Hello Friends!
During this week’s gathering we’ll continue to work our way through the powerful book written by the “Apostle Paul” to the Philippians as we consider the perfect PERSON and wonderful WORKS willed of our loving “Lord Jesus Christ” as decreed throughout this excellent Epistle…“Do NOT Be Anxious!”
The Book of Philippians: Do NOT Be Anxious! (Chapter 4: Verses 4-8)
4 Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. 5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. 6 Be careful for nothing; but in everything 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. 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 – Philippians 4:4-8
OPENING POINTS TO PONDER: There must be HARMONY held within the true “fellowship” fold of which fully FOSTERS a wonderfully warm, greatly genuine and lavishly loving unique “unity” that will CREATE an enticing environment of sound STABILITY sanctioned. Sadly, when this mandated MINDSET is fiendishly fractured in full, the called-out “church” becomes very UNSTABLE in unison. Anguished attitudes, snarly spirits, brandish bitterness, ugly unforgiveness and heinous hostility comes into play. As a rank RESULT there is a tremendous VULNERABILITY verified both personally and individually when dire – DISCORD Distracts!
Conversely, to be spiritually STABLE means that “we” must powerfully PURSUE a practical “peace” performed as practicing purposeful “peacemakers” promulgated…
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God – Matthew 5:9
Therefore, may each one of “us” as the chosen “children of God” be Holy “helpers” of whom PURSUE a loving harmony within the fine “fellowship of believers” beheld. WHY? Because that will create a spiritually STABLE environment of “love” lavished – Longing to LOVE!
REJOICE in the Lord!
Here the ardent “Apostle Paul” provides another practical principal of spiritual STABILITY surmised of our loving “Lord” and that is to “Rejoice” rightly in Him:
Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice – Philippians 4:4
Another principle of spiritual STABILITY is to mindfully maintain an intentional INWARD spirit of “joy” contained. WHY? Because “we” tend to become vengeful victims of the chided CIRCUMSTANCES surely surrounding “our” lives via the heralded highs and looming lows as they foolishly FLUCTUATE depending upon – OUTSIDE Happenstance…
“Happiness” OR Joy?
So-called human “Happiness” haphazardly holds to the notion that If “we” are surely successful in our job, if “our” personal relationships are what they ought to be and if EVERYTHING is greatly going the way “we” would like, only THEN will “we” have this heavenly “joy” juxtaposed. However, if these “things” begin to disintegrate as they inevitably WILL in this sin-cursed “world” waning – We LOSE it!
BIBLICAL BACKGROUND: God-given “joy” is defiantly NOT an avid option for the mature “believer” to behold. Rather, it is a concerted COMMAND for each of “us” to personally practice as powerfully PROCLAIMED practically by “our” great “God” Himself! As was TRUE for the jaded “Jewish” righteous remnant of purposed “people” returning home to “Jerusalem” from their 70-year corralled captivity Sovereignly set in bemoaning “Babylonian” bondage, a languished “life” looming lived WITHOUT the supernatural “joy of the Lord” beheld as their sure “strength” secured, these fickle few were poised POWERLESS as such…
For thus saith the Lord, That after seventy years be accomplished at Babylon I will visit you, and perform my good word toward you, in causing you to return to this place – Jeremiah 29:10
And Nehemiah, which is the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day is holy unto the Lord your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law. Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength – Nehemiah 8:9-10
Notice here “Paul” does NOT say to “Rejoice” within the “joy” found inside ourselves somewhere! So just HOW does the “Christian” rightly “rejoice” in these demonically DARK days within our “walk” here on this ungodly ground upon which “we” wander?
For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost – Romans 14:17
Rather, “Paul” is proclaiming that “we” righteously “Rejoice” intently IN our loving “Lord always” alone. And just in case the “Philippians” happened to miss this purposely POWERFUL point penned, “Paul” proclaims yet “again” to rightly – REJOICE in the Lord!
Mindful MODERATION!
Next “Paul” mandates that OUR mindful “moderation” be boldly made keenly “known” before ALL other on-lookers:
Let your moderation be known unto all men – Philippians 4:5THEOLOGICAL THOUGHTS: Spiritual STABILITY also rigorously requires “learning” to often ACCEPT much less than “we” might think “God” owes HIS own. This solemn statement is aptly addressing a constant CONTENTMENT in the loving “life” of the bold “believer” beheld. Incidentally, “moderation” is an almost untranslatable word. In the Greek language, “Epieiks” means much MORE than any single English word can capture. It rightly refers to GRACIOUSLY excepting all wrong-doing without caustic “complaining” or mindful “murmuring” as such – Gracious CONTENTMENT!
PRAYER and THANKSGIVING!
“Be careful” to willfully WORRY about absolutely “nothing” inside of this looming life; “but” poignantly “pray” about “everything” with solemn “supplication” and thoughtful “thanksgiving” thoroughly:
Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God – Philippians 4:6
Here “Paul” perfectly places TWO identified indefinite pronouns purposed in overt OPPOSITION of one another. A true “believer” is to woefully WORRY about “nothing” at all. WHY? Because “we” are to personally “pray” about “everything” unto “God” in general. There is “nothing” within the “life” of a bold “believer” to which should NOT be made an obtainable object of practically – Purposed PRAYER!
