The Math that Equals Fellowship with God, Philippians 4:8,9
Here we find more complex math in God’s word to exercise the frontal cortex of those endowed with “the image of God.” Us creatures who can think!
Like every manufactured machine, there are no unnecessary parts; each part has a specific contribution/contributions. In this passage the Holy Spirit inspires Paul to highlight several of our body components working together for spiritual growth.
Php 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. 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.
“Think” in this verse means to add up; it’s an accounting word. Add these things up. The sum total you will arrive at is “the peace of God will be with you.”
Paul says: he has lived “these things” in front of them in such as way that they have been taught through all of there senses. They have “received” them to themselves, They have heard them with their ears, they have seen them with their eyes. You might say that they have “tasted the purity and cleanness” of them. And being persuaded of their value they are encouraged to do them and receive the final benefit: fellowship with the God of peace.
These things + learning + doing = FELLOWSHIP WITH THE GOD OF PEACE.
In contrast with the anxious mindset described in the previous verses, we are to select out “every thing” that is beneficial and praiseworthy to study for the purpose of directing our way of life.
