The “Mindset of Christ” at Philippi (Philippians 4:2-23)

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." Philippians 4:8-9 (NIV)

Context

Paul’s command to “think about” certain things (Philippians 4:8) is not merely about mental focus or the power of “positive thinking.” In the original Greek, this word includes the idea of “careful consideration for the sake of future action” (logizomai in Greek). It is about evaluating, as person goes about making daily decisions, what kind of actions are consistent with these virtues.

The virtues listed here (“noble,” “right,” “pure,” etc.) are ones all Roman citizens would understand to be worthy of pursuit. In contrast, the virtue of “humility,” which the Philippians had been called to earlier (see Philippians 2:3), was thought of as the proper attitude of slaves only.

Throughout this letter, Paul has written about his own attitudes and actions, which he is here (in Philippians 4:9) calling the Philippians to put into practice themselves:

• Valuing the spread of the gospel over personal comfort and popularity (1:12-18)
• Considering the needs of others over and above his own preferences (1:19-26)
• Viewing every personal accomplishment and status marker as garbage in comparison to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ (3:7-11)
• Contentment in every circumstance, whether in plenty or in want (4:12-13)

Observation

Paul desires the “mindset of Christ” to be demonstrated at Philippi through the fruit of peace in several areas:

1. In the relationships between believers in the church (4:2-3);
2. In the midst of every difficult circumstance (4:4-7); and
3. In the minds of every believer as they make daily decisions and put into practice the things they’ve learned from Paul and seen in him (4:8-9).

Additionally, Paul affirms the generosity of the Philippian church, who has supported his ministry financially time and again. Their partnership with him in the gospel, is one of the ways they already display the “mindset of Christ” (4:10-19).

Interpretation

Why would Paul desire the fruit of peace, specifically, to grow in the church at Philippi? How would this peace be a testimony to the unbelievers around them about the value of the “mindset of Christ”?

What would Paul’s positive view of virtues that Romans valued (things that are “noble,” “right,” “pure,” etc.) communicate to the Philippians about their background as Romans? How is that background both affirmed and challenged by Paul’s example and teaching?

Application

Would people who know you (both believers and unbelievers) recognize the fruit of peace:

• in your relationships with others?
• even as you walk through difficult circumstances?
• ruling your thought-life as you make decisions?

In your life, which one of these areas needs the most peace? How can you apply the truths from Philippians to grow in this peace?