THE IMPORTANCE OF THINKING - Part 2

Philippians 4:8
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

Last week we started this study of Philippians 4:8 by noticing the instruction given to the believer about the importance of thinking. There is a battle that is fought over the mind of the believer. Satan started that battle in the garden of Eden when he came to Eve and said “. . . Yea, hath God said Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?” The serpent (Satan) put doubt in the mind of Eve about the Word of God. He then changed the Word of God and the battle for the mind of mankind has raged on and on and will continue till the Lord puts an end to Satan once and for all.

The mind of the man, as is every other part, is under the control of the flesh or under the control of the Holy Spirit. We make a choice. Paul is exhorting us to make the choice to think on things that are honest, just, pure, lovely and of a good report. Of course, the perfect thing to think on is the Word of God and when we do great things happen. Paul put it this way in Romans 12:2 “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, . . .” As we think on the Word of God our lives are transformed. So you see how important our mind is in our growth.

First of all, Paul gives instructions. Secondly:

PAUL GIVES ITEMS

Paul not only gives some instructions as to the importance of thinking but he goes on to give some items that ought to be in the thinking process of the child of God. Notice verse 8 as he gives the believer a list: "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

1. Right Thinking Guards Our Character

This is covered in the first three items mentioned. This has to do with the personal inner life or character of the believer.

Someone has described Character as “Being achieved; not received.” Character grows out of the substance of a person’s soul. Notice the items listed that guard our character:

True Thoughts

Paul tells us that we’re to think true thoughts. He’s talking about those things which are true in character. He’s talking about things that are real in contrast to that which is phony. The only thing that fits that description is the Word of God. Jesus Himself said in John 17;17 “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.”

Honest Thoughts

Paul is talking about those things that are worthy and respectable. The word “honest” is the same word that’s used in the qualification for deacons. The deacons were to be men “of honest report.” The idea there is integrity. They were to be men of integrity.

Paul is really saying here that we are to have thoughts of integrity.

Just Thoughts

Paul is saying to us believers that our thoughts are to be righteous and godly. Remember this: the things we think influence our lives. As we think on things which are “true, honest and just,” we will find ourselves behaving in the same way. That should cause us to think about what kind of thoughts that we have.

2. Right Thinking Guides Our Conduct

In verse 8 Paul lists three things that apply to our public life. He’s talking about how we relate to each other.

Pure Thoughts

There is more here than just our actions. Paul is including our motives. What a person does is important, but it’s also important why a person does what he does.

In Paul’s writings he emphasized purity in a person’s life. How can a person live pure, unless their thoughts are pure. Remember, our lives must be pure because we’re indwelt by the Holy Spirit. Paul wrote in I Corinthians 3:16 “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?”

Lovely Thoughts

The word “lovely” speaks of that which exercises love. Paul is speaking about thoughts which promotes brotherly love and creates agreement.

How can we be loving toward one another if our thoughts toward one another are not right? Think about that person who is irritating to be around. What kind of thoughts do you have toward them? Are we supposed to love them? We read in John 13:34 “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” There is no exception clause in that verse.

Good Report Thoughts

This speaks of that which is winsome and attractive.

All these things mentioned here in this verse involve our relationship with other people. Thinking these kind of thoughts lead to actions that develop our relationship with them.

If a person is always thinking about revenge, hurts and wounds, he will behave in that manner toward others. But, if he’s thinking pure thoughts, lovely thoughts and thoughts of good report, he will act differently toward others.

Two last thoughts:

1. On what do we think? Our thoughts are in need of examination. We read in Psalm 139:23 “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts?” This should be our desire and prayer!

2. How can we improve our thought life? You answer that for yourself and I’ll answer it for myself. It may mean more time in the Word of God. It could mean less time reading certain printed material or watching certain movies or television. Consider what we think on.

That’s my view; how about you?