Philippians 4: 8-9
Think on These Things
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. 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.
Quick review:
Paul’s instructions to the Philippians are for us today. In
verse 7, Paul is talking about the God of Peace and in verse 9 about the peace
of God. We said last time that this is the peace that only Jesus can give. In
Colossians 3:15, we’re told to let peace rule in our hearts. Peace is an
umpire. That’s how we can “live up to” Paul’s instructions. We let the peace of
God determine what’s safe and what’s out.
Before we go into the study on things that are true, I want
to talk for a minute about why this “right thinking” is so important. It has to
do with how we are wired. Our brains have neural networks. When we think a
certain way over and over again, our brains become wired. When something comes
in that calls for a reaction or a critical response, the first place our brain
goes is to the pattern. Combine the marvel of how God made our bodies with the
power of the Holy Spirit to lead and guide and we have an amazing potential.
Each one of us has that potential.
So let’s talk about thinking and then we’ll talk about
things that are true.
The word that is used for thinking (logizomai) means to take
an inventory of, count of, estimate, reckon.
We said last week that true means “truly true” and refers to absolute
rather than relative truth. Relative truth is gray. It may be based on opinions
or convictions. But absolute truth is indisputable. You cannot shade it. It is
black and white.
As I pondered on true things, the first thing that came to
mind for me was The Word of God. The
Word of God is true. There are things in
God’s Word that we know are true. God is love. Christ died for us. By grace we
are saved. Truth. Try naming a few things that are true.
But truth isn't always obvious. In our dealings with others or maybe something we see on tv
or on the web, we hear various interpretations of the scriptures. Some are minor doctrinal differences. That’s
what we have a gazillion variations of churches. Some are false doctrine. Then
we have the devil who loves to deceive us. When we are deceived, we think lies
are truth. So how do we sort it out? How do we know what the truth is? We turn
to The Holy Spirit John 16:13 speaks of
the Spirit of Truth who guides us in all truth.
When we were saved, we all received The Holy Spirit. As we submit to God in our lives and let Him
take over (done with our free will), The Holy Spirit is able to take over and
show us the way. 1 Corinthians 2 speaks of the importance of The Holy Spirit in
our lives. John 14:26 Jesus said the
Holy Spirit will show us the way. He speaks of the Holy Spirit as our
comforter.
The companion verse that I’d like to tie in here is Psalm
94:19. When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your comforts delight
me. The King James says In the multitude
of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul. Some versions use the word anxieties instead
of thoughts.
Our thoughts won’t always be true, honorable, pure etc.
Sometimes we’ll wonder if the next paycheck will cover our expenses or if a
relationship can be mended or a disease healed. Sometimes the mundane things
with buzz around our head: did I turn the dryer off? Did I say the right thing? Why is this traffic so bad? But in the multitude of anxious thoughts, the
Holy Spirit comforts us and it’s good for our soul. It delights our soul. He teaches us the truth so we can think on
it, dwell in it. Embrace it.