SONGS
Friday, April 8, 2016
Wednesday, April 6, 2016
COMMENTARY on Philippians 4:8
Philippians 4:8
John Gill's Exposition of the Bible
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true
To close all with respect to the duties of Christianity incumbent on the professors of it, the apostle exhorts to a regard to everything that is true; that is agreeable to the Scriptures of truth, to the Gospel the word of truth, or to the law and light of nature; and whatever was really so, even among the very Heathens, in opposition to falsehood, lying, and hypocrisy whatsoever things [are] honest;
in the sight of men; or grave, or "venerable" in speech, in action or attire, in opposition to levity, frothiness, or foppery: whatsoever things [are] just; between man and man, or with respect both to God and men; giving to God what belongs to him, and to man what is his due; studying to exercise a conscience void of offence to both, in opposition to all impiety, injustice, violence, and oppression: whatsoever things [are] pure; or "chaste", in words and deeds, in opposition to all filthiness and foolish talking, to obscene words and actions. The Vulgate Latin and Arabic versions render it, "whatsoever things are holy"; which are agreeable to the holy nature, law, and will of God, and which tend to promote holiness of heart and life: whatsoever [are] lovely;
which are amiable in themselves, and to be found even among mere moral men, as in the young man whom Christ as man is said to love, ( Mark 10:21 ) ; and which serve to cultivate and increase love, friendship, and amity among men; and which things also are grateful to God and lovely in his sight, in opposition to all contention, strife, wrath, and hatred: whatsoever things [are] of good report;
are well spoken of, and tend to get and establish a good name, which is better than precious ointment, ( Ecclesiastes 7:1 ) ; for though a good name, credit, and reputation among men, are to be sacrificed for the sake of Christ when called for; yet care is to be taken to preserve them by doing things which may secure them, and cause professors of religion to be well reported of; and which beautiful in all, and absolutely necessary in some: if [there be] any virtue;
anywhere, among any persons whatever, in opposition to vice: and if [there be] any praise;
that is praiseworthy among men, and deserves commendation, even though in an unjust steward, ( Luke 16:8 ) , it should be regarded. The Vulgate Latin adds, "of discipline", without any authority from any copy. The Claromontane manuscript reads, "if any praise of knowledge": think on these things: meditate upon them, revolve them in your minds, seriously consider them, and reason with yourselves about them, in order to put them into practice.
John Gill's Exposition of the Bible
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true
To close all with respect to the duties of Christianity incumbent on the professors of it, the apostle exhorts to a regard to everything that is true; that is agreeable to the Scriptures of truth, to the Gospel the word of truth, or to the law and light of nature; and whatever was really so, even among the very Heathens, in opposition to falsehood, lying, and hypocrisy whatsoever things [are] honest;
in the sight of men; or grave, or "venerable" in speech, in action or attire, in opposition to levity, frothiness, or foppery: whatsoever things [are] just; between man and man, or with respect both to God and men; giving to God what belongs to him, and to man what is his due; studying to exercise a conscience void of offence to both, in opposition to all impiety, injustice, violence, and oppression: whatsoever things [are] pure; or "chaste", in words and deeds, in opposition to all filthiness and foolish talking, to obscene words and actions. The Vulgate Latin and Arabic versions render it, "whatsoever things are holy"; which are agreeable to the holy nature, law, and will of God, and which tend to promote holiness of heart and life: whatsoever [are] lovely;
which are amiable in themselves, and to be found even among mere moral men, as in the young man whom Christ as man is said to love, ( Mark 10:21 ) ; and which serve to cultivate and increase love, friendship, and amity among men; and which things also are grateful to God and lovely in his sight, in opposition to all contention, strife, wrath, and hatred: whatsoever things [are] of good report;
are well spoken of, and tend to get and establish a good name, which is better than precious ointment, ( Ecclesiastes 7:1 ) ; for though a good name, credit, and reputation among men, are to be sacrificed for the sake of Christ when called for; yet care is to be taken to preserve them by doing things which may secure them, and cause professors of religion to be well reported of; and which beautiful in all, and absolutely necessary in some: if [there be] any virtue;
anywhere, among any persons whatever, in opposition to vice: and if [there be] any praise;
that is praiseworthy among men, and deserves commendation, even though in an unjust steward, ( Luke 16:8 ) , it should be regarded. The Vulgate Latin adds, "of discipline", without any authority from any copy. The Claromontane manuscript reads, "if any praise of knowledge": think on these things: meditate upon them, revolve them in your minds, seriously consider them, and reason with yourselves about them, in order to put them into practice.
RESOURCES on PHILIPPIANS 4:8 - sermon sampler # 1
"Taking Control of Our Thinking"
Philippians 4:8,9
SERIES: Blueprint for Joyful Living: Philippians
©April 22, 2001 by Rev. Bruce Goettsche
------------
Someone has said that the greatest addiction our society faces is the addiction to anxiety.
We talked about overcoming Anxiety in our last study in Philippians. Now as we move to verses 8-9 we note a connection. In verse 7 we are told that the peace of God will guard our hearts and minds when we pray rather than fret. Notice how the next two verses ends.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable if anything is excellent or praiseworthy think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me put it into practice.
And the God of peace will be with you. [Philippians 4:8,9]
The focus in both texts is on how to experience the peace of God rather than the churning of the world. In our last message we looked at the importance of talking to God. In a sense, this text challenges us in the way we talk to ourselves. What we think about and how we interpret the things that are happening around us create the churning that so often is a part of our living.
There is a famous scene in Peter Pan. Peter is in the children's bedroom; they have seen him fly; and they wish to fly too. They have tried it from the floor and they have tried it from the beds and the result is failure. "How do you do it?" John asked. And Peter answered: "You just think lovely, wonderful thoughts and they lift you up in the air." That sentiment is a little sappy but it also contains a measure of truth. The only way to defeat evil thoughts is to learn to think differently.
Paul wrote,
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Cor. 10:5
Our thinking is something we must take charge over. If we don't, it will control us.
Paul tells us that we need to be intentional about focusing our minds.
This morning I want to look at two general principles that are contained in these verses.
=======
We are to Focus on What is True Rather Rather Than on What is Not
=======
The word true can stand in opposition to many different words. Something can be true instead of false; true instead of fickle (as in a true friend), true instead of crooked (a wall that is "true"), true instead of phony (the true Messiah). So which use of "true" does Paul intend. Could it be that he means all of them? We are to spend our time thinking about the things that are accurate, genuine, and reliable. In order to do this we need to do at least three things.
First, we must become aware of the falsehoods that masquerade as truth
We must learn to think consciously. I know that sounds redundant but I don't think it is. We are being given ideas and philosophies all the time. Sometimes we are aware of those ideas. But often time we are not. Much of what takes place is on a sub-conscious level. Our brain is hearing them and receiving these messages, but we aren't really aware of it.
It wasn't all that long ago that we learned that many people were (and maybe still are) using subliminal messages. In a movie the theatre would insert several scattered frames into the movie that might show a bucket of popcorn, a icy glass of soda, some candy. You wouldn't be able to see these frames because they would go by so quickly, but your brain would see it and immediately you'd start desiring popcorn. It was a subtle form of mind control and it is illegal to engage in such practices.
But this doesn't change the fact that our subconscious is receiving much more information than we realize. Let me give you some examples of what I mean.
Have you ever awakened to a clock radio and then found that all day long you were humming the song that was playing? You may not have "heard" the song but you "heard" it.
Have you ever been watching a ballgame and suddenly found yourself humming the music from some Commercial? Not only are advertisers trying to persuade us to buy their product, but commercials are also presenting certain values. The PBS program "Merchants of Cool" reveal that marketers are very deliberate in selling not just products, but also sell culture and attitudes that will be advantageous for their product.
We watch movies, television, theatre and even the news. These things are often promoting certain values and behaviors that we don't quickly see because we consider entertainment values neutral . . .it's not.
You may remember the story of the woman who always cut off the ends of the beef roast before cooking it. Her husband didn't understand all the waste, so he asked her why she did that. She said she didn't know, that just the way her mother always did it. The next time she was with her mom she asked why she always cut off the ends of the roast before cooking it. Mom said that was the way Grandma always did it. Fortunately Grandma was still around. When Grandma was asked why she always cut off the ends of the roast she responded, "Because it was the only way I could fit it into the pan I had." Even our family and friends influence us in ways we aren't aware of.
We must work to make these messages conscious so that we can interact with them. How do we do this?
