Think Right

 

Philippians 4:8 

SUBJECT: ANXIETY

THEME: Part of the Secret to Victory Over Worry and Anxiety is Right Thinking, coupled with the “God of peace” to guide us and the “Peace of God” to protect our feelings and thoughts against worry.                              

RELEVANCE: Often, we forfeit the joy of the Lord through worries that plague our minds and hearts. Fears, worries, uncertainties, and even people can literally rob us of our joy, leaving us anxious. Yet the Lord wants us to have a heart that is joyful and uninfluenced by the uncertainties life will present. We can have strong joy when we Pray, Think, and Live right, but we must rely on the “God of Peace” to give us the “peace of God” as we meet these conditions.

INTRODUCTION:

In Phil 4:6 the word “careful” means “to be pulled in different directions.” Our hopes pull us one way; our apprehensions pull us in the contrary direction; and we are pulled apart with worry and anxiety. The key is not succumbing to victimhood, but to consciously choose Christ for victory.

The antidote to worry is God’s peace. “And the peace of God ... shall keep [garrison, guard like a soldier] your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:7).

When you have this:

          1. The “peace of God” guards you (Phil 4:7)

          2. The “God of peace” guides you (Phil 4:9)

          3. With such protection there is no need to worry!

If we are to conquer worry and experience peace, we must meet the conditions God gave. There are three:

     A.  Right Praying (Phil 4:6-7)

     B.  Right Thinking (Phil 4:8)

     C.  Right Living (Phil 4:9)

MESSAGE:

RIGHT THINKING; PEACE THROUGH CORRECT THOUGHTS.  (Phil. 4:8)

    * This inner peace involves the heart (feelings) and the mind (thoughts).

Isaiah 26:3, Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

    * 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 discipline and train our minds to be obedient to Christ. This is challenging, but very possible. 2 Cor. 10:5, Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

QUOTE: "Sow a thought, reap an action. Sow an action, reap a habit. Sow a habit, reap a character. Sow a character, reap a destiny!"— Unknown

Paul spells out in detail some things we ought to think about as Christians.

A.  THINK ABOUT TRUE THINGS. Phil. 4:8

The first place to focus is on true matters. Concentrating on the facts and giving preference to what can be verified by the evidence. There is something else here that must not be missed; it is the concept of focusing on the positive.  

Now the apostle gives a closing bit of advice concerning the thought life. The Bible everywhere teaches that we can control what we think. It is useless to adopt a defeatist attitude, saying that we simply cannot help it when our minds are filled with unwelcome thoughts. The fact of the matter is that we can help it. The secret lies in positive thinking. It is what is now a well-known principle—the expulsive power of a new affection. A person cannot entertain evil thoughts and thoughts about the Lord Jesus at the same time. If, then, an evil thought should come to him, he should immediately get rid of it by meditating on the Person and work of Christ. The more enlightened psychologists and psychiatrists of the day have come to agree with the Apostle Paul on this matter. They stress the dangers of negative thinking.^[1]

   1.  Most of Us Worry About Things We Cannot Control.

QUOTE: “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.” — Warren W. Wiersbe

   2. We Can Control Our Minds by Believing the Truth.

“True” has the sense of valid, reliable, and honest—the opposite of false or speculative. Such ‘uprightness’ characterizes God (Rom 3:4) and should also depict believers. The idea is what really is or what is so or what has happened.

Romans 3:4, God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.

1 Peter 5:12, By Silvanus, a faithful brother unto you, as I suppose, I have written briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God wherein ye stand.

True (alēthē) things are of course the opposite of dishonest and unreliable things (cf. Eph. 4:15, 25). ^[2]

A believer that is consistently truthful builds authenticity into relationships; they are transparent and can be counted on for honest feedback that edifies others. He does not resort to lies, manipulations, or flattery.

       A.  Satan Attempts to Controls Our Minds with Lies.

Certainly, we don’t want the devil in our heads!

              1.  Satan is the liar (John 8:44).

John 8:44, Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

             2.  Satan wants to corrupt our minds with his lies (2 Cor 11:3).

 2 Cor. 11:3, But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.

ILLUSTRATION: “Yea, hath God said?” is the way he approaches us, just as he approached Eve (Gen 3:1).

       B.  The Holy Spirit Controls Our Yielded Minds Through Truth (John 17:17; 1 John 5:6).

John 17:17, Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. 

