Philippians: Focus on Excellence
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A Sermon by Dr. Bob Griffin, Teaching Elder at Sovereign Grace Church
Isaiah 26:3“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.”
II Cor. 10:5 “demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
I. EXCELLENCE = FOCUSED ON THE TRUTH
Philippians 4:8“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–take such things into account.”
A. UNDERSTANDING TRUTH
1. Man’s Source of Truth (John 18:38;Proverbs 30:33)
2. Biblical Source of Truth (II Timothy 2:25; Ephesians 4:20-21; John 14:6; 16:13; 17:17)
B. APPLICATION OF TRUTH
1. Satan wants us to focus on UN-true (Jn 8:44)
2. God desires us to apply the principle of truth at all times (Eph 4:25; Rom 12:2; II Corinthians 10:5)
II. EXCELLENCE = FOCUSED ON THE HONORABLE (worthy of respect)
Philippians 4:8“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just; whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—take such things into account.”
A. UNDERSTANDING HONOR
1. Man’s Source of Honor/Respect
2. Biblical Source of Honor/Respect
B. APPLICATION OF HONOR
1. Thinking of Man – NOT excellent; don’t get caught up in it
2. Begin in the Home (Isaiah 5:20-21; Prov 30:17)
III. EXCELLENCE = FOCUSED ON THE JUST
Philippians 4:8“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just; whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—take such things into account.”
A. UNDERSTANDING JUSTICE
1. Man’s Source of Justice
2. Biblical Source of Justice (Is 40:21-31)
B. APPLICATION OF JUSTICE
1. Focus on Things that are “Right” (Just) (Isaiah 3:10-13)
2. About our Salvation Colossians 2:13-14)