Sunday Sermons
Think!
Think!
Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, 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”
Go back and look at the last few words of the above verse. The Holy Spirit is actually giving us permission to mentally replay certain thoughts, regarding the past, the present, and the future! The word “think” here means, “To take account of...we are to constantly place our minds on these things. Vine notes that it means to ‘make those things the subjects of your thoughtful consideration’” (Jackson p. 81). It is healthy to mentally “dwell” on a certain category of mental thoughts, memories and images. So why do we need to practice this passage? Well, how many times have you or I struggled with a bad memory, a sinful image, or a worrisome or anxious thought? How many times have we lost sleep because we were obsessing over something? How many times have we replayed the same old discouraging or sinful though, or made ourselves crazy thinking about something that might happen? This verse is one answer to the problem of getting stuck in the same old line of sinful thought, the same old tired and worn mental trail, and the frustration of constant worry, fretting, and obsessing over all the wrong things.
This Will Work
“Finally”: “Paul lists a number of traits, which, if incorporated into one's thinking processes, would truly contribute to tranquility of life” (Jackson p. 81). This verse also contains practical information that will help any Christian "stand fast" in the Lord (4:1). “The readers must do their part by controlling their minds and thoughts” (Erdman p. 142). This verse reveals that we can realistically control our mental attitude and what we think about. Barclay reminds us, “This is something of the utmost importance, because it is a law of life that, if a man thinks of something often enough, he will come to the stage when he cannot stop thinking about it. His thoughts will be quite literally in a groove out of which he cannot jerk them” (p. 79).
The Categories
“Whatsoever things are”: That is, whatever would fit into the following categories.
· True:
“Many things in this world are deceptive and illusory, promising what they can never perform, offering a specious peace and happiness which they can never supply. A man should always set his thoughts on the things which will not let him down” (Barclay p. 79). “The term denotes that which is true to fact’. Truth is grounded in the very nature of God (Romans 3:4; 8:32; 17:17)” (Jackson pp. 81-82).
Among the “things that are true” that one would profit by mentally dwelling upon, would be:
1. I am loved; God cares what happens to me and what I do with the gift of life (John 3:16).
2. There is an instruction manual for how to live, how to be happy, how to overcome worry and so on.
3. If you are young, specific and clear guidance is available for how to keep yourself pure (Psalm 119:9-11).
4. The evidence exists, is universal and is clear to convince anyone that God exists (Romans 1:20) and the Bible is His word (1 Peter 3:15), so if you are looking for answers, the answers do exist.
5. Opinions and human trends come and go; yet God is always right (Romans 3:4).
6. Our culture, music and inventions will be viewed as old-fashioned 100 years from now, but the Bible will still be current.
· Honorable:
“Dignified” (Rhm). “Whatever is worthy of reverence” (Mon). “This is a quality that is characterized by soberness, as opposed to a flippant attitude that lacks intellectual seriousness” (Jackson p. 82). “That which wins respect or commands reverence, esteemed. It refers to lofty things, majestic things, things that lift the mind from the cheap and tawdry to that which is noble and good and of moral worth” (Hawthorne p. 188). “There lies in it the idea of a dignity or majesty which is yet inviting and attractive, and which inspires reverence” (Vincent p. 458). Our awesome God, our example Jesus, and our future home heaven, are honorable to ponder (Colossians 3:1-2).
· Just:
“What is right” (Gspd). “It concerns giving to God and men their due. It involves duty and responsibility. It entails satisfying all obligations” (Hawthorne p. 188). Always about the “right way” rather than the easy way out. Ask yourself what would be fair in this situation?
· Pure:
“This world is full of things which are sordid and shabby and soiled and smutty. Many a man gets his mind into such a state that it soils everything of which it thinks” (Barclay p. 80) (Titus 1:15). The word "pure" also applies to "pure" motives and actions. The Christian doesn't have the right to plot revenge (Romans 12:19-21). Do all you can to present a clean heart to your Creator.
· Lovely:
“Endearing” (Con). “Lovable” (TCNT). “It is that which calls forth love” (Jackson p. 82). “Winsome--thus the Christian's mind is to be set on things that elicit from others not bitterness and hostility, but admiration and affection” (Hawthorne p. 188). Unnecessarily violent entertainment is anything but lovely, refuse to cater to your lesser impulses.
· Good Report:
Those things that deserve a good reputation. The Christian is not interested in gossip and the Christian takes no pleasure in hearing the dirt that has surfaced concerning another member or anyone else. The Christian eagerly desires to hear those things that are good, i.e. the good things that Christians and others are doing, and the successes they are having.
“If there be any”: “Whatever moral excellence exists, and whatever praise it deserves” (Erdman p. 143). “Nothing that is really worthwhile for believers to ponder and take into consideration is omitted from this summarizing phrase. Anythingat all that is a matter of moral and spiritual excellence, so that it is the proper object of praise, is the right pasture for the Christian mind to graze in” (Hendriksen p. 199). Paul could also be inferring that virtue and praiseworthy behavior cannot be developed without thinking about the right things.
Practical Applications:
One aspect of controlling my thoughts that I have at times overlooked is that I forget to think about the right things while I am working on avoiding the wrong things. In the battle against any sin, to be successful we must not only avoid the sin, but equally replace it with something good and positive (2 Timothy 2:22ff). The following are some practical measures to help us in fulfilling the verse we have just examined:
· Great Family Memories:
List your top five favorite memories with your parents or with your family. Recall these when you are tempted to feel sorry for yourself or feel empty.
· Great Moments Together:
List your top five favorite memories with your spouse. Recall these when you are tempted to not appreciate your spouse or to battle a lust in your heart.
· Pictures and Photo Albums:
These remind us that we have a blessed past, that we are a fortunate people.
Review such pictures often and store them in an album according to various years. When you are together as a couple at special occasions or while traveling to special places, take pictures. Place a number of these pictures around the house and at your office. Let them serve as a constant reminder of how great your life is and what a wonderful marriage or family or friends or life you have.
· The Seasons:
Make a list of the top five things that you love about each time of year, Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer. Plan activities that take advantage of the blessings of each season. After each season or year passes, review it with your mate and children, and be impressed by how blessed you are.
· The Future:
Make a list of the top five things that you are looking forward to in the next period of your life. Do the things now and make decisions that will help pave the way to these experiences.
· Trials:
When your mind goes back to a bad or tough experience, remember and ponder what you learned in the process! Thank God for being faithful and getting you through it all.
Mark Dunagan/Beaverton Church of Christ/503-644-9017
www.beavertonchurchofchrist.net/mdunagan@easystreet.com