Together “with thanksgiving” means that “we” are to thoroughly THANK our gracious “God” for aptly answering our petitioned “prayer” even WHILE we practically “pray” as such. Our grand “God” indeed ALWAYS wholly hears and assuredly answers the particular “prayers” of His called-out “children” as such – PRAYER and THANKSGIVING!
The PEACE of God!
"And the peace of God“ is greatly GRANTED generously “through” our caring creator “Christ Jesus” alone:
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus – Philippians 4:7
And quite OFTEN His apt answer is a Sovereignly sanctioned NO! Therefore, this UNIQUE ultimate “understanding” perfectly “passeth” absolutely “all” allurements associated with fictious FEAR and assumed ANXIETY and woeful WORRY waxed and It will keenly “keep” the harkened “hearts and minds” fully FIXED upon “your” sweet – Savior SECURED!
HISTORICAL HINTS: This phrase “shall keep” is mainly a military term and literally means to GUARD over and PROTECT provisionally. The “Philippians” had lived in a garrison town where Roman soldiers were stationed to “keep” watch for the interests of the Roman empire. Thus, they keenly KNEW that a securing sentry was to “keep” provincial PROTECTION provided…
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the Lord forever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength – Isaiah 26:3-4
Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof – Matthew 6:25-34
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world – John 16:33
Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose – Romans 8:26-28
Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you – 1 Peter 5:7
Therefore, spiritual STABILITY requires rightly resting on a contented CONFIDENT fully finalized “faith” founded IN the loving “Lord Jesus Christ” complete. And “our” beheld Biblical view of “God” is what will STABILIZE each of “us” throughout ALL of life’s trials tantamount CRITICAL context – The PEACE of God!
Godly THINKING!
"Finally “ the ardent “Apostle Paul” beseeches the “brethren” within the fold of “Philippi” proper to thoroughly “think on these things” of life:
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 – Philippians 4:8
This confident COMMANDMENT to totally “think on these things” has been often referred to as the briefest biography of “Jesus Christ” Himself. WHY? Because the true “believer” must carefully contemplate and constantly communicate with “Him” for POWER provided. And PURITY is absolutely essential to this end, as it is synonymous as such…
Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth – John 17:17
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God – Romans 12:2
We lividly “live” in a demonically dirty waning “world” and MUST be totally “transformed” by the righteous “renewing” wrought through His wonderful “Word” willed…
For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be – Romans 8:5-7
Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ – 2 Corinthians 10:5
And be renewed in the spirit of your mind – Ephesians 4:23
If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth – Colossians 3:1-2
Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ – 1 Peter 1:13
Spiritual STABILITY is a product of cultivating this perfectly provided “peace” within the “fellowship” fold by mindfully maintaining a spirit of “joy” justified, by lavishly learning to “accept” less than expected, by rightly resting on “faith” in the “Lord Jesus Christ” Himself, by righteously reacting with “thankfulness” in purposed “prayer” practiced. And absolutely ALL abundance of “these things” flow from a fervent FOCUS upon godly virtues that DOMINATE your “thinking” patterns. This is what PRODUCES the promised “peace” that surpasses “all understanding” in great gratitude granted. Therefore, “we” eagerly enter into this serious “scripture” with waning WORRY and lavishly leave with the perfect “peace” of our great “God” provided – BIBLICAL Worldview!
“Beloved” brethren to rightly EXPERIENCE these grand godly virtues, “we” must rightly FOCUS upon these TWO great godly virtues…
ONE: The ”peace with God” = Our SINS Forgiven!
TWO: The “peace of God” = Our LIFE Transformed!
The satanic storms of “life” are indeed STILL blowing. The wicked waves are STILL rolling. The nasty night is STILL dark and the torrential “things” around “us” have NOT changed. However, the bold “believer” of whom practically “prays” with thoughtful “thanksgiving” fomented FOREVER upon their lips has already been CHANGED through a guarded gate of grateful – Godly THINKING!
In closing:
Sadly, the professing chided “church” itself chiefly CHOSES to caustically continue its demonic dictates of DIRECTING the precious “people of God” entirely in the WRONG direction in regards to a FALSE finding of the so-called solutions to their affirmed “anxieties” announced. WHY? Because “we” too have bought into the PSYCHOLOGICAL looming lies that somehow convince maniacal “man” that only HE can solve ALL his personal problems through certain psycho-principles and introspective self-adjustments ensued. These powerfully PERSUASIVE pundits have proven not only to be universally UNSUCCESSFUL but also deeply DIVERSIONARY insomuch that the pragmatic populous pursue the woefully WRONG answer and completely miss the righteously CORRECT answer aptly applied…
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish – Psalm 1:1-6
The lethargic LEGACY of fallen philosophy and pathetic psychology being foolishly FOISTED upon this waning “world” in tow TODAY has been to sell an ENTIRE generation satanic snake oil of which does NOTHING that it purportedly promises to do. Therefore, this “ungodly” under sight is NOTHING less than decimated – Demonic DECEPTION!
We are not guaranteed tomorrow – tomorrow may be too late! If you haven't yet made that most important decision of your life, won't you make Jesus Christ your personal Lord and Savior today - before it's too late? Today is the day of Salvation!
If you have been blessed by this message or have a
specific question, prayer request or testimony, please send me a note to: encouragingconcepts@live.com
I love hearing from you. Keep reading Encouraging Concepts!
Blessings!
Shane K. Morin <><
Encouraging Concepts
Truth for Today
"Living Life From a Biblical Worldview"