1 John 5:6, This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.

APPLICATION: But bear always in mind that the devil tries to control our thoughts through lies. Whenever we believe a lie, Satan takes over. He effectively won that battle on that occasion. We must rely on the Holy Spirit to remind us of the truths from God’s Word to help us combat the lies of Satan. It helped us greatly to live by Bible principles and direct statements from the New Testament especially. Also, we must bring our minds under the influence of God’s Word with even greater concentration when we are most inclined to worry. It is both a protective and guiding measure. Submitting our minds to Christ is a pre-conflict decision each believer must make to be obedient to him and to steer clear of the devil’s influence. Remember, Satan will try to manipulate us using his lies, the promise of independence of God, riches, power, pride, and our worship. Often these temptations (the lust of the flesh, lust of eyes, and the pride of life) are hidden or concealed; so, we must be discerning.  

B.  THINK ABOUT HONEST AND JUST THINGS. Phil. 4:8

This means “dignified and worthy of respect.” It speaks of what is morally attractive and deserving honor.

   1. Think on the Things That Are Worthy of Respect.

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. You must discipline your thought life. (1 Tim. 3:8, 11; Titus 2:2)

   2.  Think on Things That Meet God’s Standard.

“Right” speaks of what is upright or just, conformable to God’s standards and thus worthy of his approval.

The word “just” is from the Greek word meaning both “just” and also “righteous,” here, “righteous” in a comprehensive sense.^[3]

APPLICATION: We can help our thoughts, and we can choose to think about things that meet with God’s approval. I must hasten to observe that if we expose our ears and eyes to filth then that is exactly what your thoughts will consist of. Avoid working against yourself by cleaning up the stuff you expose yourself to. Fill your reflections with “right,” respectful, and holy concepts and notions. Good books, healthy Christian biographies, wholesome music with great God-centered lyrics, and Christ filled movies are a great starting place. Remember also, that everything that claims to be godly or Christian is actually worldly, carnal, and devilish!

C. THINK ABOUT PURE, LOVELY, AND GOOD REPORT THINGS. Phil. 4:8

These observations must not be overlooked or diminished in their importance.

    1. Concentrate on Pure Thinking.

“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). Our life situation, TV, radio, magazines, and the internet are filled with vile content so, this idea of remaining pure will require real discipline. Songs often portray some scandalous behavior and ideas that we would be wise to guard against. Preaching, teaching, counseling, and instruction in righteousness must contrast wickedness with purity for clarity’s sake but spend the necessary time making the wholesome very clear to the listener also. For example, if the awful imagine of a worldly-wise wicked women come to mind; well, this can be defeated with the image of Christ on the cross willingly suffering for my sins. Another example would be counteracting angry hasty decisions by featuring Abigail armed with a future vision and wise counsel calmly talking David into cherishing the will of God more than personal revenge. Be sure to emphasize the positive solutions and procedures not merely indicating what was wrong.

    2. Concentrate on Lovely Thoughts.

“Lovely” means “beautiful, attractive.”  This relates to what is pleasing, agreeable, or amiable.

APPLICATION: In verse 7, Paul had assured the believer that God would safeguard their hearts and minds through the Lord Jesus Christ. But it is also required that we maintain our responsibilities in these matters.  God does not protect the person’s mind who does not want it to be kept pure. (Dr. W. W. Wirsbe)

Thinking about the “lovely” leadership qualities of David, the inspiring patience of Job, the desirable traits of Daniel, the motivation of Paul, the obedience of Peter, and the devotion of the apostle John is desirable. What about the attractive qualities of Sarah, Mordecai, Ruth, Hosea, and Joseph. While just about anyone can be critical, there is something to be said for a person who can spot these beautiful qualities in others. 

    3. Concentrate on Good Reports.

“Of good report” means “worth talking about, appealing.” It denotes what is praiseworthy, attractive, and what rings true to the highest standards. Our minds are naturally focused on the bad, evil, negative, and shameful. We must fight against this natural tendency to emphasize the good report.

APPLICATION: The believer must major in the high and noble thoughts, not the base thoughts of this corrupt world. The secret to this kind of thinking is to focus on Jesus Christ as soon as an evil thought comes to mind. Whenever we are tempted to think wrong toward someone we have forgiven, we divert our thoughts back to their qualities and the things we can appreciate– refusing to think on matters we have forgiven them for.  Often it helps if we feel compassion for them in their predicament it helps. If we feel tempted to say something nasty or unkind about someone, we must discipline ourselves to report the good and express words of praise and appreciation for what we can because it’s inappropriate to criticize in most cases. Truly our thoughts are a formidable battleground.   

