Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Day 341

X. Book of Philippians
2. Christ is the believer's example - Philippians 2:1-30; 3:1-21
3. Christ is the believer's strength - Philippians 4:1-23
Y. Release from prison, Paul's closing days - Acts 28:17-31
Z. Luke writes the book of Acts - {A.D. 64 (R), A.D. 52 (K)}
(A) Book of 1 Timothy
1. Dangers of unsound doctrine - 1 Timothy 1:1-20
2. Guidance for the congregation - 1 Timothy 2:1-15; 3:1-16
3. Guidance for the young ministers
a. Walk of a minister - 1 Timothy 4:1-16

The Philippians Philter - :-)  A friend had used that phrase years ago and I always enjoyed it.  The emphasis was on Romans 12:1-2 and bringinf thoughts captive, every thought...not just the ones I deemed needed to be brought to Him, ALL.  That was an interesting process of learning (and continuing to learn) to bring all of my thoughts to Him.  I fail miserably.  I am so thankful that HIS mercies are new every morning.  I appreciate Father's exhortation:

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.  (Ephesians 4:8)

I am going to intersperse Gill's commentary between each word.

true - G227 - From G1 (as a negative particle) and G2990; true (as not concealing).

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

honest -G4586 - From G4576; venerable, that is, honorable.

in the sight of men; or grave, or "venerable" in speech, in action or attire, in opposition to levity, frothiness, or foppery:

just - G1342 - From G1349; equitable (in character or act); by implication innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively).

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:

pure - G53 - From the same as G40; properly clean, that is, (figuratively) innocent, modest, perfect.

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:

lovely - G4375 - From a presumed compound of G4314 and G5368; friendly towards, that is, acceptable.

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, Mar_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:

good report - G2163 - From G2095 and G5345; well spoken of, that is, reputable.

are well spoken of, and tend to get and establish a good name, which is better than precious ointment, Ecc_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:

virtue - G703 - From the same as G730; properly manliness (valor), that is, excellence (intrinsic or attributed).

anywhere, among any persons whatever, in opposition to vice:

praise - G1868 - From G1909 and the base of G134; laudation; concretely a commendable thing.

that is praiseworthy among men, and deserves commendation, even though in an unjust steward, Luk_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 - G3049 - Middle voice from G3056; to take an inventory, that is, estimate (literally or figuratively).

meditate upon them, revolve them in your minds, seriously consider them, and reason with yourselves about them, in order to put them into practice.

We are given eight (8 = new beginnings) attributes to think (take inventory) upon.  How oft does our mind run to the things of this world, the sins committed against us?  The hurts and anguishes that all souls endure this side of our glorification?  Lord, help us as we travel this road to run all our thoughts through the filter that You have provided.  To meditate upon only upon that which is glorifying to You.

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