Dwell on these Things Philippians 4

What comes to mind when you hear the word “psycho-cybernetics”? It reminds me of the crazy robot programed to destroy the Jupiter 2 in the television series or movie “Lost in Space.” When Dr. Smith activates the Robot we hear, “Robot is on-line. Reviewing primary directives. One, preserve the Robinson family. Two, maintain ships systems Three...” Dr. Smith reprograms the Robot. Now when activated we hear, “Robot is on-line. Reviewing primary directives. Two hours into mission, destroy Robinson family. Destroy all systems.” However, that is not the case. Psycho-cybernetics was a book written in 1960 by Dr. Maxwell Maltz. It is the method used by Zig Ziglar, Tony Robbins and Brian Tracy which defines the mind-body as the core to succeeding in attaining personal goals. How does it work? Let’s say you are not a morning person but you would like to be a morning person in order to be more productive. You would start by telling yourself and others you are a morning person. You set your alarm for the desired time, when it goes off you remind yourself, you are a morning person even though every fiber in your body says otherwise. Over a period of time (months), as you repeat “I am a morning person” to yourself, others, and your alarm clock, you eventually become a morning person. The goal, is success, notoriety, and fulfillment. Bascially it’s your best life now.

Dr Maltz had two things correct, sometimes that process works, sometimes it doesn’t. The battle for dominance rages in our mind and the winner of that battle will determine how one’s life progresses. As Christians are told in Romans 12, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”

As Paul concludes his letter to those who are in Philippi, he gives them a series of exhortations. First, he tells them to “stand firm in the Lord.” Standing firm is a common subject in Paul’s epistles. (1 Cor 16:13; Eph. 6:11,13,14; Phi 4:1; 1 Thes. 3:8; and 2 Thes. 2:15. It is a military term meaning to hold your ground and not retreat. Next, he then confronts two individuals causing division and tells them to work through their issues and live in harmony. Thirdly, commands them to “Rejoice in the Lord..” not just when times are good but they are to rejoice always. Fourthly, he wants them to be known for their forbearing spirit which comes from the Greek word epieikes means meekness under provocation, readiness to forgive injuries, and in control of one’s passions because the Lord is near. Fifthly, a command to, “be anxious for nothing..” or as Adam Clarke puts it, “do not give place to carking care”, anxiety has never changed the state of anything from bad to good but it can cause you a multitude of grief and despair. Instead, “in prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” It is God alone who can help, He wants to help but we need to ask by prayer and supplication. Remember? “You have not have because you ask not ask.” (James 4:2). Three synonyms, prayer, supplication and requests, all refer to specific and direct offerings to God. The assumption of the text is that believers will cry out to God when they have a need or a problem, not with doubting, questioning, or even blaming God, but with thanksgiving. Instead of having a spirit of rebellion against what God allows, believers are to trustingly cast ‘all (their anxiety on Him, because he cares for (them).’” (MNTC, Philippians, p. 283) God’s peace will guard your heart and minds in Christ Jesus. A peace which Christ purchased, which God dispenses and is only available to those who are His. Finally, he summarizes his teaching by providing the vehicle through which they can pursue their goal, Christlikeness.

Scripture repeatedly tells us, we are a product of our thought life. “For as a man thinks within himself, so he is.” (Prov. 23:7) In today’s computer vernacular, garbage in garbage out. A computer is only as good as the information put into it. In Mark 7:20-23 Jesus says, “That which proceeds out of the man, that is what defiles the man. “For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride and foolishness. All these evil things proceed from within and defile the man.” Salvation requires a transformed mind. As we go through Paul’s exhortations, are we “those who are according to the flesh set their mines on things of the flesh” or are we “those, who are according to the spirit, (set their minds on) things of the Spirit.”? We need to dwell on, learn and practice every aspect of Paul’s closing exhortations for it is the only way to become spiritually stable and understand what is meant by, the God of peace will be with you.

1. What does the “Therefore” refer to, the things before or the things after? Explain your answer. What is the reason and expected action of Paul telling them to “Stand Firm”?

2. What causes division or potential division in the church? What does “live in harmony” mean and how do we do it? Why do you think Paul closes verse 3 with “…whose names are in the book of life”?

3. Why does Paul repeat himself in verse 4? Rejoice is a present, active, imperative, second person, plural, verb. It is a command. How can they be commanded to rejoice? Is it possible? If so how, if not why not.

4. What is a “gentle spirit” and how would we recognize it? What does that have to do with the Lord being near?

5. Is it possible to be “anxious for nothing”? Is there a high view of God in the church today? How does our view of God effect our lives and the church? What is the result of being anxious for nothing, our prayers, supplication and thanksgiving? How would you describe it?

6. As Paul closes his letter, he gives eight things to “let your mind dwell on these things.” What are they and briefly explain how they make us sensitive to thinking correctly?

7. What are they to practice? Why?