D.  THINK ABOUT VIRTUOUS AND PRAISE-WORTHY THINGS. Phil. 4:8

Now we look at the last area of mental concentration and focus, the virtuous and that which is worthy of praise. Consciencely thinking on outstanding goodness in general, the glory of knowing God and sharing His great power, moral excellence of character, and things deserving of celebratory expressions—matters we can applaud, support, or admire (2Pet. 1:3).

     1. If it Has Virtue, it Will Motivate Us to Do Better; and If it Has Praise, it Is Worth Commending to Others.

     2.  We Cannot Afford to Waste “Brain Power” on Thoughts That Tear ourselves down or That Would Tear Others Down If These Thoughts Were Shared.

ILLUSTRATION:  If you will compare this list to David's description of the Word of God in Ps 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.  Through the Word we can have peace through Thinking! (Dr. W. W. Wiersbe)

Psalm 19:7-9, The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. [8] The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. [9] The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.

One caution here: we do not automatically accept information because it is positively presented, and we do not automatically reject something if it is stated negatively. Evidence is what we need…solid incontrovertible proof is what we require. Alignment with God’s Word is the standard for each of us; our own thought or conclusion may be misinformed, but God’s Word when properly interpreted and applied is totally reliable. It helps us to be thoroughly familiar with it.

CONCLUSION:

Right praying, right thinking, and next right living: these are the conditions for solid peace and victory over worry. There is no middle ground. Either we yield heart and mind to the Spirit of God and practice right praying, thinking, and living; or we yield to the flesh and find ourselves torn apart by worry. Again, worrying is sin! We have the peace of God to guard us and the God of peace to guide us!

Many are motivated to protect their ‘peace,’ and they make major decisions to secure their own ‘peace.’ Usually this means avoiding drama, disorder, confusion, and chaos that is generated by others. They opt for an environment filled with quietness, tranquility, and calmness, which is admirable in many regards. But we can be thankful that God’s brand of “peace” provides protection for us! His “peace” keeps us…garrison us about and protect us from excessive anxiety regardless of the external conditions.

Psalm 19:14, Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer. We desire that our spoken words, and internal thoughts would be pleasing and acceptable to the Lord. So, we embrace the connection between our inner thoughts and outward expressions. We seek alignment between our external speech and internal reflections and want harmony with God’s will and character. We long for a life of integrity, where thoughts and words are rooted in God’s eternal truth, bringing honor to the Lord as our Rock and Redeemer.  

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^[1] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 1979.

^[2] Robert P. Lightner, “Philippians,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 664.

^[3] Kenneth S. Wuest, Wuest’s Word Studies from the Greek New Testament: For the English Reader, vol. 5 (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1997), 110.

I'm Doing My Best

A fellow colleague shared a great statement with me yesterday. When I asked how her day was going, she replied, "I am doing my best." What a life statement...daily mantra...a North Star! It involves trying your hardest and performing as well as you can to achieve a goal, even if the situation is difficult. It emphasizes giving full effort and putting forth maximum sustainable exertion. Striving for peak performance and not giving up easily is the focus…pushing for the highest degree of quality, setting your sites on the marvelous and magnificent, or pursuing excellence.

It immediately registered with me that each beginning, unfolding, and the end of each day should be measured in this same manner. The motivation for today is to give my very best efforts to whatever challenges I may face. As my day unfolds, I must seek this goal of giving my best efforts…stunning or first-rate…as often as possible and certainly where necessary. Then as I prepare for a night of rest, I can reflect on the entire day by asking, "Did I give today the very best I have to offer?" “Was today’s work outstanding?” There will be painful days when my best simply isn't enough--I must grow, but there will also be times when pursuing my best exceeds all normal expectations and standards. My dear friends, that is the tension we all live with because we have not given up on others or ourselves. Living to the fullest is not an accident nor a casual stroll...it demands discipline, intentionality, and commitment to this goal of producing my very best! This is satisfactory…fulfilling… inspirational, and appropriate. So... let us consciously choose to give today our very 'best.' I believe such actions please the Lord.

