Brethren, Stand Fast! (Phil 4)

Pastor Bob Monteith
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Brethren, Stand Fast (Hold the Line)!
Php 4:1-23
BIB-B-NE-PH

Intro:

In chapter 3 Paul said, “Beware.” Now, in this final chapter he says, “stand fast.”
“stand fast” | στήκω “to stand firm in faith and duty”
Hold the Line!
Eph 6:10, "10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might." Eph 6:13–14, "13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;"
“Stand Fast” - Imperative, putting it out of the realm of impossibility.
The Lord says “stand fast” right after (Php 3:21). – Dealing w/ future glorification.
The Bible uses this same pattern in 1 Cor. 15. – Speaking of future glorification then exhorting, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”
We see then that our encouragement to stand fast (hold the line) is rooted in the promise of future glory.
We should be encouraged to stand fast because of the promises of the Lord. – However, knowing we should stand fast and knowing how to stand fast are two different things.
Paul tells us several ways that we should “stand fast.” – We see that we should…

I. Stand fast (Hold the Line) in Divinity. (Php 4:1)

(Php 4:13) says, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” But, Jn. 15:5, “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. “ The key to standing for the Lord is standing in the Lord.
Eph 6:10, "10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might."

1. We certainly can’t stand fast in earthly wisdom.

1 Cor. 1:20-30 (doom scroll —> learn philosophy app)
Jud 24–25, "24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, 25 To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen."
Pr 3:5, "5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding." Pr 3:7, "7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil."
Ps 119:97–100, "97 MEM. O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day. 98 Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me. 99 I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation. 100 I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts."
Is this some type of Christian kookery? I sense that many Christians are concerned with being accused of being excessive zealots.
Jn 8:31, "31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue (remain in, equivalent to persevering in it) in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;"
Col 3:16, "16 Let the word of Christ dwell in (the Word lives in you, you live in the Word) you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord."
This certainly doesn’t mean we hermitize and meditate in seclusion on the precepts of Scripture. The Word of God is not to be mulled over only, but, LIVED! (Lk 8:27-39)
Php 2:12, "12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling."
1 Pe 3:15, "15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man (personal interaction) that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:"
Tt 1:9, "9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers."
Further, study, learning, understanding the wisdom of God isn’t just about arming ourselves against others, but to help others.
2 Ti 2:14, "14 Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers."
Believer’s Bible Commentary A. Fidelity to True Christianity (2:14–26)

It is so easy to become a theological crank

Jdg 5:6, "6 In the days of Shamgar the son of Anath, in the days of Jael, the highways were unoccupied, and the travellers walked through byways."
2 Ti 3:16–17, "16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works."
1. Certainly can’t stand fast (hold the line) in earthly wisdom.

2. We certainly can’t stand fast in earthly strength.

Psa. 118:8, “It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.”
Psa. 146:3, “Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help.”
Is 31:1, "1 Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because they are many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD!"
1. Earthly strength; 2. Earthly wisdom

3. We certainly can stand fast “in the Lord.”

2 Ch 32:7–8, "7 Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude that is with him: for there be more with us than with him: 8 With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God to help us, and to fight our battles. And the people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah king of Judah."
Zech. 4:6, “Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.”
Jn. 15:4, “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.”
Ro 8:31, "31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?"
We must live every day leaning on the everlasting arms because, as the old hymn (Stand Up! Stand Up for Jesus!) says, “the arm of flesh will fail you, ye dare not trust your own.”
I. Stand fast (Hold the Line) in Divinity.

II. Stand fast (Hold the Line) in Unity. (Php 4:2-3)

Beseech | παρακαλέω “to call upon / exhort / admonish someone to do something” but, w/ stronger force than asking or begging.
In admonishing them…

1. He addressed them personally. (Php 4:2)

(1) Euodias

“fragrant” but she was causing a stink.

(2) Syntyche

“with fate” (destined to divide)
The Lord directs preaching to address the people in the pews. People like preaching that addresses others, and, better others unseen (straw men).

2. He addressed them publicly.

This epistle (letter) was read publicly, but it wasn’t revelatory. If Paul knew, so did the rest of the church. Cf 1 Co 1:11, “...been declared unto me of you...”; 1 Co 5:1, “...reported commonly...”
The Lord directs preaching to address the people publicly.
It was Paul that wrote to Timothy by inspiration, 1 Tim. 5:20, “Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.”
This is not to say we’re to use the pulpit as a public whipping post to uneccesarily shame for the purpose of shame.
Is 58:1, "1 Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins."
2 Ti 4:2, "2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine."
1. Personally; 2. Publicly

3. He addressed them particularly. (Php 4:2)

“be of the same mind” Here again is a command to be unified. These two ladies were apparently having some difficulty or division between them.
We do not know what the division was about. Only that it was known and problematic for the church. Eph 4:1–3, "1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, "2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; "3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."
“Endeavouring” | σπουδάζω: “To eagerly make every effort to do one’s best...”
If we do not endeavor to keep peace and unity…

(1) Our testimony will be hurt.

A divided church is no testimony for Christ. (1 Co 1:11; 5:1)

(2) Our prayer life will be hurt.

Mt 5:23–24, "23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; "24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift."

(3) Our effectiveness will be hurt.

Mk 3:24–25, "24 And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. 25 And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand."

(4) Our mindset must be the same.

In the Lord...Great Commandment and Great Commission.
Php 2:5, "5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:"
If we each have the mind of Christ, we will all have the same mind.
1. Personally; 2. Publicly; Particularly

4. He addressed them pastorally. (Php 4:3)

Paul could not be there.

