Philippians 4:8,9

8. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, 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. 9. The things which ye both learned and received and heard and saw in me, these things do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

Translation and Paraphrase

8. (And now) finally, (my) brothers (as for what remains on my mind, I urge you to set your minds on the good things)whatever things are true, whatever things are worthy of reverence, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are truly pleasing, whatever things are well-spoken ofif there is any virtue (in life), and if there is any praise (that is due to anything, then) think about these (good) things.

9. (The things I want you to think about are those things) which you learned and received, and heard, and saw in me (in my life); do these things and the God (who is the creator) of peace will be with you.

Notes

1.

We could entitle the paragraph made up of these two verses The Homeland of the Christian Mind.

Every human mind sets itself upon something. When the mind has dwelt long enough in any line of thinking, it can (almost) never get out of it. Therefore it is important that the Christian keep his mind in the true homeland of the godly mind, upon those things that are true, honorable, just, pure, etc.

2.

Be careful of thoughts; they have a way of popping out in words and deeds.

What you are thinking writes lines on your face.
Actions, places, reading materials, and ways of thinking that excite evil thoughts should be shunned, if for no other reason than that they do this.

Evil thoughts defile a man. Mark 7:21.

Let the meditations of my heart be acceptable; Psalms 19:14.

Bring every thought and imagination into captivity to the obedience of Christ; 2 Corinthians 10:5.

Let the unrighteous man forsake his thoughts; Isaiah 55:7.

Be transformed by the renewing of your mind; Romans 12:2.

3.

Finally does not mean In conclusion, but In consideration of another remaining matter. See notes on Philippians 3:1.

4.

Note the six descriptions of the things we are to think about: (1) true; (2) honorable (Gr. semnos, worthy of respect and reverence, revered, worshipped); (3) just (Gr. dikaios, upright, righteous, agreeable to justice and law); (4) pure (Gr. hagnos, pure sacred, free from fault); (5) lovely (Gr. prosphiles, acceptable, pleasing, exhibiting love toward all); (6) of good report (Gr. euphemos, sounding well uttering words of good omen).

5.

Paul appeals to the Philippians to think on good things by saying, If there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Everyone of us has some things in our memory and acquaintance that are dear to us, some things that are inspiring, that call us to a more virtuous way of life, that are worthy of praise. If there are such things, then we ourselves ought to direct our minds to good thinking, such as will lead us become like that which is praiseworthy in others.

6.

4:9 gives four methods of exposure to the truth:

(1) Learning; True teaching is learned. It does not develop in us naturally.
(2) Receiving; True teaching is received. This implies a fixed body of beliefs that are to be handed down from generation to generation. It implies also that part of our education is the response of the will as well as the response of the intellect.

(3) Hearing; (4) Seeing; The truth may be heard (Romans 10:14) and seen exemplified in a person's life and actions.

7.

The God of peace shall be with you. God is only with us when we do what he commands us. The Lord is with you while you are with him. (2 Chronicles 15:2; Isaiah 55:6; Isaiah 59:1-2; James 4:8). Peace comes to those who are in a right relationship to God.

8.

Regarding the expression God of peace, see Romans 15:33; 2 Corinthians 13:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:23. God's nature is peace-loving. He is the creator of peace (Isaiah 57:19), and the giver of peace.