Absolutizing one’s pronouncements is dangerous. Comp. How do you become "blameless and pure . The apostle Paul in Philippians 4:8 tells the Philippian believers that when they see godly living this should cause them to reason out how and why this kind of living exists. How? The apostle does not mean to exhibit every element of a perfect character, but only some of its phases. This term is used specially of chastity or modesty- 2 Corinthians 11:2; Titus 2:5 -and several critics, as Grotius and Estius, take such to be its meaning here. Right (1342) (dikaios) refers to that which conforms to the perfect standard of God's righteousness. Some persuasive preachers promote an "abundant life" of success and prosperity through positive thinking, more faith, or giving money to get God's blessing in return. Don't dwell on it; don't let it be a part of your thought patterns, if it is not true. 2:2). First, he highlighted OT themes (which, incidentally, are also found in the New Testament) regarding the material success of the unrighteous and temporal triumph of the wicked, showing that nowhere does the Bible demand redemptive themes for all stories within this life. Could I take this story, could I take this movie, could I take this friendship, and could I say, "Lord, I worship you with it?" after all our efforts, but if we will put ourselves in His hands, then He will be as a Magnet drawing us upwards, or rather He will give us wings of love and contemplation by which we can soar above that dim spot that men call Earth, and walk in the heavenly places. 2:5; Jas. —CHK. The principle behind Paul’s words is simple: Sin always begins in the mind and so does holiness. ‘If there be any virtue… think on these things.’. Exhibition of arete invites recognition, resulting in renown or glory. How much better is the spiritual diet the Bible suggests: "Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things" (Philippians 4:8). The word "pure" also applies to "pure" motives and actions. Frank Outlaw wrote, "Watch your thoughts, they become your words; watch your words, they become actions; watch your actions, they become habits; watch your habits, they become character; watch your character, for it becomes your destiny." I don’t know about you, but that’s a goal I want to strive toward. (Read his excellent message Philippians 4:8 The Christian's Thought Life). "E.W. . See under Ephesians 4:25. ὅσα σεμνά—“whatsoever things are grave,” or “decorous.” The adjective characterizes persons in 1 Timothy 3:8; 1 Timothy 3:11, and Titus 2:2, in which places it stands opposed to a double tongue, to intemperance and avarice, to slander and unfaithfulness, and may denote becomingness or gravity of conduct. His words should not be divorced from the context. When I pressed her for specifics, she showed me my sermon outline from the previous week. "Commentary on Philippians 4:8". The NAS renders arete as excellence(2), excellencies(1), moral excellence(2). *, A MEDITATING MIND - Some Christians get a little skeptical when you start talking about meditation—not seeing the huge distinction between biblical meditation and some types of mystical meditation. Did you know that the average person has 10,000 separate thoughts each day? The apostle Paul wrote this letter to the Christian community he established in Macedonia to exhort them to live in a manner worthy of the Gospel and to imitate the humility of Jesus in everything they do. Now, these characteristics of thoughts which I have already touched upon all belong to a lofty region, but the Apostle is not contented with speaking austere things. of Christ (Proverbs 4:23-note), Comment - The Septuagint (Lxx) (πάσῃ φυλακῇ τήρει σὴν καρδίαν) literally reads  "All guard [phulake] keep on watching over (which is tereo in the present imperative = continually, only possible as we lean on the Holy Spirit to enable us to keep setting a guard at the door of our heart) your heart (see kardia). Also a number of purportedly Christian sales companies or successful salesmen have utilized a form of this error through a sales motivational teaching called “positive mental attitude.” You’re never supposed to entertain negative thoughts. Brethren, our souls cleave to the dust, and all our efforts will be foiled, partially or entirely, to obey this precept, unless we remember that it was spoken to people who had previously obeyed a previous commandment, and had taken Christ for their Saviour. - William S. Plumer, Vain thoughts defile the heart as well as vile thoughts. See 2 Corinthians 7:11. virtue, Greek. If you have these blessed thoughts in your hearts and minds, as your continual companions and your habitual guests, then, my friend, you will have a light within that will burn all independent of externals; and whether the world smiles or frowns on you, you will have the true wealth in yourselves; ‘a better and enduring substance.’ You will have peace, you will be lords of the world, and having nothing yet may have all. As applied to things, it may denote what in itself commands respect-what is noble or honourable-magnifica, as in Ambrosiaster. Integrity means speaking out when remaining silent would convey the wrong impression, and it means doing what's best for others even if it causes us harm. W. Pater’s description of the Church in the second century: “She had set up for herself the ideal of spiritual development under the guidance of an instinct by which, in those serious moments, she was absolutely true to the peaceful soul of her Founder. that which, when it is named, sounds significant of happiness, as, for instance, brave, honest, honourable, etc. ‘These things do’--as you certainly will if you think about them, and as you certainly will not unless you do. 2. There is Biblical positive thinking (Php 4:8) and there is non-biblical "positive thinking" (Norman Vincent Peale). Happiness and contentment () are impossible without practicing Philippians 4:8. Just this joy, just this beauty—I offer it, Lord, to You. and Ws(34). But you are also in the period when there is a keen joy in mere living, and when some desires, which get weaker as years go on, are very strong, and may mar youthful purity. 