Abiding in the God of Peace

Phase II: Philippians 4:8-9

The apostle realizes that the peace of God is good but not our final goal. We need to go deeper. Our goal needs to be in God's presence. We are to abide in the 'God of peace'.

These verses strongly confirm what we have been trying to point out during our study on meditation. Meditation on God's person, purpose and ways brings us to where we need to be. As long as we are focusing on the truth, we cannot believe a lie. We again see the renewed mind of Christ described. A renewed mind brings stronger faith.

Let's now continue with Phase 2 from verses 8-9. This will bring us up two more steps.

Phase 2: Philippians 4:8-9

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Step #6

 Focusing on the Truth (Phil. 4:8)

Paul shifts into a high gear for here the mind is wholly captured on the good and beautiful. Although the Christian is told what to think upon, we should not think this to be legalistic or restrictive. In all actuality, this is the greatest liberation possible for our minds on earth.

By dwelling on what is good and true, the nasty, ugly, worrisome, and similar things are simply not possible.

"Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things" ( 4:8).

◊ As if the mentioning of the Christian duties to get the peace of God or the actual mention of the peace of God, Paul shifts into high gear.  Capsizes it all in verses 8-9, but even more gloriously.

• 'Finally' doesn’t signal the end or near to end but final command.

• Generalizes the best and noble qualities possible.

• Think on these things.  Not so much mind control as  purposely meditating on the worthwhile things.  Contrast this to watching a television. Show where one battles to hold to the fight where one might see something good to justify ones time there.

Application

Contrast this focus to watching a show where one battles in his conscience that it is not 'too' bad.

Memorize these verses. Accept these standards. Begin to discern whatever you think with this list. If it is not on the list, then change what you are thinking about.

Let your mind 
dwell on these things.

This practice opens the shades to receive God’s peace.  Settles a mind on what a mind should think about.  Remember.  This command purposely emphasizes its ability to cope with any nasty disquieting thoughts as well as continually bringing ones mind more in align with His person through limitless good thoughts.  Have a One a Day.

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Step #7

Practicing the Truth (Phil. 4:9)

The more clearly we see and understand God's truth, the more we can apply these principles to our lives.

The end purpose, though, is not peace of mind but having that peaceful mind which brings forth good works out of love.

These things we are to practice these things.

• God has high standards and expectations for us all.

• He doesn't list rules for getting peace. Peace is goal with the Lord, making His priorities your priorities.

"The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things; and the God of peace shall be with you" (4:9).

◊ Many might wonder what has replicating Paul’s life and teaching has to do with peace. The more clearly we see and understand God’s truth, the more we can apply these principles to our lives.  If we see and pretend blindness, hear and act deaf, understand yet become numb, then in this degree you have wondered not only from God but the God of peace.

• Replicated:  Biblical Christian is the happy one.  (cf. I Jn 1:1-4)

• God has high standards and expectations for us all.

• Doesn’t list rules for getting peace.  But also can’t say peace can be received by doing this or that.  There are detectors of peace.  Peace is a life with the Lord, making His priorities your priorities.

Application

Paul is bringing the highest standards that he knows of to their lives. He lives what he preaches. This is discipleship.

• What are the good things you can imitate in the leaders around you?

• Have you required yourself to imitate them or do you think it is unnecessary? Ask the Lord to help you be more aggressive in growing in Christ.

As summary superbly capsizes the goal of the Christian to attain the greatest Christ-like quality possible.