July 22, 2018
Evening Service

This morning Paul called out the church to help settle a disagreement between two women in their fellowship.  He then, from prison, encouraged them to live a life full of rejoicing.  He followed that with the instructions on how to live your life without anxiety or worry. 

 Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.  (7)  And the peace of God which passes all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

·        Prayer done right is rewarded with a deep settled peace that is beyond our understanding.  We can’t really explain it but we can experience it.  Also notice that it is “through Jesus Christ” that this peace of God is given.  All good things come from Him.

·        Paul now begins to bring his letter to close as we finish this chapter.

 

Philippians 4:8  Finally, my brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honest, whatever things are right, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there is any virtue and if there is any praise, meditate on these things.

·        Paul now speaks of the importance of each of us controlling what things enter into our minds.  You remember the saying “You are what you eat.”  The same can be said about the things we read, watch, and think about.  Paul encourages us to make the things we meditate on to have these attributes.

·        Things that are:

o   True-Things that we know are not false or counterfeit but genuine, real and factual.

o   Honest-Things that are upright, just, and fair free of fraud or deception.

o   Right-Just and true according to existing standards.

o   Pure-Free of defilement, without spot or blemish and incorrupt

o   Lovely-Possessing qualities that may invite affection.

o   Good Report-Things that are proven after investigation.

o   Virtue-Acting in moral strength.

·        Our outward habits, attitudes and lifestyles will reflect what is in our heart and mind.  If our thoughts are on things that are the opposite of the list we just compiled, so will our actions follow suit.  Paul here is encouraging us to think and meditate on these things.  As we think on all these good things, our actions will also follow suit.  We need to set guard rails in our lives to keep us on track.  If we can’t control what we watch on the television, then get rid of it.  Confess your struggles with a close brother and have them to hold you accountable and keep you on track. 

·        Jesus in one of his many encounters with the Pharisees was answering their complaint that the disciples broke the Law because they did not wash their hands before they ate.  He answered them like this:

 

Matthew 15:11 Not that which goes into the mouth defiles a man; but that which comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man.

·        He later explained his answer in depth to His disciples.

 

Matthew 15:17-20  Do you not yet understand that whatever enters in at the mouth goes into the belly, and is eliminated?  (18)  But the things which come out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile the man.  (19)  For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies;  (20)  these are the things which defile a man, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile a man.

·        Paul is not speaking of food, but refers to the things that we allow into our body through our eyes and ears.  It is these things that our actions follow and they either defile us or are a witness to our claim to be a Christ follower.  Paul continues with his thought on these we are to focus our minds on.

 

Philippians 4:9 Do those things which you have also learned and received and heard and seen in me. And the God of peace shall be with you.

·        It is not enough that we only meditate on these things, but we have to put them into practice.  “Bible study” begins to show it’s true value when it becomes “Bible doing.”  The good thing is the more we meditate on God’s Word and these positive attributes the more natural it is for us to act it out.  True discipleship comes into fruition when we “Do as Jesus would” without having to ask ourselves the question “What would Jesus do?”  We act like our Lord because we have the same mind as He does.  It becomes who we truly are; transformed into His image.  In Romans chapter 12 Paul states that our transformation begins with the “renewing of your mind.”

 

Philippians 4:10-13 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me has flourished again. Although you indeed did think, but you lacked opportunity.  (11)  Not that I speak according to need, for I have learned to be content in whatever state I am.  (12)  I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound. In everything and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.  (13)  I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

·        Paul again states his ability to be content regardless of his circumstances.  He could be happy in a very humble state or in one where he had plenty.  This comes from keeping the proper perspective on life.  He focused on what he should be doing not what he had.  He was able to separate himself from nonessentials of this world and concentrate on what is eternal.  Paul told Timothy:

1 Timothy 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.

·        This is contrary to how the world looks at a man’s success or contentment in our society.  It is all about the house you live, the car your drive, your job title and the clothes you wear that define you and allow you to be content.  It is not what we have that makes us successful but what we do and who we follow that creates our legacy and a true sense of contentment.  There is no feeling that brings more content than the one knowing you are exactly where God wants you to be and doing exactly what He wants you to do.

·        Verse 13 is a very powerful verse that we all quote very often, but notice the context from which Paul wrote it.  He is stating that he is able to maintain an attitude of joy and rejoicing regardless of his physical circumstances.  He in essence is stating that Jesus is all that he needs and nothing else.  What a glorious state of mind to be in!

·        This verse also emphasizes the fact that we act not only on our own strength and abilities, but in the strength given to us by Christ.  I have done many things that I alone could have never done without the supernatural strength and guidance of the Holy Spirit.  I am weak but He is strong. 

·        Paul now close this letter with a huge thank you for the church that supported him even in his times of trouble and imprisonment.

 

Philippians 4:15-23  Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as regards giving and receiving, except you alone.  (16)  For even in Thessalonica you sent once and again to my necessity.  (17)  I do not say this because I desire a gift, but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.  (18)  But I have all, and abound. I have been filled, having received from Epaphroditus the things which you sent, an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable and well-pleasing to God.  (19)  But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.  (20)  Now unto God and our Father be 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, most of all those who are of Caesar's household.  (23)  May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

·        Is there someone is your life that is impacting you in a very positive way.  Tell them and thank them for it as Paul does here.  So many times we take things for granted that those we look up to and appreciate know how we feel about them.  Take the time to thank the people who help you along in this journey we call life.

 

I encourage you to not let these words from Paul leave your mind this week.  Work at thinking on these things that are true, pure and honest and get rid of the thoughts that don’t belong.  Keep your focus on God and what He has done for you and be content with whatever state we find ourselves in.

 

Heavenly Father, thank You for these challenging words and please help us to be mindful of these things as we begin a new week.