Confident Christianity in Uncertain Circumstances

Week 8 4:8‒23 and Summary

4:8‒9

 8  Finally,  brothers,  whatever  things  are  true,  whatever  things  are  honorable,  whatever  things  are  right,  whatever  things  are  pure,  whatever  things  are  pleasing,  whatever  things  are  commendable,  if  there  is  any  excellence  of  character  and  if  anything  praiseworthy,  think  about  these  things.  9  And  the  things  which  you  have  learned  and  received  and  heard  about  and  seen  in  me,  practice  these  things,  and  the  God  of  peace  will  be  with  you.  

4:8‒9

 8  Finally,  brothers,  whatever  things  are  true,  whatever  things  are  honorable,  whatever  things  are  right,  whatever  things  are  pure,  whatever  things  are  pleasing,  whatever  things  are  commendable,  if  there  is  any  excellence  of  character  and  if  anything  praiseworthy,  think  about  these  things.  9  And  the  things  which  you  have  learned  and  received  and  heard  about  and  seen  in  me,  practice  these  things,  and  the  God  of  peace  will  be  with  you.  

How  it  Aits  together  

See  the  board!  

One  comment  on  vv.  8‒9  

Embrace  the  good  wherever  it  is  found  but  do  so  guided  by  Christian  orthodoxy  and  orthopraxy  (the  gospel  and  how  it  is  lived  out).  

4:10‒13

 10  But  I  rejoiced  in  the  Lord  greatly  that  now  at  last  ⌊you  have  renewed  your  concern  for  me⌋,  for  whom  also  you  were  thinking,  but  you  had  no  opportunity  to  express  it.  11  Not  that  I  speak  from  need,  for  I  have  learned  to  be  content  in  whatever  circumstances  I  am.  12  I  know  how  both  ⌊to  make  do  with  little⌋  and  I  know  how  ⌊to  have  an  abundance⌋.  In  everything  and  in  all  things  I  have  learned  the  secret  both  to  be  Ailled  and  to  be  hungry,  both  ⌊to  have  an  abundance⌋  and  to  go  without.  13  I  am  able  to  do  all  things  by  the  one  who  strengthens  me.  

4:14‒18

14  Nevertheless  you  have  done  well  by  sharing  with  me  in  my  afAliction.  15  Now  you  also  know,  Philippians,  that  at  the  beginning  of  the  gospel,  when  I  departed  from  Macedonia,  no  church  shared  with  me  in  the  matter  of  giving  and  receiving  except  you  alone,  16  because  even  in  Thessalonica  ⌊on  more  than  one  occasion⌋  you  sent  for  my  need.  17  Not  that  I  seek  the  gift,  but  I  seek  for  the  proAit  that  increases  to  your  account.  18  But  I  have  received  everything  in  full  and  have  an  abundance;  ⌊I  am  well  supplied⌋  because  I  received  from  Epaphroditus  ⌊what  you  had  sent⌋,  a  fragrant  offering,  an  acceptable  sacriAice,  well-­‐pleasing  to  God.    

4:19‒20

19  And  my  God  will  fulAill  your  every  need  according  to  his  riches  in  glory  in  Christ  Jesus.  20  Now  to  our  God  and  Father  be  the  glory  ⌊forever  and  ever⌋.  Amen.    

“Thanks,  Sort  of”  

1.  Giving  is  more  than  a  human  transaction.  2.  How  can  I  say  thanks?  A.  Thanks,  but  I  am  not  driven  by  money  or  

comfort.  B.  Thanks,  but  no  more.  

4:21‒23

 21  Greet  every  saint  in  Christ  Jesus.  The  brothers  with  me  greet  you.  22  All  the  saints  greet  you,  and  especially  those  of  Caesar’s  household.  23  The  grace  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  be  with  your  spirit.  

4:21‒23

 21  Greet  every  saint  in  Christ  Jesus.  The  brothers  with  me  greet  you.  22  All  the  saints  greet  you,  and  especially  those  of  Caesar’s  household.  23  The  grace  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  be  with  your  spirit.  

3  Observations  

1.  Emphasis  on  unity  (every,  your  spirit).  2.  Caesar’s  household  =  employees  of  the  imperial  government  

3.  Grace  bookends  the  letter.  

Confident Christianity in Uncertain Circumstances

Summary

What  is  this  letter  about?  

What  is  this  letter  about?  

Chris&an  Discipleship  

1.  Christ  and  His  Gospel  

•  104  Verses,  “Christ”  named  37  times  •  Gospel  9  times  •  “For  whoever  would  save  his  life  will  lose  it,  but  whoever  loses  his  life  for  my  sake  and  the  gospel’s  will  save  it”  (Mark  8:35).    

What  are  you  living  for?  

2.  Principles  Jesus  Taught  and  Demonstrated  

•  Humility  before  exaltation  (2:6‒11;  Mark  9:35)  •  Losing  to  gain  (3:8;  Luke  9:23‒25)  •  Conformed  daily  to  the  cross-­‐death  (3:10;  Luke  9:23‒25)  

 

2.  Principles  Jesus  Taught  and  Demonstrated  

•  Do  not  worry  (4:6‒7;  Luke  12:22‒31)  •  Giving  is  worship  (4:18–19;  Matt  6:24)    Have  we  let  Jesus  and  his  teaching  shape  us?  

3.  Thinking  and  Doing  

•  Discern  what  really  matters  1:9‒10  •  The  verb  “to  think”  is  used  10  times  •  The  verb  “to  consider”  3  times  in  3:7‒8  •  The  verb  “to  ponder”  in  4:8    How  are  you  thinking?  

3.  Thinking  and  Doing  

•  “Conduct  yourselves  as  citizens”  1:27  •  Obey  as  you  always  have  2:12;  3:15  •  The  call  to  imitate  (3:15,  17;  4:9)    How  are  you  living?  Whose  example  are  you  following?  

What  is  this  letter  about?  

Chris&an  Discipleship  

Confident Christianity in Uncertain Circumstances

The End