TEXT: Philippians 4: 8-9 (CSB) – “Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy—dwell on these things. Do what you have learned and received and heard from me, and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.”
We have considered how the world keeps reminding us of the power of the human mind. We are constantly bombarded with the message that we use only a small segment of our brains. The top selling-books are often geared to using our minds to offset the supposed inadequacies in our lives. Why do we run after and purchase these books? Because, we believe that if we think hard enough, believe in ourselves – we can accomplish anything that we want.
Many Christian speakers tell us the same thing. Whatever we think – we can accomplish. However, The Bible NEVER promises us that we can do anything we think – but it does tell us of the power of our minds.
We are looking at SIX AREAS OF THOUGHTS THAT BRING PEACE TO THE BELIEVER. Yesterday we started with the area of TRUE thoughts. Today, we will continue with three more areas – the areas of NOBLE, RIGHT, and PURE thoughts.
Adding to TRUE thoughts, Paul tells us to meditate and think about NOBLE thoughts. The Greek word used here means to be honorable, dignified, and/or worthy of reverence. In other words to focus our thinking on things that deserve our worship.
Many things in the world clamor for our worship. The concept in Scripture of worship is to bow down, prostrate, and declare submission and honor and glory to someone or something. Today, we bow to the idols of science, education, success, and yes, even “religion.” We see people bow before other humans – we have our “idols.” But, there is only one that we are to worship – Jesus Christ.
The Paul adds to the list for the Philippians (and us) to focus our thoughts on – this is RIGHT thoughts (or as the KJV calls them “ just”). Paul uses a Greek word that means righteous or holy.
The world has their views of what is right or what justice is. Most of the time when the world speaks of “just” they are meaning the idea of “fair.” This is not a Scriptural idea. You see, fairness is really a situational issue. We are talking about given situations. I have often heard children (and some Adults) say, “It’s not fair…” We are usually responding to some way that we feel our personal rights are infringed upon.
However, God’s idea of just is “righteous” – something that is morally right, in accordance with His laws, His Being. Something set by His standards.
When we focus on the fairness of an issue, we find ourselves tossed by the situation. When we focus on the moral righteousness of God – we deal with settled issues. This brings peace.
Lastly today, we will add to the list the area of PURE thoughts. Paul chooses a Greek word that means to be chaste, modest, and clean. The world bombards us with filth. Consider the many TV shows, Movies, Magazines, and books that pander to our sensual and depraved attitudes. The Internet has opened a whole world of opportunities to be involved without others being involved directly with us. We can gain substitutionary satisfaction by being involved with these. We feel that we can have our base desires fulfilled while not physically participating. Today it is becoming harder and harder to go anywhere, do anything that we are not accosted by these lower areas.
Paul and God are calling the Philippian believers (and us) to focus our minds on what is chaste and modest.
So, today, we are left with four areas that Paul calls us to direct our thoughts and attitudes – the areas of TRUE, NOBLE, RIGHT, and PURE thoughts. Consider your thoughts today. Take some time to evaluate what areas your thoughts tend to gravitate to. Are the thoughts that can be labeled truth? How about noble? Maybe right? Or pure? What do I need to change in my patterns of thinking to have the full peace of God?
Tomorrow, we will finish this passage from Paul’s writings with the last three areas. LOVELY, ADMIRABLE, and EXCELLENT OR PRAISEWORTHY thoughts. Looking forward to our time together tomorrow.
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