(1) His Identity

Timothy, Silas, Epaphroditus (Php 2:5; Cf Re 2-3, “angel”)

No name is mentioned, and conjecture is useless. All that is known is, that it was some one whom Paul regarded as associated with himself in labour, and one who was so prominent at Philippi that it would be understood who was referred to, without more particularly mentioning him. The presumption, therefore, is, that it was one of the ministers, or “bishops” (

(1) Identity

(2) His Testimony

i. True

“true” | γνήσιος: Used of Timothy / Titus: “own son”
He was sincere, faithful, worthy of confidence. (Ga 6:1)
Php 2:20, “…no man likeminded…”
There are many who like drama and gossip. Not just any man, but a spiritually true man.

ii. Yokefellow

“fellow laborer, colleague” The preacher cannot be everywhere to put out fires. Everyone needs to work at keeping unity in the church.
The true, genuine co-laborer of God and the preacher will help to put out fires, not pour gas on them.
(1) Identity; (2) Testimony

(3) His Responsibility

i. Help

“help” | συλλαμβάνω: “to catch hold of, enclose in the hands, grasp, seize, collect, clasp, to take hold with another...”
Not to take sides, but, to take hold and lead to Scriptural conclusion.
To not do anything is to encourage trouble.

ii. How

Remember / appeal to…
(i) Past Association
(Php 3:17) mark | “look towards, contemplate, give attention to”
(ii) Past Cooperation
“with” x 3, why not “with” each other?
(iii) Present Commission
“…in the Gospel…” For the Gospel’s sake. Cf 1 Co 9:19-23
(iv) Personal Salvation
“…whose names are in the book of life.” Php 2:1-2
Note that these were women of good reputation (Paul & Barnabas)
Every believer must maintain good personal relationships continually.
Hold the Line … I. Divinity; II. Unity

III. Stand fast (Hold the Line) in Felicity. (Php 4:4)

“Rejoice in the Lord...”

When Paul said, in

There are several circumstances that will dim our countenance…
Anger, Wrath (Ge 4:5)
Envy (Ge 31:2)
Disappointment (Ne 2:2, 3)
Pride (Ps 10:4)
Faithlessness (Ps 42:5)
Sin (Is 3:9)
Fear (Eze 27:35; Da 5:6, 9, 10)
Concern (Da 7:28)
Self-Important, Religious Hypocrisy (Mt 6:16)
Baptized in vinegar; Black-suited; Stone-faced - ridiculous attempt to appear holy, maintain a religious image before people.
Obviously, not fake in sorrow or joy …

1. Rejoicing’s Reason (Php 4:4)

Psalm 89:15, “Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: They shall walk, O Lord, in the light of thy countenance.”
Acts 2:28, “Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.”
Ps 42:5, "5 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance."

Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadow.* - Attributed to Helen Keller (born blind, deaf, mute)

1. Rejoicing’s Reason

2. Rejoicing’s Reign (Php 4:4)

“… alway …” This will only happen if our rejoicing is in the Lord. (Ro 8:35-39)

3. Rejoicing’s Reiteration (Php 4:4)

“and again” (Ro 15:10, 11, 12; He 1:5, 6; 2:13)
(Je 7:25; 25:4; 26:5; 29:9; 35:15; 44:4; Mt 23:34; Lk 11:49; Ep 4:11-15)
Reiteration reflects the faithfulness of God toward His people.
2 Pe 2:12, "12 But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;"

In the insightful words of Elton Trueblood (1900–1994) Quaker professor, theologian, philosopher, and adviser to presidents:

The Christian is joyful, not because he is blind to injustice and suffering, but because he is convinced that these, in the light of the divine sovereignty, are never ultimate. The humor (joy) of the Christian is not a way of denying the tears, but rather a way of affirming something which is deeper than tears.

Yes, a few things in life are absolutely tragic, no question about it. First among them, a joyless Christian.*

I. Hold the Line in Divinity; II. Unity; III. Felicity
Speaking of a joyful countenance…

IV. Stand fast (Hold the Line) in Clemency. (Php 4:5)

1 a : disposition to be merciful and especially to moderate the severity of punishment due

b : an act or instance of leniency

2 : pleasant mildness of weather

Some people are of a threatening, foreboding, stormy, cloudy countenance as a rule. Many times, if there are rays of sunlight, they’re for appearances only, “...to be seen of men...”, some, if that. The Bible warns us against a rough, gruff, threatening, overbearing, inclement countenance toward others.
“Moderation” translates a word that “denotes seemly, fitting; hence, equitable, fair, moderate (mild), forbearing, not insisting on the letter of the law; it expresses that considerateness that looks “humanely and reasonably at the facts of a case…” It is also translated “gentle” and “patient” and could be rendered “reasonable sweetness, or pleasantly mild.”
The MacArthur Bible Commentary VI. Paul’s Admonition (4:2–9)

This refers to contentment with and generosity toward others. It can also refer to mercy or leniency toward the faults and failures of others. It can even refer to patience in someone who submits to injustice or mistreatment without retaliating. An all-encompassing graciousness with humility.

We use the word “moderation” in the sense of self-control. “I love apple pie, but, must only take it in moderation.”
Here, “moderation” is more of a temperament that tactic. It is more demeanor than discipline.

1. This indicates the Lord’s wisdom. (Jm 3:13-17)

This isn’t syrupy falsehood, like a fly trap.
Pr 29:5, "5 A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet."
It is a genuine identification with the common plight of humanity coupled with a desire to strengthen, encourage, salve and help the needs of others.
It is essentially …

the action of understanding, being aware of, being sensitive to, and vicariously experiencing the feelings, thoughts, and experience of another of either the past or present without having the feelings, thoughts, and experience fully communicated in an objectively explicit manner; also : the capacity for this

Expressed in 2 Co 1:3–4, "3 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; 4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God."
This would include not only our demeanor in being approached, but, also approaching others. (2 Ki 1:9-15)

2. This is encouraged by the Lord’s nearness.

“The Lord is at hand”
The MacArthur Bible Commentary VI. Paul’s Admonition (4:2–9)

at hand. Can refer to nearness in space or time. The context suggests nearness in space: the Lord encompasses all believers with His presence (

Both can apply. As such, I should…

(1) Be gentle because Christ is ever present.

Ga 5:22–23, "22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."

