Are You Thinking Right

DECEMBER 1, 2021 STUDY NOTES PHILIPPIANS 4:8 BIBLE TEACHER: CLIFTON JONES ARE YOU THINKING RIGHT? INTRODUCTION In the two previous verses Paul told us to pray right, be thankful, and don’t worry In verse 8 Paul is going to direct us to “Think Right,” that which our mind must dwell upon When we meditate upon God’s Word and learn how to live, there is no time to worry We will defeat Satan’s attacks upon our mind, attempting to deceive us, to lead us astray In verse 9 we are going to learn that we must “Live Right,” and be a Christian example Which Satan does not want you to do, he wants you to worry and not be a witness for Christ If Satan does not turn your mind to worry, he has many other mental attacks he will use Satan’s sinful acts begin in the mind, sins within the mind result in sinful acts Consider some things that begin with thinking about them and then think about what they do: Pride; lust; hate; greed; covetousness; discouragement; theft; anger; listen to Jesus, Mat 5:21 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: Mat 5:22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. Adultery; Mat 5:27 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: Mat 5:28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. We must understand that Jesus or Paul are not teaching the “Power of Positive Thinking” Which has been taught in many seminars, attracting a lot of attention to give attention Paul is teaching the “Power of Spiritual Thinking,” the “Power of Scriptural Thinking” No power within worldly thinking, even good thinking, can compare with Godly thinking, Psa 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. There is spiritual power in “Biblical Meditation,” Psa 1:1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. Psa 1:2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. Jos 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. In Philippians 4:8, Paul is giving us a guideline for our daily thinking and daily living Think about your daily thought life as we study this verse, what do you mostly think about? Give thought to what your eyes are showing your mind and what your ears are telling your mind Php 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. FINALLY, this is the second time that Paul has said “finally,” Php 3:1 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe. Paul’s “finally” is not a conclusion, but an emphasis calling for us to pay attention to his words What he now says is of utmost importance, especially for the “brethren,” for Christians today We need to hear what Paul says, we need to hear it over-and over again and daily think about it In the Bible we often find a list of guidelines for us to follow, they are not multiple choice Page 1 of 6 We are not to make-a selection from those lists, to agree with some and forget the others As Christians we must give attention to all that Paul says, “whatsoever things” they are We are to live according to the total teaching of Paul’s words, “whatsoever things” and “any” “Whatsoever” is found 6 times and “any” is found twice in this verse Which tells us to think about anything and everything that is anything like these things The list begins with that which is “TRUE,” that which is sincere, upright, honest, or just Which is difficult to find in our world today, these things are not natural for sinful man The opposite of truth is that which is dishonest; unreliable; deceiving; harmful Truth should be the normal lifestyle for the Christian, it should be of our spiritual nature At the trial of Jesus, Pilate had two questions for Jesus, Jesus answered the first one, Joh 18:37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice. We must answer the second question, Joh 18:38 Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all. We can find our answer to the question, “What is truth” in God’s Word, Joh 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. Peter said the Word of God is sincere, which is truth, 1Pe 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: Through the study of God’s Word, we learn the truth of truth Read the Bible and you don’t have to study books that teach what is false religion Study scripture and there is no need to study that which is false, truth will identify the false Paul’s “whatsoever’s” are based upon the truths found in God’s Word GOD IS TRUTH Joh 3:33 He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true. God who is true stands in great contrast to Satan who is the liar, Joh 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. The truth is, God cannot lie, Tit 1:2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; Rom 3:4 God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged. The “True God” sent forth “His Truth” in His Son, Joh 8:26 I have many things to say and to judge of you: but he that sent me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I have heard of him. JESUS IS TRUTH John the Baptist said that God sent Jesus to speak the truth, Joh 3:33 He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true. Joh 3:34 For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him. Jesus said, Joh 8:26 I have many things to say and to judge of you: but he that sent me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I have heard of him. Jesus is “Truth,” Joh 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. Jesus came full of “Truth,” Joh 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. Page 2 of 6 Paul believed