Talk to the television and to the movies you watch (if you're in a theatre it is probably best to speak silently or quietly, though others need to interact as you do . . . they may not want to think.). Ask, "what are you trying to get me to believe?"
Turn the television and radio off if it is just serving as background noise because you are hearing more than you realize.
As yourself why you do and think the way you do. If it is "just the way you think" then take some time and try to identify WHY you think that way.
Learn to ask newcasters, "Is there more to this story?" Try to always find out the "other side" because it usually gives a very different slant on the "truth".
Second, we must be intentional about pursuing the truth
Paul tells us to think about the pure (that which accurately reflects God) and to focus on the right (or the righteous . . .that which pleases God.) We don't naturally think godly thoughts. We have to work at it. It is somewhat like programming a computer. We must put the information in the computer before it is of any use to us.
Obviously the place to start is with the Word of God. As we think on God's Word we are anchoring ourselves to a truth that will not drift and is not subject to the whims of public opinion. We need to do more than simply read the Bible, we must know the Bible. We must meditate on God's truth and apply His values and direction to our life. So what can we do?
Make time to read and interact with the Bible daily
Memorize verses of the Bible so you can have them when you need them and so they can get deep into your heart. Go into any Christian bookstore and they can show you a number of Bible memorization aids. If they can't, I will.
Discuss your day with the Lord. Talk to Him about the troublesome people and situations in your life. Seek His perspective and then listen to what He says.
Take notes during a sermon
Get involved in a Sunday School Class
Read books that expound or point to God's Word
Make it a point to ask, "What is God's perspective on this situation?"
We must be diligent and intentional about pursuing the truth.
Have you ever been on a river with a canoe or a boat? Suppose you were going to paddle upstream from Fort Madison IA. North to Burlington IA. It would be a good challenge. Now suppose after awhile you decided that the view was wonderful and you decided to just lay back in the boat and enjoy the day. What would happen? If you waited too long you would not only float back south to Fort Madison, you soon become aware of a the loud sound of water because you would be racing toward the Keokuk Lock and Dam! The reason for this is the current in the river. The current is active even when you are not.
This is a true picture of the Christian life. There is no such thing as static Christianity. If you are not growing toward Christ, you are drifting away from Him! We must be intentional and persistent in our intentionality!
We Must Tell Ourselves the Truth
About our Nature We need to remind ourselves that we are created by and for God and reflect His image. But we also need to remember that we are sinners saved by grace.
How easy it is for us to forget this. It is so easy for us to start feeling that God is lucky to have us on His side. And before long we begin to believe that He exists to serve us, rather than we existing to honor Him. We must constantly remind ourselves of our weakness, not because we want to beat ourselves up but because we need to understand our weaknesses.
The person who has a problem drinking, or with drugs, or with gambling needs to remember their problem. They need to remember how weak they are so that they will stay away from anything that might lead them back into their addiction. You and I must constant remind ourselves of our addiction to sin so that we can combat pride and rebellion in our hearts.
About God's Love. Yes, we are sinful people at heart, but we are also sinful people who have been saved by grace . . . by God's wonderful and undeserved gift. God cares about us. He loves us and has provided the way for you and I to be forgiven and transformed. He provided Christ's death as payment for our sin, and He has granted us His Holy Spirit to help us in the process of growth.
About the circumstances of Life Do you know what creates the greatest amount of anxiety in our lives? It is drawing premature conclusions on the circumstances of life. We must cling to what we know and be careful of how we interpret those things.
Suppose a family member is delayed in getting home. You begin to imagine all kinds of things. You imagine they are in an accident, or they are having an affair, or they have been abducted, or any number of other things. Our imagination robs us of our peace and our anxiety builds. In these times we must remind ourselves of what is true: our family member is late. That is the only true fact we have. Of course, we could remind ourselves that this family member is a careful driver, is responsible, and sometimes loses track of time.
Suppose as you have gotten older you are finding that you can't do what you used to do. Maybe you can no longer play sports. Maybe you can't drive anymore because your eyesight is bad. Maybe you are having trouble getting around because your body doesn't work as well. Maybe you have had to retire because you just can't do the job anymore. At this point there is a tendency to tell ourselves that life is over. We can't do anything anymore. We start to feel sorry for ourselves. At this point we need to tell ourselves the truth. Yes, we can't do what we used to do . . . just because we can't do what we used to do doesn't mean we can't do anything! We simply need to find different things to do and different ways to get around.
Suppose you are heading out on summer vacation. You get a flat tire or have car problems. Is it really true that your vacation is ruined? No! What is true is that things are not going to go just the way you planned them. The one approach spoils the fun, the other begins looking for fun in new areas. The truth is that sometimes these unexpected things are the most memorable and enjoyable parts of the trip.
If we can learn to train ourselves to focus on the truth, we will find that anxiety will be replaced with peace.
We Need to Focus on The Positive Rather than Negative
Paul tells us that we should think about things that are "noble" and "lovely" and "admirable" and "praiseworthy". In other words we should turn away from dwelling on that which is offensive, dirty, and negative.
Even those outside the church understand this principle. One of the most popular management books right now is called "Fish". It is a small book that tells the secrets that the Seattle Fish company learned that made their business fun, effective, and more profitable. And the first secret to their success is that they understand that they choose the attitude they have toward their work.
We can moan about our jobs. We can complain about how little we get paid. We can simply "endure" or we can choose to enjoy. We can choose to make work fun. We can choose to focus on the service we can extend, or the benefit we can provide, and we can take pride in the product we produce. It's a matter of where we choose to set our mind.
We choose the way we respond to our circumstances. We can see everything as a tragedy or view things as a challenge. We can see obstacles or opportunities. We can focus on our inability, or God's great sufficiency. It's our choice and we need to remind ourselves of this.
The same is true of people, we can spotlight their failures or their victories, the strengths or their weaknesses. Paul says we should look for the good in others. We choose how we will see others.
Have you ever stopped to listen to yourself? How much time do you spend spotlighting the weaknesses of others compared to talking about their strengths. I'd bet you spend more time on the negative than you'd care to admit. Why is that? Why do we feel superior when we are tearing someone else apart? How are we better off for ridiculing the weaknesses or quirks of another?
Paul tells us we should celebrate and spotlight people's progress rather than their weakness. We should try to catch people doing things right rather than harping about the things they do wrong. We all have rough edges, we all let people down, but beating each other up over these things doesn't help anything. When we focus on the negative several things happen,
we develop a critical spirit rather than a positive spirit
we push people away rather than draw them closer
we hinder unity in the body of Christ by forcing people to choose sides rather than work together
we are a poor witness for the gospel
we reveal that we lack love
we make others tentative rather than willing to risk because they are afraid of failure and the ridicule that will follow.
and we are inviting others to be critical of us
What is the "up side" to a negative spirit? There is no up-side. But when we are positive toward others,
we spur people on we give them courage and strength
we build a spirit of appreciation and oneness in the body of Christ
we find that people begin to open up to us and we discover some incredible treasure in the people around us
we find that people speak well of us
people try harder and dream bigger
conflict, churning, anxiety gives way to laughter, joy and peace
and best of all: God smiles
CONCLUSIONS
Sure, there is lots more we can say, and there is even more to learn. But hopefully we have enough to start working on.
Are you living in God's peace or are you constantly churning?
Where do your thoughts go when you have some idle moments? Do you wallow in godlessness or are you feeding on the truth?
Are you a negative person or a positive person? Do you build people up or tear them down?
Are you evaluating the messages the world is subtly sending your way?
Are you intentional about filling your mind with the good, pure, and valuable truth of God?
I can't imagine that there isn't a single one of us who doesn't need a little improvement here? Ask God to help you and to help us. And maybe we can help each other. We'll hate it at first, but what if when we saw the negative and destructive thinking creeping up in our mind we said things like this,
Did you make a conscious choice to be grumpy today?
Would you call that a positive or a negative comment?
How do you think God would view this situation?
Do you think you may be jumping to conclusions ahead of the facts?
I hope you get the idea. It would be annoying at first (and maybe a little dangerous) but I know I would appreciate the accountability. I don't want to be a negative thinker, I want to be a godly thinker. I don't want to suck the life out of a situation, I want to infuse life into the people and circumstances around me. I want to stand for that which is pure and not cave in to that which is not. I want to choose the good, enjoy the beautiful, pursue the noble, and I want to walk in the sweetness of God's peace. So, I hope you will encourage me to think better thoughts. I may grumble at the time . . .but I will be grateful . . . eventually. And I hope the same can be said of you.
