The Experienced Example

Phil. 4:8,9

(Phil 4:8 KJV)  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.

(Phil 4:9 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.

INTRO: Paul in this scripture gives us something to just stop and take time out to think for awhile.  So think on these for awhile.

As we look into the scripture we see some advise, we need to be...

  I. Majoring on Proper Majors.

          A. If there be any Virtue (Righteousness or                                Goodness)

                    1. True

                    2. Honest

                    3. Just

                    4. Pure

                    5. Lovely

                    6. Good Report

          B. If there be any Praise

                    1. Not Self-glory, but Savior praising

                    2. Not sporadic but with saturation

                    3. Not selfish but self-giving

4. Not spectacular, but simple praise (simple

                                  things  to confound the world)

Then as we look further seeing the example that we have both learned and received, allowing us to...

 II. Move towards a Responsible Maturity in God

          A. Learned

                    1. Exposure - as children important

                    2. Example - pure in front of us

                    3. Exercise - using what God wants us to

          B. Received

                    1. Attitude of receiving

                    2. acceptance of what we see and hear

                    3. Assurance by our faith in Him

Finally we find ourselves facing the task of...

III. Measuring up as a fruitful messenger

          A. “Heard and Seen in me”

                    1. Christ-like living in our daily lives

                    2. Continually serving Him

                              a. Through positive times

                              b. Through negative times

                    3. Changeless loving - honestly caring about people and their needs