1897-1910. "Commentary on Philippians 4:8". Jesus Christ is the only well from Whom we must drink. But, further, notice that company of fair guests that you may welcome into the hospitalities of your heart and mind. All rights reserved). “Think on these things”: "’To take account of. In Philippians 4:8 Paul exhorts us to develop a Christian thought life. Indeed if there is anything that is ‘morally excellent’ (Isaiah 43:21 LXX 1 Peter 2:9; 2 Peter 1:3; 2 Peter 1:5), or if there is anything that is ‘worthy of praise’, he is to think on these things. --D J De Haan (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. The unchanging God and His unchanging holy Word is the final test for truth. Never have God’s people needed this more than we do today. 14: τὸ σεμνὸν ὄνομα τὸ καλόν τε κἀγαθόν. ", Patrick Buchanan has observed, (ILLUSTRATION) "The food that enters the mind must be watched as closely as the food that enters the body (Reader’s Digest [11/89], p. . We must begin our day in the Word of Truth, even memorizing it so that during the day we might meditate on it from time to time. I have seen some incredibly strong men, but never one "as strong as an ox." And, I found myself—Joyce and I were there together—I found my life just overwhelmed with praise to God, and joy was coming up in my life. We should not allow even an unholy thought to stay a moment in our mind—but should turn from its very first suggestion, with face fully toward Christ, the Holy One. We are not dispensationalists, and Alan was asking for a fuller interpretation of Philippians 4:8, rather than using it to uncritically support non-Christian movie critics. A focus on the Lord is the beginning of joy. The temple of God is holy, which temple you are. It is also true visually, however, which can be clearly seen in the construction of the tabernacle and the Temple. 6. But he must never become complacemt. And of course Jesus is the Word (Jn 1:1) and the Word of life (1 John 1:1). If we are walking with the Lord, then the peace of God and the God of peace exercise their influence over our hearts. Lost like the sand-pools on the shore We need to recapture something of the spirit and moral character of the sixteenth President of the United States. Don't be dull of hearing. Finally brethren, whatever is true. This is the reason why you sometimes find your heart filled with passion; it is because Guy Fawkes has entered in disguise with his fellow-conspirators, and under long flowing robes has introduced explosives. When there was the dynamite scare in London, how carefully the policeman examined everybody who had business in the House of Commons, lest a bomb might be introduced. Adrian Rogers ILLUSTRATION - I heard of a little boy who went out to see the Grand Canyon, and an old preacher went out to see the Grand Canyon. 53; Dem. He says, "Whatsoever things are lovely" (Philippians 4:8). She was the daughter of a wealthy Illinois lawyer. προσφιλῆ] dear, that which is loved. God's throne is surrounded by doxa and epainos (1 Chr 16:27) (Kittel, G., Friedrich, G., & Bromiley, G. W. Theological Dictionary of the New Testament. Don't "awfulize" life. εὔφημα. However, nowhere do they seem to advocate a sense of isolationism, as though Christians are to fight for an alternative society where their views are predominant. Jackson makes all of us uncomfortable when he says, “It is a truly interesting exercise to listen to the things that most commonly engage the conversations of men--even some who profess to be disciples of the Lord Jesus!” (p. 82). Ralph Waldo Emerson was correct when he said, “You are what you think all day long” which is another way of say "as he thinks within himself, so he is." Alford] treat εἴ τις ἀ., εἴ τις ἔπαινος, as comprehensive expressions, recapitulating the previous subjects under two general heads, the intrinsic character and the subjective estimation. As followers of Christ, we know that the ability to think is a God-given gift and that we unlike the natural (unregenerate) man have been given the precious gift of "the mind of Christ."    I hear exploding peals of thunder;  And, if I may venture a personal word, I proved it, when I stood where you stand, and it is fresher and mightier to me to-day than it ever was. "Well, I've been thinking on the things which are true and lovely". — Reprinted by permission. “Vera laus uni virtuti debetur,” Cic. καί in the last three cases is the simple and, but so that the whole is to be looked upon as bipartite: “Duo priora verba ad doctrinam pertinent, reliqua duo ad exemplum” (Estius). The Christian who fills his heart and mind with God's Word will have a "built-in radar" for detecting wrong thoughts. If there is a kind of behavior that elicits universal approval, and you believe there Isaiah ," then continue to strive for this goodness and to attain to this level of behavior that will command the praise of men and of God." What is a man whose whole life has been one long thought about money-making, or about other objects of earthly ambition, or about the lusts of the flesh, and the lusts of the eye. El. The Christian is constantly faced with choices, and because he is new (2 Corinthians 5:17), he must purposely fill his (or her) mind with those things that are good and deserve praise!!! The word “praise” is used both of what is praiseworthy in God (Eph. What's The Connection? Because it is the "headwaters" from which the springs of life flow. ὅσα ἐστὶν ἀληθῆ. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/jec/philippians-4.html. comprehending all the points mentioned: if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise; not if there be yet another, etc.

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