Happy Friday!
In this series, we are taking a deep dive into Philippians 4:8, and this week we are focusing on the second two words in Paul’s list.
Let’s consider what is just (also translated right):
-fair for both parties
-fulfills all obligations or debts
When we think justly, we tend to consider the needs of others above our own. Paul actually speaks to this earlier in chapter 2. Philippians 2:3-4 states, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests but to the interests of others.” And in the following verse, “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus…” We are to “have the mind” of putting others above ourselves, and the needs or consideration of others above our own. Tough love, Paul!
In the verses after, Paul uses Jesus’ life as an example. I would encourage you to read Philippians 2, a humbling reminder of what a servant our Savior was while here on earth.
Let’s also consider pure:
-chaste
-free from stain or defilement
I read in the Pulpit Commentary that this Greek word here for pure is not common in the NT and refers to the purity of motive. The heart, not just the action behind what we do matters. Proverbs 16:2 says, “All the ways of a person are clean in his own sight, but the Lord examines the motive.”
Jesus quotes the prophet Isaiah in Matthew 15 and says, “This people honor me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.”
I’m seeing such a connection between what lies in our hearts and what dwells in our minds. I pray we are not people who seek the approval of man or only honor God with our lips, but rather seek to please the Lord above all else. And seek Him with our whole hearts. As Jeremiah 29:13 says, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all of your heart.”
See Colossians 3:22-24, Eph. 6:5-8, and Matthew 6:1-4 for more about what Scripture says about pleasing God above man.
What are some examples of things that are just or pure? Please comment below!
*Definitions and commentary: Holman New Testament Commentary by Max Anders and Biblehub.com
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