Confident Christianity in Uncertain Circumstances

Week 8 4:823 and Summary

 8 Finally, brothers, whatever things are true,

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

4:89

 8 Finally, brothers, whatever things are true,

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

4:89

How it Aits together

See the board!

One comment on vv. 89

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

 10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at

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

4:1013

14 Nevertheless you have done well by sharing with

me in my afAliction. 15 Now you also know, Philippians,

that at the beginning of the gospel, when I departed
from Macedonia, no church shared with me in the
matter of giving and receiving except you alone,
16 because even in Thessalonica on more than one

occasion you sent for my need. 17 Not that I seek the

gift, but I seek for the proAit that increases to your
account. 18 But I have received everything in full and
have an abundance; I am well supplied because I
received from Epaphroditus what you had sent, a
fragrant offering, an acceptable sacriAice, well-pleasing
to God.

4:1418

19 And my God will fulAill your every need according

to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 Now to our God

and Father be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

4:1920

Thanks, Sort of
1. Giving is more than a human transaction.
2. How can I say thanks?
A. Thanks, but I am not driven by money or
comfort.
B. Thanks, but no more.

 21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers

with me greet you. 22 All the saints greet you, and

especially those of Caesars household. 23 The grace of

the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

4:2123

 21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers

with me greet you. 22 All the saints greet you, and

especially those of Caesars household. 23 The grace of

the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

4:2123

3 Observations
1. Emphasis on unity (every, your spirit).
2. Caesars household = employees of the
imperial government
3. Grace bookends the letter.

Confident Christianity in Uncertain Circumstances

Summary

What is this letter about?

What is this letter about?

Chris&an Discipleship

1. Christ and His Gospel

104 Verses, Christ named 37 times
Gospel 9 times
For whoever would save his life will lose it,
but whoever loses his life for my sake and
the gospels will save it (Mark 8:35).
What are you living for?

2. Principles Jesus Taught and

Demonstrated
Humility before exaltation (2:611; Mark 9:35)
Losing to gain (3:8; Luke 9:2325)
Conformed daily to the cross-death (3:10; Luke
9:2325)

2. Principles Jesus Taught and

Demonstrated
Do not worry (4:67; Luke 12:2231)
Giving is worship (4:1819; Matt 6:24)

Have we let Jesus and his teaching shape us?

3. Thinking and Doing

Discern what really matters 1:910
The verb to think is used 10 times
The verb to consider 3 times in 3:78
The verb to ponder in 4:8

How are you thinking?

3. Thinking and Doing

Conduct yourselves as citizens 1:27

Obey as you always have 2:12; 3:15
The call to imitate (3:15, 17; 4:9)

How are you living? Whose example are you
following?

What is this letter about?

Chris&an Discipleship

Confident Christianity in Uncertain Circumstances

The End