Brain surgery 4.8 , session 2
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- this evening we're back to our study of brain surgery 4.8
- this evening we're back to our study of brain surgery 4.8
- now we plan to get back into our study of Philippians 4:8
- now we plan to get back into our study of Philippians 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
- we've been talking about this important matter of being better stewards of our thinking.
- we've been talking about this important matter of being better stewards of our thinking.
- Warren Wiersbe uses this saying (not sure if its original with him --and I know we've used it before)
- Warren Wiersbe uses this saying (not sure if its original with him --and I know we've used it before)
- but it goes like this:
- but it goes like this:
- Sow a thought, reap an action
- Sow a thought, reap an action
- Sow an action, reap a habit
- Sow an action, reap a habit
- Sow a habit, reap a character
- Sow a habit, reap a character
- Sow a character, reap a destiny.
- Sow a character, reap a destiny.
- point is -- what we're studying is very, very important.
- point is -- what we're studying is very, very important.
- now, where we're at in this study is that --- we're looking specifically at the meaning of each of the eight words in Phil. 4:8.
- now, where we're at in this study is that --- we're looking specifically at the meaning of each of the eight words in Phil. 4:8.
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
- this is the put-on side of the equation...
- this is the put-on side of the equation...
- and we're looking at the positive criteria to test thinking we're trying to put on in place of what's wrong.
- and we're looking at the positive criteria to test thinking we're trying to put on in place of what's wrong.
- Last week, we studied "thinking thoughts that are true."
- Last week, we studied "thinking thoughts that are true."
- this evening we're going to move to the second word...but we probably need to say somewhere along the line here...
- this evening we're going to move to the second word...but we probably need to say somewhere along the line here...
- there's obvious overlap in these eight words.
- there's obvious overlap in these eight words.
- so we're not trying to create eight separate mental pigeon holes.
- so we're not trying to create eight separate mental pigeon holes.
- but we do want to carefully study these eight words and try to "wring" as much trust from this passage as we can.
- but we do want to carefully study these eight words and try to "wring" as much trust from this passage as we can.
- this evening, we're studying the word "honest" in KJV, or "honorable" i or "noble"
- this evening, we're studying the word "honest" in KJV, or "honorable" i or "noble"
.σεμνός (semnós | sem-nos')
.σεμνός (semnós | sem-nos')
Derivation: from G4576;
Derivation: from G4576;
Strong's: venerable, i.e. honorable
Strong's: venerable, i.e. honorable
KJV: —grave, honest.
KJV: —grave, honest.
See: G4576
See: G4576
Cognate Group: G4586 (grave), G4687 (sow)
Cognate Group: G4586 (grave), G4687 (sow)
Variants: σεμνός
Variants: σεμνός
Hebrew Equivalents: נָגִיד, נֹעַם
Hebrew Equivalents: נָגִיד, נֹעַם
Other Resources: Thayer LSJ VGNT CWD GrLNT
Other Resources: Thayer LSJ VGNT CWD GrLNT
AV Occurrences (4 Instances, 3 Words)
AV Occurrences (4 Instances, 3 Words)
are honest (1)
are honest (1)
Phil 4:8
Phil 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
be grave (2)
be grave (2)
1Tim 3:8; 3:11
1Tim 3:8; 3:11
Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;
Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.
grave (1)
grave (1)
Titus 2:2
Titus 2:2
That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.
- we're going to call this "Thinking Thoughts That Are Honorable."
- we're going to call this "Thinking Thoughts That Are Honorable."
- we're going to organize our time around 4 questions:
- we're going to organize our time around 4 questions:
1) What kind of thinking are we talking about?
1) What kind of thinking are we talking about?
2) How is this concept emphasized in the Scripture?
2) How is this concept emphasized in the Scripture?
3) What kinds of input might lead to this kind of thinking (positively and negatively)?
3) What kinds of input might lead to this kind of thinking (positively and negatively)?
4) What kinds of deeds will flow out of this kind of thinking (positively and negatively)?
4) What kinds of deeds will flow out of this kind of thinking (positively and negatively)?
- and, if we have time, we may even try to tie some of this back into the context.
- and, if we have time, we may even try to tie some of this back into the context.
I. What Kind of Thinking are We Talking About?
I. What Kind of Thinking are We Talking About?
- the original word here is "semna"
- the original word here is "semna"
- it literally means "serious, of good character, honorable, worthy, respectable."
- it literally means "serious, of good character, honorable, worthy, respectable."
- another writer defined it as thinking and corresponding actions that are serious and dignified.
- another writer defined it as thinking and corresponding actions that are serious and dignified.
- INPUT - Maybe it would help us to think about this for a moment from the perspective of its opposites. What would you say are some opposites of this kind of thinking?
- INPUT - Maybe it would help us to think about this for a moment from the perspective of its opposites. What would you say are some opposites of this kind of thinking?
(especially hit the issue of "frivolous")
(especially hit the issue of "frivolous")
- now you know we're not saying people shouldn't laugh, or have fun, or enjoy one another...