©April 22, 2001 by Rev. Bruce Goettsche, LaHarpe, IL. 61450 www.unionchurch.com
Philippians 4:8,9
SERIES: Blueprint for Joyful Living: Philippians
©April 22, 2001 by Rev. Bruce Goettsche
------------
Someone has said that the greatest addiction our society faces is the addiction to anxiety.
We talked about overcoming Anxiety in our last study in Philippians. Now as we move to verses 8-9 we note a connection. In verse 7 we are told that the peace of God will guard our hearts and minds when we pray rather than fret. Notice how the next two verses ends.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable if anything is excellent or praiseworthy think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me put it into practice.
And the God of peace will be with you. [Philippians 4:8,9]
The focus in both texts is on how to experience the peace of God rather than the churning of the world. In our last message we looked at the importance of talking to God. In a sense, this text challenges us in the way we talk to ourselves. What we think about and how we interpret the things that are happening around us create the churning that so often is a part of our living.
There is a famous scene in Peter Pan. Peter is in the children's bedroom; they have seen him fly; and they wish to fly too. They have tried it from the floor and they have tried it from the beds and the result is failure. "How do you do it?" John asked. And Peter answered: "You just think lovely, wonderful thoughts and they lift you up in the air." That sentiment is a little sappy but it also contains a measure of truth. The only way to defeat evil thoughts is to learn to think differently.
Paul wrote,
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Cor. 10:5
Our thinking is something we must take charge over. If we don't, it will control us.
Paul tells us that we need to be intentional about focusing our minds.
This morning I want to look at two general principles that are contained in these verses.
=======
We are to Focus on What is True Rather Rather Than on What is Not
=======
The word true can stand in opposition to many different words. Something can be true instead of false; true instead of fickle (as in a true friend), true instead of crooked (a wall that is "true"), true instead of phony (the true Messiah). So which use of "true" does Paul intend. Could it be that he means all of them? We are to spend our time thinking about the things that are accurate, genuine, and reliable. In order to do this we need to do at least three things.
First, we must become aware of the falsehoods that masquerade as truth
We must learn to think consciously. I know that sounds redundant but I don't think it is. We are being given ideas and philosophies all the time. Sometimes we are aware of those ideas. But often time we are not. Much of what takes place is on a sub-conscious level. Our brain is hearing them and receiving these messages, but we aren't really aware of it.
It wasn't all that long ago that we learned that many people were (and maybe still are) using subliminal messages. In a movie the theatre would insert several scattered frames into the movie that might show a bucket of popcorn, a icy glass of soda, some candy. You wouldn't be able to see these frames because they would go by so quickly, but your brain would see it and immediately you'd start desiring popcorn. It was a subtle form of mind control and it is illegal to engage in such practices.
But this doesn't change the fact that our subconscious is receiving much more information than we realize. Let me give you some examples of what I mean.
Have you ever awakened to a clock radio and then found that all day long you were humming the song that was playing? You may not have "heard" the song but you "heard" it.
Have you ever been watching a ballgame and suddenly found yourself humming the music from some Commercial? Not only are advertisers trying to persuade us to buy their product, but commercials are also presenting certain values. The PBS program "Merchants of Cool" reveal that marketers are very deliberate in selling not just products, but also sell culture and attitudes that will be advantageous for their product.
We watch movies, television, theatre and even the news. These things are often promoting certain values and behaviors that we don't quickly see because we consider entertainment values neutral . . .it's not.
You may remember the story of the woman who always cut off the ends of the beef roast before cooking it. Her husband didn't understand all the waste, so he asked her why she did that. She said she didn't know, that just the way her mother always did it. The next time she was with her mom she asked why she always cut off the ends of the roast before cooking it. Mom said that was the way Grandma always did it. Fortunately Grandma was still around. When Grandma was asked why she always cut off the ends of the roast she responded, "Because it was the only way I could fit it into the pan I had." Even our family and friends influence us in ways we aren't aware of.
We must work to make these messages conscious so that we can interact with them. How do we do this?
Talk to the television and to the movies you watch (if you're in a theatre it is probably best to speak silently or quietly, though others need to interact as you do . . . they may not want to think.). Ask, "what are you trying to get me to believe?"
Turn the television and radio off if it is just serving as background noise because you are hearing more than you realize.
As yourself why you do and think the way you do. If it is "just the way you think" then take some time and try to identify WHY you think that way.
Learn to ask newcasters, "Is there more to this story?" Try to always find out the "other side" because it usually gives a very different slant on the "truth".
Second, we must be intentional about pursuing the truth
Paul tells us to think about the pure (that which accurately reflects God) and to focus on the right (or the righteous . . .that which pleases God.) We don't naturally think godly thoughts. We have to work at it. It is somewhat like programming a computer. We must put the information in the computer before it is of any use to us.
Obviously the place to start is with the Word of God. As we think on God's Word we are anchoring ourselves to a truth that will not drift and is not subject to the whims of public opinion. We need to do more than simply read the Bible, we must know the Bible. We must meditate on God's truth and apply His values and direction to our life. So what can we do?
Make time to read and interact with the Bible daily
Memorize verses of the Bible so you can have them when you need them and so they can get deep into your heart. Go into any Christian bookstore and they can show you a number of Bible memorization aids. If they can't, I will.
Discuss your day with the Lord. Talk to Him about the troublesome people and situations in your life. Seek His perspective and then listen to what He says.
Take notes during a sermon
Get involved in a Sunday School Class
Read books that expound or point to God's Word
Make it a point to ask, "What is God's perspective on this situation?"
We must be diligent and intentional about pursuing the truth.
Have you ever been on a river with a canoe or a boat? Suppose you were going to paddle upstream from Fort Madison IA. North to Burlington IA. It would be a good challenge. Now suppose after awhile you decided that the view was wonderful and you decided to just lay back in the boat and enjoy the day. What would happen? If you waited too long you would not only float back south to Fort Madison, you soon become aware of a the loud sound of water because you would be racing toward the Keokuk Lock and Dam! The reason for this is the current in the river. The current is active even when you are not.
This is a true picture of the Christian life. There is no such thing as static Christianity. If you are not growing toward Christ, you are drifting away from Him! We must be intentional and persistent in our intentionality!
We Must Tell Ourselves the Truth
About our Nature We need to remind ourselves that we are created by and for God and reflect His image. But we also need to remember that we are sinners saved by grace.
How easy it is for us to forget this. It is so easy for us to start feeling that God is lucky to have us on His side. And before long we begin to believe that He exists to serve us, rather than we existing to honor Him. We must constantly remind ourselves of our weakness, not because we want to beat ourselves up but because we need to understand our weaknesses.
The person who has a problem drinking, or with drugs, or with gambling needs to remember their problem. They need to remember how weak they are so that they will stay away from anything that might lead them back into their addiction. You and I must constant remind ourselves of our addiction to sin so that we can combat pride and rebellion in our hearts.
About God's Love. Yes, we are sinful people at heart, but we are also sinful people who have been saved by grace . . . by God's wonderful and undeserved gift. God cares about us. He loves us and has provided the way for you and I to be forgiven and transformed. He provided Christ's death as payment for our sin, and He has granted us His Holy Spirit to help us in the process of growth.
About the circumstances of Life Do you know what creates the greatest amount of anxiety in our lives? It is drawing premature conclusions on the circumstances of life. We must cling to what we know and be careful of how we interpret those things.
Suppose a family member is delayed in getting home. You begin to imagine all kinds of things. You imagine they are in an accident, or they are having an affair, or they have been abducted, or any number of other things. Our imagination robs us of our peace and our anxiety builds. In these times we must remind ourselves of what is true: our family member is late. That is the only true fact we have. Of course, we could remind ourselves that this family member is a careful driver, is responsible, and sometimes loses track of time.
Suppose as you have gotten older you are finding that you can't do what you used to do. Maybe you can no longer play sports. Maybe you can't drive anymore because your eyesight is bad. Maybe you are having trouble getting around because your body doesn't work as well. Maybe you have had to retire because you just can't do the job anymore. At this point there is a tendency to tell ourselves that life is over. We can't do anything anymore. We start to feel sorry for ourselves. At this point we need to tell ourselves the truth. Yes, we can't do what we used to do . . . just because we can't do what we used to do doesn't mean we can't do anything! We simply need to find different things to do and different ways to get around.
