Renewing the Mind: A Divine Focus on What Matters

Reading of the Word

Philippians 4:8–9 NASB 2020

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, think about these things. As for the things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

Prayer of Illumination

Heavenly Father,

Open our hearts and minds to Your Word. Shine Your truth upon us, guiding our thoughts and shaping our lives. Holy Spirit, help us not only to understand but to live out Your wisdom in faith and obedience. May Your presence transform us and draw us closer to You.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Introduction

Vision has to do with what we perceive. The biblical ideas of our eyes, vision, and focus relate to what we are attentive to. Where does our attention go in our thoughts and affections? This “focus” is intentional, and to keep that focus we must develop habits for what to be attentive to. 

We have to make the decision on what to allow our minds to focus on. Right thinking is the first step toward righteous living. What is right thinking? It is thinking devoted to life’s higher goods and virtues. Paul’s focus in our text today is to take such virtues and list them out specifically to give us great insight on where the Christian’s thinking needs to be today.

The apostle Paul wants to guide us in our thinking. Why? Because he knows that our thoughts matter. A lot. What we are thinking about affects our relationships, it determines our choices, and it guides us through life. I once read that a typical emotion or feeling lasts about 90 seconds. We get cut off by someone on the road and we get mad. A dog comes running at us barking and bearing his teeth and we get scared. That kind of thing. That rage, that fear, lasts about 90 seconds. And then our thoughts determine what happens next. Are we going to tailgate that person for the next few miles, pull up next to them at a traffic light, yell at them, go full “road rage”? Or are we going to slow it down a little, put a good song on the radio, and enjoy the rest of our drive? It’s up to us.

As Paul concludes his letter to the church in Philippi, he leaves them with a list of virtues to reflect on. He emphasizes that focusing on these things will guide them in the right direction, while neglecting them will lead them astray. He imparted his wisdom upon them and they would have to make the decision. We must do the same thing each day.

Philippians 4:8a

Whatever Is True

He isn’t telling us to focus on the factual things of the world but in the person who embodies truth.

Jesus doesn’t bring the truth; he IS the truth.

John 14:6 NASB 2020

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me.

The truth of Scripture is deeper and magnificent than anything else on earth.

What do we find in Scripture?

God loves us.

God created us.

God saves us.

God sanctifies us.

God glorifies us.

The truth has to either be accepted or rejected.

Even if it is rejected, it still remains the truth. Truth does not change.

God’s Word is the ultimate truth, and every Christian's mind should be grounded in it.

The opposite of focus is distraction. This is what the enemy will use to take our focus from God.

A distracted mind leads to a heart drifting from God.

The relationship with God begins to drift.

They starve themselves spiritually.

Matthew 4:4 NASB 2020

But He answered and said, “It is written: ‘man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes out of the mouth of God.’ ”

God’s Word is our spiritual food.

Prayer refreshes and renews our spirit.

When these things are missing, we become spiritually starved and exhausted, leaving our faith to fade away.

Their church attendance drifts.

God’s design for the believe is to be a part of a church.

Thinking you can follow Christ without His church is believing a lie from the enemy.

Jesus sent the Holy Spirit primarily to establish and empower the Church.

Paul traveled from church to church, pouring out his heart because he knew how vital the church is for every believer. He lived as a testament to this truth, sacrificing everything—even his life—to show that Christ is worth it all.

The more often you miss church, the less often you miss it.

When Satan keeps you from church, he distances you from God’s truth, isolates you from spiritual support, and weakens your faith—making you more vulnerable to his attacks.

I’m not saying this to boost attendance or push programs—I’m saying it because I’ve witnessed it again and again in my ministry. As your shepherd, I don’t want to see you drift. I want you to stand firm, guard your heart, walk in God’s best, and thrive in His love, living it out for others.

Their commitment to God's truth weakens.

"Satan does not tempt us with a full-frontal attack. He makes us busy, makes us distracted, and little by little, we drift away—even from church."

The enemy slowly replaces truth with a lie—one designed to destroy them and keep them from ever returning to Jesus.

Whatever Is Honorable

And next, Paul writes, think about “whatever is honorable.” Whatever is noble, whatever is lofty, whatever is worthy of respect, think about this.

Have you noticed how the people who most exemplify this rarely make the news? Dishonor makes the news much more often. Even in literature, I have noticed that there are more examples of dishonorable people than honorable ones. Perhaps that is why the book, “To Kill a Mockingbird” is so beloved. It offers us an example of someone who is honorable – Atticus Finch. There are other examples, of course, but you have to look for them. 

If you know honorable people, talk to them. Learn from them. Pray for them. Spend time with them. If there is any dishonor in your life, those that live honorable lives will help you live your life as one to honor God.

Psalm 16:3 NASB 2020

As for the saints who are on the earth, They are the majestic ones; all my delight is in them.

