Monday, March 3, 2014

Fight for Joy: Think on these things... (Philippians 4:1-9) Questions for Reflection and Discussion

Dig Deeper

In Philippians 4:4 the Apostle Paul declares, “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” Here, as New Testament scholar Todd Still observes, “Their rejoicing is to be Christological (“in the Lord”) and continual (“always”). Professor Still suggests Paul’s motivation came from Psalm 34:1, “I will praise the Lord at all times; His praise will always be on my lips” (HCSB). Read Psalm 34:1-22. What additional clues suggest Paul might have received motivation from this Psalm? What encouragement does this Psalm offer to
“rejoice in the Lord always”?

In Philippians 4:8 Paul lists eight virtues upon which his readers are to mediate. According to the following Scriptures, in what ways does Christ fulfill these virtues?

1 Corinthians 13:4-7--

Galatians 5:22-23--

Colossians 3:12-15--

Application

Invest time this week meditating on Philippians 4:8. In what specific ways it the Holy Spirit
leading you to choose joy?

Memorize This

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. NKJV

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