(2) Be gentle because Christ is coming again.

i. The way I treat the brethren is the way I treat Christ. (Mt 25:37-40)

ii. I will answer for that when Christ returns. (Mt 24:48-51)

Jn 8:7, "7 So when they continued asking him (woman taken in adultery), he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her."
Mt 7:1-5; Ep 4:32
Hold the Line … I. Divinity (Php 4:1); II. Unity (Php 4:2-3); III. Felicity (Joy) (Php 4:4); IV. Clemency (peaceful, gracious, gentleness) (Php 4:5)
The Lord now adds …

V. Stand fast (Hold the Line) in Tranquility. (Php 4:6-9)

This passage begins with an exhortation, “be careful …” Translated by some form of the word, “care” or “thought.” “Careful” in this sense has the idea, “FULL of care” or “FULL of thought.”
Eph 5:18, "18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;"
“Consumed or controlled by…” In that sense, positive, in this sense, not so much.
Further, this word translated “careful” carries the root thought of “tearing,” i.e. pulled apart.
So … the picture is that of being controlled / pulled / torn apart by “cares” or “thoughts.” Such circumstance being known to us as being anxious or, “worried.”
The Old English root from which we get our word “worry” means “to strangle.”
Lk 8:14, "14 And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection."
Lk 21:34, "34 And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged (oppressed, burdened, weighed down) with surfeiting (hangover, the disgust and loathing of overindulgence), and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares."
Regrettably, most of us know experientially that worry can dictate, disassemble, diminish and debilitate our life … to such an extent that it often has physical consequences such as…
Dizziness, Fatigue, Headaches, Inability to concentrate, Irritability, Muscle aches, Muscle tension, Nausea, Shortness of breath, Trembling and twitching, Suppression of the immune system, Digestive disorders, Muscle tension, Short-term memory loss, Premature coronary artery disease, Heart attack
Quite a dreadful list.
Thankfully, the injunction is not “to BE careful,” except if that carefulness be for “NOTHING.” (Php 4:6)
“nothing” | “not one … not EVEN one...” So, lit. “no … thing”
So, the command in it’s entirety is, “Be controlled, pulled or torn apart by no—thing…”
Spiritually, worry has at its root a wrong view, thought or feeling about any given circumstance of life.
The purpose for it’s inclusion here would be no doubt because it is the greatest thief of the joy of which this passage previously speaks. (Php 4:4)
We’re going to learn that the antidote to worry, fear and anxiety is a secure mind.
Is 26:3, "3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed (sustained, supported, upheld) on thee: because he trusteth in thee."
There is no better outworking of the practice of staying our mind on God than these verses in Php 4:6-7.
Experiencing the peace of a secure mind requires three purposed behaviors.
“Purposed” because the “actions”…
“be” (Php 4:6a)
“let” (Php 4:6b)
“think” (Php 4:8b)
“do” (Php 4:9b)
… are all imperative, meaning, these practices are commanded, therefore, they can only be obeyed by PURPOSED (intentional) behaviors.

1. Purposed Praying (Php 4:6-7)

“by prayer…”
If the response of your heart at this moment is some type of deflation, disappointment because you’re saying, “I know that, I’m doing that … it isn’t working,” then, appropriately, by Divine direction, you need to reconsider several characteristics of Divinely directed prayer.
1 Jn 5:14, "14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:"

(1) The priority of prayer

The Lord’s first prescribed medicine. Many times, the first response is our last response. (Ne 1:4-11; 4:7-9; Ac 4:23-24)

(2) The power of prayer

Prayer must be more to us than a spiritual “placebo.” That is …

a medication prescribed more for the mental relief of the patient than for its actual effect on a disorder

1 Pe 5:6–7, "6 Humble yourselves (control) therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you."
Jas 5:16, "16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."
Ill. Woman w/ Issue of Blood (Mk 5:26-29)
The Great Physician is not in the business of prescribing medicines that do not work!
(1) Priority; (2) Power

(3) The purview of prayer

Notice, “no—thing” contrasted (but) with “every thing” and that, “by prayer.”
We notice then, not just priority, power but also that prayer isn’t to be constrictive but comprehensive. It is not to be an emergency response but an encompassing regularity.
Lk 18:1, "1 And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;"
Ro 12:12, "12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;"
The Bible speaks of this attitude of continual prayer as a mark of fervent, not just fervent, but believing, Christianity. Transporting it from the realm of dead religion to living reality.
(1) Priority; (2) Power; (3) Purview

(4) The precepts of prayer

So, if we’re to pray our way to peaceful pastures, we must pray correctly, obediently, Scripturally. This type of prayer involves three characteristics.

i. Consecration

the act or process of knowing including both

The word prayer is a general word for “making requests known.”

a more general word for prayer to God in particular which is a more sacred word

Galatians–Philemon 3. Their Relaxation (Philippians 4:6,7)

Wuest says, “the word ‘prayer’ is the translation of a Greek word which speaks of prayer addressed to God as an act of worship and devotion.”

προσευχή | προσ— “before, toward, near to, etc.” i.e. “prostrate”
As such, it carries the idea of consecration, devotion and worship in the act of prayer.
Believer’s Bible Commentary VIII. Appeal for Harmony, Mutual Assistance, Joy, Forbearance, Prayerfulness, and a Disciplined Thought Life (4:1–9)

Prayer is both an act and an atmosphere. We come to the Lord at specific times and bring specific requests before Him. But it is also possible to live in an atmosphere of prayer.

