Let Us Examine Paul's Example and Teaching (Philippians 4:9)
Introduction:
1. The latter part of this verse mentions a special blessing -- "the God of peace shall be with you." 2. We learn from the first part of this verse how to receive this blessing -- we must do the things that the Christians in Philippi had learned, received, heard, and seen in the apostle Paul. a. The things they had learned, received, and heard refer to Paul's teaching. b. The things they had seen refer to Paul's example [the things he did]. 3. In order to have the God of peace be with us we must follow Paul's example and teaching. 4. In our lesson we are concentrating on an important activity that Paul included in his teaching and example -- "giving thanks."
Discussion:
I. LET US EXAMINE PAUL'S EXAMPLE OF GIVING THANKS
A. Paul often expressed his gratitude to God. 1. He thanked God for his brethren and friends. a. Philippians 1:3-5 b. Colossians 1:3-4 2. He thanked God for food during a storm (Acts 27:35-36). 3. He thanked God when his friends met him on his way to Rome (Acts 28:15). 4. He thanked God for the victory He gives (1 Corinthians 15:57). 5. In addition to being grateful to God, . . . B. Paul was thankful to Christ for saving him and for putting him into the ministry, even though he had abused the Lord's followers (1 Timothy 1:12-17). C. These passages and many more indicate that Paul was thankful. D. We learn from 1 Corinthians 11:1 why we must follow his example. E. Now that we are more familiar with his example, . . .
II. LET US EXAMINE PAUL'S TEACHING ON GIVING THANKS
A. In his letters Paul often taught Christians to be thankful. 1. Colossians 2:6-7; 4:2 2. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 3. 1 Timothy 2:1 B. We learn from 1 Corinthians 14:37 why Paul's instructions must be obeyed. C. Paul associated giving thanks with other subjects, including: 1. giving (2 Corinthians 9:6-7, 12-15) 2. singing (Ephesians 5:19-20) 3. avoiding anxiety (Philippians 4:6) 4. having the peace of God in the heart and being in the body (Colossians 3:15) 5. submitting to the Lord's authority (Colossians 3:17).
Conclusion:
1. We have shown from the Scriptures how Paul was thankful and how he taught the Lord's followers to be thankful. 2. According to: a. Philippians 4:9a, we are to follow Paul's example and his instructions b. Philippians 4:9b, those who do so will receive a special blessing. 3. In closing, let us consider how Paul thanked God for the way some people in Rome changed (Romans 6:17-18). 4. He showed earlier in Romans 6:3-4 when this change takes place. 5. Have you been baptized into Christ?
