Sunday School Notes: Philippians 4:8-9

 

The Equation for Peace – Philippians 4:8-9 (part 1)

Introduction

Paul continues this section of exhortation to the church at Philippi. He has told them to stand firm in the Lord; to live in harmony in the Lord; to help one another to live in harmony; to rejoice in the Lord; to be gentle to all; to be anxious for nothing, but pray. Now he expands on the idea of having the peace of God by addressing the thoughts and actions of the Christian. By heeding these things the follower of Jesus will have the peace of God. Believers should keep on thinking and doing what is morally and spiritually excellent as defined in Scripture. This involves centering our thinking on heavenly things and then putting into practice what we have learned from spiritual teaching and example. Conforming our thinking and actions to the Word of God will result in the peace of God.

We are going to look at three things in this passage: things to dwell on for the believer; things to practice for the believer; and the resulting peace for the believer.

I. Things to dwell on for the believer – 4:8

4:8

“Finally” continues the thought of the peace of God in verse 7, and verses 8 and 9 are a further extension of the way to experience God’s peace. Paul adds to his list of resources to joy and peace.

This passage deals with the thought life of the Christian. A believer cannot enjoy peace if he is always allowing unwholesome thoughts to fill his mind. Isaiah 26:3 also addresses this. Wrong thinking leads to wrong feeling, and before long the heart and mind are pulled apart and we are strangled by worry. We must realize that thoughts are real and powerful even though they cannot be seen, weighed, or measured. II Corinthians 10:5 tells us to bring “into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” Paul gives us a list of things we ought to think about.

Before this list is studied it is important to notice the verb that the verse is governed by: “dwell on these things.” It means more than ‘keep in mind.’ The sense is ‘take into account.’ More plainly, it may be said, ‘reflect upon and allow these qualities of living to shape your conduct.’ There is a close connection between “dwell” in verse 8 and “practice” in verse 9.

A. Things that are true

“Whatever is true” has the sense of valid, reliable , and honest. Truth characterizes God (Romans 3:4), and it should characterize His followers. Calvin defines this as, “Nothing else than the integrity of a good conscience.” Jesus called Himself “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6), and He designated God’s Word as truth (John 17:17).

Satan, on the other hand, is a liar (John 8:44), and he wants to corrupt our minds with lies (II Corinthians 11:3). It began with Eve in the garden (Genesis 3:1-ff). The Holy Spirit controls our minds through truth (I John 5:6), but the devil tries to control them through lies. Whenever we believe a lie, Satan takes over.

B. Things that are honorable

“Honorable” means simply what is morally good. It relates to things worthy of honor or reverence. Noble, dignified, and elevated also catch the sense here and in I Timothy 3:8 and 11, and Titus 2:2, the remaining New Testament references. There are many things not honorable or respectable, and Christians should not think about these things. This does not mean we hide our heads in the sand and avoid anything unpleasant or displeasing, but it does mean we do not focus our attention on these things and allow them to control our thoughts.

C. Things that are right

“Whatever is right” or just has to do with right according to God’s standard which is spelled out in Scripture. We have no excuse for not knowing what is right. This subject of right was expounded upon more in 1:9-11. Paul prayed that they would be “filled with the fruit of righteousness” as a result of their love abounding in knowledge and insight. This abounding would cause the Philippians to be able to discern what is right or upright, and then act it out in their lives. Remember, the “dwell” in verse 8 is closely connected with the “practice” in verse 9.

D. Things that are pure

“Whatever is pure” may recall 1:17 where it has to do with motivation of conduct. Although, “stainless” or “chaste” could be used referring to moral purity as the reference is in II Corinthians 11:2 and Titus 2:5. Either way it denotes purity in every aspect of life.

E. Things that are lovely

“Whatever is lovely” is found only here in the New Testament. The term goes together with “good repute.” “Lovely” means beautiful, attractive, pleasing, agreeable, or amiable.

F. Things that are of good repute

“Good repute” means good report or admirable. It does not mean so much well spoken of as speaking well of. So “lovely” refers to things that incite true love, and “good repute” relates to things attractive in character. The believer must major on the high and noble thoughts, not the corrupt thoughts of the world.

G. Things that are excellent

H. Things that are worthy of praise

Rather than continue, Paul now sums up his list: “if there is any excellence” having moral virtue, or “if anything worthy of praise.” Both terms are inclusive of the earlier list, and describe in general terms the kind of qualities that should mark out the Philippians in their attitudes and actions. These phrases are not referring to receiving praise from men since we are to glory in Christ alone. We are not to live our lives according to the judgments of people, but we are to be devoted to doing good works and thinking good thoughts that are worthy of commendation. This will happen when we think and do things as unto the Lord and not unto men.

Again, as in 2:1, the “if” here can be translated “since.” In other words, these attributes, and many similar ones, do exist and should be considered excellent or virtuous and worthy of praise. Excellent things motivate us to do better in Christ, and praiseworthy things are worth commending to others.

David gives a description of the Word of God in Psalm 19:7-9 that is comparable to this. The Christian who fills his heart and mind with God’s Word will be able to detect wrong thoughts. Romans 12:1-2 also speaks to this. Psalm 119:165 says that “those who love Your law have great peace.” Ultimately, right thinking is the result of daily meditation on the Word of God, and conforming our thinking and actions to the Word of God will result in the peace of God.