2004-11-28 Communion Dedication - Baldwin Christian Church

Philippians 4:8-9

8. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, 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. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

This is not daydreaming.

How does Jesus change your life?

As a young man, Paul persecuted the followers of Jesus. He watched with approving eyes as Stephen was stoned to death. Stephen's last words surely rang in Paul's ears, "Lord, lay not this sin to their charge," but they had no lasting effect on Paul. Here we read his words to the church at Philippi, and he says, "Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do." Paul was a changed man. These things were not just some things he thought about, or things he daydreamed about, but they were things that had become evident to those around him. People could see in Paul the things that are open and honourable, the things that are pleasing to God and that give reverence to Him, and the things that are friendly and encouraging. Why is Paul telling us to think on the things of verse eight? Because the things we think about do matter. We end up doing and becoming the things we think about. If I allow my mind to indulge in idleness, then my hands and feet always follow, and when I'm idle the devil has his way with me. When I'm occupied with the things of verse eight, the devil can gain no foothold in me, and it's much easier to do as Paul tells us in verse nine. If Jesus can change someone like Paul, someone who could stand by and applaud while Stephen was stoned, He can change me, and He can change you.