It is a reCOGNITION of His Sovereign presence.
Pr 3:5–6, "5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways (the paths of life) acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."
Mt 15:22-28
Praise under pressure is a mark of a Christ-centric life.
(i) In every circumstance of life, remember God.
“Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” Ps 20:7, "7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God."
(ii) In every circumstance of life, we remember His greatness and majesty.
Mt 6:9, "9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name."
In doing so will realize that He is bigger than any of our problems! (Ps 113:4-6)
i. Consecration

ii. Supplication

(i) In practicality

to make known one’s particular need

Notice the Scriptural progression (Mt 6:9-10) Then …
Mt 6:11, "11 Give us this day our daily bread."
(ii) In intensity

urgent

“The earnest sharing of our needs and problems.”
(i) There is no place for half-hearted, insincere prayer! (Mt 14:30)
“cried” also used of urgent prayer, supplication (Ro 8:15; Ga 4:6; Jm 5:4; Sept Ps 28:1; 30:8; 2 Sa 19:28; Je 11:11, 12)
The stare - “when he saw the wind”
The straight - “wind boisterous”
The starkness - “he was afraid”
The start - “beginning to sink”
The strain - “Lord, Save me.”
(This is an onomatopoeia imitating the hoarse cry of the raven)
Ro 8:26, "26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered."
(ii) “Supplication is not a matter of carnal energy but of spiritual intensity.”
Rom. 15:30, “Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me;”
Col. 4:12, “Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers,…”
Jas 5:16, "16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."
Gethsemane (Lk 22:44)

Thou art coming to a King;

Large petitions with thee bring;

For His grace and power are such,

None can ever ask too much. - From “Come, My Soul, Thy Suit Prepare” by John Newton

i. Consecration; ii. Supplication

iii. Appreciation

Eph. 5:20, “20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ…”
Col. 3:15-17, “15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”
Col 4:2, "2 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;"
(i) For the circumstance (Ps 119:67)
(Ro 8:28-29)
(ii) In the circumstance (2 Co 12:7-10)
“This is the circumstance in which I now live, and, I am at peace.”
Sometimes a lack of peace is a lack of submission.
Where did he learn that … in PRAYER!
(iii) Through the circumstance (Lk 17:11-18)
Eager to ask but slow to appreciate.
We should be thankful people. Let us endeavor to no longer be insensitive and thankless, but to be ever looking for those things for which we can thank our God, both at Thanksgiving and every other day as well. If we cannot thank Him for health, then let us thank him for the trial of illness. If we cannot thank Him for riches, then let us thank Him for the humility of meagerness. If we cannot thank Him for the mountain top, then let us thank Him for the valley. In everything, give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
The result of such praying is peace. (Php 4:7)
Peace is not absence of trials, but confidence in them. Illus. Daniel (Da 6:1-10). “Prayed, and gave thanks before his God.” Prayer – supplication + thanksgiving = peace in the lions’ den. Daniel had peace when the king couldn’t sleep (Dan. 6:18).
The reason for this peace is that in petitionary prayer, which is predicated on anxiety, the person who prays attains a certain aloofness from wishes when they are put before God, and he thus finds liberation from care. 1 Pe 5:7 (cf. Php 4:6) teaches us that to cast one’s care on God does not mean to think of Him as the One who guarantees one’s wishes, but to see in Him the One who knows what we need better than we do ourselves. These exhortations to prayer are thus designed to give absolute freedom from care as anxiety.
We are encouraged to take everything to God in this manner of prayer. (Consecration, Supplication, Appreciation)
1. Purposed Praying (Php 4:6-7) - Priority, Power, Purview, Precepts (Consecration, Supplication, Appreciation)

2. Purposed Thinking (Php 4:8)

That true peace requires discipline of the heart and mind is made clear in many Bible passages, not the least of which, Isa. 26:3, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.”
Our thought life has a powerful influence on our direction and existence.
Galatians–Philemon 4. Their Rumination (Philippians 4:8)

We are often not what we think we are, but we are always what we think.

Pr 23:7, "7 For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee."
2 Cor. 10:5, “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;”
“Sow a thought, reap an action. Sow an action, reap a habit. Sow a habit, reap a character. Sow a character, reap a destiny!”
William James (American philosopher and a psychologist, also trained as a physician. He is seen as the “Father of American psychology”)
We don’t believe so much in “destiny,” (predetermined course of events held as to be an irresistible power or agency - i.e. mystic & idolatrous “fortune” Gk Fortuna) but, in our destination as yielded to DIVINITY.
“Sow a thought, reap an action. Sow an action, reap a habit. Sow a habit, reap a character. Sow a character, reap a direction toward a destination...”
So, the general principle is true as reminding us of the life-influencing power of our thoughts.
Thankfully, for us, the Bible tells us how to think. The THOUGHT of that may be of concern to some. Keep in MIND…
Je 10:23, "23 O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps."
THANKFULLY, the Bible tells us how to think, and It’s instruction is transformational.
Ro 12:2, "2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed (μεταμορφόω - whereby a caterpillar takes flight!) by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."
1 Pe 1:13, "13 Wherefore gird up (only here, “mind being held in constant preparation”) the loins of your mind, be sober (watchful, circumspect), and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;"
gird up | “custom of eastern nations, when they so required in order to exert (journey, run, fight) bind up their long-flowing garments by a girdle (belt) about the waist”
In other words, we need to tie up the loose ends of our mind in order to keep from being tripped up along the way!
(2 Co 10:5)
Casting down | pull / tear down - instead of worry pulling us apart, we need to willfully pull down the walls and pillars of it’s construction.
high thing | Something MADE high, elevated. Fig. a proud adversary, lofty tower or fortress built up proudly by the enemy.
Is 14:14-15
into captivity | “lead captive” Illus. Japanese school children lead by ringed rope. “No child left behind” - Every student in their place, “Holding the Line”
Think on (last phrase) (Php 4:8)… (present, middle, imperative - have a continual regard to, let these be the object of your careful attention and study —- habitual pattern of thought)

(1) That which is veritable (Php 4:8)

Pr 23:23, "23 Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding."
“true” | ἀληθής Not false or unreliable, but true, genuine, real.

i. Content (Facts)

The Devil is a liar (Jn. 8:44). The Devil tries to control our minds by lying to us.
1 Jn 2:21, "21 I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth."

ii. Character (Fidelity)

The more complete meaning of the original is, “the full or real state of affairs.”
One survey reported that only 8 percent of the things people worried about were legitimate matters of concern! 92 percent were imaginary, never happened or involved matters uncontrollable.
i. Content (Facts); ii. Character (Fidelity)

iii. Considerations (Food)

