Sanctified Thinking
Minister: |
Rev. Ronald Van Overloop |
Date: |
6/23/2013 PM
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Text:
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Philippians 4:8,9
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Psalters: |
77, 230, 11, 236 |
- The object.
- First, realize the place of the mind in the believer?s life of godliness.
- We can do what the unregenerate reprobate cannot (Rom. 8:7; I Cor. 2:14).
- Our regenerated heart influences our will and mind to want and to do good (Prov. 4:23; Rom. 7:19-23).
- The objects on which Paul exhorts the church to think, in general, is expressed in ?virtue? and ?praise.?
- ?Virtue? is that which is good, so it serves its purpose, i.e., it is virtuous (I Peter 1:3,5; ?praise? in 2:9).
- ?Praise? is approbation or commendation.
- Paul specifies a few objects of praise and virtue.
- What characterizes virtue is what is true, honest, just, and pure.
- The Philippians, because of their background and surroundings, were every tempted to revert.
- The next things characterize virtue from the viewpoint of their manifestation.
- Things that are ?lovely,? i.e., what is amiable, pleasing, breathes love and evokes love.
- Things that are ?of good report,? things which are good and appealing.
- This is very difficult.
- Think on them so we seek them; fill your mind and souls with the things which are true.
- The other things crowd in on us on every side.
- Also, the church and the individual believer is far from perfect.
- This makes more urgent the admonition to fill our minds with that which is good.
- As difficult as this is, Paul shows that he was gifted to do it and is an example to the Philippians and us (Phil. 3:17).
- What is the result of thinking on these things? Why is thinking on these things so valuable?
- This admonition comes to redeemed believers living in this present evil world.
- Dwell on the positive, good things of God and His Word, so there is no room for the things of corruption.
- And the God of peace shall be with you.