and taught that Jesus is “Truth,” Eph 4:21 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: THE HOLY SPIRIT IS TRUTH Joh 15:26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me: Joh 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. The Spirit of God takes the Word of God and teaches you to abide in truth, 1Jn 2:27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. Allow the anointing of the Spirit to guide you into God’s truth and you will live a life of truth You will be a witness of the “Gospel of Salvation” THE GOSPEL IS TRUTH Eph 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Col 1:5 For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel; Col 1:6 Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth: TRUTH IS THE WAY TO LIVE Joh 8:31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; Joh 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. Joh 17:19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. Eph 4:15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: Eph 4:25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. Eph 6:14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; WORSHIP MUST BE IN TRUTH Joh 4:23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. Joh 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. WHATSOEVER THINGS “are” HONEST “Honest” refers to things that are honorable, holy, noble, and of dignity That which is worthy of respect, deserves to be honored, inspires reverence or awe The original word is found three other times in the NT and is translated “grave” Which is not the thought of a hole in the ground, it describes a dignified lifestyle Each time it is identified with the lifestyle of those considered to be church leaders Describing the dignified lifestyle required of deacons, 1Ti 3:8 Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; The wife of a deacon is also to live a respectable lifestyle, 1Ti 3:11 Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. Older saints are to be an example of a life of honor, Tit 2:2 That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, Page 3 of 6 sound in faith, in charity, in patience. Honor which has been earned through years of a Godly lifestyle The lifestyle of every Christian should be that which attracts the attention of the lost 1Ti 2:2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. Tit 2:7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, (A lifestyle opposite of ungodliness and a life that is injurious to others) Living a decent and moral life that will be appreciated and respected and profitable unto men Tit 3:8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men. All who have believed in God must “think honest and maintain good works” Let your life be useful, helpful, and profitable to all who come-in contact with you Think honest, things that are “honest” are things that are “right” WHATSOEVER THINGS “are” JUST “Just” refers to that which is “right,” that which conforms to the standard of God That which is “right” according to God is His “righteousness” Christ has prepared the way for Christians to live righteous, which should be our lifestyle Three times we read, “the “just” shall live by faith, Rom 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. Gal 3:11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. Heb 10:38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. “The Just” refers to a person who has been made righteous in Christ, Rom 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: To do that which is right before God is not because we have good intentions Living right before God is through faith that obeys God according to God’s Word The world has the right to expect what is right from the life of the Christian We must pray right, Jas 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. We must think what is right, then plan what is right, then do what is right, 1Pe 3:12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. Put it all together, think right, pray right, live right, “right” living is “pure” WHATSOEVER THINGS “are” PURE “Pure” has the meaning of “morally and inwardly” pure, holy, clean, chaste, wholesome “Pure” is undefiled, not mixed with moral impurity, blameless, innocent, stainless, spotless “Pure” is the first characteristic of “Heavenly Wisdom, Jas 3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. The evidence that we have received “Heavenly Wisdom” is a pure and holy life Jesus is to be our example to follow, 1Jn 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 1Jn 3:3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. In view of our hope in the return of Jesus, our daily desire is to live a life of purity “Pure” living is a life that is “lovely” Page 4 of 6 WHATSOEVER THINGS “are” LOVELY This is the only time we find the word translated “lovely” in the NT It refers to that which is pleasing, agreeable, and acceptable Identifying a person who is gracious, generous, patient, one who is a dear friend A life that will win people over because it promotes peace and not conflict A life that reveals the fruit of the Spirit is one that is lovely (Gal. 5:22-23) A life that reveals the good things that are in you because of Christ (Philemon 6-7) When other Christians see in you that which is “lovely” they are refreshed The “lovely” life will be a life of “good report” WHATSOEVER THINGS “are” OF GOOD REPORT “Good report” is another original Greek word found only here in the NT A good report is that