Philippians #068 - Learn the Bible Broadcast - Philippians 4:8-9
Pastor Andrew B. Ray

Antioch Baptist Church
5709 North Broadway
Knoxville, TN 37918
http://www.LearntheBible.org

Support Our Ministry: https://secure.learnthebible.org/antiochbaptistchurch.html

Philippians #068 - Learn the Bible Broadcast
Philippians 4:8-9 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

F. The Admonition for Proper Thinking (Philippians 4:8)

1. The conclusion of the matter—“Finally, brethren”; Note: This is Paul’s second “Finally” in the epistle (see Philippians 3:1).
2. The content of the conclusion
a. The character of the content
(1) Things that are true
a) God Himself (Jeremiah 10:10; John 3:33; John 17:3; Romans 3:4; 1 Thessalonians 1:9; Revelation 15:3)
b) Jesus Christ (Revelation 3:7, 14; Revelation 19:11)
c) The words of God (Psalm 19:9; Psalm 119:160; Revelation 19:9; Revelation 21:5; Revelation 22:6)
(2) Things that are honest
a) It is commonly thought that honesty is the equivalent of telling the truth.
b) However, it is obvious from scripture that honesty is more than ensuring that words spoken are true.
i) Scripture speaks of “dishonest gain” (Ezekiel 22:13, 27).
ii) Scripture speaks of “an honest and good heart” (Luke 8:15).
iii) Scripture speaks of men being “of honest report” (Acts 6:3).
iv) Scripture admonishes men to “Provide things honest in the sight of all men” (Romans 12:17; see also 2 Corinthians 8:21).
v) Scripture calls upon us to “walk honestly, as in the day” (Romans 13:13).
vi) Paul “renounced the hidden things of dishonesty” (2 Corinthians 4:2).
vii) Believers were admonished to “walk honestly toward them that are without” (1 Thessalonians 4:12; see also 1 Peter 2:12).
viii) The Bible strongly connects a good conscience and honest living (Hebrews 13:18).
ix) Historically, the word was more closely associated with something that is honourable or fair in dealings.
(3) Things that are just
a) God (Deuteronomy 32:4; Isaiah 45:21; Zephaniah 3:5)
b) Jesus (Zechariah 9:9; Acts 7:52; Acts 22:14; 1 Peter 3:18)
c) The words of God (Romans 7:12)
(4) Things that are pure
a) God Himself (Job 4:17)
b) Jesus Christ (1 John 3:1-3)
c) The words of God (Psalm 12:6; Psalm 19:8; Psalm 119:140; Proverbs 30:5)
(5) Things that are lovely
a) The word lovely only occurs four times in scripture.
b) Two of those times it is associated with the word pleasant (2 Samuel 1:23; Ezekiel 33:32).
c) Others have defined lovely as something that is pleasant and able to be loved.
(6) Things that are of good report (consider Hebrews 11:1-2; also see Numbers 13:32; Numbers 14:37; Hebrews 3:12)
(7) Note: Considering all things there is no doubt that the Lord Himself and His word are the only things that fit the qualifications completely. The scripture is the best combatant for an evil thought life (1 Timothy 4:12-16; see also Psalm 1:2; Psalm 119:15, 23, 48, 78, 97, 99, 148).
b. The worth of the content
(1) If there be any virtue (2 Peter 1:3-7)
a) Some suppose virtue pertains only to moral excellence.
b) It is likely that it also means spiritual power (Mark 5:30).
(2) If there be any praise
a) The average person has no concept of the meaning of the word praise. Perhaps one reason for this is the fact that unscriptural believers have labeled many charismatic tendencies as praise in order to justify their behaviour.
b) Historically, the word was understood to have a connection to value or worth. Even today, people understand this connection when considering the word appraisal.
c) In fact, many verses that deal with praise also include some statement of the Lord’s worth. 2 Samuel 22:4 says, “I will call on the LORD, who is worthy to be praised.”
d) The idea is that believers should only think on those things which are worthy of their thought life.
3. The admonition—“think on these things”
a. God wants man to think.
b. This may come as a shock, but the Lord does not want man to accept information without first giving it thought.
c. During His earthly ministry, the Lord Jesus often asked men what they thought (Matthew 17:25; Matthew 18:12; Matthew 21:28).
d. He did not do so because He valued the opinion of men; but, rather to cause men to think. The problem for the Lord is not that man thinks, but the things upon which man thinks.

G. The Admonition to Obey (Philippians 4:9)

1. The means of education
a. Which ye have learned
b. Which ye have received
c. Which ye have heard
d. Which ye have seen in me
2. The responsibility of education—“do”
3. The reward of obedience—“the God of peace shall be with you”