Righteousness And Christian Living
The book of Philippians was penned by the Apostle Paul in about A.D. 61 from the imperial city of Rome. Paul was at this time was a prisoner on behalf of Jesus Christ, yet he maintained an attitude of Christ-likeness and joy which he exhorted every Christian to have. In Philippians chapter four Paul encourages each faithful believer to strive for a truly righteous Christian life. It is the Biblical idea of "righteousness" that becomes important for us to properly understand.
In Philippians 3:9 Paul wrote, "and be found in Him not having a righteousness of mine own..." this "righteousness" refers literally to "a straight line" which is God's standard or will (cf. Galatians 6:16). Paul affirms in Philippians 3:9 that we cannot be righteous on our own merits, nor can we be righteous on our own terms. Rather, we must rely upon the standard for righteousness which is God's revealed will (cf. Romans 1:15-17; 1 John 2:4).
Further, in Philippians 4:1-9 the Apostle Paul clearly shows that righteousness and Christian living go hand-in-hand together. Indeed, this four-fold formula for righteous Christian living is an integral part of living acceptably unto God. Yet, we must accept the fact that God Himself, through His inspired Word, has settled His objective standard for what constitutes righteousness.
1. THE EXHORTATION TO BE RIGHTEOUS (4:1-3)
First, Paul admonished his readers to be in the right relationship with God
through Jesus Christ. How can we stress to others the benefits of living the
Christian life if we ourselves are not in a right relationship with God. Paul
wrote, "...stand fast in the Lord, my beloved."
We must stand fast (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:58) and we must do so
"in the Lord," this is, in a right
relationship with Him. This is accomplished when we obey the Gospel and remain
faithful to the teachings of Jesus Christ. Brethren, we must BE RIGHT!
2. THE EXHORTATION TO BE RIGHTEOUS IN
PRAYER (4:4-7)
Second, if there is one area where many Christians fall short it, is the absence
of regular prayer to God. Paul admonishes us to be active in prayer. This is a
spiritual must. The avenue of prayer is open to every faithful Christian, and we
must take advantage of the spiritual growth which prayer affords. One of the
great results of prayer is found in Philippians 4:7
"And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall guard your hearts
and your thoughts in Christ Jesus." Humanistic psychiatrists and
psychologists cannot adequately explain the peace of Christian living, yet this
is one of the unexplained realities of God. Only by being right with God and
being regular in prayer do we know the depth of this true peace. Brethren, we
must PRAY RIGHT!
3. THE EXHORTATION TO BE RIGHTEOUS IN
THOUGHT (4:8)
Third, Paul encourages his readers to be righteous in thought. In fact, we are
to meditate, think, or contemplate upon only those things which are
"True," "Honorable," "Just," "Pure," "Lovely,"
and of a "Good Report." Do we really live
for these things? Are our minds truly centered upon these facets of Christian
thinking? The Hebrew Scriptures rightly affirm: "As a
man thinketh in his heart; so is he." and
"Keep thy heart with all diligence; For out of it are the issues of life."
Here, Solomon urges us to "Keep" or "protectively guard" our very minds. Indeed,
the Hebrew Scriptures again teach, "I will set no
wicked thing before mind eyes." How appropriate in consideration of
Philippians 4:8. Let us purpose to keep, guard, and protect our minds as we
reflect only upon that which God would have us to meditate upon. Brethren, we
must THINK RIGHT!
4. THE EXHORTATION TO BE RIGHTEOUS IN
OUR DEEDS (4:9)
Finally, Paul affirmed, "The things which ye both
learned and received and heard and saw in me, these things do: and the God of
peace shall be with you." Notice that Paul mentions four things which
were a divine demonstration of righteous life (i.e. "learned," "received,"
"heard," and "saw"). We are to put the Christian life to the test by actually
living it! This is novel to some, yet if we fail to make a personal application
to the will of God to our lives what is the point? Finally, brethren, we must DO
RIGHT!
Joseph Meador