- now you know we're not saying people shouldn't laugh, or have fun, or enjoy one another...
- but you can still do that in a way that is of good character, honorable, worthy of respect, AND IN BALANCE WITH THE TIMES WHEN ITS APPROPRIATE TO BE SERIOUS.
- but you can still do that in a way that is of good character, honorable, worthy of respect, AND IN BALANCE WITH THE TIMES WHEN ITS APPROPRIATE TO BE SERIOUS.
- William Hendricksen said it this way:
- William Hendricksen said it this way:
"In an environment then as now characterized by frivolity, whatever things are honorable surely merit earnest consideration."
"In an environment then as now characterized by frivolity, whatever things are honorable surely merit earnest consideration."
- now, let me encourage you to even now begin thinking about areas in which we might be tempted to think in a frivolous way, or a dishonorable way, a way that is not worthy of respect...
- now, let me encourage you to even now begin thinking about areas in which we might be tempted to think in a frivolous way, or a dishonorable way, a way that is not worthy of respect...
- we'll talk about that more specifically a little later on.
- we'll talk about that more specifically a little later on.
- now, the next question is:
- now, the next question is:
II. How Is This Concept Emphasized In Scripture?
II. How Is This Concept Emphasized In Scripture?
- its one thing to see this word in a list in Phil. 4:8, but the significance of this matter is intensified when you see how often this comes up in scripture.
- we'll start with a general one and then look at some others that are more specific
- please turn over to I Tim. 2:2- 2 - READ 2:1-2
A. General principle of life
A. General principle of life
- the thrust of this passage is that we should pray for our government so that they will protect us, and allow us to practice our faith in a serious manner.
- the thrust of this passage is that we should pray for our government so that they will protect us, and allow us to practice our faith in a serious manner.
- the convicting part about that is that we have a government that (to a large degree) does not persecute believers...
- the convicting part about that is that we have a government that (to a large degree) does not persecute believers...
- and does allow Christians to practice their faith....
- and does allow Christians to practice their faith....
- yet many of God's children do not keep up their part of the bargain (i.e. the second half of I Tim. 2:2)
- yet many of God's children do not keep up their part of the bargain (i.e. the second half of I Tim. 2:2)
For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
- the overall point is -- this idea is important because the Scripture lists it as a general principle of life.
- the overall point is -- this idea is important because the Scripture lists it as a general principle of life.
- God does not want us to be frivolous people -- we're to seek to live a "tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity."
- God does not want us to be frivolous people -- we're to seek to live a "tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity."
- now, as we said before -- the Bible also uses this term in some more specific ways.
- now, as we said before -- the Bible also uses this term in some more specific ways.
- one of them is that this characteristic is to mark the way we raise our children.
- one of them is that this characteristic is to mark the way we raise our children.
B. A standard for child-rearing.
B. A standard for child-rearing.
- I Tim. 3:5
- I Tim. 3:5
(For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)
- this passage is one of the main places where God speaks of qualifications for pastors and deacons.
- this passage is one of the main places where God speaks of qualifications for pastors and deacons.
- interestingly enough, the word we're studying this morning occurs three times in this passage.
- interestingly enough, the word we're studying this morning occurs three times in this passage.
- one is here in I Tim. 3:5 - READ
- one is here in I Tim. 3:5 - READ
(For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)
- so we need to rear our children in an honorable way, instead of rearing them in a frivolous way.
- so we need to rear our children in an honorable way, instead of rearing them in a frivolous way.
- lets work on that one together for a moment.
- lets work on that one together for a moment.
- Characteristics of Honorable Parenting // Characteristics of Frivolous Parenting
- Characteristics of Honorable Parenting // Characteristics of Frivolous Parenting
- we'll turn over to Titus for another use and then we'll come back to I Tim. 3
- we'll turn over to Titus for another use and then we'll come back to I Tim. 3
1 Timothy 3 (KJV 1900)
This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;
One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;
(For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)
Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.
Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;
Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.
And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.
Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.
Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.
For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly:
But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
Verse 8 Be grave - Serious, sober-minded men. In Act 6:3, it is said that they should be men “of honest report.” On the meaning of the word “grave,” see the notes on 1 Ti 3:4. They should be men who by their serious deportment will inspire respect.
Verse 8 Be grave - Serious, sober-minded men. In Act 6:3, it is said that they should be men “of honest report.” On the meaning of the word “grave,” see the notes on 1 Ti 3:4. They should be men who by their serious deportment will inspire respect.
Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.
One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;
1Ti_3:8
1Ti_3:8
Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;
Deacons in like manner must for likewise must the deacons, A.V. Grave (σεμνούς);
Deacons in like manner must for likewise must the deacons, A.V. Grave (σεμνούς);
in Php 4:8 rendered "honest" in the A.V., and "honourable" in the R.V., and "venerable" in the margin.
in Php 4:8 rendered "honest" in the A.V., and "honourable" in the R.V., and "venerable" in the margin.
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
None of the words are satisfactory, but "honest" in the sense of honnete, i.e. "respectable," "becoming the dignity of a man," comes nearest to the meaning of σεμνός.