Suppose you are heading out on summer vacation. You get a flat tire or have car problems. Is it really true that your vacation is ruined? No! What is true is that things are not going to go just the way you planned them. The one approach spoils the fun, the other begins looking for fun in new areas. The truth is that sometimes these unexpected things are the most memorable and enjoyable parts of the trip.
If we can learn to train ourselves to focus on the truth, we will find that anxiety will be replaced with peace.
We Need to Focus on The Positive Rather than Negative
Paul tells us that we should think about things that are "noble" and "lovely" and "admirable" and "praiseworthy". In other words we should turn away from dwelling on that which is offensive, dirty, and negative.
Even those outside the church understand this principle. One of the most popular management books right now is called "Fish". It is a small book that tells the secrets that the Seattle Fish company learned that made their business fun, effective, and more profitable. And the first secret to their success is that they understand that they choose the attitude they have toward their work.
We can moan about our jobs. We can complain about how little we get paid. We can simply "endure" or we can choose to enjoy. We can choose to make work fun. We can choose to focus on the service we can extend, or the benefit we can provide, and we can take pride in the product we produce. It's a matter of where we choose to set our mind.
We choose the way we respond to our circumstances. We can see everything as a tragedy or view things as a challenge. We can see obstacles or opportunities. We can focus on our inability, or God's great sufficiency. It's our choice and we need to remind ourselves of this.
The same is true of people, we can spotlight their failures or their victories, the strengths or their weaknesses. Paul says we should look for the good in others. We choose how we will see others.
Have you ever stopped to listen to yourself? How much time do you spend spotlighting the weaknesses of others compared to talking about their strengths. I'd bet you spend more time on the negative than you'd care to admit. Why is that? Why do we feel superior when we are tearing someone else apart? How are we better off for ridiculing the weaknesses or quirks of another?
Paul tells us we should celebrate and spotlight people's progress rather than their weakness. We should try to catch people doing things right rather than harping about the things they do wrong. We all have rough edges, we all let people down, but beating each other up over these things doesn't help anything. When we focus on the negative several things happen,
we develop a critical spirit rather than a positive spirit
we push people away rather than draw them closer
we hinder unity in the body of Christ by forcing people to choose sides rather than work together
we are a poor witness for the gospel
we reveal that we lack love
we make others tentative rather than willing to risk because they are afraid of failure and the ridicule that will follow.
and we are inviting others to be critical of us
What is the "up side" to a negative spirit? There is no up-side. But when we are positive toward others,
we spur people on we give them courage and strength
we build a spirit of appreciation and oneness in the body of Christ
we find that people begin to open up to us and we discover some incredible treasure in the people around us
we find that people speak well of us
people try harder and dream bigger
conflict, churning, anxiety gives way to laughter, joy and peace
and best of all: God smiles
CONCLUSIONS
Sure, there is lots more we can say, and there is even more to learn. But hopefully we have enough to start working on.
Are you living in God's peace or are you constantly churning?
Where do your thoughts go when you have some idle moments? Do you wallow in godlessness or are you feeding on the truth?
Are you a negative person or a positive person? Do you build people up or tear them down?
Are you evaluating the messages the world is subtly sending your way?
Are you intentional about filling your mind with the good, pure, and valuable truth of God?
I can't imagine that there isn't a single one of us who doesn't need a little improvement here? Ask God to help you and to help us. And maybe we can help each other. We'll hate it at first, but what if when we saw the negative and destructive thinking creeping up in our mind we said things like this,
Did you make a conscious choice to be grumpy today?
Would you call that a positive or a negative comment?
How do you think God would view this situation?
Do you think you may be jumping to conclusions ahead of the facts?
I hope you get the idea. It would be annoying at first (and maybe a little dangerous) but I know I would appreciate the accountability. I don't want to be a negative thinker, I want to be a godly thinker. I don't want to suck the life out of a situation, I want to infuse life into the people and circumstances around me. I want to stand for that which is pure and not cave in to that which is not. I want to choose the good, enjoy the beautiful, pursue the noble, and I want to walk in the sweetness of God's peace. So, I hope you will encourage me to think better thoughts. I may grumble at the time . . .but I will be grateful . . . eventually. And I hope the same can be said of you.
©April 22, 2001 by Rev. Bruce Goettsche, LaHarpe, IL. 61450 www.unionchurch.com
COMMENTARies on PHILIPPIANS 4:8
Think on these things (4:8).
The Gk. word here is logizomai, which implies concentrated, focused effort.
The verb form reminds us that we are to keep on stressing those things which share the qualities Paul lists: the true, which is the reliable and honest; the noble, or worthy of respect; the right, which conforms to God’s standards and merits approval; the pure, which is moral and chaste; the lovely, which is pleasing and agreeable; the admirable, which is worthy of praise.
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Right thinking (v. 8).
Peace involves the mind (see Isa. 26:3 and Rom. 8:6).
Thoughts are powerful; “as he thinketh, so he is” (Prov. 23:7).
Wrong thoughts will lead to unrest and discouragement, but spiritual thinking will lead to peace.
Paul tells us in this verse what to think about; if you compare these virtues to Ps. 19:7-9, you will see that the Word of God meets all of these requirements. Meditation on the Word of God will always bring peace (Ps. 119:165).
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Right Thinking (Phil. 4:8)
Peace involves the heart and the mind.
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee” (Isa. 26:3). Wrong thinking leads to wrong feeling, and before long the heart and mind are pulled apart and we are strangled by worry. We must realize that thoughts are real and powerful, even though they cannot be seen, weighed, or measured. We must bring “into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” (2 Cor. 10:5).
“Sow a thought, reap an action.
Sow an action, reap a habit.
Sow a habit, reap a character.
Sow a character, reap a destiny!”
Paul spells out in detail the things we ought to think about as Christians.
Whatever is true.
Dr. Walter Cavert reported a survey on worry that indicated that only 8 percent of the things people worried about were legitimate matters of concern! The other 92 percent were either imaginary, never happened, or involved matters over which the people had no control anyway. Satan is the liar (John 8:44), and he wants to corrupt our minds with his lies (2 Cor. 11:3). “Yea, hath God said?” is the way he approaches us, just as he approached Eve (Gen. 3:1ff). The Holy Spirit controls our minds through truth (John 17:17; 1 John 5:6), but the devil tries to control them through lies. Whenever we believe a lie, Satan takes over!
Whatever is honest and just.
This means “worthy of respect and right.” There are many things that are not respectable, and Christians should not think about these things. This does not mean we hide our heads in the sand and avoid what is unpleasant and displeasing, but it does mean we do not focus our attention on dishonorable things and permit them to control our thoughts.
Whatever is pure, lovely, and of good report.
“Pure” probably refers to moral purity, since the people then, as now, were constantly attacked by temptations to sexual impurity (Eph. 4:17-24; 5:8-12). “Lovely” means “beautiful, attractive.” “Of good report” means “worth talking about, appealing.” The believer must major on the high and noble thoughts, not the base thoughts of this corrupt world.
Whatever possesses virtue and praise.
If it has virtue, it will motivate us to do better; and if it has praise, it is worth commending to others. No Christian can afford to waste “mind power” on thoughts that tear him down or that would tear others down if these thoughts were shared.
If you will compare this list to David’s description of the Word of God in Psalm 19:7-9, you will see a parallel. The Christian who fills his heart and mind with God’s Word will have a “built-in radar” for detecting wrong thoughts. “Great peace have they which love Thy Law” (Ps. 119:165). Right thinking is the result of daily meditation on the Word of God.
The Gk. word here is logizomai, which implies concentrated, focused effort.
The verb form reminds us that we are to keep on stressing those things which share the qualities Paul lists: the true, which is the reliable and honest; the noble, or worthy of respect; the right, which conforms to God’s standards and merits approval; the pure, which is moral and chaste; the lovely, which is pleasing and agreeable; the admirable, which is worthy of praise.
------------
Right thinking (v. 8).
Peace involves the mind (see Isa. 26:3 and Rom. 8:6).
Thoughts are powerful; “as he thinketh, so he is” (Prov. 23:7).
Wrong thoughts will lead to unrest and discouragement, but spiritual thinking will lead to peace.
Paul tells us in this verse what to think about; if you compare these virtues to Ps. 19:7-9, you will see that the Word of God meets all of these requirements. Meditation on the Word of God will always bring peace (Ps. 119:165).
