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. 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. We have pondered about the areas of TRUE, NOBLE, RIGHT, and PURE thoughts. Today, let us finish with the last three areas that Paul challenges the Philippians believers to think about.
Adding to TRUE, NOBLE, RIGHT, and PURE thoughts, Paul tells us to meditate and think on LOVELY thoughts. Here he uses a Greek word that is understood to mean that which is acceptable, friendly toward, and pleasing. In other words, we are to think of the things that are highly enjoyable. I don’t know about you, but pleasant and pleasing thoughts put me in a good mood. I foundationally like those kinds of thoughts the best. I like the world around me better, and people around me like me better, also.
Then Paul adds to this list – ADMIRABLE thoughts. When we look at the original Greek word used here, we see that it conveys the thought of that which is reputable or well-spoken about. Paul is challenging them (and us) to realize that we shouldn’t use the world’s standards in our thinking, but God’s standards.
The final item in the list of areas to focus our thinking on is that which is EXCELLENT OR PRAISEWORTHY thoughts. We should concentrate our thoughts here. And, knowing Paul, I believe that he is considering that the One who is excellent and praiseworthy is Jesus Christ.
Noble thinking produces noble living, high thinking produces high living, and holy thinking produces holy living. We are to focus our thoughts on these seven areas. But – there is so much – how can I?
Do you realize that Christ is in each of these areas?
· Truth -- John 14:6 – “I am the truth.”
· Noble -- Jesus is worthy of our worship – our reverence.
· Right – He is the Righteousness of God – the Holy One.
· Pure – He is chaste and without sin.
· Lovely – He is acceptable, winsome, and loving.
· Admirable – He is the one that the Father has spoken well of – “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
· Excellent/Praiseworthy – there is none to whom more praise should go than to Jesus.
So, how do we think in these areas? Paul gives us the main point as we do this by focusing on Christ Himself.
Remember back in verse 7 – the peace of God guards our hearts and minds by Jesus. Now we can understand how Jesus guards our minds – it comes by our focusing our thought upon Him. And, Paul ends this section by telling us about the reward we will receive. Take time to look at verse 9 – “Do what you have learned and received and heard from me, and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.”
“Dwell on these things …” clear out the “stinkin’ thinkin’,” the world’s way of thinking and focus on Jesus Christ. Then you will find a peace that the world cannot and does not understand.
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