Discipline is Essential

 

Phil 3:12, 15-16

 

SUBJECT: Spiritual Progress

THEME: Fulfill God’s purposes knowing discipline is an essential part of completing our prescribed race. 

RELEVANCE:

We must not allow our behaviors to be unruly, disorderly, disobedient, uncontrolled, disingenuous-not serious, or of embarrassing manners that derail our progress in Christ. To be winners who fulfill God’s plan, we must remain discipline throughout our race. By doing so we can fulfill God’s purposes knowing that discipline, restraint, and control are essential parts of completing our specific course.   

INTRODUCTION:

Discipline is the final ingredient in this formula for spiritual maturity and progress. To grasp new heights in spiritual triumphs and finally reach the finish line of life as a winner…that is growing spiritually by making continual progress required discipline.

Though Paul was a spiritual giant in the eyes of the Philippian saints, he wanted them to know that he had not yet attained the goals stated in verse 10. He was still actively pressing on toward them. He had by no means reached the final stage of his sanctification.

Paul’s salvation experience had taken place about 30 years before he wrote to the Philippians. He had won many spiritual battles in that time. He had grown much in those years, but he candidly confessed he had not obtained all this, nor was he yet made perfect (v. 12). He still had more spiritual heights to climb. This testimony of the apostle reminded the saints at Philippi—and it serves to remind believers today—that there must never be a stalemate in their spiritual growth or a plateau beyond which they cannot climb.^[a]

What is essential for winning?  

MESSAGE:

The Essential Quality of Discipline (Phil. 3:15-16).

We are called to share the pursuit of Christlikeness. God wants this for us all, but especially those who are mature (3:15). We are to persistently press on toward that goal—going on with Christ. Every maturing believer should have these ambitions.  

No doubt the greatest need among God’s people is to live up to what they already have in Christ. Most live far below their exalted position in Christ. Paul’s plea to the Philippians was that they live up to what they had already attained, namely a righteous position in Christ.^[b]

But he expresses the confidence that if a person is really willing to know the truth of the matter, God will reveal it to him. The reason we have such an easy-going, complacent Christianity today is because we do not want to know the truth; we are not willing to obey the demands of ideal Christianity. God is willing to show the truth to those who are willing to follow it.^[c]

Discipline Yourself to Run According to Your Spiritual Level.  Phil. 3:16

We must live up to whatever light the Lord has given us. “It would not do to mark time until we came to a fuller knowledge of what is required of us as Christians. While we wait for the Lord to reveal the full implications of the cross to us, we should obey whatever degree of truth we have received.”^[d]

       A.  Don’t Worry About Others.   “Nevertheless”

           1. It’s Not What People Think That Matters!

The issue is not what he thinks or what the spectators think but what the judges say.

           2. It’s What the Judge Knows That Matters!

Romans 14:10-12, But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. [11] For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. [12] So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

One day each Christian will stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ (Rom 14:10-12), much like the Olympic bema, the place where the judges gave out the prizes! We must discipline ourselves to obey the rules, and we will receive a prize.

      B.  Know What You Have.  Vs. 16, “whereto we have already attained”

          1. What Guidance Have You Received?

Christian maturity involves acting on the guidance that we have already received.  “Let us walk by the same rule” means to “Live up to a standard” it is a military term meaning "to keep in line" or "to keep step."

                A.  What Have You Learned? Are You Living It?

QUOTE: “Perhaps the most valuable result of all education is the ability to make yourself do the thing you have to do, when it ought to be done, whether you like it or not; it is the first lesson that ought to be learned and, however early a man’s training begins, it is probably the last lesson that he learns thoroughly.” — Thomas Huxley 

                B.  What Have You Experienced?  Did You Grow Through it?

QUOTE: “What you are going to be tomorrow, you are becoming today. It is essential to begin developing self-discipline in a small way today in order to be disciplined in a big way tomorrow.” .... Remember, having it all doesn’t mean having it all at once. It takes time. Start small and concentrate on today. The slow accumulation of disciplines will one day make a big difference. Ben Franklin said, “It is easier to suppress the first desire than to satisfy all that follow it.”  — John Maxwell

ILLUSTRATION: A reporter once asked the great evangelist D. L. Moody which people gave him the most trouble. He answered immediately, “I’ve had more trouble with D. L. Moody than any man alive.”

