Today was Week 110 of Rightly Dividing the Word of truth…our study / overview of Paul’s epistles to believers in this dispensation of the grace of God. Paul has given us a pattern in his life for us to study and seek to emulate. Philippians 4:8-19, Paul gives us a great pattern to follow concerning our thoughts, concerning our actions, concerning contentment, concerning expressing gratitude toward others, and concerning God’s provision.
V. 8: We are given the mind of Christ in microcosm. Being a new creature in Christ gives us new aspirations of thought to guide us into Christian maturity.
We must train ourselves to look for the true, honest, just, pure, and lovely attributes in others, along with listening to virtuous and praiseworthy good reports. Our old Adam natures / our flesh craves to tear down others by focusing the faults of others, as opposed to the good in them.
Philippians 2:5-8: Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
V.9, 13: Wholesome conduct should follow wholesome thinking! Maturity in the Christian life is not measured by what a man knows, but by what he does. We are encouraged to emulate the apostle Paul, and declare that we can do all things through Christ, the one who strengthens us.
1 Timothy 4:7-8: But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.
V. 10-12: Paul teaches us a very important lesson on Christian maturity – learning to be content regardless of your financial condition, or physical condition.
V. 14-18: Paul praises this fledgling church for their faithful sacrifice on his behalf. When offerings are given with the right attitude, eternal reward – fruit will abound to your account!
V. 19: Paul’s promise that God will supply all our need when we are focused on being content with his provision.