Introduction:
A. Five practices previously discussed:
1. Stand firm in the Lord (Ph. 4:1).
2. Live in harmony in the Lord (vs. 3).
3. Rejoice always in the Lord (vs. 4).
4. Show your gentle spirit to all men (vs. 5).
5. Prayerfully trust in the Lord (vss. 6-7).
B. Two additional practices:
1. Practice Christian meditation (vs. 8).
2. Follow after good examples (vs. 9).
I. Practice Christian Meditation (Ph. 4:8).
A. The human mind was created to set itself on something.
B. Whatever is on our mind controls our life (Prov. 23:7; Mt. 12:34b).
C. Paul’s menu for Christian meditation:
1. Whatever is true (Prov. 23:23; Jn. 17:17; Jn. 8:44; 14:6)
2. Whatever is honorable (1 Pet. 4:7)
3. Whatever is right (Rm. 12:17; Hb. 10:24)
4. Whatever is pure (1 Jn. 3:2-3)
5. Whatever is lovely (1 Cor. 13:4-8)
6. Whatever is of good repute (Mt. 12:37; Prov. 15:28)
7. If there is any excellence (2 Pet. 1:5)
8. If anything worthy of praise
9. Dwell on these things.
D. Why is Christian meditation essential to live a second coming life?
1. Right thinking leads to right living.
2. Cultivate good habits of thinking (Mt. 4:4).
3. The key to persistence in any activity is to find joy in that activity (Ps. 40:8; 119:47).
II. Follow Good Example (Ph. 4:9).
A. Personal example is an essential part of teaching (Ph. 3:17; 1 Cor. 11:1).
B. The goal of teaching is not understanding, but application (Mt. 10:25; 2 Tim. 2:2).
C. Practice results in peace—the peace of God and the God of peace (cf. Ph. 4:7).
1. He is the God of peace (Rm. 15:33).
2. He is the God of love (2 Cor. 13:11).
3. He is the God of hope (Rm. 15:13).
4. He is the God of all grace (1 Pet. 5:10).
5. And, He is the God of all comfort (2 Cor. 1:3).
Conclusion:
A. Make every effort to display evidence of Christ’s coming in your life (Col. 3:2).
B. Make that Day a great day! (Jn. 3:3, 5).