QUOTES: The late Samuel Hoffenstein said, “Wherever I go, I go too, and spoil everything.” And there is the classic Jack Paar line, “Looking back, my life seems to be one long obstacle course, with me as the chief obstacle.”                                                   

APPLICATION:  My observation is that more Christians fail because of inner issues than outer ones. Each of us desperately need to learn How to Get Out of Our Own Way.  We all need this tremendous lesson in our own life. “I am my worst problem!”  Most of us can relate to this very true statement: “If you could kick the person responsible for most of your troubles, you wouldn’t be able to sit down for weeks.”

          2. What Responsibilities Have You Received?

                A.  Be Responsible for Who You Are.

The day you take complete responsibility for yourself, the day you stop making excuses, that’s the day you start to the top.  This is a factual statement that we all should heed.

ILLUSTRATION: “That reminds me of one of Abraham Lincoln’s favorite stories about the man who murdered both his parents and then when his sentence was about to be pronounced, pleaded for mercy on the grounds that he was an orphan! As the politician said to the judge, “It’s not my fault, your honor, I never could have done all that stuff if the people hadn’t elected me!”  —  John C. Maxwell

                B.  Be Responsible for What You Can Do.

It is rare to find a person who will be responsible, who will follow through correctly and finish the job. But when half-finished assignments keep returning to your desk to check up on, verify, edit, and upgrade, obviously someone is failing to take hold of the reins of responsibility.

“I am only one,

But still I am one.

I cannot do everything,

But still I can do something;

And because I cannot do everything

I will not refuse to do the

something that I can do.”

                C.  Be Responsible for What You Have Received.

Luke 12:48, But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.

QUOTE: “John D. Rockefeller, Jr., said, “I believe that every right implies a responsibility; every opportunity, an obligation; every possession, a duty.” Winston Churchill said, “It is not enough that we do our best; sometimes we have to do what’s required.” — J. C. Maxwell

          3. We are all at Different Levels (Phil. 3:15).

Paul knew the believers were in different stages, but everyone needed to be faithful to what they understood.

2 Cor. 3:18, But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.  (See also 2 Peter 1:5-9; Ephes. 4:22-24)

          4. Develop a Healthy Sense of Accountability to the Lord.

Matthew 25:19-20, After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them. [20] And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.

               A.  Some of Us May Need to Settle Our Debts with the Lord.  (Matt. 18: 23-35)

               B.  Some of Us May Need to Confess Wasted Opportunities in Service.  (Lk. 16:1-2)

               C.  Some of Us May Need to Heed the Warnings of Hell and Eternal Punishment. (Lk. 16:19-31)

               D.  Some of Us Need to Please the Lord in Matters of Conscience & Liberty.  (Rom. 14:6-12)

      C.  Live Up to What You Have.  Phil 3:16     

First, Don’t Worry about Others, secondly, Know What You Have, and thirdly Live up to What You Have.  Stay in step with what you have.                                  

            1. Live Together, You Have Each Other.

Our church needs to march forward together.

            2.  Live in Truth, You Have God’s Word.

We must live up to what we already have been taught from the Scriptures.

            3. Live in Growth, You Have a Goal.

APPLICATION: As we pressed on toward the goal, we should not use our lack of complete knowledge as an excuse for taking lightly what we knew or for getting sidetracked. We should continue to learn and grow, while at the same time regulating our lives by the light we have already received. Believers, we must live up to what we already know before we can expect to learn more.

ILLUSTRATION:  Bible history is filled with people who began the race with great success but failed at the end because they disregarded God's rules. They did not lose their salvation, but they did lose their rewards (1 Cor 3:15). It happened to Lot (Gen 19), Samson (Judg 16), King Saul (1 Sam 28:31), and Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5). And it can happen to us!

CONCLUSION:

As maturing believers, we are urged to lives pleasing to God (Phil. 3:15–21). We must live up to what we have already attained—a righteous position in Christ. By doing so we can fulfill God’s purposes knowing that discipline, restraint, and control are essential parts of completing our prescribed race.  As we are progressing Believers this must be our ambition.

We must press forward that the Lord Jesus’ purpose for which he saved us might be fulfilled. Paul as a pattern-saint showed what Christ can do in a human life. Though not perfectly conformed to Christ, the ongoing process for us is to deeply apply God’s grace to persist, develop, and increase.

