Think On These Things~
Whatsoever Things Are Pure
The Fourth in a Series on Philippians 4:8
“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.” Philippians 4:8 (KJV)
We find that those who will have close contact with God have a pure heart (Psalm 24:4). Matthew 5:8 says “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” So it will come as no surprise then that wisdom is seen as pure. James 3:17 says “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.”
Once again we are encouraged to study God’s word to find out more about the attributes in Philippians on which we are to meditate. “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding” (Proverbs 4:7). Psalm 19:8 tells us “The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.” Obeying God aids our understanding and makes us wise – Godly wisdom is pure.
We are instructed to grow up and “call on the Lord out of a pure heart” (2 Timothy 2:22). 1 Timothy 1:5 Says “Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:” Which brings us to the definition of pure religion “undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” (James 1:27).
The week of writing this has seen the worst coverage of the refugee crisis; a mother with two young children drowning off the coast of Turkey; hordes trying to board trains in Hungary to cross over into Austria. Public outcry has finally been raised loud enough to be heard. Over the weekend we saw some finally arriving in Germany and being met by people practising pure religion. Peter tells us to “see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:” (I Peter 1:22). It takes thought before action.
Prayer
Father, thank You for reminding us of the necessity to pause and meditate. Help us to see how to live pure lives – to shift our focus from self to helping others in need. James tells us that Pure religion is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction. Help us to remember this when it comes to opening our hearts and doors to others. In Jesus’ name we pray.
Amen
Study by Jackee Brown
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About the Author:
Jackee Brown is a member in the Worldwide Church of God UK Congregation in London.
Local Congregation:
Worldwide Church of God London
Indian YMCA Student Hostel
Mahatma Gandhi Hall
41 Fitzroy Square
LONDON W1T 6AQ
Meeting Time:
Saturday 2:30pm
Local Congregational Contact:
Martin Ryan
Phone: 020 8202 3998
Email: martin_ryan@wcg.org.uk