----------
Right Thinking (Phil. 4:8)
Peace involves the heart and the mind.
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee” (Isa. 26:3). Wrong thinking leads to wrong feeling, and before long the heart and mind are pulled apart and we are strangled by worry. We must realize that thoughts are real and powerful, even though they cannot be seen, weighed, or measured. We must bring “into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” (2 Cor. 10:5).
“Sow a thought, reap an action.
Sow an action, reap a habit.
Sow a habit, reap a character.
Sow a character, reap a destiny!”
Paul spells out in detail the things we ought to think about as Christians.
Whatever is true.
Dr. Walter Cavert reported a survey on worry that indicated that only 8 percent of the things people worried about were legitimate matters of concern! The other 92 percent were either imaginary, never happened, or involved matters over which the people had no control anyway. Satan is the liar (John 8:44), and he wants to corrupt our minds with his lies (2 Cor. 11:3). “Yea, hath God said?” is the way he approaches us, just as he approached Eve (Gen. 3:1ff). The Holy Spirit controls our minds through truth (John 17:17; 1 John 5:6), but the devil tries to control them through lies. Whenever we believe a lie, Satan takes over!
Whatever is honest and just.
This means “worthy of respect and right.” There are many things that are not respectable, and Christians should not think about these things. This does not mean we hide our heads in the sand and avoid what is unpleasant and displeasing, but it does mean we do not focus our attention on dishonorable things and permit them to control our thoughts.
Whatever is pure, lovely, and of good report.
“Pure” probably refers to moral purity, since the people then, as now, were constantly attacked by temptations to sexual impurity (Eph. 4:17-24; 5:8-12). “Lovely” means “beautiful, attractive.” “Of good report” means “worth talking about, appealing.” The believer must major on the high and noble thoughts, not the base thoughts of this corrupt world.
Whatever possesses virtue and praise.
If it has virtue, it will motivate us to do better; and if it has praise, it is worth commending to others. No Christian can afford to waste “mind power” on thoughts that tear him down or that would tear others down if these thoughts were shared.
If you will compare this list to David’s description of the Word of God in Psalm 19:7-9, you will see a parallel. The Christian who fills his heart and mind with God’s Word will have a “built-in radar” for detecting wrong thoughts. “Great peace have they which love Thy Law” (Ps. 119:165). Right thinking is the result of daily meditation on the Word of God.
Week 2 through Week 6 CHOOSE SERIES at HIS LIFE 2016
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WEEK 2
Choose your Destination "whatever is true"
WELCOME
1. Think for a moment about heaven. How do you imagine it to be like.
What would you look forward to in heaven?
2. How about hell, what is the first thing that comes to your mind?
WORD
Choose your Destination Text. Job 14:1-2 and 14
"1How frail is humanity! How short is life, and how full of trouble! 2Like a flower, we blossom for a moment and then wither. Like the shadow of a passing cloud, we quickly disappear...14If mortals die, can they live again? This thought would give me hope, and through my struggle I would eagerly wait for release."
Like Job, all of us have been challenged by this question. Exactly what happens to us after we die? Do we simply cease to exist? Does everyone go to the same place, or do we go to different places?
Is there really a heaven and hell? This week we are challenged to choose our destiny and believe on the truth. Honestly, heaven and hell is a very wide-ranging topic but is at the same time interestingly enough. In Luke 16:19-31, the Lord Jesus gave us a foretaste or a preview of what it is like and what is happening in the afterlife. (Read this passage together as a group.)
Preview about Hell
1. There is Reaction -In utter torment, he (the rich man) needed water to cool his tongue.
Even though he does not have a body, he is experiencing the sense of touch and is in terrible pain.
2. There is Recognition - he sees Lazarus across a great chasm and Abraham by his side.
How painful to see Paradise and yet know that it is too late, and he will never experience one moment there.
3. There is Response - he can speak; he calls to Abraham and communicates his pain.
And he can hear Abraham's answers.
4. There is Remembrance – he remembered that he has 5 brothers and he wants them to be saved.
This may not be a pleasant subject to deal with but the Lord Jesus talked more about hell than He did about heaven in order to warn men of its reality.
LIFE GROUP DISCUSSION
1. While studying this lesson, what comes to your mind?
2. Have you even made Jesus your Lord and Savior? If not pause for awhile and study the topic of Salvation using our Cross Road Booklet.
3. Do you have in mind any relative who needs Jesus?
MINISTRY TIME
1. Give a thanksgiving prayer that God gave us the truth and the way, through our Lord Jesus Christ, so we can spend eternity with Him.
2. Pray for your unsaved family members that they too will know the truth about Jesus.
PERSONAL APPLICATION
Study and memorize this passage of the week:
John 20:31
31 "But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God,
and that by believing you may have life in his name.”
WORKS
Remind everyone the following THINGS TO DO DURING OUR SERIES
1. Encourage everyone to commit to attend all our Sunday Celebrations.
2. Bring a new friend to be part of your Life Group next week.
3. Read our Newsletter to see what's up for the coming week and be part of it if it relates to your network.
4. Read the Book of Philippians during your quiet time.
5. Record your thoughts in your prayer journal about how this study applies to you.
NOTES:
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WEEK 3 Choose your obedience "whatever is honorable"
WELCOME
1. What is the wildest dream you ever had and that given a chance will do it?
2. Was there a time when you have given in to pressure? What happened?
WORD
Choose to Obey Text: Daniel 1:8
"But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the royal delicacies or the royal wine."
Eric Liddell was Scotland's fastest sprinter,he had won every 100-meter race he had run since early in his running career and this speed earned him a spot on British Olympic team.However, Eric Liddell had announced to his country that he could not run in the Olympic 100-meter race because the finals was scheduled on a Sunday. Sunday was a day of worship and rest for him and he would not run even if he were his country's only hope of winning an Olympic gold medal. This made the Scottish people very upset with him. Some even called him a traitor. But he stood firm. He had never run on Sundays and never would, not even for an Olympic gold medal.
God's call to obey goes against the small pieceof our natural judgment by thinking “What difference does it make?” But God calls us to obey him out of his concern for our best. Sometimes that means we must make hard choices.Eric Liddell chose to obey even when it didn't seem to matter to anyone but God. He had much in common with Daniel. Both were men of integrity who were challenged by difficult decisions of obedience.
Daniel was committed to God and determined to follow him, just as we saw was true of Eric Liddell. Both resolved to obey God whatever the cost, even in something seemingly unimportant.Too often instead of making up our minds to obey God no matter what, as these men did, we choose to compromise when faced with situations where obedience is hard, especially when it seems meaningless from the earthly standpoint.Make up your mind today to obey God, whatever that means in your life. Love him enough to follow him fully and give forth glimpses of godliness to your world.
LIFE GROUP DISCUSSION
1. What do you do when you are faced with a difficult choice to obey God or not, especially when the negative effects of compromise seem insignificant?
2. Have you ever had an experience where after a careful and serious study of your situation you changed your actions and opinion? What happened?
MINISTRY TIME
1. Pray that God will give you strength not to give in to compromise when you are in a difficult situation.
2. Pray that we will always give our best to God no matter what the cost.
PERSONAL APPLICATION
Study and memorize this passage of the week:
Philippians 3:8
“I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord,
for whose sake I have lost all things.”
WORKS
Remind everyone the following THINGS TO DO DURING OUR SERIES
1. Encourage everyone to commit to attend all our Sunday Celebrations.
2. Bring a new friend to be part of your Life Group next week.
3. Read our Newsletter to see what's up for the coming week and be part of it if it relates to your network.
4. Read the Book of Philippians during your quiet time.
5. Record your thoughts in your prayer journal about how this study applies to you.
NOTES:
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WEEK 4
Choose opportunity "whatever is pure"
WELCOME
1. Share of a time when you wanted something very much, and what you had to do to acquire it.
2. Recall a time when you did something because you knew in your heart it was right. What happened?
WORD
Choose opportunity
Mark 7:20-23 (ESV)
20 And he said, “What comes out of a person is what defiles him. 21 For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, 22 coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. 23 All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.”
The word pure means "without mixture; separated, therefore "clean"; or spiritually clean and free from the influences of sin.