Finally Hebrews 12:1-2 says, “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, [2] Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

What an exciting experience to run the race daily, “looking unto Jesus” (Heb 12:1-2)! What a “high calling” Jesus’ return to take us to Heaven summons us to! Certainly, the Judgement Seat of Christ will be rewarding! This perspective should motivate us as it did Paul. This must be our character…. Successful believers are willing to do things unsuccessful people will not do. One of those things that makes a difference is whether we are character motivated or emotion motivated.

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^[a] Robert P. Lightner, “Philippians,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 661.

^[b] Robert P. Lightner, “Philippians,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 662.

^[c] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 1976.

^[d] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 1976.

Exhibiting Discipline I

 

Phil 3:12, 15-16

 

SUBJECT: Spiritual Progress

THEME: Fulfill God’s purposes as we exercise discipline to run our race. 

RELEVANCE:

We must not allow our behaviors to be unruly, disorderly, disobedient, uncontrolled, disingenuous-not serious, or of embarrassing manners that derail our progress in Christ. To be winners who fulfill God’s plan, we must remain discipline throughout our race. 

INTRODUCTION:

Having seen achievement, we look now at the final ingredient in this formula for spiritual maturity and progress. Discipline is necessary to reach new heights in spiritual triumphs and finally reach the finish line of life as a winner.

Again, we are considering our need to grow spiritually by making continual progress. All of us want to be “winners” and fulfill the purposes for which we have been saved. But what is essential for winning?   

MESSAGE:

THE ESSENTIAL QUALITY OF DISCIPLINE. (Phil. 3:15-16)

ILLUSTRATION:  Frederick the Great of Prussia was walking on the outskirts of Berlin when he encountered a very old man proceeding in the opposite direction.

“Who are you?” asked Frederick.

“I am a king,” replied the old man.                                                                                      

“A king!” laughed Frederick. “Over what kingdom do you reign?”

“Over myself,” was the proud reply.

“Reigning” over yourself requires personal discipline.  – John Maxwell

     1.  Note the Extreme Importance of Discipline to a Christian.

 Temperance– Discipline, or Self-control is the ability to resist immediate gratification for the sake of a higher goal– Self Restraint.  (Ac. 24:25; Ga. 5:23; 2 Pe. 1:6).

         A.  Great Christians Always Have Self-discipline—without Exception.

Galatians 5:22-23, But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, [23] Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

2 Peter 1:6, And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;

               1. Discipline is Produced by the Spirit.

Ga. 5:23 shows that “temperance” is produced by the Holy Spirit.

               2. Discipline is Produced by Personal Effort.

2 Pe. 1:6 shows us that it is a product of the Christian growth experience. 

APPLICATION: Therefore, we must diligently invest our hearts and minds to experience a development of temperance throughout the course of our lives by the power of Holy Spirit.  This wonderful quality will solve the Christian’s struggle with emotional outbursts such as wrath, rage, anger, fear, and jealousy and cause us to avoid emotional excesses of any kind. We will have the ability to say “no,” to sinful desires and we will know when to say, “enough” to too much of anything. Thus the Spirit-controlled believer will be consistent, dependable, under control, disciplined, and well ordered.

         B.  Unfortunately, Our Society Seeks Instant Gratification Rather than Self-discipline.

ILLUSTRATION: We want instant breakfast, fast food, movies on demand, phone apps for immediate transactions, and quick cash from ATMs. But spiritual success doesn’t come instantly. Neither does the ability to consistently grow in Christ.

QUOTE:  As General Dwight D. Eisenhower said, “There are no victories at bargain prices.”

APPLICATION:   Because we live in a society of instant gratification, we cannot assume that most Christians have self-discipline—that they will be willing to pay the price of greater growth, ministry, and responsibility.

         C.  When it Comes to Self-discipline, People Choose One of Two Things:       

               1. The Pain of Discipline Which Comes from Sacrifice and Growth or     

               2. The Pain of Regret Which Comes from the Easy Road and Missed Opportunities.

Each person in life chooses.

QUOTE:  In Adventures in Achievement, E. James Rohn says that “the pain of discipline weighs ounces. Regret weighs tons.”

Once again let’s turn our hearts to Christ, His Word, and the example of Paul— a Christian who was truly a higher achiever— as he shares more of the secrets to his personal success in growth and development.

     2. Discipline Yourself to Run by the Established Rules.  Vs. 15

Philip. 3:15, Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.

It is not enough to run hard and win the race; the runner must also obey the rules. In the Greek games, the judges were very strict about this.

          A.  Beware of Disqualification.

Any infringement of the rules disqualified the athlete.

