We all have a different idea of what lovely is. In a recent Bible class I went around the room and took a survey asking them to “Name something that you think is lovely.” I got everything from a red velvet dress to a summer beach sunset. Paul emphasizes in Philippians 4:4-9 the idea of what is lovely. We are to think lovely thoughts. What we think in our hearts is who we are. (Prov. 23:7a) That’s the key. We are to consider the works of God. (Psalms 8:3; 19:1) Creation is God’s. We can look around and see this wonderful world and its magnificent beauty. That kind of thoughts is what Paul is talking about. Are you seeing what is lovely in what God has made and done?
The world is provoked for different reasons. Anything from God’s word to good deeds for others to envy can cause wrath to be poured out (Jonah 3:10-4:1; Luke 15:20-28; Genesis 30:1, 2). What should provoke a New Testament Christian is quite different. Things like idol worship, inadequate treatment of others, turning from God, and dishonoring the house of God should cause indignation to swell up inside us (Exodus 32:19-22: 1 Samuel 20:33, 34; Matthew 21:12, 13; Acts 17:16, 17). This type of anger is justified (Mark 3:1-5). However, when this righteous indignation sets in, we will not forget who we are. We must be slow to anger (Nahum 1:3). It should not set in fast (Titus 1:7; Ephesians 4:6). We should be seeking to stir up love and good works no matter what (Hebrews 10:24, 25; 1 Corinthians 9:1, 2). We love the Lord so much it should bother us when He and His are mistreated. We need to handle things right and make sure we are never at fault for mistreat...
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