Philippians 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.
Paul writes to express thankfulness and although the epistle to the Philippians is brief, only 4 chapters, he reveals sweeping emotions felt for a God he worships and for the early church, those fragile Christians. Particularly poignant is Chapter 1, verse 3, “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you.” What a gentle and loving thing to say.
The moment we decide to care for someone, we wish to spare them harm and, if possible, to help avoid grief. That’s very natural and in his writing Paul warns of “dogs and evil workers.” It is both beneficial and wise to steer clear of trouble. Prudence will save us from solving many problems because we can all choose not to get involved in the first place.
Paul has asked the Philippians to think about what they have learned. He subtly points out the difference between hearing something and receiving it in the heart. I’ve heard a lot of things I won’t allow into my heart. No matter what the media says, fake news is not a product of the 2016 election, it’s nothing new at all. In fact, it’s been around for eons. Paul asks in different ways that the believers use good judgment, specifically to, “let your moderation be known unto all men.”
It is quite literally impossible to think on two things at the same time, so they are instructed to focus on that which is good, pure, and honest and to “think on these things.” This is a life changing instruction, endlessly uplifting, for anyone who practices it. So, while the book of Philippians is brief, it is good to read and reread often - especially in times of despair. We can’t always avoid problems and 4:7 contains a great comfort - Paul writes one of the most well-known and inspired phrases in the whole work of the Bible. “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Let’s think on these good things and receive it into our hearts.
Christ liveth in me, Vickie Schreffler
Paul writes to express thankfulness and although the epistle to the Philippians is brief, only 4 chapters, he reveals sweeping emotions felt for a God he worships and for the early church, those fragile Christians. Particularly poignant is Chapter 1, verse 3, “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you.” What a gentle and loving thing to say.
The moment we decide to care for someone, we wish to spare them harm and, if possible, to help avoid grief. That’s very natural and in his writing Paul warns of “dogs and evil workers.” It is both beneficial and wise to steer clear of trouble. Prudence will save us from solving many problems because we can all choose not to get involved in the first place.
Paul has asked the Philippians to think about what they have learned. He subtly points out the difference between hearing something and receiving it in the heart. I’ve heard a lot of things I won’t allow into my heart. No matter what the media says, fake news is not a product of the 2016 election, it’s nothing new at all. In fact, it’s been around for eons. Paul asks in different ways that the believers use good judgment, specifically to, “let your moderation be known unto all men.”
It is quite literally impossible to think on two things at the same time, so they are instructed to focus on that which is good, pure, and honest and to “think on these things.” This is a life changing instruction, endlessly uplifting, for anyone who practices it. So, while the book of Philippians is brief, it is good to read and reread often - especially in times of despair. We can’t always avoid problems and 4:7 contains a great comfort - Paul writes one of the most well-known and inspired phrases in the whole work of the Bible. “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Let’s think on these good things and receive it into our hearts.
Christ liveth in me, Vickie Schreffler
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