Godly Thinking: Think On These Things

Phil.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.

[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.

Things That Are “True:”

Ehp.4:22] That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

[23] And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;

[24] And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

True things are things of a truth, things that are in contrast to a lie, as Ephesians chapter 4:22 shows our old man which is contrary, and desires to operate upon  “deceitful things.’ And things that are “true” are the things that are “after God,” not according to this world’s wisdom or ways, but after true holiness.

Things That Are Honest:

2^nd Cor.13:[7] Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates.

[8] For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.

[9] For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection.

Honest things are things that are not after the evil things of this world, but that are of God. And doing that which is honest would be doing the will and purpose of our Father. But we must first know what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God first, then we can walk “honest as in the day.”

Things That Are Just:

Titus 1:7] For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;

[8] But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;

The word “just” is used in God’s word of Truth many different ways, but the definition of “just” is to be declared ‘right,’ or ‘righteous.’ And “just” things are the righteous things of the Life of Christ Jesus that we ought to walk in. These things are ‘right,’ or just in the sight of God, because they are after His will and Word.

Things That Are Pure:

1^st Tim.1:5] Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:

1^st Tim.1:9] Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.

1^st Tim.5:22] Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure.

Things that are “pure” are the things that are ‘undefiled,’ or not polluted, but that are clean and holy in the sight of God. And God would have that we would walk with a pure heart, and a pure conscience. And following after the life of Christ  concerns the pure things of the Lord Himself, and walking “like as Christ.”

Things That Are Lovely:

Col.3:1] If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

[2] Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

Things that are lovely are the things that are lovely in the sight of God, and it ought to be in our sight as well. And things that are lovely are things that we view with an “affection,” and are of the things that are after the lusts of our flesh. But we are taught that our affection ought to be after our Father’s will and what He loves, and His loves ought to be our loves as well. And we ought to view  those Spiritual things as lovely in our sight, knowing God views them as holy, and good, and righteous in His sight.

Things That Are Of Good Report:

1^st Tim.3:6] Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.

[7] Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

Thinking on things of a “good report” deals with the Saint being mindful of his conduct and behavior in the sight of God and others for godliness sake. And having a ‘good report,’ the Saint is ‘well spoken of,’ and walking by the doctrine which is according to godliness, and no one will be able to speak against their walk in Christ.

Phil.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.

[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.

Our thinking ought to be after the Spiritual mind, and instead of thinking like this world, we are taught to renew our minds according to His will and Word. And during the course of our daily life, we ought think on those things that are godly and holy, and just, and are of equity. Those are the things that brings forth honor, and glory, and good virtues in the sight of God. And by thinking on these things, we will not be thinking about the lusts of our flesh, and the course of this world, and the “things” that are part of Satan’s “works of darkness” designed to “work” against us, and keep us from walking in the doctrine which is according to godliness. (Thinking like God)

Rom.12:1] I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

[2] And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

[3] For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to THINK SOBERLY, ACCORDING AS GOD hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

Rod Jones