Youth Notes: Philippians 4:8-9

 

The Equation for Peace – Philippians 4:8-9 (part 2)

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

II. Things to practice for the believer – 4:9

4:9

The ending of verse 8, “dwell on these things,” is matched by the end of verse 9, “practice these things.” Both of these commands go together, just as both verses share a common subject. You cannot separate outward action and inward attitude. The emphasis in verse 8 of right thinking now shifts in verse 9 to right doing or living. Both are necessary in order to experience the peace of God.

A. Things you have learned

B. Things you have received

C. Things you have heard

D. Things you have seen

Paul begins the verse with a list of verbs: “the things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me.” These verbs comprise all the Philippians may be expected to have known as part of the apostolic instruction. It is an impressive combination of teaching, tradition, spoken word, and living example. These instructions were extremely important to the early church before the New Testament writings were written or widely circulated as the standards of Christian belief and behavior were largely taught by the words and example of the apostles. Paul frequently made reference to these traditions or ordinances, and it reminds us of the importance of instruction in the early church as part of the ministry of teachers and apostles in these communities. But not only did Paul instruct the church, he clearly held himself up as an example to follow. The phrase “seen in me” unites Paul with all elements of apostolic instruction, and paves the way for his writing to be regarded authoritative as Scripture (II Peter 3:15-17). This verse calls for the reader to follow Paul’s example and follow right thinking with right doing. This shows us that facts in our heads are not enough, they must be “received” inwardly and become part of our inward being. Paul taught it, but he also lived it. A speaker must not only speak with his mouth, but with his life. We must learn the Word, receive it, hear it, and do it (James 1:22) thereby conforming our thinking and actions to the Word of God which will result in the peace of God.

III. The resulting peace for the believer – 4:9b

Paul now gives the promised results of proper thinking and doing by promising that God himself, the Author of peace, will be with them. The very presence of God provides such comfort to the Christian as he realizes that God knows the situation and is even in control of it. This is the source of true peace for the one who applies himself to right thinking and right living.

“The peace of God” is a test as to the health of our relationship with Christ. If we are surrendering to Christ, then the peace of God will rule our hearts. Isaiah 32:17 tells us “the work of righteousness will be peace” (also James 3:17). When we are not living in obedience, then we lose peace. The last phrase of the verse may be seen as the completion of the circle that began in verse 7.

These verses give us conditions for having the secure mind and victory over worry. There is no middle ground. Either we yield heart and mind to the Spirit of God, or we yield to the flesh and find ourselves torn apart by worry. Yielding to God includes gentleness, patience, prayer, right thinking, and right living.

There is no need to worry. Besides, worry is sin. Matthew 6:24-34 addresses this as well. With the peace of God to guard us and the God of peace to guide us, why worry?

Conclusion

This entire section in 4:1-9 has given us resources that will keep our thoughts and actions right. God has not commanded us to live a godly life without the resources to do it. If we fail to live in the power of God we will never mature and grow as believers. Paul gave this church specific things that would aide them in this endeavor. He told them the “the Lord is near” indicating that Jesus would return and vindicate their cause so they should be patient. He also told them to pray instead of being anxious. All of this involves aligning our will to God’s and making that our priority. To often our own will takes over and then we begin to forfeit peace in our lives.

These exhortations are exactly what the Philippian church needed. In the midst of disagreement, they needed harmony and peace; in the midst of hostile forces, they needed prayer to keep them from worry; and in the midst of the everyday tensions of life and people, they needed to be patient for the Lord was near. These are the very truths that we need to know as well.

On top of all this Paul gave instruction on their thoughts and actions. 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.