Discerning The Gray Areas
by Rev. Kirby Williams
Paul teaches behavioral virtues to give discernment when the path is not clear.
Text: Phil. 4:8-9
Date: 04/06/2025, the Evening service.
Series: "Evenfall; Sunday Evening Worship" Part 32
Description:
As Paul comes to the end of an extended section on Christian behavior that leads to stability for the church and balance and growth for the individual, he gives some broad behavioral virtues to help his readers make good decisions when the path ahead is not clear. Of course when the Bible is clear on the ethical standards of the Kingdom, we know which path to take. But there are many decisions Christians have to make that require spiritual discernment. Paul gives six "whatever's" that will help us make the right decisions. He then makes it clear that this is not just an intellectual exercise, but that to meditate on the right things should lead us to the right actions, And ultimately find the peace and balance that only God can give-- as we learn to make proper discernments in the gray areas of life.
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I. Introduction
II. Exposition of the text, Phil. 4:8-9.
A. Context
B. Shining light in the gray areas.
1. Behavioral virtues, vs. 8.
a. Wrapping things up.
b. The six virtuous "whatever's".
i. The repeated use of "whatever".
ii. Whatever is true, John 1:14, 8:44, 18:37-38; Eph. 6:14, 4:21,25.
iii. Whatever is honorable, 1Tim. 3:4; Titus 2:2,7.
iv. Whatever is just, Acts 4:19; Phil. 1:7.
v. Whatever is pure, Phil. 3:18,20; 2COr. 11:2.
vi. Whatever is lovely, Psa. 5:3-4, 40:8.
vii. Whatever is commendable, Phi;. 1:27; Rom. 2:23-24.
c. The summary.
2. Put into practice, vs. 9.
a. From meditation to action.
i. Meditation as a catalyst to action.
ii. Meditation to elevate the mind and heart.
b. The promise of blessing.
III. Conclusion