               1.  Participate According to Established Spiritual Rules.

                     A.  A Disqualified Runner Did Not Lose His Citizenship (Though He Disgraced It).

                     B.  But He Did Lose His Privilege to Participate and Win a Prize.

ILLUSTRATION:   One of the greatest athletes ever to come out of the United States was Jim Thorpe. At the 1912 Olympics at Stockholm, he won the pentathlon and the decathlon, and was undoubtedly the hero of the games. But the next year officials found that Thorpe had played semiprofessional baseball and therefore had forfeited his amateur standing. This meant that he had to return his gold medals and his trophy, and that his Olympic achievements were erased from the records. It was a high price to pay for breaking the rules. (Thorpe's medals were reinstated in 1985 by the Olympic Committee.)

APPLICATION: We should run the race to win the prize, and this means participating by the spiritual rules laid down in this passage. We cannot loose our salvation, but we certainly can loose our reward (1Cor. 3:10-15).  Keep the Lord’s pleasure in mind as you run the race and not your pleasure.

               2. Emphasize the Importance of Obeying Spiritual Rules.

In Phil 3:15-16, Paul Emphasizes the Importance of the Christian Remembering the "Spiritual Rules" Laid down in the Word.

                      A.  The Christian Race Requires Discipline and Self Control.

QUOTE: “This word [self-control] describes people who are willing to get a grip on their lives and take control of areas that will bring them success or failure.”  — John C. Maxwell

APPLICATION:  To be disciplined means that we are “getting a handle on our self” in order to overcome sinful desires, spiritual pride, attitudes of self-reliance, spiritual laziness, extreme self-gratification, past failures and success, and overreacting.

                       B.  Spiritual Growth and Victory Requires Discipline and Self Control.

Therefore, discipline prepares us to fulfill God’s claims and will for our lives as we seek to practice what we have learned from His Word.  Discipline is the ability a person has to rule himself in following the example of Paul in Phil. 3:7-17.  It is the power to say “NO,” to rivaling desires that hinder our progress and say, “YES,” to everything God has outlines for our spiritual progress and success. This is key to our success. 

               3.  Practice Self Control–Discipline– to Remain in the Race.

1 Cor. 9:24-27, Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. [25] And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. [26] I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: [27] But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

This is what Paul has in mind in this passage. The idea is that any athlete who enters a competition prepares himself to win by rigid self-control, strict conditioning, and rigorous training.

                       A.  Spiritual Growth Results from Discipline.  “. . . striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things.”

Winning a race requires purpose and discipline. Paul uses this illustration to explain that the Christian life takes hard work, self-denial, and grueling preparation.

APPLICATION:  As Christians, we are running toward Christlikeness and our heavenly reward. The essential disciplines of prayer, Bible study, witnessing, and public worship equip us to run with vigor and stamina. Don't merely observe from the grandstand; don't just turn out to jog a couple of laps each morning. Train diligently -- your spiritual progress depends upon it.

                       B.  Spiritual Growth Results from Self-denial.  “But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection:”

Any athlete who intends to win will prepare and restrict himself in all things: his diet, his activities, his associations, and probably even his friendships.  The winner knows that he must restrict himself in order to accomplish the ultimate task.

                            1.  At times we must give up something good in order to do what God wants.

                            2. Each person's special duties determine the discipline and denial that he or she must accept.

                            3. Without a goal, discipline is nothing but self-punishment. With the goal of pleasing God, our denial seems like nothing compared to the eternal, imperishable reward that will be ours.

ILLUSTRATION: Tenor Luciano Pavarotti is such a winner. He is often described by his admirers as “the new Caruso.” In a newspaper interview, the six-foot, three hundred-pound tenor asked: “Do you want to know the hardest thing about being a singer? It is to sacrifice yourself every moment of your life, with not one exclusion. For example, if it is raining, don’t go out; eat this, do this, sleep ten hours a day. It is not a very free life. You cannot jump on a horse. You cannot go to swim.”

               4. Play by the Rules in Order to Win the Race.

2 Tim. 2:5, And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.

                       A.   If the Athlete Breaks Training, He Is Disqualified.

                       B.   If He Breaks the Rules of the Game, He Is Disqualified.

Only the contestants who compete by the rules will win the crown at the end of the race.