None of the words are satisfactory, but "honest" in the sense of honnete, i.e. "respectable," "becoming the dignity of a man," comes nearest to the meaning of σεμνός.
Ἄνηρ σεμνός is a man who inspires respect by his conduct and deportment. It occurs again in Php 4:11 and in Tit 2:2.
Ἄνηρ σεμνός is a man who inspires respect by his conduct and deportment. It occurs again in Php 4:11 and in Tit 2:2.
Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.
- please look at Titus 2:7 -- READ
- please look at Titus 2:7 -- READ
In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,
C. A desired characteristic for young men.
C. A desired characteristic for young men.
- INPUT - how might a young man's thinking be frivolous, instead of being honorable?
D. A desired characteristic for older men.
D. A desired characteristic for older men.
- INPUT - how might an older man's thinking be frivolous, instead of being honorable?
- INPUT - how might an older man's thinking be frivolous, instead of being honorable?
- now, please turn back to I Tim. 3 and we'll look at two more places this word is used.
- now, please turn back to I Tim. 3 and we'll look at two more places this word is used.
E. A requirement for deacons.
E. A requirement for deacons.
- I Tim. 3:8 - READ
- I Tim. 3:8 - READ
Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;
- note -- this is the first biblical requirement mentioned in this passage for deacons.
- note -- this is the first biblical requirement mentioned in this passage for deacons.
- obviously what Paul wrote back in Phil. 4:8 is important.
- obviously what Paul wrote back in Phil. 4:8 is important.
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
F. A requirement for deacon's wives.
F. A requirement for deacon's wives.
- I Tim. 3:11
- I Tim. 3:11
Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.
- INPUT - Why would this be especially important for deacons and their wives?
- INPUT - Why would this be especially important for deacons and their wives?
- of course all of this leads to a very important question, doesn't it?
- of course all of this leads to a very important question, doesn't it?
- how do your thoughts stack up when it comes to the test of them being "honorable" --- over against them being "frivolous"?
- how do your thoughts stack up when it comes to the test of them being "honorable" --- over against them being "frivolous"?
- this takes us back to the words we quoted from William Hendricksen
- this takes us back to the words we quoted from William Hendricksen
earlier: "In an environment then as now characterized by frivolity, whatever things are honorable surely merit earnest consideration."
earlier: "In an environment then as now characterized by frivolity, whatever things are honorable surely merit earnest consideration."
- I also asked you earlier to begin thinking about some areas in which we might be tempted to think in a frivolous way.
- I also asked you earlier to begin thinking about some areas in which we might be tempted to think in a frivolous way.
- INPUT - - Examples of frivolous thinking?
- INPUT - - Examples of frivolous thinking?
- now lets push this one step further...
- now lets push this one step further...
- some of God's children have trouble thinking in an honorable way, because they are allowing input to their minds that is just the opposite.
- some of God's children have trouble thinking in an honorable way, because they are allowing input to their minds that is just the opposite.
III. What Kinds of Input Might Lead to This Kind of Thinking (Positively and Negatively)?
III. What Kinds of Input Might Lead to This Kind of Thinking (Positively and Negatively)?
- INPUT?
- INPUT?
(when TV comes up, make a distinction between legalism and license)
(when TV comes up, make a distinction between legalism and license)
- we're not as a church going to add to Scripture and say that all TV is absolutely sinful and you're going to hell if you
- we're not as a church going to add to Scripture and say that all TV is absolutely sinful and you're going to hell if you
have one...
have one...
- but nor do we say that --- because we're sure we're saved, we can watch whatever we want.
- but nor do we say that --- because we're sure we're saved, we can watch whatever we want.
- No, because of our love for God, and our thankfulness for his free gift of salvation, we joyfully choose to please Him in this area...not to earn salvation, but in love because we've been given salvation.
- No, because of our love for God, and our thankfulness for his free gift of salvation, we joyfully choose to please Him in this area...not to earn salvation, but in love because we've been given salvation.
- having said that -- the truth is -- Some of God's children are
- having said that -- the truth is -- Some of God's children are
not pleasing Him because they are not controlling this area of
not pleasing Him because they are not controlling this area of
their lives---and if there's one word that describes much of TV,
their lives---and if there's one word that describes much of TV,
it very well may be "frivolity." (lack of substance)
it very well may be "frivolity." (lack of substance)
- now, let's push this one step further.
- now, let's push this one step further.
- remember the quote we began with this morning:
- remember the quote we began with this morning:
- Sow a thought, reap an action
- Sow a thought, reap an action
- Sow an action, reap a habit
- Sow an action, reap a habit
- Sow a habit, reap a character
- Sow a habit, reap a character
- Sow a character, reap a destiny.
- Sow a character, reap a destiny.
- if that's true, then let's think about:
- if that's true, then let's think about:
IV. What Kinds of Deeds Will Flow Out of This Kind of Thinking (positively and negatively)?
IV. What Kinds of Deeds Will Flow Out of This Kind of Thinking (positively and negatively)?
