Sermon Tone Analysis

The book of Proverbs says: ‘… as he thinks in his heart, so is he’ (Prov.

23:7).

In keeping with that thought, Paul suggests to his readers a ‘divine programming’ that will ensure their peace.

He calls upon them to think about:

• THE TRUE—those things that correspond to the teaching of God’s Word;

• THE NOBLE—those things that have the dignity of moral excellence;

• THE JUST—those things that conform to God’s standards;

• THE PURE—those things that are free from the taint of sin;

• THE LOVELY—those virtues that make believers attractive and winsome, such as generosity, kindness, compassion and willingness to forgive;

• THE THINGS OF GOOD REPORT—those things that give Christians a good reputation and a good name.

Paul sums it all up by telling his readers to meditate on anything of virtue and anything worthy of praise.

Paul concludes this set of instructions to the church with these words: ‘The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you’ (v.

9).

This is the third time that Paul has explicitly called his readers to follow his example (2:17–18; 3:17).

It must be said again that Paul is not merely giving way here to pride.

Every pastor is called to set the kind of example that others can follow.

If one is doing this, he can safely call others to follow him.

Having the Joy of Contentment begins with a proper attitude of the heart.

We are in a wrong state of mind if we are not in a thankful state of mind.

- Charles Spurgeon

Charles Spurgeon

“All get what they want; they do not always like it.”

– C.S Lewis

The attitude of CHRIST focuses on the Good of God and the Good of others.

An attitude of

Gratitude for God

Gratitude for others

Paul displays this in his gratitude for the gift the Philippian church had sent.

This church, Fairlawn, has come through again and again.

This people, Fairlawn, has rallied to be the family for some many that are struggling through hard times.

We should be grateful for that.

More than that, we should want to be a part of that.

That happens when we develop the proper attitude in our hearts.

While Paul certainly admitted that he had benefited from their gift, he wanted his readers to know that there were other benefits as well:

• THEIR GIFT WOULD ABOUND TO THEIR ACCOUNT (V.

17).

Everything Christians do for the kingdom of God is an investment that repays rich dividends.

Hendriksen notes: ‘Among the fruits that are harvested by such givers may be mentioned the following: a good conscience, assurance of salvation, enriched fellowship with other believers, a broadened outlook into the needs and interests of the church universal, increased joy and love … a higher degree of glory in heaven, Judgment Day praise.’

• THEIR GIFT BROUGHT PLEASURE TO GOD, who looked upon them as fragrant offerings (v.

19).

Galatians 5:2

Contentment

Philippians 4:10-13

When do you have the right attitude?

Is it when you are brought low or only when you abound?

Circumstances can never undo what Christ has done.

It is easy to sing when we can read the notes by daylight; but he is the skilful singer who can sing when there is not a ray of light by which to read,— who sings from his heart, and not from a book that he can see, because he has no means of reading, save from that inward book of his own living spirit, whence notes of gratitude pour forth in songs of praise.

- Charles Spurgeon

The struggles of life do not compare to the surpassing worth of knowing, and being able to trust, in Christ.

“We do not want merely to see beauty . . .

We want something else which can hardly be put into words – to be united with the beauty we see, to pass into it, to receive it into ourselves, to bathe in it, to become part of it.”

– C.S Lewis

Real contentment must come from within.

You and I cannot change or control the world around us, but we can change and control the world within us.

- Warren Wiersbe

- Warren Wiersbe

whatever is true,

c Topic (j) whatever is honorable,

d Topic (j) whatever is just,

e Topic (j) whatever is pure,

f Topic (j) whatever is lovely,

g Topic (j) whatever is commendable,

h Condition (j) if there is any excellence,

i Condition (j) if there is anything worthy of praise,

j Command think about these things.

You can change your attitude, you can be content.

Because, you can do all things through Him who strengthens you.

Let Christ change your mind and strengthen your soul today.