Think On These Things

Philippians 4:8–9 KJV 1900

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. 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.

A. Set your mind on the right thing

1. whatsoever things are TRUE- alēthēs), true

why should we focus on whatever is true, does that really hurt me?

We should always set our thoughts on the things which will not let us down.

Barclay, W. (2003). The Letters to Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians (3rd ed. fully rev. and updated, p. 92). Louisville, KY; London: Westminster John Knox Press.

Philippians 4:8–9 NASB95

Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. 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.

Many things in this world are deceptive and illusory, promising what they can never perform, offering a false peace and happiness which they can never supply. We should always set our thoughts on the things which will not let us down.

2. Whatsoever thing are HONEST-semnos- worthy of respect; dignified.

(2011). The Lexham Analytical Lexicon to the Greek New Testament. Logos Bible Software.

it describes a person who, as it has been said, moves through life as if the whole world were the temple of God. The nineteenth-century poet and critic Matthew Arnold suggested the translation nobly serious. But the word really describes that which has the dignity of holiness upon it. There are things in this world which are flippant and cheap and attractive to those who never take life seriously; but it is on the things which are serious and dignified that Christians will set their minds

(Barclay, W. (2003). The Letters to Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians (3rd ed. fully rev. and updated, p. 93). Louisville, KY; London: Westminster John Knox Press.i)

3. Whatsoever things are JUST-righteous

(Barclay, W. (2003). The Letters to Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians (3rd ed. fully rev. and updated, p. 93). Louisville, KY; London: Westminster John Knox Press.i)

The word is dikaios, and the Greeks defined the person who is dikaios as the one who gives to gods and to other people what is their due. In other words, dikaios is the word of duty faced and duty done.

we need to be focused on what God wants us to do. and do it the right way

4. Whatsoever things are PURE-

The word is hagnos and describes what is morally uncontaminated.

The Letters to Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians True States of Mind (Philippians 4:8–9)

The word is hagnos and describes what is morally uncontaminated.

This world is full of things which are sordid and shabby and soiled and smutty. Many people develop a way of thinking that soils everything

Barclay, W. (2003). The Letters to Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians (3rd ed. fully rev. and updated, p. 93). Louisville, KY; London: Westminster John Knox Press.

we are to have our mind set on pure things and we are to be above reproach

5. Whatsoever things are LOVELY-

The Greek is prosphilēs, and it might be paraphrased as that which calls forth love

There are those whose minds are so set on vengeance and punishment that they cause bitterness and fear in others. There are those whose minds are so set on criticism and rebuke that they bring out resentment in others

Barclay, W. (2003). The Letters to Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians (3rd ed. fully rev. and updated, p. 94). Louisville, KY; London: Westminster John Knox Press.

Christians set their minds on the lovely things—kindness, sympathy, patience—so they are winsome people, whose presence inspires feelings of love.

6. Whatsoever things are of GOOD REPORT-

The Greek word (eophema). It literally means fair-speaking; but it was especially connected with the holy silence at the beginning of a sacrifice in the presence of the gods. It might not be going too far to say that it describes the things which are fit for God to hear.

There are far too many ugly words and false words and impure words in this world. On the lips and in the minds of Christians, there should be only words which are fit for God to hear

7. if there be any VIRTUE-

the Greek word is aretē- means Excellence.

The odd fact is that, although aretē was one of the great classical words, Paul usually seems deliberately to avoid it, and this is the only time it occurs in his writings.

If the idea of excellence held by the religions in which you were brought up has any influence over you—think of that

8. If there be any PRAISE-

The Greek word -epainos- means Honor, commendation, and worship

Barclay, W. (2003). The Letters to Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians (3rd ed. fully rev. and updated, p. 95). Louisville, KY; London: Westminster John Knox Press.

Barclay, W. (2003). The Letters to Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians (3rd ed. fully rev. and updated, p. 94). Louisville, KY; London: Westminster John Knox Press.

Barclay, W. (2003). The Letters to Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians (3rd ed. fully rev. and updated, p. 94). Louisville, KY; London: Westminster John Knox Press.

Barclay, W. (2003). The Letters to Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians (3rd ed. fully rev. and updated, p. 94). Louisville, KY; London: Westminster John Knox Press.

Paul is telling us its o.k. to have praise , but we shouldn't make us swell our heads or we should not shun praise either

B. The true teachings of God

1. what have you learned?

This stands for the personal interpretation of the gospel, which Paul brought to them.

It consists of handing on to others the accepted body of truth and doctrine which the whole Church holds; and it consists of illuminating that body of doctrine by the personal interpretation and instruction of the teacher

2. What have you received?

He speaks of the things which the Philippians have received. The word is paralambanein, which characteristically means to accept a fixed tradition. This, then, stands for the accepted teaching of the Church, which Paul had handed on to them.

3. What have you heard and seen?

what part of sermons have you rd and what part of the Gospel have you seen in action.

we need to Copy what we see and here from our pastors and the example Christ set.

4. God of Peace shall be with you

doing all these thing God will be ith us because we are doing his will , but not just that we are understanding and putting into practice.