Recently I had a conversation with my brother and the subject of Philippians 4:8 came up. I always enjoy our conversations. At times our perspectives differ and it leads to challenging and fruitful chats.
What I like at the book of Philippians is that is pretty straightforward in my opinion. Paul says, do this and gives you the steps. He says to think of certain things and the things to think of, he lays out in Philippians 4:8 Paul knew that a person’s thoughts determine who that person is, his or her attitudes, and how he or she acts towards others. What do you spend time thinking about? With what do you fill your mind?
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8 ESV
Bookmark moment: Paul offers other lists in Romans 1:29-31 and Galatians 5:19-23 I encourage you to take time and read yourself.
Let’s break this verse down a bit.
Whatever is true: Here is where some people can get a little confused. Because some people say things like well that your truth but not my truth. But I believe that argument falls short because there is not this truth and that truth. There is just the truth. And truth can be found in God’s word.
Paul encourages believers to think on things that are true. The word “true” has many meanings. Truth includes facts and statements that are 1. In accordance with reality (not lies and rumors); 2. Sincere (not deceitful); 3. Loyal, faithful, proper, reliable, and genuine.
Paul’s list of things on which we should meditate or think of… translates well from the Greek to the English; there is no great need for elaboration upon each item.
Honorable/noble, just/right, pure, lovely, commendable, These, Paul would say, are the fruit and the food of the mind that is guarded by the peace of God. When we put these good things into our mind, they stay in our mind and then come forth from us.
Whatever is honorable/noble: Matters that are worthy of respect, dignified, and elevated in character.
Whatever is just/right: Thoughts and plans that are just “right” meet God’s standard of righteousness. THey are in keeping with the truth, they are righteous.
Whatever is pure: Pure (Greek word hagnos) means free from contamination, these thoughts are unmixed and unmodified. Thoughts that are wholesome. Paul could have been speaking of moral purity something that is often difficult to maintain in thoughts.
Whatever is lovely: We know for the Greek word prosphiles, Paul was referring to thoughts of great moral and spiritual beauty, not of evil.
Whatever is commendable: This refers to things that speak well of the thinker. Thoughts that give confidence, praise, positive and constructive thinking. A believer’s thoughts if heard by others, should be commendable.
Think about these things: Much of the Christian life comes down to the mind. Romans 12:2 speaks of the essential place of being transformed by the renewing of your mind and 2 Corinthians 10:5 speaks of the importance of We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,. What we choose to meditate on matters.
What Paul describes here is a practical way to bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.
I have heard this concept explained through the concept of garbage. Even the Life Application Commentary uses garbage as in illustration by stating, “What we put into our minds determines what comes out in our words and actions. Paul tells us to program our minds with thoughts that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, commendable, and praiseworthy. Do you have problems with impure thoughts and daydreams? Examine what you are putting into your mind through tv, books, music, conversation, movies, and podcasts. Replace harmful input with wholesome material. Above all, read God’s Word and pray. Ask God to help you focus your mind on what is good and pure. It takes practice but it can be done.
Thank you for reading.
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