Philippians 4:8–9 | Resources
Discussion Questions
Take a moment and summarize each key word in verse 8. (True, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, moral excellence, praiseworthy) What fits into these categories?
What does it mean and look like to “dwell on these things?”
What are you currently dwelling on? What seems to dominate your mind currently?
Paul is not afraid of his life being copied by others. Can you say the same about your lifestyle? If no, what areas need to change?
How does obedience lead to peace?
In light of our text/sermon, what would it look like to obey?
Memory Verse
“Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy—dwell on these things.” Philippians 4:8 (CSB)
Devotional
“Dwell on these things.”
If you’re like me, it’s a lot easier to dwell on a hundred other things before I dwell on the things Paul has listed here. In my sinful flesh, my heart and mind often drift to dwelling on the anxieties of life, tasks I need to accomplish, what people think of me, what’s wrong with the world, and the like. I think we’d all admit that we’re not inclined to dwelling on those things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and praiseworthy. It takes intentionality and effort. And besides, how does one even figure out what things fall into those categories?
I’ve got a suggestion, and it’s just one predictable word: Jesus. Jesus is true. Jesus is honorable. Jesus is just. Jesus is pure. Jesus is lovely. Jesus is commendable. Jesus is excellent. Jesus is praiseworthy.
Are there other things that fall into those categories? Absolutely. But I can promise you that you’ll never dwell on those things without first dwelling on their Source and Creator.
Colossians 3:2 says that you must “Set your minds on things above.” Why would Paul tell us to “set” our minds and “dwell” on these things if that were our natural inclination? Because it’s not. We need the grace of Jesus.
So today, dwell on Christ and His gospel. Think on His perfect life, His sacrificial death, and His victorious resurrection. Only then will you be able to think on those good things, and in turn “do what you have learned and received and heard.”