Calvary Vero Home Groups

Week of 11/16/25

Pastor Jim Gallagher

Philippians 4:8-9

Introduction

In Philippians 4:8-9, the text is calling us to two main actions: to think rightly, and then to act accordingly.

Concerning this passage and focusing our thoughts, William Barclay said, "This is something of the utmost importance because It is a law of life that if a man thinks of something often enough he will come to the stage when he cannot stop thinking about it."

Depending on what we focus on, this can be very positive or very negative. Before knowing Jesus, our focus was not on Him and His ways. However, now that we know Him we don't automatically think rightly, but must actively choose to focus our attention on how to love God with everything. What you focus your attention on is going to affect the way you think and will also determine your behavior.

Q. How have you seen this principle played out in both good and bad ways in your life?

Q. What are some of the things other than God that have taken your attention?

We are told to seek the things that are above (heavenly values) as it relates to earthly things, and as we do this our minds are protected by the peace of God, like an armed guard. (Phil 4:6-7) Paul then gives us a guide for what things we are to focus on:

Whatever is True - The truth provides a solid and stable base and foundation.

Whatever is Noble - We are to focus on "high" things; our identity in Christ and His purposes for us, not the lowered, diminished concept of ourselves that the world gives.

Whatever is Just - Things that are Right according to God's standard.

Whatever is Pure - Things that are Glorifying to God and honoring to people.

Whatever is Lovely - Loving to Others, moved toward loving others well, thinking about how to love them well.

Whatever is of Good Report - Proven to be Good. Versus proven to be destructive.

Looking at the list above, take some time to talk about how focus on any of those things has impacted your life and the life of others around you.

Act / Do / Practice / Live out

The kingdom of heaven is at hand, God is both near (close) and his return is imminent (soon)

Paul then reminds the Philippians as they Learned, Received, Heard, and Saw in his life these things, that they were to DO them. With an awareness that Jesus is coming soon, and that Jesus is with us to help. Jesus will guide and speak to us; when we drift we should listen to His corrective and guiding voice quickly and act upon it accordingly.

Q. Looking at the same list above, what are some ways that you can practice those things now?

Q. Who are some people who have been examples or mentors to you, and how has emulating their behavior helped you walk with Jesus?

Share a time when God's guiding voice helped get you back on track when you were drifting.

Consider the following verses as it relates to our thinking, and how we should be praying that our minds would be formed by Jesus and that our thinking would shape the way we live and how we relate to others.

“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus”….Philippians 2:5

“For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?”But we have the mind of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 2:16

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:2