One of the most helpful things we can learn about the Christian life is that all sin begins in our thoughts, which the Bible often calls “the heart.” The Lord Jesus said, “That which proceeds out of the man that is what defiles the man. No one commits these outward sins without first having committed them in his mind. Our desires fuel and feed our minds. In our hearts, we have desires, emotions, will and motives. Because our hearts powerfully direct our thoughts, attitudes, and behavior, the Bible teaches that above all else, we are to guard our hearts. If we want to grow in godliness, we must win the battle over sin on the thought level.We should not be passive in letting just any thought enter and take root in our minds. We need to be diligent in actively guarding our mind and taking captive every thought that is not in accordance with God's Word.
Life Group Discussion
1. Ask one another if everyone have a time and place for daily Bible reading and prayer?
2. What can you do to not be conformed according to the pattern of this world?
Ministry Time
1. Take a minute and think of how the pattern of this world influences your thinking and then surrender your thought to God in prayer.
2. Thank God for the privilege of using you to touch the lives of others.
3. Close by praying for any requests your group might have.
PERSONAL APPLICATION
Study and memorize this passage of the week:
Romans 12:2
“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
WORKS
Remind everyone the following THINGS TO DO DURING OUR SERIES
1. Encourage everyone to commit to attend all our Sunday Celebrations.
2. Bring a new friend to be part of your Life Group next week.
3. Read our Newsletter to see what's up for the coming week and be part of it if it relates to your network.
4. Read the Book of Philippians during your quiet time.
5. Record your thoughts in your prayer journal about how this study applies to you.
NOTES:
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WEEK 5 Choose Whom You Serve"Whatever is lovely and commendable”
WELCOME
1. Did you ever work for a boss? Share your experience.
2. Have you ever thought of resigning from your current job and think of moving to a better job? What happened?
WORD
Choose whom you serve
John 1:35-44
“35 The following day, John was again standing with two of his disciples. 36As Jesus walked by, John looked at him and then declared, “Look! There is the Lamb of God!” 37 Then John's two disciples turned and followed Jesus…40 Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, was one of these men who had heard what John said and then followed Jesus.
This story focuses on Andrew who chooses to go for the best. Andrew had been part of a very successful religious movement led by John the Baptist. At the time, nobody was bigger news than John. He was wellO-known, influential, and young. There appeared to be no end to his ministry. The men who had chosen to follow him were enjoying God's blessing everyday.Matthew 3:55 “People from Jerusalem and from every section of Judea and from all over the Jordan Valley went out to the wilderness to hear him preach.”
The ministry of John was very good and Andrew was part of it, AND THEN CAME Jesus, He was bigger news than John the Baptist. He was unknown at first, but his presence was undeniable. John was doing great work, but there was something more about Jesus. He spoke with authority, walked with determination, and performed with power unlike John's followers had ever seen. Andrew had to choose.
How many times are we challenged to make a choice if we will go for the best or just settle for the good? Andrew had to choose. If he stayed with John, He would have a life of God's blessings. But if he followed Jesus, he will gain more. The Lord Jesus is offering us more than what we consider good, if he can turn the basic things in life like water into the best wine, he can offer us greater things than what we consider normal and good.
Life Group Discussion
1. Think of someone you have viewed as a mentor, or someone you have respected in the past. What characteristics caused you to think of this person?
2. What can you say about Andrew when he made the choice of leaving John the Baptist his leader to follow another one Jesus?
3. Without mentioning the Lord Jesus and John the Baptist, how do you feel about a person who changes from one leader to another?
Ministry Time
1. Take a minute and thank God for His love and grace He has given you and how He touched your life.
2. Thank God for the privilege of using you to touch the lives of others.
3. Close by praying for any requests your group might have.
PERSONAL APPLICATION
Study and memorize this passage of the week:
Jeremiah 29:11 ESV
29 "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil,
to give you a future and a hope.”
WORKS
Remind everyone the following THINGS TO DO DURING OUR SERIES
1. Encourage everyone to commit to attend all our Sunday Celebrations.
2. Bring a new friend to be part of your Life Group next week.
3. Read our Newsletter to see what's up for the coming week and be part of it if it relates to your network.
4. Read the Book of Philippians during your quiet time.
5. Record your thoughts in your prayer journal about how this study applies to you.
NOTES:
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WEEK 6
Choose Excellence "Whatever is excellence"
WELCOME
1. Why is it so ordinary for us to tell ourselves of negative/destructive things?
2. Have you given yourself permission to live life to the fullest?
WORD
Choose excellence
Text: Colossians 3:23 (NIV)
23 “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,”
Paul knows that his list of items to think about is not really that exhaustive or complete so he includes anything that is "excellent or praiseworthy". If your aim is to maximize your potential for God, you must first discipline yourself mentally. Do your part now so that God can honor your faith and empower you to live a life of excellence.
You can achieve excellence at any point in your life, it's in your mind. If you are thinking positively and Biblically that you can do it and you are looking for ways to do it better, you are achieving excellence. Are you renewing your mind by consistently reading and studying God's Word – the Bible? When you find your mind wandering into the trash of this world, turn to this verse, take it to heart, and fill your mind with the "excellent" and "praiseworthy" The result of all this is: "And the God of peace will be with you" (4: 9).
LIFE GROUP DISCUSSION
1. Up to this point, have you been a faithful steward of your mental life? How so, exactly?
2. What would you have to give up tostart thinking more consistently with Philippians 4:8?
3. Can you name some improvements in your life that do not first involve changed thinking?
MINISTRY
End the series with this simple prayer:
“Lord, thank you for all the goodness in our life and the great plans you have for us, for our family, and for our future. We praise you for our healthy mind and the power you have instilled in our thoughts. Thank you Lord, especially for the freedom you have given us to select our thoughts and thereby influence our state of mind and our circumstances.
Help us to accept responsibility for our thinking. Lead us, moment by moment, to choose joyful thoughts that lineup with the vision you have for our life. Protect us from searching for joy in all the wrong places, and inspire usto enjoy the gift of this present moment.”
In Jesus' name, Amen
PERSONAL APPLICATION
Study and memorize this passage of the week:
Philippines 4:8 (ESV)
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
WORKS
Remind everyone the following THINGS TO DO:
1. End the series with a 144 party.
2. Bring your new friends to the party.
3. Prepare a massive CROSSRoads and CROSSOver Day.
4. Enroll NEW Life Group members for the coming LTS
5. Prepare for the NEXT series.
NOTES:
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WEEK 2
Choose your Destination "whatever is true"
WELCOME
1. Think for a moment about heaven. How do you imagine it to be like.
What would you look forward to in heaven?
2. How about hell, what is the first thing that comes to your mind?
WORD
Choose your Destination Text. Job 14:1-2 and 14
"1How frail is humanity! How short is life, and how full of trouble! 2Like a flower, we blossom for a moment and then wither. Like the shadow of a passing cloud, we quickly disappear...14If mortals die, can they live again? This thought would give me hope, and through my struggle I would eagerly wait for release."
Like Job, all of us have been challenged by this question. Exactly what happens to us after we die? Do we simply cease to exist? Does everyone go to the same place, or do we go to different places?
Is there really a heaven and hell? This week we are challenged to choose our destiny and believe on the truth. Honestly, heaven and hell is a very wide-ranging topic but is at the same time interestingly enough. In Luke 16:19-31, the Lord Jesus gave us a foretaste or a preview of what it is like and what is happening in the afterlife. (Read this passage together as a group.)
Preview about Hell
1. There is Reaction -In utter torment, he (the rich man) needed water to cool his tongue.
Even though he does not have a body, he is experiencing the sense of touch and is in terrible pain.
2. There is Recognition - he sees Lazarus across a great chasm and Abraham by his side.
How painful to see Paradise and yet know that it is too late, and he will never experience one moment there.
3. There is Response - he can speak; he calls to Abraham and communicates his pain.
And he can hear Abraham's answers.
4. There is Remembrance – he remembered that he has 5 brothers and he wants them to be saved.
This may not be a pleasant subject to deal with but the Lord Jesus talked more about hell than He did about heaven in order to warn men of its reality.
LIFE GROUP DISCUSSION
1. While studying this lesson, what comes to your mind?
2. Have you even made Jesus your Lord and Savior? If not pause for awhile and study the topic of Salvation using our Cross Road Booklet.
3. Do you have in mind any relative who needs Jesus?
MINISTRY TIME
1. Give a thanksgiving prayer that God gave us the truth and the way, through our Lord Jesus Christ, so we can spend eternity with Him.
2. Pray for your unsaved family members that they too will know the truth about Jesus.
PERSONAL APPLICATION
Study and memorize this passage of the week:
John 20:31
31 "But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God,
and that by believing you may have life in his name.”
