Noble, Right, Pure, Lovely And Admirable

Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!

I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

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 4:1-9

Scripture Notes

Similar to our devotional last week, another occurrence of division in the church is found in Philippi. Eudodia and Syntyche were not practicing unity of mind, and Paul is encouraging them to be focused on the gospel, remembering that although they may disagree, they both, along with others, have their names written in the Book of Life. The world is a broken place with many divisions and polarizations, but we are not to be divided in the church. Those who aim to divide are not living out the example of Christ, who welcomed the low and the high alike. If others are quarreling, we cannot sit idly by and watch brothers or sisters in Christ having disagreements that cause a schism in their lives.

What are we to do? Paul says Rejoice, and because it is important, he says it again. We should move with gentleness, nurtured by confidence in our faith in God Almighty of the gift of the Gospel. You can read more about Philippians 4:1-7 in depth in our Peace and Harmony devotional. This week, we will dig into verses eight and nine a little more about focusing on the types of things that please God and exemplify his character. We are called, men and women alike, to pursue what bonds us together in these ways:

THAT IS TRUE

To be reliable and not false. Someone who is real and authentic.

The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart; whose tongue utters no slander, who does no wrong to a neighbor, and casts no slur on others; who despises a vile person but honors those who fear the Lord; who keeps an oath even when it hurts, and does not change their mind; who lends money to the poor without interest; who does not accept a bribe against the innocent.

Whoever does these things will never be shaken.

Psalm 15:2-5

THAT IS NOBLE

To live with honor and act with gentleness. Someone who is decent, free of corruption, and reputable.

But the noble make noble plans, and by noble deeds, they stand.

Isaiah 32:8

THAT IS JUST

To be righteous toward God and man. Someone who is fair-minded, full of integrity, unbiased, equitable, and reasonable. Correcting a wrong and repairing what had been broken.

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

Micah 6:8

THAT IS PURE

Has a high moral character. Someone who is exemplary, innocent, upright, above reproach, and sincere.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.

Psalm 51:10

THAT IS LOVELY

Ideas and creations are admirable, a sight to behold, and something to consider. Someone who is pleasant, engaging, agreeable, and causes improvement.

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.

Colossians 3:23

THAT IS OF GOOD REPORT

Has a solid reputation and distinction. Someone who is known for their good record, honest transactions, outstanding character, and credibility.

A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.

Proverbs 22:1

THAT IS VIRTUOUS

Has moral excellence and an ethical character. Someone who is principled, just, scrupulous, trustworthy, incorruptible, and respectable.

His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge.

2 Peter 1:3-5

THAT IS ADMIRABLE

Something that deserves to be commended. Someone who is respectable, meritorious, creditable, and praiseworthy.

Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.

Proverbs 11:25

When the world encourages us to look out for ourselves and use people to get what we want, we need to look at these things that please God. Our goal is to follow the example of Christ, who personified all these attributes. And we are not alone! Paul talks about people following the teachings he provided and the example he tried to live. We need people in our lives who we can imitate and for whom we can be an example. When we focus on good attributes, we can experience the peace that only comes through fellowship with God.