Stroll through ἀληθής (or form thereof):
(i) God
The God of the Bible, not imagination, not imitation, etc.
Ps 10:4, "4 The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts." Hence …
(Ro 1:17-28)
Jn 3:30-33, "33 He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true." (Cf Ro 3:4)
(ii) Jesus
Jn 14:6, "6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."
Mt 22:15-16
(iii) The Holy Spirit
Jn 16:13, "13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come."
1 Jn 2:27, "27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him."
(i) God; (ii) Jesus; (iii) Holy Spirit
(iv) The Bible
2 Pe 2:22 (Pr 26:11)
Ps 119:45
Jn 17:17, "17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth."
Ps 119:128
(v) Your Witness (Jn 7:16-18; 10:41; 19:35)
2 Co 4:5-18
(vi) God’s Works (Ac 12:5-9)
Omniscient (where & why I’m at), Omnipotent (Jb 23:10)
(vii) God’s Judgments (Jn 4:18; 8:16; Tt 1:12-13)
Cf Mt 15:22-28
Pr 18:2, "2 A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself."
Believer’s Bible Commentary B. The Righteous Lifestyle Exalted (16:1–22:16)

A fool refuses to listen to … understanding; he is interested only in expressing his own heart, or in displaying what he is.

He is his own evaluator, unduly self-important, thinking more highly of himself than he ought to think. He is drinking his own Kool-Aid.
All of life revolves around him - his assessments, thoughts, judgments, his approval, disapproval.
They may have the appearance of peace, but, on the authority of the Bible, it is a false peace.
Some of you spend most of your time contemplating and thinking around YOU, which is an open invitation for the devil to dominate and control your thinking, steal your peace.
When your thought life commences with you, continues with you and concludes with you in a continuous loop, that is audibly referred to as the Larson Effect or feedback loop that will not end in harmony but cacophony (peace/pain).
Interestingly, this type of self-looping in imagery or videography is referred to as the Droste Effect: It is created by placing a video frame inside itself, such as a person filming themselves holding up a smartphone that shows the video they’re currently watching. Filming in this manner can create a seamless, infinitely zooming effect in which the image of yourself becomes infinitely smaller within itself.
The point: The more your thinking cyclically begins, continues and ends with you, the infinitely smaller person you become, being drawn into a bottomless void.
(Cf 1 Co 4:1-4)
The path to peace starts with thoughts of truth and truth doesn’t start with you, it starts with God.
Php 4:8 provided by God to jar you to higher considerations and self-consumption!
God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, Bible, Witness, God’s Work (omniscience, omnipotence), God’s judgments, etc.
Again, just a brief stroll through ἀληθής as a mental primer. Truly, ALL the Bible teaches is settling truth.
Paul warned Timothy of getting outside God’s truth in…
1 Ti 6:20–21, "20 O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: 21 Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen."
To think unBiblically is to think untruthfully and, therefore, unrealistically, unpeacefully. The Bible makes this thought process and conclusion clear:
(Mt 7:24-27)
Because, it is to think … satanically. (Jn 8:44)
(Mt 16:21-23)
Savour-EST (habitually, continually) | to mind, think, etc. (Cf Mt 16:24) i.e. release to the perfect purpose of God for our lives.
So, Php 4:8 is for us, the same warning Jesus gave Peter…
(Lk 22:31-34)
Sift | agitate and prove by trials and afflictions
Whom … and, WHAT OF THEIRS, is on your mind? “Finally, brethren, WHATSOEVER THINGS ARE TRUE?”
(Ep 6:10-17)
Emph connection of Truth (Ep 6:14); Firm foundation (Ep 6:15); Protected Mind (Ep 6:17) & Sword (Word) (Ep 6:17)!
Je 29:11, "11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end."
(1) That which is veritable (Php 4:8) - Fact (Content) & Factual (Character)

(2) That which is venerable (Php 4:8)

honest | σεμνός: to worship, venerate; hence, reverend…
The word was originally used in relation to the gods, and all things that pertained to them.
Cl. Greek, “reverence, inviting reverence”
In addition to, “inviting reverence...”
honest | σεμνός: to worship, venerate; hence, reverend, reputable, dignified.
KJV 3x more as “grave.” (1 Ti 3:8,11; Tt 2:2) - deacons, their wives and the elderly men in the church

HON´EST

“honest” carries idea of honorble - seemly in action; noble, dignified, worthy of respect
It speaks of an appreciation for that which produces a noble seriousness.

HONOR suggests an active or anxious regard for the standards of one’s profession, calling, or position.

Semnós represents not only earthly dignity (kósmios [2887]), but that which is derived from a higher citizenship, a heavenly one, which is the possession of all believers. There lies something of majestic and awe–inspiring qualities in semnós which does not repel but rather invites and attracts…

(Ep 4:1; Co 1:10; 1 Th 2:12)
Anything less than honorable thinking is dishonest toward our God and our profession of Him.

Gr. semnos, “venerable or time-proved,” “reverent.”

3 a : calling forth respect through age, character, and attainments; broadly : conveying an impression of aged goodness and benevolence

b : impressive by reason of age 〈under venerable pines〉

(Je 6:16; Ac 17:21)
“new thing” (Nu 16:30; Ec 1:9; Is 43:19; Je 31:22)
Septuagint: σεμνός (2x)
Pr 8:6 - נֶ֫גֶד (Cf Ro 2:18; Php 1:10; 2 Pe 1:17)
Pr 15:26 - נֹ֫עַם (7x) “pleasant” (Pr 3:13-17; 16:24), also, “beauty” (Cf Ps 27:4; 90:17)
Review : “honest”
Excellent things, excellent glory, pleasant words, sweetness of soul, health to the bones, beauty of the Lord … all leading to …
If your thoughts were on public display, would they HONESTLY reflect heavenly excellency?
1 Ti 2:2
Can you think of influences in your thinking that are contributing to anything otherwise?And, would you consider ridding yourself of those influences?
(1) Veritable; (2) Venerable
honest | worship, venerate, reverence, inviting reverence, reputable, dignified, seemly, noble, worthy of respect, appreciation for noble seriousness, regard for one’s profession, position calling, those things which are pure and have the reverence of age, excellent, pleasant, reflecting the glory and beauty of the Lord.
It is in thinking along these lines that we have sweetness to the soul and health to the bones (Pr 16:24).
Anything less than this line of thinking is dishonest toward our God and our profession of Him.
——- Interlude ——-
45 min etymological (word study)
Every Christian student of the Word
But, if you think, “I could never do that.” Not concerned. This is the pastor’s role. (Ep 4:11-16; Jn 21:15-17; Ac 20:28; 1 Ti 4:12-16; 2 Ti 2:15; 1 Pe 5:1-4) It isn’t everybody’s role, but it is your pastor’s role.
It is his first role. (1 Ti 4:14; Ac 6) - Other things will have to be neglected or delegated, but this cannot.
(1) Veritable (True - Content & Character); (2) Venerable (Honest)

