Morning Moments

Philippians Devotional Outline (cont)

IV. The Strength of Christ - His Strength Through Us 4:6-9

A. It Keeps Us From Wearying 4:1-5
B. It Keeps Us From Worrying 4:6-9

Worry adds such strain to our lives and shortens the pleasure of our days. It hurts us in so many ways, but the worst thing about it is that it denies our Lord the opportunity of doing what He wants to do that we won't let Him do - bear our burdens. We are told to cast upon Him all our anxieties for He cares for us. Some of us worry if we have nothing to worry about. There is relief -

1. By Supplication 4:6

4:6. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Paul is telling us to exercise caution here for they were apparently worrying about Paul and worrying about Epaphoditus and worrying about other things. If I may say so without sounding sexist, it may be more common among women because of the maternal instinct and also because specifically requested "help" for the women workers in the letter. Not to their discredit, but men seem to be a bit more carefree over these matters. We make a good match working together.

Paul let's them know that the cure for the worry is prayer. This is not to be taken lightly for it is not a flippant answer. The word "prayer" speaks of addressing God in worship and devotion. "Supplication" speaks of addressing one's personal needs. "Requests" emphasizes the objects asked for or the actual things requested. God's presence is always with us so anxiety and worry is out of place for us, whereas praise, prayer, and petitions are always in place for us. This is how peace comes to us about such matters that we tend to worry about. The peace that comes from Him guards or stands watch over our mind and emotions. What blessed relief!

2. By Meditation 4:7-8

4:8. 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.

So, instead of worrying, be anxious, and fretful, we learn to think about better things. Let's carefully examine the list to discover not merely what our thoughts ought to be but more aptly HOW we ought to be thinking -

True - That which is dependable, genuine, unconcealed. It is used of personal uprightness or integrity. It is also used of credibility or reliability. It is used for something being in accord with historical facts. It is also used of that which is real as opposed to that which is imagined.

Honest - Honorable, dignified, or worthy of respect. It is used of suitable thoughts as well as conduct.

Just - Righteous, upright or impartial. Ethically correct or innocent in judgment. It conveys the idea of Being and doing what is right.

Pure - Holy, chaste, modest, faultless. In our actions and attitudes there is to be a transparency as in pure gold tried in the fire.

Lovely - Acceptable, agreeable, pleasing. In classical Greek it meant dear and beloved. Something to be cherished. Our minds should be filled with things that are acceptable to God.

Good Report - Well spoken of, reputable. Things that are admirable. Attractive moral character.

Virtue - Moral excellence. Comes for an ancient word meaning wealth, excellence, goodness - moral power.

Praise - praiseworthiness, commendation

3. By Imitation 4:9

4:9. 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.

How many times have we heard someone say, "Do what I say, not what I do." I remember when I was a boy I would pretend to have a cigarette in my hand and my dad who smoked would say, "Boy, you better not start that." I would reply, "But Dad, if it is okay for you it should be okay for me." He would then say with a smile, "Son, do as I say not as I do." I never had much interest in smoking anyway. I guess it was because I saw the stain on his hands and the smell of his clothes.

BUT PAUL, on the other hand says to the Philippians what every parent should be able to say to every child and what every teacher should be able to say to every student, "Do what you have seen me do and teach and the God of peace shall be with you. What a testimony to the faithful of this man of God and what an example to us.

BLESSINGS!