APPLICATION: Each of us as Christians ought to be pressing on toward the goal of Christlikeness and eternal rewards.  As maturing believers, we should understand that we could not, in our own humanity, gain perfection and acceptance by God (Phil. 3:8-10).  Salvation and Sanctification come through faith and dependance upon the Lord.  Yet because of our love for Christ, we willingly pressed on to follow his example in order to become more like him in life, all the while knowing that we are promised that we’ll know him fully upon our death or his return for us in the Rapture. (W. W. Wiersbe)

        B.  Be Aware of Revelation.  Phil 3:15, “. . . God shall reveal”

in order to play by the rules we must turn to the rule book–the Word.  This verse betrays some of the problems that faced the Philippian church.

            1.  God Will Reveal Spiritual Pride.

Spiritual pride had found its way into some of the believers;

                     A.   Apparently a Few Felt That They Had Reached a Holier Status than Their Fellow Believers

                     B.   This Was Causing Them to Look down on Those Whom They Thought less "Mature."

APPLICATION: There is never room for spiritual pride nor a ‘holier than thou’ attitude toward younger and struggling Christians. Spiritual pride is a mark of spiritual immaturity and infancy!  Spiritual maturity is marked by humility and service to others.

Philip. 2:3-4, Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. [4] Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

Galatians 5:26, Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

Galatians 6:1-2, Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. [2] Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

            2.  God Will Reveal Spiritual Maturity.  Vs. 15, “As many as be perfect be thus minded”

                  A.  Notice Some Characteristics of a Faithful Mature Saint of God.

                        1.  They Depend on God!

Paul made it clear that those who were truly mature were those who realized their dependence on God.

                        2. They Determine to Press on!

They pressed on, not to make themselves good enough or to gain credentials by their accomplishments.

                        3.  Their Devoted to Knowing Christ!

Rather then spiritual pride, they pressed on to know their Savior better. This is their goal!

                   B.  The Goal of Every Believer Is Spiritual Maturity.

Col. 1:28, Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:

                         1. The Word Perfect Means Mature or Complete, Not Flawless.

                         2. Paul Wanted to See Each Believer Mature Spiritually.

APPLICATION: Like Paul, we must work as wholeheartedly as an athlete, but we should not strive in our own strength alone. We have the power of his Spirit working in us. We can learn and grow daily, motivated by love, not by fear or pride, knowing that God gives the energy to become mature.

                   C.  Jesus Christ Is the Basis and Goal of Spiritual Maturity.

Hebrews 13:20, Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,

The letter to the Hebrews is a call to Christian maturity. It was addressed to first-century Jewish Christians, but it applies to Christians of any age or background.

                          1.  Christian Maturity Means Making Christ the Beginning and End of Our Faith.

                          2.  To Grow in Maturity, We must Center Our Lives on Him,

                                 *  not depending on religious ritual,

                                 *  not falling back into sin,

                                 *  not trusting totally in ourselves,

                                 *  not letting anything come between us and Christ.           

                          3.  Christ is sufficient and superior.

            3.  God Will Reveal Spiritual Misconception.  Vs. 15, “Otherwise minded”           

Whatever problem of pride threatened to divide the Philippian church, Paul stopped it.

                    A.  God Will Show and Clarify Matters Concerning Spiritual Growth.

This was the final word on the matter; Paul invoked the illumination of God himself to clarify the truth of his words to those who thought differently. Those who were mature were to be committed to what Paul had said. And to anyone who thought differently about minor points, God would clarify the truth. God would lead them to the truth if they would keep their minds open.

                    B.  Are You Aiming for a Perfect Score with God?

Sometimes trying to live a perfect Christian life can be so difficult that it leaves us drained and discouraged. We may feel so far from perfect that we can never please God with our lives. Paul used "perfect" (3:12) to mean mature or complete, not flawless in every detail. Those who are mature should press on in the Holy Spirit's power, knowing that Christ will reveal and fill in any discrepancy between what we are and what we should be. Christ's provision is no excuse for lagging devotion, but it provides relief and assurance for those who feel driven. (W. W. Wiersbe) 

CONCLUSION:

Hebrews 12:1-2,  Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, [2] Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

It is an exciting experience to run the race daily, "looking unto Jesus" (Heb 12:1-2). It will be even more exciting when we experience all that the “high calling” entails when Jesus returns to take us to Heaven! Then we will stand before the Judgement Seat of Christ to receive our rewards! It was this future prospect that motivated Paul, and it can also motivate us.