Philippians 4:8-9 (NKJV) “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.”
Meditating on what is pure allows us to focus on thoughts that are untainted, free from contamination, and wholesome. As children of God, we are set apart from sin and no longer under its power. The Holy Spirit empowers us to live holy and godly lives, helping us resist temptation. We can trust that God hears our cries and will deliver us from affliction, for nothing is too difficult for Him.
Choosing to meditate on what is praiseworthy enables us to praise God rather than grumble or complain. We can praise Him for His love, our new identity in Christ, and the assurance that our names are written on the palm of His hand. God’s redemption and forgiveness, as well as the privilege of being His child, are all reasons to offer continual praise. We can trust that God’s presence, through the Holy Spirit, is always with us, giving us wisdom and guidance. He watches over His covenant and listens to the prayers of the righteous, assuring us that we have not received a spirit of fear, but of love, power, and a sound mind.
In every circumstance, including financial worries or health concerns, we are encouraged to pray and meditate on God’s promises. Meditating on finances leads us to praise God as our provider, who will supply all our needs according to His riches in Christ Jesus. He is the God of abundance, taking care of even the sparrows and the lilies, which assures us that He will also take care of us. As we faithfully tithe and give offerings, we can trust that God will pour down blessings upon us.
Regarding the promise of a spouse, we can have confidence in God’s good plan for our lives, including a godly partner. Just as He created Adam and Eve for companionship, He has a plan for our marriages too. We can trust that His plan is not limited by race, nationality, or background, and we can submit our desires to His perfect will.
Meditating on what is pure, praiseworthy, and the promises of God helps us maintain a positive thought life and remain anchored in His peace. By focusing on God’s truth and goodness, we can find strength and hope in every circumstance, knowing that He is faithful to His Word and His promises. Through prayer and meditation on His truth, we can navigate life’s challenges with confidence, trust, and unwavering faith in our loving Heavenly Father.
Sermon Series: Keep the Peace (Part 1)
思念这些事
腓立比书4:8-9 弟兄们，我还有未尽的话。凡是真实的，可敬的，公义的，清洁的，可爱的，有美名的。若有什么德行，若有什么称赞，这些事你们都要思念。你们在我身上所学习的、所领受的、所听见的、所看见的，这些事你们都要去行，赐平安的神就必与你们同在。
思念清洁的事能让我们的心思意念专注于没有掺杂、不受污染、有宜健康的事上。作为神的儿女，我们已脱离了罪，并且不再受其辖制。圣灵使我们有能力活出圣洁和敬虔的生命，并帮助我们抵挡试探。我们可以相信神会听到我们的哀声和救我们脱离苦难，因为在祂没有难成的事。
选择思念什么是值得称赞的将使我们能够赞美神，而非发怨言或抱怨。我们可以因着神的慈爱、我们在基督里新的身份，以及我们的名字写在祂掌上的确信来赞美祂。神的救赎和饶恕，并成为神儿女的特权，都是我们可以向神献上持续赞美的原因。我们可以相信神的同在，借着圣灵一直与我们同在，赐给我们智慧和指引。神看顾祂的盟约，垂听义人的祷告，肯定我们说“神赐给我们，不是胆怯的心，乃是仁爱，刚强、谨守的心”。
在任何情况下，包括对财务的困扰或健康的忧虑，我们都被鼓励要为之祷告并默想神的应许。思考财务状况会让我们赞美神是我们的供应者，祂必照祂荣耀的丰富，在耶稣基督里，使我们一切所需用的都充足。祂是丰盛的神，甚至看顾麻雀和百合花，这使我们确信祂也必看顾我们。当我们忠心地献上十一奉献和给与其他奉献时，我们可以相信神必将祝福倾倒在我们身上。
有关配偶的应许，我们可以确相信神赐给我们生命的美好计划，包括一位属神的伴侣。祂创造了亚当和夏娃让他们相伴，祂对于我们的婚姻也有一个计划。我们可以相信祂的计划不局限于种族，国家或背景，我们可以把我们的渴望交托在祂纯全的旨意里。
思念什么是清洁的、可称赞的和神的应许，可以帮助我们保持积极的思维，并安住在神的平安里。专注于神的真理与美善，使我们可以在任何情况下都能找到力量和盼望，知道祂的话和应许是信实的。通过祷告并默想祂的真理，我们可以带着信心、信靠和对我们慈爱的天父坚定不移的信心安然度过生命中的挑战。
讲章系列：保持你的平安（第一部分）
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