Are You Living Right?

DECEMBER 8, 2021 STUDY NOTES PHILIPPIANS 4:9 BIBLE TEACHER: CLIFTON JONES ARE YOU LIVING RIGHT? INTRODUCTION The question of the previous verse was, “Are you thinking right?” Paul gave us a list of things that our mind should be set upon, things to dwell upon Spiritual thinking will lead to spiritual living, scriptural thinking will result in right living A person who knows what to do according to scripture and does not do it has a title Scripture identifies them as a hypocrite, which Jesus explains in Matthew 6:1-18 The life of a hypocrite is the very opposite of a disciple of Jesus, Peter covers hypocrisy, 1Pe 2:1 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, (Get rid of all-of these things and think about those things in Philippians 4:8-9) James explains the life of a disciple, a follower of Jesus, Jas 3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. Paul explains how important the life of a disciple of Jesus really is, Paul was a faithful disciple Php 4:9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. “Those things” are the things Paul taught us in verse 8, things they learned from Paul Learning is the result of teaching, instructing, discipling, all of which is taught in scripture The way of salvation must be taught, and Christians must be instructed to live the spiritual life As disciples of Jesus, we are to be discipling others, we need to disciple one another Which is all explained in the “Great Commission,” Mat 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach (make disciples) all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Mat 28:20 Teaching (discipling) them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Followers of Jesus are to go teach others how they can become a follower of Jesus Then teach them to learn from the life of Jesus how to live their life, which is most important You know the story of Saul, Act 8:3 As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison. The persecutor of Christians who met Jesus on the Damascus Road and was saved (Acts 9:1-18) Saul was immediately discipled, Act 9:19 And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. (Learning from them) Even when he was being discipled, he was discipling others with other disciples, Act 11:25 Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: Act 11:26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. Saul became known as Paul, and Paul became known as a teacher of scripture, Act 17:2 And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures, Act 17:3 Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ. Paul taught in Ephesus, Act 19:8 And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God. Biblical teaching is not always accepted, but Christians must continue, Act 19:9 But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus. Many “learned” from the teaching of Paul, Act 19:10 And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks. As a church we need to use the same plan that Paul did, Act 20:20 And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, Learning the Bible cannot be limited to weekly church services, Act 5:42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ. As Christians we must make time to spend time together in God’s Word, Act 2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. Any time is the right time to teach and study God’s Word, 2Ti 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. Teaching God’s Word is as important as it has ever been, scripture is being fulfilled, 2Ti 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; (“The time” has come, we see it today) It is time for the fulfillment of God’s plan and purpose of teaching the truth of scripture, Eph 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; Eph 4:12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Eph 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: The first thing a Christian needs to learn is that I need to learn, Col 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly (an abundant amount) in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. Learn that you must learn to do what you must do, and it must be done in an excessive way We must “receive” what we have learned, “received” means “”to take it to yourself” The thought is accepting the truth of scripture and applying it to our daily life Paul thanked God for the way the Thessalonians “received” the Word of God, 1Th 2:13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe. They had been taught the importance of taking time and opportunity to learn God’s Word They took every opportunity to learn God’s Word, which is not true of many churchgoers today They not only opened their mind, they, also opened their heart to the truth of God’s Word Facts in our head are not enough, we must also have truths in our heart God will hold us responsible to live according to the truths we have “heard” Christians must take time to “hear” God’s Word, we are accountable unto God for what we hear, Heb 2:1 Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. Pay careful attention to God’s word when it is being taught, don’t let it “slip” Which means don’t let it go in one ear and out the other, if it is God’s Word you must hear it, Heb 2:2 For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; God’s Word is steadfast, words not to be questioned or challenged, or put aside Words that must be believed and received because they are the words that we are to live by Disobedience is the results of not hearing, not paying attention, letting the truth slip by Reward refers to what one receives because of what they have done God will discipline Christians who fail to “Heed His Word,” Heb 2:3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; The “neglect” does not refer to the rejection of salvation by the lost It says, “if we neglect,” those who are saved, those who should give full attention to God’s Word There was no escape in the past from letting God’s Word slip by and disobeying it (OT days) How could it be possible for us to escape the discipline of God today for doing the same thing? It is impossible, there will be no escape, we cannot neglect to hear the Word of God Today many church members are most interested in worldly things, with little interest in the Bible Christians usually begin their Christian life with a desire to “hear” and learn the Word of God But many eventually lose their zeal for the study of the Bible and begin to neglect even reading it We need to “see” Christians who are hearing, receiving, and living the truths of the Bible Paul said, you can “see in me,” Paul was a model, pattern, and an example of what he taught Paul “walked the talk,” you knew what he had told you when you saw the way he lived, 2Ti 3:10 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, (They heard Paul teach it and they saw what he was teaching in the way he lived) Everywhere Paul ministered, his ministry could be heard and seen, 1Th 2:9 For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God. 1Th 2:10 Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe: 1Th 2:11 As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children, 1Th 2:12 That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory. The Thessalonians saw in Paul the example of how they were to live for Christ, 1Th 4:1 Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more. Paul taught Timothy to be an example, 2Ti 2:2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. Paul believed what he taught, he lived what he taught, he was a Christian example before others How great is our need today