Philippians 4:8-14
8: Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.
9: The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
10: But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity.
11: Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.
12: I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.
13: I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
14: Nevertheless, you have done well to share with me in my affliction.
Continuing his thoughts on replacing anxiousness with prayer, and the peace of God standing guard over their hearts and minds, Paul told the Philippians what to think about instead of worrying over things that were causing anxiety. Whatever was true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and of good report. Anything excellent and worthy of praise.
Was he telling them to ignore or deny problems? No, rather to pray and let God know their requests, with thanksgiving, and then not to stay in that place of anxiety. Leave that behind during prayer. Replace anxious thoughts with these good thoughts--think about these good things instead.
Remember, you’ll go in the direction you’re looking. If you’re looking at the worst possible outcomes, you’re driving that way. If you’re trusting the Lord to answer your prayer, then dwell on the type of things Paul lists here, and you’ll have peace while working through worrisome situations.
Paul said he had been an example for them. He definitely had things in his life to be anxious about. Even as he wrote this letter he was in prison, uncertain of whether he would live or die. Yet he said to do what they’d seen him do, and the God of peace would be with them.
With that in mind, he told them he was happy they were able and willing to contribute to him, sharing in his affliction, having received the gift they sent through Epaphroditus (vs. 18). Although, he didn’t allow himself to get into a lack mindset because he had learned to be content in any circumstance—humble and hungry, or full and prosperous. He had learned that he could do all things through Christ who strengthened him. Yet, he appreciated their sharing with him and told them they had done well. It seems as if he rejoiced more over their giving, than his receiving, which revealed his fatherly heart toward them.
9: The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
10: But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity.
11: Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.
12: I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.
13: I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
14: Nevertheless, you have done well to share with me in my affliction.
***
Continuing his thoughts on replacing anxiousness with prayer, and the peace of God standing guard over their hearts and minds, Paul told the Philippians what to think about instead of worrying over things that were causing anxiety. Whatever was true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and of good report. Anything excellent and worthy of praise.
Was he telling them to ignore or deny problems? No, rather to pray and let God know their requests, with thanksgiving, and then not to stay in that place of anxiety. Leave that behind during prayer. Replace anxious thoughts with these good thoughts--think about these good things instead.
Remember, you’ll go in the direction you’re looking. If you’re looking at the worst possible outcomes, you’re driving that way. If you’re trusting the Lord to answer your prayer, then dwell on the type of things Paul lists here, and you’ll have peace while working through worrisome situations.
Paul said he had been an example for them. He definitely had things in his life to be anxious about. Even as he wrote this letter he was in prison, uncertain of whether he would live or die. Yet he said to do what they’d seen him do, and the God of peace would be with them.
With that in mind, he told them he was happy they were able and willing to contribute to him, sharing in his affliction, having received the gift they sent through Epaphroditus (vs. 18). Although, he didn’t allow himself to get into a lack mindset because he had learned to be content in any circumstance—humble and hungry, or full and prosperous. He had learned that he could do all things through Christ who strengthened him. Yet, he appreciated their sharing with him and told them they had done well. It seems as if he rejoiced more over their giving, than his receiving, which revealed his fatherly heart toward them.
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