This morning, I read through the last two chapters of Paul’s letter to the Philippians.

I’ve read this many, many times before, and am encouraged by several pieces of this letter.

In fact, for a long time, I had Philippians 4:8-9 printed and hung next to my office door at the first church I served. I love this short, encouraging letter that Paul wrote so many centuries ago.

Over the next few days, I want to look at each of these individual characteristics, seeing how they need to be implemented in our thinking.

First, a little background…

Philippi was a small but significant city in the Roman Empire. It was located on a major Roman road, and was an important part of Macedonia.

Acts 16 tells us that Paul visited Philippi because he saw a Macedonian man in a vision, asking for Paul to come and share the Gospel with them. Upon arriving there, one of the first converts and an important piece of the fledgling church was a woman named Lydia, who sold purple cloth. When Paul left, this church was growing, and there some reason to believe that Luke was left there to guide the new church for a short while.

Paul most likely wrote this short letter while he was imprisoned in Rome, which makes this letter one of last. It contains some incredible encouragement, especially considering his status as a prisoner.

One of the most encouraging passages in found in chapter four, verses eight and nine. Paul says,

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Paul gives us a guideline for our though life. He suggests several criteria for what we should (and shouldn’t) allow our thoughts to dwell on.

Over the next few days, let’s take a look at each of these qualities in turn, and see just how we can apply these ideas to our lives.

I know it will help me; I hope it can be a help to you as well.

What is your favorite passage from Philippians? You can leave your thoughts in the comments section below.