Intro:

Pp 4:1, “...stand fast in the Lord...”
1 Co 15:58, “...be ye stedfast, unmoveable...” Spoken, not to Timothy, Titus, Epaproditus, but, to a local church, “always abounding IN THE WORK OF THE LORD...” Ep 4:12, “...perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry...”
Pp 4 helping in this effort…
Hold the Line … I. Divinity (Php 4:1); II. Unity (Php 4:2-3); III. Felicity (Joy) (Php 4:4); IV. Clemency (peaceful, gracious, gentleness) (Php 4:5)
Led to into present sub-series...
V. Hold the Line … Tranquility (Php 4:6,7,9)
Is 26:3, "3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed (sustained, supported, upheld) on thee: because he trusteth in thee."
There is no better outworking of the practice of staying our mind on God than these verses in Php 4:6-9.
Experiencing the peace of a secure mind requires three purposed behaviors.
“Purposed” because the “actions”…
“be” (Php 4:6a)
“let” (Php 4:6b)
“think” (Php 4:8b)
“do” (Php 4:9b)
… are all imperative, meaning, these practices are commanded, therefore, they can only be obeyed by PURPOSED (intentional) behaviors.
1. Purposed Praying (Php 4:6-7) - Priority, Power, Purview, Precepts (Consecration, Supplication, Appreciation)
2. Purposed Thinking (Pp 4:8) - Think on (last phrase) (Php 4:8)… (present, middle, imperative - have a continual regard to, let these be the object of your careful attention and study —- habitual pattern of thought)
(1) That which is veritable - Any consideration of correct thinking must begin w/ truth. (Cf Ep 6:14, “Stand therefore, having… (first), loins girt about w/ truth...” (1 Jn 2:21)
(2) That which is venerable

(3) That which is conformable (Php 4:8)

just | δίκαιος: (81x) Almost half/half, just and righteous, latter 10x more
The word lends itself to thoughts of legality.
There is something in the human heart that cries out for justice.
Major justice cases since 2020 have included the deaths of George Floyd and Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and the trial of Kim Potter for the death of Daunte Wright. These and other incidents fueled widespread protests and renewed scrutiny legal justice system in the United States. Trials this year…
John Benet Ramsey cold case (CO): Nearly three decades after her murder, the victim's family met with Boulder police in September 2025, seeking justice as new DNA testing is being conducted on case items.
Idaho student murders (ID): The murder trial for Bryan Kohberger, charged with the deaths of four University of Idaho students, is set to begin in 2025.
Karen Read retrial (MA): The retrial for Karen Read, accused of killing her boyfriend, Boston Police Officer John O'Keefe, is scheduled for April 2025.
Jeffrey Epstein's associates: Years after the death of financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, the case continues to generate demands for justice for his victims and questions about his powerful network. The recent focus is on those who may have helped him evade accountability. Public pressure continues for a full accounting of all individuals who enabled Epstein's crimes, including possible blackmail schemes that may have given him leverage.
Sean Combs, Charlie Kirk, etc.
In a word, “right.” “We need to do the RIGHT THING.”
The Bible speaks of such cogitations in the human heart. (Ro 2:13-16) - Cf Jm 2:20-26
Believer’s Bible Commentary The Unreached Heathen

The NT teaches emphatically that it is impossible for man to be justified by law-keeping (see

Jn 18:38, "38 Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all."
If TRUTH is in the eye of the beholder, doesn’t it stand to reason the same is true of JUSTICE?
In a world where, according to the Bible …
Mt 9:36, "36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd."
Ro 1:21–22, "21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,"
Eph 2:2, "2 [walks] according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:" (Jn 8:44)

This is

That which is in perfect harmony with the Law of God. Indeed, Mic 6:8!
Ro 12:2; Ep 5:24-27
No wonder the Psalmist exclaimed…
Ps 119:97, "97 MEM. O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day."
meditation | שִׂיחָה: reflection, concern of one’s thoughts, musing (a-muse)
Results in (Ps 119:97,98-105)
Heb 10:22, "22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water."
Right thinking is the result of daily meditating in conformity with the Word.
The themes of music (majority reflect rebellion [fornication, intoxication w/ justification] against the law of God), media, social media, news media, entertainment, etc. cannot be justified by the Law of God.
Is 48:22, "22 There is no peace, saith the LORD, unto the wicked."
Conversely …
Ps 119:165, "165 Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them."
Based on these considerations, how much of your thought life is simply unJUSTifiable before the Lord? And, are you willing to re-think your thinking?
Cf Ro 3:20-26
(1) Veritable; (2) Venerable; (3) Conformable

(4) That which is reputable (Php 4:8)

pure | ἁγνός: free of defilement, impurities, innocent, blameless
In order to express full force of this word’s meaning: modest, chaste (2 Co 11:2; Cf Tt 2:5; 1 Pe 3:2)

chaste \ˈchāst\ adjective

chast•er; chast•est

[Middle English, from Old French, from Latin castus pure]

(13th century)

1 : innocent of

Jas 1:14, "14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed."
Tt 1:15, "15 Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled."

3.

