once again, as in Phil. 3:17 remember his own example.
A changed believer is one who has learned God's will for his or her's life. "Pressing on" to maturity was addressed in Phil. 3:14,15. Change does not occur without learning God's word thoroughly. The Hebrew writer expressed much concern with his audience about their failure to mature. Read Heb. 5:12-14. The natural progression of the believer is to go from student to teacher.
Concerning our examples; our best model is always Jesus because He lived a "perfect life". However, it is more practical to observe the model demonstrated by a fully mature believer within your church. The men who are called to be elders are a worthy example. This is because they are called to be your examples. Peter in 1 Pe. 5: 2,3, writes, "Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock." The good thing about having an example in your life is you can ask for help and direction in your daily walk with Christ. So you can be "safe in Christ."
Study Questions:
1. "Sanctify them in the _______, Your __________ is ___________."
2. Why did Jesus say in Jn. 3:6 that one must be born again, "born of water and the Spirit"?
3. What did Jesus say "defiled a man" in Mt. 15:11?
4. In Rom. 12:2, what did Paul say make a believer "transformed"?
5. A "just" or "righteous' mind-set is one which has no _________. Jn. 1:47
6. True or False, did Jesus say that lusting for someone is not the same as committing adultery?
7. True or False, Paul presents himself as an "example" to the Philippians?