Studies in P h ilippians 27 Meditate on

Studies in P h ilippians (27 Meditate on These Things Philippians 4: 8 -9 )

Meditate on these things • Meditation • Not the concept associated with Eastern religions – seeking metaphysical enlightenment • To think about something in a serious, detailed and logical manner. NASB – “Dwell on these things” KJV – “Think on these things”

Meditate on these things • Meditation (λογίζομαι, logizomai) – about 40 times in NT • ‘Mark 11: 31, “they reasoned among themselves” • Romans 3: 28, “therefore we conclude…” • Romans 8: 18, “For I consider…” • Romans 14: 14, “…but to him who considers anything unclean…”

Meditate on these things • Meditation (λογίζομαι, logizomai) – about 40 times in NT • 1 Corinthians 13: 5, love “thinks no evil • 1 Corinthians 13: 11, “I thought as a child” • Hebrews 11: 19, “concluding that God was able”

Meditate on these things • Meditation – • We ought to seriously think about and seek to fully understand the qualities God wants us to apply as we live Christian lives. • To “chew the cud” • With God’s word, Psalm 1: 1 -2, 63: 6, 119: 97 -99 – Your testimonies are my meditation

Meditate on these things • Meditation – Concerning Bible study • We speak of Bible study and reading to understand, we see application of this word • Asking: What is actually meant? What does it mean to me? (application) Am I doing what God wants me to do with this text?

Meditate on these things • Meditation – Concerning Bible study • We speak of Bible study and reading to understand, we see application of this word • Asking: What is actually meant? What does it mean to me? (application) Am I doing what God wants me to do with this text?

Meditate on these things • WHAT are we to meditate about? • Where is your mind at? The “Christian mindset” • The types of things Christians ought to think about Romans 12: 1 -2 Colossians 3: 1 -2 2 Corinthians 10: 5

Meditate on these things • WHAT are we to meditate about? • Whatever things are true – factual. Genuine and real. We are to be true. • Noble – KJV – “honest”; NASB – “honorable”. That which is of respectable character. Contrast this with the sleazy and cheap thought of deceit and immorality.

Meditate on these things • WHAT are we to meditate about? • Whatever things are just – morally right (NASB – “right”). True justice – fairness and evenhandedness • Pure – associated with holy. Being unpolluted before God – in words, deeds and even thoughts

Meditate on these things • WHAT are we to meditate about? • Whatever things are lovely – being as pleasant as you can be; showing proper decorum. Lovable, easy to be around • Of good report – having a good reputation. Such things as honesty, reliability, responsible, controlled, etc.

Meditate on these things • WHAT are we to meditate about? • IF there is anything of virtue – possibly a summary; morally excellent (2 Peter 1: 5 -7); integrity and impeccable character • Praiseworthy – anything deserving of praise. “And such like”?

• • Meditate on these things WHAT are we to meditate about? Clearly, these are qualities we ought to strive to develop. They will help us let our lights shine and develop our character. ARE these the types of things we are thinking about? (cf. Matthew 15: 8 -9) HOW are we feeding our minds? With worldliness?

The things you learned… (9) • Applying what we think about • Paul challenges them to not merely think properly, but let it lead to action • In the original Greek, there is an additional kai (and) toward the beginning that ties this to the previous verse.

The things you learned… (9) • Applying what we think about • These do! Matthew 7: 21 -28, Luke 6: 46, James 1: 22, etc. • This is not about lip service, but actual doing

The things you learned… (9) • Applying what we think about • They had learned them – they had been taught the truth! Both in writing and orally - Romans 1014 -17, cf. Matthew 28: 19 -20

The things you learned… (9) • Applying what we think about • They had received them – accepted what was taught as truth. Cf. 1 Thessalonians 2: 13 Colossians 2: 6 – they had received Christ

The things you learned… (9) • Applying what we think about • They had heard – not only the truth, but about Paul’s example. What he had done and endured Cf. Philippians 1: 12 -14, 27. They knew of his integrity and faithfulness

The things you learned… (9) • Applying what we think about • They had “seen in me” – again, Paul’s example – when he was with them. Cf. Philippians 3: 17. They knew of his integrity and faithfulness 1 Corinthians 11: 1, etc.

The things you learned… (9) • Applying what we think about • … these do! – a word meaning to make something a habit – to perform (NASB – “practice these things”). A present tense verb. • AGAIN, we need to obey God – DO what He wants us to do!

e s e h t n o e t a Medit ings Th -9 8 : 4 s n a i p p Phili What are you meditating about?