Draw Close To GOD ... Series on Phil 4:8

©Lightwritingmatters 2015

Series Sub-Theme scripture:

“Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you...”

--- James 4:8 ---

The goal of this series of posts is to deconstruct the verses of Phil 4:8. Contemplating each of the statements to understand how we continue to grow in GOD as we draw ever closer to HIM.

Before we begin please find here the various versions and translations used for this series:

King James Version                KJV

New International Version    NIV

New Living Translation          NLT

New World Translation          NWT

The Message Bible                   MSG

Young’s Literal Translation   YLT

Philippians 4:8

 “8 Finally, brothers,

v whatsoever things are true,

v whatsoever things are honest,

v whatsoever things are just,

v whatsoever things are pure,

v whatsoever things are lovely,

v whatsoever things are of good report;

v if there be any virtue, and

v if there be any praise

continue considering these things. 

9 The things that you learned as well as accepted and heard and saw in connection with me, practice these, and the God of peace will be with you.” [Phil 4:8,9]

Philippians chapter 4 verses 8 and 9 contains such wonderful sage of scripture yet some of the most difficult character habits/virtues to cultivate through inculcation with our transformed mind and heart. We get a head start with the Holy Spirit’s gracious gifts and fruitage as imparted to/in us. Intellectually the words and concepts make your heart warm just to read. The mind can see them as lofty and sometimes unattainable goal posts. Yet we draw confidence knowing it is not ‘up to us’ from scriptures like this: “…he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” – Phil 1:6 and this: “Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.” – 1 Cor 1:8.

One way to attack the problem of the separation of intellect/mind and heart, to unite the two, is to study, pray, habituate through daily practice. Further, by assimilation  we can effectively transform mind and heart to reflect Truth, Honesty, Right, Pure, Lovely [Acceptable/Pleasing], Virtue, Praise. Etc., autonomously.

Spiritual Workout Routine: 

Ø Pray – this is a crucial activity. Our desire to reach the final goal is not dependent on our own pursuit but on a joint venture: Our willingness and the guidance and support of our coach, Jesus via the Holy Spirit.

Ø Study --- This must be our daily work out. We must study form [truth, honesty, etc] and delivery [showing truth, honesty, etc in our daily lives] and then when we have a clear image we begin the next routine.

Ø Practice --- the adage, practice makes perfect, has powerful truth associated with it. No matter what you practice you do become better. It may require many reps and several weeks before you see progress on the first routine but by building a routine the rest of the attributes may take less and less time. And finally remember the last step.

Ø Result: “…he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

Conclusion:

As you continue on to the series please consider: If you cannot put your mental/spiritual finger on how to visualize the various character attributes as listed in Phil 4:8  inventory your family and friends. Do you know someone whose personal integrity is so remarkable you admire or ‘revere’ that person? If not, perhaps a study of the notable people of the Bible would give you perspective. [Hebrews 11] If it is not natural for you to already be that way it may be a tough journey to set upon but the rewards later in KNOWing you are a better member of Christ’s family than before you began your ‘whatever things are …’ trek…is incomparable.

Now, off to the first of the eight-part series.    

Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you

©Lightwritingmatters 2015