These verses are a statement of one of God’s rule for doubtful things. They introduce us to the problems of regulating our conduct in areas of life where the Bible is not entirely explicit. Should a Christian drink alcohol or not? Can he/she enter politics? Can he/she work for a company that manufactures war materials? To what extent can a believer adopt the standards of his times and society? The answers to such questions must be given in their broadest possible scope; accordingly, we shall range through Scripture, returning at last to these verses in Philippians. We need to recognize first that although many of the issues that trouble Christians are silly and do not deserve much attention, not all of them are. Consequently, we must not make the mistake of avoiding all serious thought about such matters.

There are three principles that will help any Christian in 99 percent of his or her difficulties. All these are found throughout Scripture, but they are summarized in three important verses: Rom. 6:14; 1 Cor. 6:12, 10:23; and Phil. 4:8. They tell us that we are to live (as we have been saved) by grace; that we are to think first, last and always of others; and that we are to pursue the highest things.

The first principle, then, is that we are not under law; we are under grace (Rom. 6:14). This verse teaches that whatever the answer may be to the problem of doubtful practices, it is not legalism. That is, the way will never be found by organizing any body of Christians to declare whether or not movies, cigarettes, alcohol, war, or whatever it may be, is proper. In the early church the battle against legalism was won for pure grace. It is also true; however, that the same verse speaks against legalism also speaks against another error that is likewise a wrong approach to the problem. This error is the error of license, the teaching that because we are not under law but under grace Christians can therefore go on doing as they please (see Rom. 6:15).

The second principle for determining God’s will in doubtful matters is that although all things are lawful for Christians – because he is not under law but under grace – all things are not expedient. That is true for two reasons: first, because the thing itself may gain a harmful control over him or have a harmful effect on him physically. Second, because through him it may hurt other Christians. The first reason is given in 1 Corinthians 6:12. Paul knew that God had not set him free from sin and the law in order for him to become captive to mere things. Later on in 1 Corinthians 10:23 Paul gives the second reason why something may not be expedient. The verses that follow show that he is thinking of the edification and growth of fellow Christians.

Moreover, we are to be consistent in our abstinence, for we must not appear double-faced or hypocritical. We must sometimes be consistent over a long period of time. Paul wrote, “Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause him to fall” (1 Cor. 8:13). Never again! And this from the same apostle who had defended the cause of Christian liberty successfully before the Jerusalem apostles! We must remember that it will be costly if we are to be careful of the effect of our conduct upon others.

The final principle of the three that best helps to direct our conduct in doubtful areas is Philippians 4:8. According to this verse the Christian is to decide between doubtful things by choosing the best. This does not exclude the best things in our society, whether explicitly Christian or not. Paul is saying that although the pursuit of the best things by Christians will necessarily mean the pursuit of fellowship with God, the will of God, all means to advance the claims of the gospel, and other spiritual things also, it will not mean the exclusion of the best values the world has to offer. The things that are acknowledged to be honorable by the best people everywhere are also worthy to be cultivated by Christians. Consequently, Christians can love all that is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable, wherever they find it. When we pursue the highest things in life, both spiritually and secularly, then the God of peace will be with us. And we shall have the confidence that He will bless and guide us as we seek to please Him.

Philippians 4:8-9 Reflection Questions:

Do you find yourself more legalistic or graceful?

What is God speaking to you about with this study?