WORKS
Remind everyone the following THINGS TO DO DURING OUR SERIES
1. Encourage everyone to commit to attend all our Sunday Celebrations.
2. Bring a new friend to be part of your Life Group next week.
3. Read our Newsletter to see what's up for the coming week and be part of it if it relates to your network.
4. Read the Book of Philippians during your quiet time.
5. Record your thoughts in your prayer journal about how this study applies to you.
NOTES:
------------
------------
WEEK 3 Choose your obedience "whatever is honorable"
WELCOME
1. What is the wildest dream you ever had and that given a chance will do it?
2. Was there a time when you have given in to pressure? What happened?
WORD
Choose to Obey Text: Daniel 1:8
"But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the royal delicacies or the royal wine."
Eric Liddell was Scotland's fastest sprinter,he had won every 100-meter race he had run since early in his running career and this speed earned him a spot on British Olympic team.However, Eric Liddell had announced to his country that he could not run in the Olympic 100-meter race because the finals was scheduled on a Sunday. Sunday was a day of worship and rest for him and he would not run even if he were his country's only hope of winning an Olympic gold medal. This made the Scottish people very upset with him. Some even called him a traitor. But he stood firm. He had never run on Sundays and never would, not even for an Olympic gold medal.
God's call to obey goes against the small pieceof our natural judgment by thinking “What difference does it make?” But God calls us to obey him out of his concern for our best. Sometimes that means we must make hard choices.Eric Liddell chose to obey even when it didn't seem to matter to anyone but God. He had much in common with Daniel. Both were men of integrity who were challenged by difficult decisions of obedience.
Daniel was committed to God and determined to follow him, just as we saw was true of Eric Liddell. Both resolved to obey God whatever the cost, even in something seemingly unimportant.Too often instead of making up our minds to obey God no matter what, as these men did, we choose to compromise when faced with situations where obedience is hard, especially when it seems meaningless from the earthly standpoint.Make up your mind today to obey God, whatever that means in your life. Love him enough to follow him fully and give forth glimpses of godliness to your world.
LIFE GROUP DISCUSSION
1. What do you do when you are faced with a difficult choice to obey God or not, especially when the negative effects of compromise seem insignificant?
2. Have you ever had an experience where after a careful and serious study of your situation you changed your actions and opinion? What happened?
MINISTRY TIME
1. Pray that God will give you strength not to give in to compromise when you are in a difficult situation.
2. Pray that we will always give our best to God no matter what the cost.
PERSONAL APPLICATION
Study and memorize this passage of the week:
Philippians 3:8
“I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord,
for whose sake I have lost all things.”
WORKS
Remind everyone the following THINGS TO DO DURING OUR SERIES
1. Encourage everyone to commit to attend all our Sunday Celebrations.
2. Bring a new friend to be part of your Life Group next week.
3. Read our Newsletter to see what's up for the coming week and be part of it if it relates to your network.
4. Read the Book of Philippians during your quiet time.
5. Record your thoughts in your prayer journal about how this study applies to you.
NOTES:
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WEEK 4
Choose opportunity "whatever is pure"
WELCOME
1. Share of a time when you wanted something very much, and what you had to do to acquire it.
2. Recall a time when you did something because you knew in your heart it was right. What happened?
WORD
Choose opportunity
Mark 7:20-23 (ESV)
20 And he said, “What comes out of a person is what defiles him. 21 For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, 22 coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. 23 All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.”
The word pure means "without mixture; separated, therefore "clean"; or spiritually clean and free from the influences of sin.
One of the most helpful things we can learn about the Christian life is that all sin begins in our thoughts, which the Bible often calls “the heart.” The Lord Jesus said, “That which proceeds out of the man that is what defiles the man. No one commits these outward sins without first having committed them in his mind. Our desires fuel and feed our minds. In our hearts, we have desires, emotions, will and motives. Because our hearts powerfully direct our thoughts, attitudes, and behavior, the Bible teaches that above all else, we are to guard our hearts. If we want to grow in godliness, we must win the battle over sin on the thought level.We should not be passive in letting just any thought enter and take root in our minds. We need to be diligent in actively guarding our mind and taking captive every thought that is not in accordance with God's Word.
Life Group Discussion
1. Ask one another if everyone have a time and place for daily Bible reading and prayer?
2. What can you do to not be conformed according to the pattern of this world?
Ministry Time
1. Take a minute and think of how the pattern of this world influences your thinking and then surrender your thought to God in prayer.
2. Thank God for the privilege of using you to touch the lives of others.
3. Close by praying for any requests your group might have.
PERSONAL APPLICATION
Study and memorize this passage of the week:
Romans 12:2
“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
WORKS
Remind everyone the following THINGS TO DO DURING OUR SERIES
1. Encourage everyone to commit to attend all our Sunday Celebrations.
2. Bring a new friend to be part of your Life Group next week.
3. Read our Newsletter to see what's up for the coming week and be part of it if it relates to your network.
4. Read the Book of Philippians during your quiet time.
5. Record your thoughts in your prayer journal about how this study applies to you.
NOTES:
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WEEK 5 Choose Whom You Serve"Whatever is lovely and commendable”
WELCOME
1. Did you ever work for a boss? Share your experience.
2. Have you ever thought of resigning from your current job and think of moving to a better job? What happened?
WORD
Choose whom you serve
John 1:35-44
“35 The following day, John was again standing with two of his disciples. 36As Jesus walked by, John looked at him and then declared, “Look! There is the Lamb of God!” 37 Then John's two disciples turned and followed Jesus…40 Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, was one of these men who had heard what John said and then followed Jesus.
This story focuses on Andrew who chooses to go for the best. Andrew had been part of a very successful religious movement led by John the Baptist. At the time, nobody was bigger news than John. He was wellO-known, influential, and young. There appeared to be no end to his ministry. The men who had chosen to follow him were enjoying God's blessing everyday.Matthew 3:55 “People from Jerusalem and from every section of Judea and from all over the Jordan Valley went out to the wilderness to hear him preach.”
The ministry of John was very good and Andrew was part of it, AND THEN CAME Jesus, He was bigger news than John the Baptist. He was unknown at first, but his presence was undeniable. John was doing great work, but there was something more about Jesus. He spoke with authority, walked with determination, and performed with power unlike John's followers had ever seen. Andrew had to choose.
How many times are we challenged to make a choice if we will go for the best or just settle for the good? Andrew had to choose. If he stayed with John, He would have a life of God's blessings. But if he followed Jesus, he will gain more. The Lord Jesus is offering us more than what we consider good, if he can turn the basic things in life like water into the best wine, he can offer us greater things than what we consider normal and good.
Life Group Discussion
1. Think of someone you have viewed as a mentor, or someone you have respected in the past. What characteristics caused you to think of this person?
2. What can you say about Andrew when he made the choice of leaving John the Baptist his leader to follow another one Jesus?
3. Without mentioning the Lord Jesus and John the Baptist, how do you feel about a person who changes from one leader to another?
Ministry Time
1. Take a minute and thank God for His love and grace He has given you and how He touched your life.
2. Thank God for the privilege of using you to touch the lives of others.
3. Close by praying for any requests your group might have.
PERSONAL APPLICATION
Study and memorize this passage of the week:
Jeremiah 29:11 ESV
29 "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil,
to give you a future and a hope.”
WORKS
Remind everyone the following THINGS TO DO DURING OUR SERIES
1. Encourage everyone to commit to attend all our Sunday Celebrations.
2. Bring a new friend to be part of your Life Group next week.
3. Read our Newsletter to see what's up for the coming week and be part of it if it relates to your network.
4. Read the Book of Philippians during your quiet time.
5. Record your thoughts in your prayer journal about how this study applies to you.
NOTES:
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WEEK 6
Choose Excellence "Whatever is excellence"
WELCOME
1. Why is it so ordinary for us to tell ourselves of negative/destructive things?
2. Have you given yourself permission to live life to the fullest?
WORD
Choose excellence
Text: Colossians 3:23 (NIV)
23 “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,”
Paul knows that his list of items to think about is not really that exhaustive or complete so he includes anything that is "excellent or praiseworthy". If your aim is to maximize your potential for God, you must first discipline yourself mentally. Do your part now so that God can honor your faith and empower you to live a life of excellence.
