Sanctified Thinking

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