Synonym Senses: (unadulterated, unspotted, innocent) (Jm 1:27)
This isn’t even the state in which we were conceived or new-born (Ps 51:5), but it is one which we can attain by being re-born.
Eze 16:4,9
1 Pe 1:15–16, "15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy."
As a matter of fact, we’re commanded to pursue it. (1 Ti 5:22; 2 Co 7:11)
1 Ti 5:22
Association
Promoting - lay hands
Partaking - participating; pondering
1 Co 15:33
Continuation
keep | warden, guard, keep an eye on, watch - present, imperative, active: contemporaneous action vs past or future. (2 Co 10:5; Mt 6:34)
Refutes sinless perfection
We must think on that which is morally pure. Wholesome, untainted or unblemished.
2 Co 7:11
The MacArthur Bible Commentary 3. To Be Assured of Paul’s Love (7:2–16)

7:11

The Invitation of the Sinner
Ps 51:2, "2 Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin." Ps 51:7, "7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow."
The Intention of the Lord
Is 1:18, "18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool."
Jn 13:10,11
III. A SERVANT MUST BE HOLY. (v. 6-11) - DISTINCT
1. Notice the words “wash” and “washed.”
a. Wash (v. 5, 6, 8, 12, 14) – Translates a Greek word meaning to “wash a part of the body.”
b. Washed (v. 10) – Translates a Greek word meaning “to bathe all over.”
2. This difference is significant. – “When the sinner trusts the Saviour, he is “bathed all over” and his sins are washed away and forgiven (see 1 Cor. 6:9–11; Titus 3:3–7; and Rev. 1:5). “And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more” (Heb. 10:17). However, as the believer walks in this world, it is easy to become defiled. He does not need to be bathed all over again; he simply needs to have that defilement cleansed away. God promises to cleanse us when we confess our sins to Him (1 John 1:9).”3
3. Why is holiness and being cleansed important? (v. 8) – We cannot have fellowship with Christ as long as we are living in sin. “When God “bathes us all over” in salvation, He brings about our union with Christ; and that is a settled relationship that cannot change. (The verb wash in John 13:10 is in the perfect tense. It is settled once and for all.) However, our communion with Christ depends on our keeping ourselves “unspotted from the world” (James 1:27). If we permit unconfessed sin in our lives, we hinder our walk with the Lord; and that is when we need to have our feet washed.”4
4. This principle is illustrated in the OT. – When a priest was consecrated, he was bathed all over (Exo. 29:4). This particular bathing only happened once. However, in the performance of his daily duties he would become defiled and would have need of washing his hands and feet at the laver in the courtyard of the temple (Exo. 30:18-21). Only after he had done this could he perform his service unto the Lord.

(5) That which is agreeable (Php 4:8)

lovely | προσφιλής: toward - friend; acceptable, pleasing
Ps 133:1, "1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" That which is pleasing and amiable before God.

A Christian should not be sour, crabbed, and irritable in his temper for nothing almost tends so much to injure the cause of religion as a temper always chafed; a brow morose and stern; an eye that is severe and unkind, and a disposition to find fault with everything

Ps 84:1, "1 How amiable are thy tabernacles, O LORD of hosts!"

(6) That which is of notable (Php 4:8)

“good report”
Good repute, highly regarded or well thought of.Worth talking about. We must major on the high and noble thoughts, not base and corrupt ones.

(7) That which is unblameable (Php 4:8)

“virtue”
Wuest’s Word Studies in the Greek New Testament 9. Paul Closes His Letter with Various Exhortations (3:15–4:23)

The word “virtue” in the Greek text was used in classical Greek for any mental excellence, moral quality, or physical power. Paul studiously avoids it. Only here does he use it. It seems that the apostle includes it in order that he may not omit any possible ground of appeal.

Admirable, positive, constructive vs. negative, destructive
If something has virtue, it will motivate us to do better.

(8) That which is laudable (Php 4:8)

“praise”
Ro 15:11, "11 And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people."
If It has praise, it will be worth sharing with others. We cannot afford to waste mind power on thoughts that tear down ourselves or others.
Many things are not worth our thoughts. We do not hide our heads in the sand, but we do not focus our attention on dishonorable things and permit them to control our thoughts.
Thru the Bible with J. Vernon McGee Contemplation of Christ—The Sanctuary of Power

You and I live in a dirty world. You cannot walk on the streets of any city without getting dirty. Your mind gets dirty; your eyes get dirty. Do you ever get tired of the filth of it?

Hollywood ran out of ideas years ago, which is the reason Hollywood has dried up. Television is boring; it cannot help but repeat the same old thing. So what have they done? They have substituted filth for genius. Someone has called it the great wasteland. It is like looking at an arid desert, and yet millions keep their eyes glued to it. Their minds are filled with dirt and filth and violence.

If a Christian is going to spend his time with the dirt and filth and questionable things of this world, there will not be power in his life. The reason we have so many weak Christians is that they spend their time with the things of the world, filling their minds and hearts and tummies with the things of this world. Then they wonder why there is no power in their lives.

Notes on the Epistle to the Philippians Exhortations (chap. 4:8, 9)

in all our ways it is important that we should never permit our minds to feed, like carrion vultures, on the wicked, filthy, and unholy things of the flesh. This is thoroughly natural to the carnal man, and the carnal mind is still in the believer, and will be until the day when our bodies of humiliation shall be changed and made like His body of glory. But we are not to permit it to dominate us, since the Holy Spirit dwells in us to control us for Christ

Exploring Ephesians & Philippians: An Expository Commentary i. Thoughts that Promote Inner Character

A ship was threading its way through inshore islands when a lady on board asked the captain of the vessel if he knew where all the rocks and shoals were. “No Madam,” he replied, “but I know where the deep water is.” Likewise, instead of being preoccupied with religious or any other kind of falsehood, we should turn our thoughts to things that are true.

Exploring Ephesians & Philippians: An Expository Commentary ii. Thoughts that Promote Inner Cleanliness

We have to make deliberate choices to think profitable thoughts. Our minds will not automatically drift into these channels. Most of us are mentally lazy. And because of the fall, we have a bias toward the degenerate. The secret of a guided thought life is an active assertion of the will, in cooperation with the Holy Spirit, to “think on these things.”