Whatever Is Pure

Philippians 4:8b

Jesus speaks about the pure in heart in His teaching known as the Beatitudes.

Matthew 5:8 NASB 2020

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

We only find purity of heart when we seek it.

When we find that we are doing things with a pure heart, we know 1) it is the right thing, 2) it is commendable, and it is honorable.

Whatever is Lovely

Looking at those things that are not just pleasing to us but to the Lord.

Ephesians 5:10 NASB 2020

as you try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.

For you, for example, tomorrow morning, or this evening at dinnertime, at school or at work, on the golf course, when you are shopping, try to figure out what is pleasing to the Lord. Only you can answer that, because no one else can live your life. Live it as though every moment matters, and every moment is a chance to please the Lord. 

Whatever is Commendable or Praiseworthy

We can ask key questions to reflect on the purity of our motives, thoughts, words, and actions, helping us assess whether we are truly living with a pure heart.

Is this glorifying God or self?

Does this align with Scripture?

Am I being driven by love or selfish ambition?

Does this draw me closer to God?

Will this help or hinder my witness for Christ?

Living a praiseworthy life—one that honors God—requires constant self-examination, seeking ways to grow and bring Him greater glory.

1 Corinthians 10:31–33 NASB 2020

Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all things for the glory of God. Do not offend Jews or Greeks, or the church of God; just as I also please everyone in all things, not seeking my own benefit but the benefit of the many, so that they may be saved.

We are called to live in a way that leads many to salvation.

Think On These Things

An experiment was conducted involving a group of students who were given a simple task: to record every negative thought they had throughout the day. By the end of the week, they were shocked to realize how many negative thoughts filled their minds. This highlights a crucial battle of the mind; it’s easy to dwell on negativity. Philippians 4:8 urges us to redirect our focus towards uplifting and positive thoughts, which leads to healthier minds and lives overall.

Think - to dwell upon, to direct our mind towards.

Give our time of thinking to the positive, not the negative.

This does not mean that everything we watch, read, or listen to must be overtly Christian in nature, but it does mean that it should draw our hearts closer to God and increase our desire to obey Him, to fellowship with other believers, and to share the gospel.

If the subject of our thoughts does not do these things, then it does not pass the test of Phil 4:8. It seems likely that, if Christians took this verse seriously, our media consumption habits would have to change.

I have given you a handout with some practical ways to think on these things. Let’s filter out the negative, pour in the positive, and watch God renew and transform our minds.

Follow His Practice

Philippians 4:9

The example Jesus set was the one Paul followed. Now, Paul urges the church in Philippi—and us—to do the same.

This is me teaching you these things so that you may teach them to others.

They had learned. (the mind)

They had received. (the heart)

They had heard. (the ears)

They had seen (the eyes)

They have everything they need to live out their faith effectively.

Our faith is not just spoken—let’s live it! No excuses allowed!

When we fix our eyes on Jesus, we are not only supposed to gaze at him but also are called to imitate what you have seen in Jesus.

The God of Peace is With You

Obedience to Paul’s teaching and living it out in our lives gives us God’s presence and peace.

We yield our heart to God.

We think on these things that Paul just spoke about.

We surrender our lives fully to God—morning, noon, and night—allowing Him to shape our every moment according to His will.

When we live this way, we will experience the love and peace that flow from God's heart alone.

It surpasses all comprehension.

It is something we feel deeply but cannot put into words.

John 14:27 NASB 2020

Peace I leave you, My peace I give you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, nor fearful.

To Sum It Up: Focusing our thoughts on God’s truth, virtues, and righteousness transforms our lives, strengthens our faith, and leads us to live in His peace while impacting others for His glory.

Conclusion

Paul reminds us that our focus shapes who we become. When we fix our minds on God’s truth and live out His virtues, we experience His presence and peace. But if we allow distractions and worldly influences to take root, our faith weakens.

The Christian life requires intentional thought and action. We must choose daily to pursue what is true, honorable, and right, standing firm in our faith despite opposition.

Let’s not just think about these things—let’s live them. When we do, God’s peace will be with us, and our lives will shine as a testimony to His truth and love.

Prayer Following the Message

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the truth of Your Word and the call to fix our minds on what is true, honorable, and pure. Help us to set our focus on You daily, guarding our hearts against distraction and temptation. Strengthen us to stand firm in faith, to live out Your virtues, and to be a light in a world that needs Your love.

Fill us with Your peace that surpasses all understanding. May our thoughts, words, and actions bring glory to You and draw others closer to Christ. We surrender our lives to Your will and ask for the Holy Spirit’s guidance in all we do.

In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Benediction

May the God of peace, who calls us to fix our minds on what is true, honorable, and pure, fill your hearts with His presence. Go forth, standing firm in faith, living out His truth, and shining His light in all you do. And may His love, grace, and peace be with you now and always.

Amen.