SF590 - PAUL_S PRACTICAL POINTERS (Philippians 4 1-9)
SF590
PAUL’S PRACTICAL POINTERS
Philippians 4:1-9
INTRODUCTION
Paul uses 9 imperative Greek verbs to empress upon the importance of his four fold command about practical living.
Paul wants us to know how we can really have joy no matter the circumstances
True joy is the mark of spiritual maturity and is developed as we live out the truth.
Let’s examine together Paul’s four “how tos”...
1A. HOW TO WALK (1)
“stand firm” = IMV; to be stationary, i.e. (fig.) to persevere:‑‑stand (fast).
(1 Corinthians 16:13) "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong."
“In the Lord”
(Ephesians 6:10) "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power."
2A. HOW TO WORK (2-3)
“Help” = IMV sullambano, to clasp, i.e. seize (arrest, capture); spec. to conceive (lit. or fig.); by impl. to aid:‑‑catch, conceive, help, take.
We are to take an active roll in bringing...
Peace - Unity - Agreement
Our service is to be marked by a helpful attitude!
3A. HOW TO WORSHIP (4-7)
1B. Praise (4)
“Rejoice” = IMV chairo, to be "cheer"ful, i.e. calmly happy or well‑off; be well:‑‑farewell, be glad, God speed, greeting, hail, joy (‑fully), rejoice.
“Always” = aei, "ever;" by qualification regularly; by impl. earnestly:‑‑always, ever.
2B. Practice (5)
“Be evident” = IMV ginosko ,to "know" (absol.),‑‑allow, be aware (of), feel, (have) known (‑ledge), perceive, be resolved, can speak, be sure, understand.
“Gentleness” = epieikes, appropriate, i.e. (by impl.) mild:‑‑gentle, moderation, patient.
3B. Prayer (6)
We must trust God
“Do not be anxious” = IMV merimnao, to be anxious about:‑‑(be, have) care (‑ful), take thought.
We must ask God
“Prayer” = earnest prayer, worship
“Petition” = request
We must thank God
“Thanksgiving” = gratitude
We must entreat God
“Present” =IMV; gnorizo, to make known; subj. to know:‑‑certify, declare, make known, give to understand, do to wit, wot.
We must depend on God (7)
“Guard” = phroureo, to be a watcher in advance, i.e. to mount guard as a sentinel (post spies at gates); fig. to hem in, protect
4A. HOW TO WIN (8-9)
1B. Begins with Positive Thinking (8)
“Think” = IMV; ponder to consider seriously
“True” = revealed truth
“Noble” = honest, honorable
“Right” = innocent, holy, just!
“Pure” = clean, chaste
“Lovely” = acceptable; friendly towards God.
“Admirable” = well spoken of ; good report
“Excellent” = virtue, valor
“Praiseworthy” = commendable
2B. Results in Personal Victory (9)
“Put into practice” = IMV; prasso, to "practice", i.e. perform repeatedly or habitually; by impl. to execute, accomplish
“Will be” = IMV; eimi; I am
APPLICATION
The Key to each of this is found in one phrase...
“IN THE LORD” (1; 2; 4; 7)
Are you truly “IN THE LORD” Tonight?