 | If the question was proposed to us inquiring if we had or followed a list of some sort, I am reasonably confident that all of us would have at least one. There are grocery lists, to do lists, project supply lists, lists or notifications of appointments, after school activities and practices, and on and on. And even though this could become overwhelming,lists are not necessarily a bad thing as they they help us keep track of things and manage our time wisely. Even in the Book of Philippians we see the Apostle Paul giving the church of Philippi a list. This list however is not one of things to do, but rather things to think. And when we see |
the troubles that this church was experiencing and how similar our circumstances can be today, we can get a better grasp of why Paul was led to give this list as an encouragement and source of strengthen for them and us.
Looking back through this book gives us a glimpse of the trials that undoubtedly weighed heavily upon the hearts of the Philippian Christians. Paul writes in chapter 1 that he was in prison for preaching the gospel. In chapter 2 we read that Epaphroditus a beloved coworker of both Paul and the Philippians had been severely ill and near the point of death. In chapter 3 Paul addresses the nefarious work of false teachers trying to re-establish the works of the flesh as a necessary part of salvation; something he had to contend with in other places. Finally in chapter 4 Paul was led by the Spirit of God to specifically call the members of the church to help two women that were at odds and causing some sort of schism in the body. In the midst of persecution, heresy from without, and strife from within, Paul gives these people some encouraging instructions and specific things to focus their minds on instead. (Phil. 4:1-9)
Looking back through this book gives us a glimpse of the trials that undoubtedly weighed heavily upon the hearts of the Philippian Christians. Paul writes in chapter 1 that he was in prison for preaching the gospel. In chapter 2 we read that Epaphroditus a beloved coworker of both Paul and the Philippians had been severely ill and near the point of death. In chapter 3 Paul addresses the nefarious work of false teachers trying to re-establish the works of the flesh as a necessary part of salvation; something he had to contend with in other places. Finally in chapter 4 Paul was led by the Spirit of God to specifically call the members of the church to help two women that were at odds and causing some sort of schism in the body. In the midst of persecution, heresy from without, and strife from within, Paul gives these people some encouraging instructions and specific things to focus their minds on instead. (Phil. 4:1-9)
Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise—dwell on these things. Do what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you. - Phil 4:8-9
These circumstances can sound very familiar to some of us today. Loved ones with failing health, strife and contention in the family or the church, and other daily pressures of life can cause mental anguish and torment. We can even begin to think that we are afflicted with judgment from God. We also often fall into the devil’s snare of measuring and comparing. We tend to dwell on how poorly we follow the Lord’s directions or how quick we are to outright disobey. Even when we are reminded to keep our thoughts focused on what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and admirable, we run into the problem of lacking the necessary mental prowess to consistently dwell of these things. This commendable list can also become nothing more than a rote new rule or law to dispassionately follow. What we need is the power of the gospel to think on the things Paul prescribed.
When we abide in the graceful knowledge of the truth that Jesus completely removed our condemnation and guilt by His death for us on the cross, we see there is no reason to lament or obsess on our negative circumstances as though they were judgments from God. This does not definitively change our circumstances, but we can rejoice in the midst of dire situations because Jesus died for us all, setting us free to be able to think on the excellent attributes Paul penned. We do this not by focusing on our situations or how we measure up to others and ourselves, but by abiding in the grace that Jesus measured up for all of us
When we abide in the graceful knowledge of the truth that Jesus completely removed our condemnation and guilt by His death for us on the cross, we see there is no reason to lament or obsess on our negative circumstances as though they were judgments from God. This does not definitively change our circumstances, but we can rejoice in the midst of dire situations because Jesus died for us all, setting us free to be able to think on the excellent attributes Paul penned. We do this not by focusing on our situations or how we measure up to others and ourselves, but by abiding in the grace that Jesus measured up for all of us
John Clark
John Clark is a husband to Julie, a father of one son living in Valrico, Florida. He has an Associate Degree of Theology from Life Christian University, and serves at Life Center of Brandon where he is a teacher and writer.