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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | What are the pure and lovely things? | Phil 4:8 | Aixen7z4 | 95705 | ||
It is clear that the word of God is given to us for practical reasons (2Ti 3:16). It gives us knowledge (Psa 78:5ff). It gives us faith (Rom 10:17). It gives us life (John 20:31). It gives us assurance of salvation (1 John 5:13). It is also supposed to direct our steps (Psa. 119:105). We are supposed to do those things (Matt. 7:24). "Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen ..., do" (Php 4:9). Now, in the previous verse Paul had said, "Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things". My question is this: What are some of these things, true, honest, just, pure, lovely, etc. that we are supposed to be thinking of? And how do you determine that those things have those qualities? |
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2 | What are the pure and lovely things? | Phil 4:8 | Makarios | 95711 | ||
Greetings Aixen7z4, I would definitely say that Scripture and the study of it is both a source of thought and activity that would be praiseworthy. As for everything else, Philippians 4:8 is an excellent measuring stick for what we should be dwelling upon and spending our time on as Christians. I believe that anything "wholesome" in nature that we do, whether in service or in deed, would otherwise fulfill this verse. And whatever we read, watch on television, what music we listen to; all of our daily activities should be considered in light of Philippians 4:8. Blessings to you, Makarios |
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3 | What are some examples? | Phil 4:8 | Aixen7z4 | 95725 | ||
It may be that we are to try to see the things that are true, or honest, or just, or pure, or lovely, in every situation. In other words: Focus on the good parts. Note Titus 1:15: "Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled". Still, what are the specifics here? What are some examples? The woman is an unwed mother. What is the good part? She just got saved. She's attending church. She's taking care of the child. There is something virtuous in her that we can focus on. Is Phil 4:8 not asking us to focus on the good part? Was Jesus not focusing on the good part of Mary's behavior as she sat at his feet and listened to his words? Is that not an example to us? And is it not an example of something good to think on? If so, what are some other examples? |
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4 | What are some examples? | Phil 4:8 | tthom1122 | 95925 | ||
I dont actually see this as an example but more of a guide. there are many examples in the bible of Jesus focusing on the "good parts" of people. The woman at the well, the adulterous woman, each of his diciples as he knew some would betray him, and well US! We are supposed to be in his image, and Paul is just giving us the guidelines. "but to them that are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure" is just saying what we already know, misery loves company. If you see no good in yourself, you dont look for good in others. But if you follow after the ways of Jesus, loving, forgiving, honorable, truthful, you have no problem seeing the good in others. |
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5 | What are some examples? | Phil 4:8 | Aixen7z4 | 95967 | ||
And yet, my heart is seeking a simple answer, a practical solution. "Whatsoever things are lovely": how do we judge whether a thing is lovely? My wife says a flower is lovely: the shape, the color, the odor it gives. If I ask her why she says they are lovely, she says anyone can see that. But I need scripture as a measuring stick. I think of the fact that God made it and said that it was very good (GenĀ 1:31). That means it is pure, ... it is of good report. We can sing a song of praise to it. So then, we can think of roses. "If there be any virtue" suggests that we can gain something, get some strength, from thinking of them. Is that what David was doing in Psalm 139, looking at his body so fearfully and wonderfully made? He had precious thoughts, of the thing made, and of the Creator, as he thought on those things. There may be nonmaterial things as well. Perhaps love is lovely: the love of a parent for a child, the lasting faithful love of a man for his wife. "Old man and woman", a song says, "a beautiful sight, still so in love, it makes the whole world seem bright". We can notice these things and think on these things. The love of God for us is a beautiful thing. It's greater far than tongue or pen can ever tell. It goes beyond the highest star, and reaches to the lowest hell. It is rich, and pure, and measureless, and strong. We can think on these things. Perhaps you can find something good in what I have said here, and think on these things. Perhaps you can suggest other things. |
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