which is highly regarded, worth telling, worth talking about Your life should be telling others that you are living for God, you are a Christian witness Your life for God is what others should be talking about, a good reputation There is another lesson here for us as a Christian, look for-that which is good in others We all have our faults and have made some mistakes, which Satan wants to make public Don’t let Satan use you to be a faultfinder in other Christians, to tear down a testimony Be spiritual before those who are being unspiritual, Gal 6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Eph 4:2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; At all times our life should represent Jesus, Act 4:13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. Living for Jesus will be a life filled with “virtue” and “praise” IF “there be” ANY VIRTUE “If” is now stated twice and directs our attention to the conclusion of this verse The last two spiritual qualities sum up all-of the previous spiritual qualities presented “Virtue” is what makes life worth living, life doesn’t get any better than “virtue” The only other NT writer that uses the word translated “virtue” is Peter, he explains it well 1Pe 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Our life is to be a praise unto God by showing forth His greatness, His excellencies We are to show what wonderful things He has already done for us, 2Pe 1:3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: What He has done within us is worthy to be praised, our salvation is not to be silent and selfish 2Pe 1:5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; “Virtue” describes the life that is worth learning and the life that is worth living Peter said learn it and live it, and add to it, learn more, live more, and add more to it True virtue is Christ-like living, the divine qualities of Christ, showing what Christ has done Which is “worthy of praise” AND IF “there be” ANY PRAISE Literally this reads “worthy of praise,” something “praiseworthy” Paul used this word praise in, Php 1:11 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Page 5 of 6 Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. Fruits of righteousness cannot be produced through human ability, only through union with Christ Fruits of righteousness is the result of a spirit- filled life, life controlled by the Holy Spirit Which is described in the 9-fold cluster of fruit known as the “Fruit of the Spirit” (Gal. 5:22-23) Our daily desire should be to live for Christ unto the glory and praise of God We should continually ask the question, “Is this praiseworthy?” “Will God be praised?” The praiseworthy life is life worth living, the best for you and all who come-in contact with you Praiseworthy describes the things others will see and hear from you and can follow (Phil 4:9) The Christian way of life is the only life worth living regardless of what happens Praise God anyway, 1Pe 1:7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Live a life that is praiseworthy and praises God, read, study, learn, and live Ephesians 1:3-14 Learn and think upon what you have learned, exactly what Paul tells us THINK ON THESE THINGS Let your mind dwell on these things, which refers to a process of careful study There is a reason you need to reason it out, in fact there are many reasons, eternal reasons Take time to take every step of life into account, will this step be praiseworthy? “Think,” fill your mind with these “things,” meditate upon them and put them into practice Paul is not giving us a suggestion, it is a command, a must for our daily life, make it a habit Satan will continually attempt to turn your mind from “these things,” telling you to ignore them He will tell you that this way of thinking is not for today, it is not for the world we now live in But God’s Word is for every age, every day, every moment, for every person, dwell upon it CONCLUSION Take a thinking test, what T.V. shows are you watching? What is the theme of the magazines and books you read? What computer pop-ups do you click on? What does your internet usage show as favorites? On each of the above do they contain adult-only content or sexual content? It has been well said, “You are not what you think you are; but what you think, “you are” Which is what Jesus taught, Mar 7:20 And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man. Mar 7:21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Mar 7:22 Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: Mar 7:23 All these evil things come from within, and defile the man. Sin has its beginning in your thinking, but so does Godly thinking, we must think right with God It has also been said, “What we think matters, and it matters more than we think” Are you allowing your mind to be filled with worldly trash, or virtue that can be praised by all There is too much in our world today called Christianity that is not Christianity at all Much of what you see and hear in the lives of those claiming to be a Christian is not of Christ It is not the life described in the Bible as a “new person,” 2Co 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. Our world must see the Christian whose mind is centered upon Christ as described in Phil 4:8 When the world sees Godly living they will think about it, talk about it, and ask about it “ARE YOU THINKING RIGHT?” Right thinking leads to “Right Living,” Php 4:9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. Page 6 of 6