Lesson Notes:  Philippians  4:8-9 (NIV based)

READ:  Philippians 4:8-9, with vv.4-7 for context

v.8
What is the action word or phrase in verse 8, and exactly what are we believers being instructed to do, both stated and implied?  Elaborate.

Is the converse true here, what we are being instructed not to do?  For example, 'whatever is false... do not think about such things' - is this converse and other correlating converses true for each of the items listed in this verse?  Test each item.

Reflect, analyze, and then describe any ways you personally need to apply what is being stated here.

How does consuming media, such as watching television or listening to music, fit into the instruction and intent in this verse?

How does gossip, or complaining, or arguing (v.2:14), or resentment, or anger, or depression, or anxiety (v.4:6), or contempt, or pride, and etc. fit into the instruction and intent in this verse?

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v.9
Paul is claiming to be a good role model.  In honesty, can you make this claim about yourself?  Whichever your answer, why is that?  If part of your answer is "Well, I try my best", then if you perform well in some areas but fail miserably in any other area, is your modeling something other closely watching and listening people should emulate from you?  Will "the peace of God be with" those who follow your "I-try-my-best" modeling?

From this analysis, what conclusion can be drawn about the quality and comprehensiveness that are required in order to be a good model for other watching and listening persons to emulate?

For those of you who are parents of children up to about age 16, you do realize, don't you, that your children are watching and listening closely to everything you are, and their natural tendency is to emulate you - to become just like you?

From what sources are you acquiring that which you are "putting into practice"?  And how do you determine the credibility of those sources?  List the criteria you use to determine the credibility of those sources.  Now, how does your list of criteria compare to what is stated in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, for example?

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MAIN POINT:  What would you say is the main point in these verses?

IMPORTANT SUB-POINTS:  What are some other important points God is making here in these verses?

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APPLICATIONS:  What applications can you think of for how we should respond to the concepts in these verses? 

PERSONALIZED APPLICATIONS:  From these verses, what do you think God wants you to learn, or know, or remember, or put into effect in your life?  How are you going to do that?

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Works Cited:
Bible. “The Holy Bible: New International Version.” The Bible Library CD-ROM. Oklahoma City, OK: Ellis Enterprises, 1988.
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Copyrights:
Scriptures taken from Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®
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Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Copyright © 2014 Mel W. Coddington, and permission is hereby granted that this document may be used, copied, and distributed non-commercially to non-profit organizations, individuals, churches, ministries, and schools worldwide, provided the copies are distributed at no charge and retain this sources documentation as supplied herein. This document is not for sale, resale, or for use as a gift or premium to be offered in connection with solicitations or contributions.
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File name: Philippians4_8-9-LessonNotes.___ (.htm, .doc, .pdf)
Translation used: NIV, quoted or referred to in various places within this document
Source: www.BelieverAssist.com
Updated:  December 14, 2016