The Six Aspects of the Governing of the Living of Christ

 

The Six Aspects of the Governing of the Living of Christ

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." —Philippians 4:8

John 8:32 "And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free"

1 Tim 3:8 "Deacons likewise must be dignified"

1 Tim 3:11 "Their wives likewise must be dignified"

Rom 14:17 "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit"

Matt 5:6 "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied"

2 Cor 11:3 "But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ"

2 Cor 2:15 "For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing"

Matt 5:16 "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven"

 

Aspect	Meaning	Examples	Application	Related Scripture
1. True	Morally true, without hypocrisy and pretense; not merely factual truth, but moral character truth	- Honest speech, no lying - Sincere behavior, no pretense - Consistency between inner and outer life	- Tell the truth in daily life - Admit our weaknesses and mistakes - Interact genuinely with others, without masks	- Eph 4:25 "Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor" - 1 John 3:18 "Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth"
2. Honorable	Respectable, noble, dignified, steady, weighty, worthy of respect; containing dignity that can inspire and arouse people's reverence	- Dignified conduct, not frivolous - Weighty speech, not casual - Steady behavior with God's dignity	- Maintain appropriate dignity in all occasions - Think before speaking, not rash in words - Live out dignity because God is within us	- Titus 2:2 "Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled" - Rom 9:21 "Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use"
3. Just	Right before God and man; not referring to uprightness, but to being correct before both God and people	- Act according to God's standards - Be fair and upright in relationships - Pursue God's righteousness, not our own	- Consider God's will in decision-making - Treat everyone fairly - Pursue Christ's righteousness, not our own	- Phil 3:9 "And be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ"
4. Pure	Simple in intention and action, without mixture; no pretense, with pure motives	- Pure motives without selfish desires - Simple mind, single love for the Lord - Pure behavior without deceit	- Examine whether our motives are pure - Maintain simplicity and singleness of mind - Maintain purity in all relationships	- Matt 5:8 "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God" - 1 Tim 1:5 "The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith"
5. Lovely	Lovable, pleasing, delightful; able to attract people and let them feel Christ's loveliness	- Gentle and amiable disposition - Friendly and kind attitude - Radiating the fragrance of Christ	- Treat others with love - Cultivate a pleasing character - Let people see Christ's loveliness in us	- Gal 5:22-23 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control" - Col 4:6 "Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt"
6. Commendable	Renowned, having a good reputation, attractive, touching, gracious; having good testimony and reputation among people	- Good testimony in the community - Behavior that causes people to praise God - Being a blessing to others	- Pay attention to testimony before outsiders - Do good works that glorify God - Be a fragrant witness of Christ	- Hosea 14:7 "They shall return and dwell beneath my shadow; they shall flourish like the grain; they shall blossom like the vine" - 1 Tim 3:7 "Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil"

 

Summary: Excellence and Praise

Excellence (Virtue): Moral power expressed in vigorous action Praise: Things worthy of praise that accompany virtue

"If there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things" —Philippians 4:8b

Excellence and praise are not two additional aspects, but the value and summary of the previous six aspects. In each aspect of truth, honor, justice, purity, loveliness, and good reputation, there is excellence and something worthy of praise.

 

Core Truth:

The governing of the living of Christ means:

1.      These virtues are the manifestation of God's attributes, lived out from those who pursue Christ, the embodiment of God

2.      Human virtues are created vessels to contain divine virtues

3.      To be a proper person is to manifest God through the divine attributes in our human virtues

4.      To live a human life filled with Christ as the reality of God's attributes

"What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you." —Philippians 4:9

 

*Please refer to the 2025 June Semi-annual Summer Training General Topic: Experiencing, Enjoying, and Manifesting Christ (Part 3) Chapter 1 Christ is our virtue, God’s peace, our secret, and the One who empowers us