1. Purposed Praying; 2. Purposed Thinking

3. Purposed Living (Php 4:9)

You cannot have peace without right living. Isa. 32:17, “And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.”
These four words speak of entirety of teaching. (De 6:7; 2 Th 2:15)
Now is the time for
Teaching
Learned (3129): to be increased in knowledge
Received (3880): To rec something transmitted by narration of others or instructions of a teacher (used of disciples)
Testimony
Heard (191): To understand, comprehend
Seen (1492): To see - modeled the standards he preached, taught
Right living is carrying out that which you have…
(1) Learned
μανθάνω | to learn with moral bearing and responsibility
learned something, to understand it (Php 4:11)
(2) Receive
(3) Heard
(4) Seen
It is one thing to learn a truth and another to make it a part of your life.
You must balance acquisition with application.
We must use our head to guide our heart. You must learn and live the truths of the Bible if you are going to be effective for God.
Jam. 1:22, “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”
You either have peace (Phil. 4) or war (Jam. 4).
Those who have godly attitudes, thoughts and deeds will be guarded by the peace of God and the God of peace.
His presence is essential for the strength, tranq., and contentment necessary for spiritual stability.

D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones wrote,

I defy you to read the life of any saint that has ever adorned the life of the Church without seeing at once that the greatest characteristic in the life of that saint was discipline and order. Invariably it is the universal characteristic of all the outstanding men and women of God. Read about Henry Martyn, David Brainerd, Jonathan Edwards, the brothers Wesley, and Whitfield—read their journals. It does not matter what branch of the Church they belonged to, they have all disciplined their lives and have insisted upon the need for this; and obviously it is something that is thoroughly scriptural and absolutely essential. (Spiritual Depression: Its Causes and Cure [Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1965])

Pray, think, live purposefully for peace.
Overcoming Fear and Worry CHAPTER TWO: Worry

You’ve probably been in fog before. It’s a misty moisture that puts a chill in the air and takes the curl out of your hair. Did you know, however, how much actual water is in fog? If there were a dense fog covering seven city blocks to a depth of 100 feet, the actual water content would be less than a glass of water. That’s right: when it’s condensed, all that fog, which slows traffic to a snail’s pace and keeps you from seeing the building across the block, can fit into a drinking glass. The authors of Helping Worriers point out:

Worry is like that. It clouds up reality. It chills us to the bone. It blocks the warmth and light of the sunshine. If we could see through the fog of worry and into the future, we would see our problems in their true light.7

VI. Stand fast (Hold the Line) in Sympathy. (Php 4:10)

We should have care for God’s people. The word “care” means to “think of” or “regard.” 1 Cor. 10:24, “Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth.”

1. Their care flourished.

“to grow luxuriantly .”3 This is not speaking of any half-hearted, luke-warm, flippant, as-I-have-the-time, concern. Their care was over-abundant.

2. They lacked opportunity.

They had concern but not opportunity. Unfortunately, today, too many have opportunity but lack concern.

VII. Stand fast (Hold the Line) in Sufficiency. (Php 4:11-13)

Paul did not have to be pampered to be content. He found contentment in what He had in Christ. Paul “wanted for nothing.” Why? Because he was content. Contentment is not complacency or false peace. It is not escape from the battle, but abiding peace in the midst of the battle (Php 4:11).

1. The word “content” means “contained.”

It speaks of one whose resources are within and he does not need any outside substitutes. Christ in us makes us adequate for the demands of life.

2. Many have learned to be abased, but not abound.

Prosperity has done more to damage believers than any adversity. It has caused us to think we deserve it and have a right to it. Too many live like those in…
Rev. 3:17, “I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing.”
Prosperity has robbed us of contentment.
Pro. 3:8-9, “give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: 9 Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.”

3. Paul had learned and been instructed in contentment.

The longer you live, the more you begin to see that all you really need is Jesus.

(1) What is the key to contentment? (Php 4:13)

Realizing that when I don’t have a thing materially, I have everything spiritually. And, when I have everything materially it is only because He gave it to me. 1 Cor. 4:7, “what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?”
Heb. 13:5, “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”

(2) If we would be satisfied with Christ, we would be satisfied.

Trying to be satisfied with earthly things is temporal and continual and causes all kinds of trouble (1 Tim. 6, debt, etc.)

VIII. Stand fast (Hold the Line) in Generosity. (Php 4:14-19)

2 Co 8:7, "7 Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also."
These folks were giving above and beyond their tithe to missions.

1. Their liberality was a good thing. (Php 4:14)

Jam. 4:17, “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.”

2. Their liberality was uncommon. (Php 4:15)

More churches don’t have good missions programs than do. And, more people hoard than give. Pro. 13:7, “There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.” Pro. 11:24, “There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.” Jam. 5:1-3, “Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you. 2 Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are motheaten. 3 Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days.”

3. Their liberality was consistent. (Php 4:16)

Giving should be regular. Both in tithing and offering. Giving is a part of God’s worship. We should give regularly because we worship regularly.

4. Their liberality produced rewards. (Php 4:17)

Pro. 11:25, “The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.” Lk. 6:38, “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.” Mal. 3:10, “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.”

5. Their liberality pleased God. (Php 4:18)

2 Cor. 9:6-7, “But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. 7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.”

6. Their liberality ensured provision. (Php 4:19)

2 Cor. 9:8-11, “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: 9 (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever. 10 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) 11 Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.”

Concl:

We are in great need of Christians who will stand fast in the things of the Lord. Some folks of whom the Lord can say, “my joy and crown.” Stand fast in the Lord, in unity, in rejoicing, in moderation, in peace, in compassion, in liberty. If you are not standing fast in these things, then you are giving place to the Devil. Eph. 6:10-13, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”
This is going to be done as a test to see if the program slows down with it or not, and it apparently does, going to check that with another smaller sermon to see if it checks out.
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