You can achieve excellence at any point in your life, it's in your mind. If you are thinking positively and Biblically that you can do it and you are looking for ways to do it better, you are achieving excellence. Are you renewing your mind by consistently reading and studying God's Word – the Bible? When you find your mind wandering into the trash of this world, turn to this verse, take it to heart, and fill your mind with the "excellent" and "praiseworthy" The result of all this is: "And the God of peace will be with you" (4: 9).
LIFE GROUP DISCUSSION
1. Up to this point, have you been a faithful steward of your mental life? How so, exactly?
2. What would you have to give up tostart thinking more consistently with Philippians 4:8?
3. Can you name some improvements in your life that do not first involve changed thinking?
MINISTRY
End the series with this simple prayer:
“Lord, thank you for all the goodness in our life and the great plans you have for us, for our family, and for our future. We praise you for our healthy mind and the power you have instilled in our thoughts. Thank you Lord, especially for the freedom you have given us to select our thoughts and thereby influence our state of mind and our circumstances.
Help us to accept responsibility for our thinking. Lead us, moment by moment, to choose joyful thoughts that lineup with the vision you have for our life. Protect us from searching for joy in all the wrong places, and inspire usto enjoy the gift of this present moment.”
In Jesus' name, Amen
PERSONAL APPLICATION
Study and memorize this passage of the week:
Philippines 4:8 (ESV)
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
WORKS
Remind everyone the following THINGS TO DO:
1. End the series with a 144 party.
2. Bring your new friends to the party.
3. Prepare a massive CROSSRoads and CROSSOver Day.
4. Enroll NEW Life Group members for the coming LTS
5. Prepare for the NEXT series.
NOTES:
Tuesday, April 5, 2016
Week 1 CHOOSE INTRODUCTION lifegroups
WEEK 1
Choose Introduction
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WELCOME
1. Do you believe in positive thinking? Can you share your thoughts about this?
2. Given a chance to choose between branded vs. inexpensive products which do you usually prefer?
WORD
Text: Philippians 4:8 (ESV)
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
In Philippians 4:8, Paul encourages us to develop a Christian thought pattern.
The whole context of the book of Philippians is living a joyful life in the midst of any circumstances. Our thinking is something we must take charge over. If we don't, it will control us.
Paul tells us that we need to be intentional about focusing our minds in whatever is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and of good repute.
Let's look at the list:
1. We are to Focus on what is True rather than on what is Not.
The word means “True as to fact ... it denotes the actuality of a thing” The “true” is that which corresponds to reality. We are to spend our time thinking about the things that are accurate, genuine, and reliable.
2. We Need to Focus on the Positive Rather than the Negative
Paul tells us that we should think about things that are "noble" and "lovely" and "admirable" and "praiseworthy". In other words we should turn away from dwelling on that which is offensive, foul, and negative.
3. We need to Focus on what is Right rather than to Compromise.
To think on what is right means, we need to choose the way we respond to our circumstances.
We can either see everything as a tragedy or view things as a challenge.
See them as obstacles or as opportunities.
We can either focus on our inability or to God's great sufficiency.
It's our choice and we need to remind ourselves of this.
4. We need to Focus on what is Pure rather than the Impure.
The word refers to the moral purity that is pictured as one whole being as undefiled by abstaining from any impurity or greed, even to be associated with.
As Christians, we live in an impure culture.
But we must focus on moral purity.
5. We need to Focus on what is Lovely and Commendable (of good repute).
Whatever is lovely occurs only here in the New Testament.
It means what is pleasing, agreeable, and attractive.
At times we all find ourselves attracted to that which is evil.
But this word must be taken within the context, meaning that which is both pure and attractive. Whatever is commendable comes from a compound word meaning to speak well of something it says about and believe the best about another person
6. Think of “Excellence”
Paul said it all in Colossians - Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. (3:23-24)
LIFE GROUP DISCUSSION
1. It has been said, “It doesn't matter what you believe, as long as you're sincere.”Would Paul agree or disagree with this statement? Why?
2. Growth in the Christian life involves the transformation of the mind (v. 8). How do you develop a God-honoring thought life?
MINISTRY TIME
1. Ask every one in the group if there is a particular area in their thought that needs to be submitted to God based on our scriptural study today.
2. Use the whole verse as your prayer guide and end your prayer with encouragement.
PERSONAL APPLICATION
Study and memorize this passage of the week:
Philippians 4:8 (ESV)
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
WORKS
Remind everyone the following THINGS TO DO DURING OUR SERIES
1. Encourage everyone to commit to attend all our Sunday Celebrations.
2. Bring a new friend to be part of your Life Group next week.
3. Read our Newsletter to see what's up for the coming week and be part of it if it relates to your network.
4. Read the Book of Philippians during your quiet time.
5. Record your thoughts in your prayer journal about how this study applies to you.
NOTES:
Choose Introduction
------------
WELCOME
1. Do you believe in positive thinking? Can you share your thoughts about this?
2. Given a chance to choose between branded vs. inexpensive products which do you usually prefer?
WORD
Text: Philippians 4:8 (ESV)
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
In Philippians 4:8, Paul encourages us to develop a Christian thought pattern.
The whole context of the book of Philippians is living a joyful life in the midst of any circumstances. Our thinking is something we must take charge over. If we don't, it will control us.
Paul tells us that we need to be intentional about focusing our minds in whatever is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and of good repute.
Let's look at the list:
1. We are to Focus on what is True rather than on what is Not.
The word means “True as to fact ... it denotes the actuality of a thing” The “true” is that which corresponds to reality. We are to spend our time thinking about the things that are accurate, genuine, and reliable.
2. We Need to Focus on the Positive Rather than the Negative
Paul tells us that we should think about things that are "noble" and "lovely" and "admirable" and "praiseworthy". In other words we should turn away from dwelling on that which is offensive, foul, and negative.
3. We need to Focus on what is Right rather than to Compromise.
To think on what is right means, we need to choose the way we respond to our circumstances.
We can either see everything as a tragedy or view things as a challenge.
See them as obstacles or as opportunities.
We can either focus on our inability or to God's great sufficiency.
It's our choice and we need to remind ourselves of this.
4. We need to Focus on what is Pure rather than the Impure.
The word refers to the moral purity that is pictured as one whole being as undefiled by abstaining from any impurity or greed, even to be associated with.
As Christians, we live in an impure culture.
But we must focus on moral purity.
5. We need to Focus on what is Lovely and Commendable (of good repute).
Whatever is lovely occurs only here in the New Testament.
It means what is pleasing, agreeable, and attractive.
At times we all find ourselves attracted to that which is evil.
But this word must be taken within the context, meaning that which is both pure and attractive. Whatever is commendable comes from a compound word meaning to speak well of something it says about and believe the best about another person
6. Think of “Excellence”
Paul said it all in Colossians - Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. (3:23-24)
LIFE GROUP DISCUSSION
1. It has been said, “It doesn't matter what you believe, as long as you're sincere.”Would Paul agree or disagree with this statement? Why?
2. Growth in the Christian life involves the transformation of the mind (v. 8). How do you develop a God-honoring thought life?
MINISTRY TIME
1. Ask every one in the group if there is a particular area in their thought that needs to be submitted to God based on our scriptural study today.
2. Use the whole verse as your prayer guide and end your prayer with encouragement.
PERSONAL APPLICATION
Study and memorize this passage of the week:
Philippians 4:8 (ESV)
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
WORKS
Remind everyone the following THINGS TO DO DURING OUR SERIES
1. Encourage everyone to commit to attend all our Sunday Celebrations.
2. Bring a new friend to be part of your Life Group next week.
3. Read our Newsletter to see what's up for the coming week and be part of it if it relates to your network.
4. Read the Book of Philippians during your quiet time.
5. Record your thoughts in your prayer journal about how this study applies to you.
NOTES:
philippians 4:8 ff from the MESSAGE TRANSLATION
Philippians 4The Message (MSG)
4 My dear, dear friends! I love you so much. I do want the very best for you. You make me feel such joy, fill me with such pride. Don’t waver. Stay on track, steady in God.
Pray About Everything
2 I urge Euodia and Syntyche to iron out their differences and make up. God doesn’t want his children holding grudges.
3 And, oh, yes, Syzygus, since you’re right there to help them work things out, do your best with them. These women worked for the Message hand in hand with Clement and me, and with the other veterans—worked as hard as any of us. Remember, their names are also in the Book of Life.
4-5 Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you’re on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute!
6-7 Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.
8-9 Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.
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