Steven S Veach

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What is God’s posture toward me? – God seems to see me differently than I see myself. He rewards me, comforts me, provides for me, guides me. In everything I can attest that he is focused on my good. I, on the other hand, see only the negative, only the limitations, only the failures in my life. I have accepted and I am accepting lies about myself. Why? There are a myriad of reasons. Environment. This is the way my father was. Experience. This is how I view the world because of repetitive and persistent betrayals by other people. But, I’m starting to see how this all could be, might be, is possibly a deception. And Jesus told us, “do not be deceived.”

The Text: Philippians 4:8

Τὸ λοιπόν, ἀδελφοί, ὅσα ἐστὶν ἀληθῆ, ὅσα σεμνά, ὅσα δίκαια, ὅσα ἁγνά, ὅσα προσφιλῆ, ὅσα εὔφημα, εἴ τις ἀρετὴ καὶ εἴ τις ἔπαινος, ταῦτα λογίζεσθε.

Ἀπλῶς (aplōs) Peshat (פְּשָׁט) (Literal Meaning)

Finally [to my] brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honest, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if any [has] virtue and [if] anything [is] praiseworthy, on these things meditate.

Ἀλληγορία (Remez, alegorical), Διδασκαλία (Derash, homiletical), Μυστικός (Sod, Mystical), Μυστήριον (Pesher, prophetic)

1. To my Brothers – He is not writing to non-believers, but to those he would consider compatriots in the faith. This is the embodiment of 1 Pet 2:9.
2. Whatever is:
   • True – These build on each other. First, it must be true, recognizable as truth, and contain and reflect the same substance as truth. Inherently and consistently, repeatably and thoroughly true. This is objective. Absolutely. It is grounded in the very nature and substance and essence of Christ.
   • Honest – After being true, it must be honest. It must possess an internal integrity, and it’s claims are genuine, forthright, and directing toward the truth always, without shade of turning.
   • Just – It must weigh itself amongst others and its object using honest scales. But, this extends further for the Christian, as that which is just for us and others is to selflessly sacrifice for the good of the other continually.
   • Pure – This is to be without spot or wrinkle. It is to have no leaven. It is a life without sin, and the only way in which we as fallen humans can accomplish this is to stand in the mercies and blood of Christ.
   • Lovely – It is desirable above all its other characteristics. It is difficult to describe, but we know it when we see it. That which is beautify, what is lovely, it is clear when it comes into view.
   • Commendable – That which is deserving of approval. Whatever it is, it must be acceptable, ultimately to Christ. The slogan “What would Jesus do?” springs to mind. Is whatever we are doing, would it bring glory to and praise from God? If not, should we still be doing it?
   • Having virtue – Excellence of character. This is similar to honest, but would indicate a characteristic one possesses rather than an action one takes. Virtue, or excellence of character is what honest looks like in action.
   • Being praiseworthy – There are those things that might be true, might be honest, might be just, might be pure, might be lovely, might be deserving of approval, might have excellent character, but are not praiseworthy. Maybe I should take the time to consider some examples.
3. Meditate – Paul uses the word λογίζεσθε here instead of Μελετάω specifically because he is referring to the analysis, the consideration, the calculation, and inventory of that which was just spoken: #2-4.

Conclusions:

We are to do more to meditate on these characteristics of our actions, are beliefs, but we are to assess them that they possess these particular qualities. This is an applicative evaluation of that which we do meditate on.

Next Session:

1. How does God wish for me to proceed when face with offense?

Prayers:

1. These are privately posted to my blog and not available to the public.
2. Jesus Prayer: “Lord, Jesus Christ, son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”

Benediction:

“Now [may] the God of peace himself sanctify us completely; and may our whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he who calls us is faithful and is willing to do it” (1 Th 5:23-24).

Amen…