for Christian examples? How many Christians today can say, “the things you hear and see in me, “do?” Many Christians today are saying, don’t do as I do, do as I say,” Paul said, “do as I do” The word “do” means “to put into practice,” which Paul also stated in, Php 3:17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. What a powerful statement, “follow my example,” 1Co 4:16 Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me (The word “followers” means “to imitate”) Paul tells us why he was able to say that, 1Co 11:1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. (Because Paul was following Christ, he could invite others to follow him) Paul was an example to the Thessalonians, they followed Paul, 1Th 1:6 And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost: The Thessalonians followed the example of Paul and he led them to be a follower of Christ The Thessalonians patterned their life after the example set by Paul, Silas, and Timothy They did more than just listen to their teaching, they watched their daily lifestyle What they saw in Paul and his co-workers became a part of their life, 2Th 3:7 For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; Our life must be a living example for others to receive Christ into their life, 1Th 1:9 For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; Paul made sure that he was an example to the Thessalonians so they could follow him, 2Th 3:9 Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us. The Thessalonian Christians became examples that others could follow, 1Th 1:7 So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. Our church must have Christian examples that others can follow and become Christian examples The sign that people need to read is not the one out front, they need the sign of a Christian life Peter said, “be an example to the flock,” 1Pe 5:3 Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. Paul told Timothy to be an example, 1Ti 4:12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Then he told him how to do it, 1Ti 4:13 Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. We must get in the Word of God, learn it and live it, and be an example of God’s Word The church of today must have Godly leaders and Godly members who are Christian examples Christian examples who are living according to the faith, so that others can follow their faith Are we there? Can others see Jesus in us? “ARE YOU LIVING RIGHT?” Today we can find many models of evil living, 3Jn 1:11 Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God. John said, “Do not imitate evil or those who follow an evil way of life” Paul says don’t follow those who are disorderly, 2Th 3:6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us. Paul said to avoid them, Rom 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. Follow the right example and be the right example, Psa 37:37 Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace. As promised in Philippians 4:9 “and the God of peace shall be with you” AND THE GOD OF PEACE There are three Biblical phrases referring to God’s peace: Peace with God; Peace of God; and the God of Peace We experience “Peace with God” the moment we are saved, when we receive Christ in our life, Rom 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: Before we were saved, we were enemies of God, children of wrath (Ephesians 2:1-3) Jesus went to the cross and made peace possible for us, Col 1:20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. “In-Christ” is an eternal state with the “God of Peace,” Eph 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. Eph 2:14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Unless you have experienced “Peace with God,” you will not experience the “Peace of God” Those who are without Christ know nothing of the “Peace of God” Even though you are saved you may not be experiencing the “Peace of God” We experience the peace of God when we put our trust in God, Isa 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Exactly what Paul taught us in Philippians 4:8, “think on these things” We fail to experience the “Peace of God” when we fail to trust God and believe His Word Which Paul has already explained in Philippians 4, God is always there for us, Php 4:5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. (He is always present, there for us) Christians will face trials and troubles, but don’t worry, trust God, Php 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. We can have a peace relationship with God even when there is trouble, Php 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. God’s peace surpasses “all understanding,” it cannot be explained, but it can be experienced The “Peace of God” is beyond all human explanation, human words cannot express its truth It is supernatural, 1Co 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. It is the “Peace of God” that allows us to continue to be a witness for Christ in times of trouble Which is because of the “God of Peace,” God of peace is one of Paul's favorite titles for God Paul prayed for believers to experience this truth, Rom 15:33 Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen. God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, 1Co 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. We can live in peace because He is the “God of Peace,” 2Co 13:11 Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you. The “God of Peace” has a goal for us, our sanctification, 1Th 5:23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The “God of Peace” will crush the power of Satan over us, Rom 16:20 And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. The power of the “God of Peace” equips us to live according to the will of God, Heb 13:20 Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Heb 13:21 Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. The “God of Peace” has made the way possible for us to have “Peace with God” Having “Peace with God” allows us to daily experience the “Peace of God” We have a promise, “the God of peace shall be with you” Which means more than the fact that God is there, He is always present But that He will manifest Himself in a very special way, the way of “peace” You will sense in a special way His presence through the “peace” that He shares Your daily walk of life will be filled with peace, assurance of mind, you will think right Peace is a settled-sound mind, a strong heart, and a satisfied will Peace is when you know that God has a purpose for your life Peace is when you know that you are allowing God to fulfill that purpose Peace is when you experience the presence of His power and find the strength to go on CONCLUSION--VERSES 8-9 These are important verses because we live in a troubled world, filled with troubled minds Paul lived in a world of trouble, but he experienced “the Peace of God” Because the “God of Peace” was with him, and Paul had “Peace with God” The promise of the “Peace of God” being with you is conditional, based upon two things You must think right (verse 8) and you must live right (verse 9) Thinking worldly trash must be replaced with thinking heavenly truth You must put into practice what you have learned about God through His Word Keep thinking right, keep learning from those who are living right, keep living right yourself God knows the answer to the question, “ARE YOU LIVING RIGHT?” God who inspired the writing of the Bible is the same God who knows all and sees all He is fully aware of all things, Heb 4:13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. What is your answer to the question, “ARE YOU LIVING RIGHT?”