Philippians 4:8-9
Martin Luther has been quoted as saying, “While you cannot prevent birds from flying over your head, you can prevent them from building a nest in your hair.” You will never have a joyful, enduring faith if you surrender the fight raging on the battlefield in your mind. Far too many Christians have let the sinful birds of lies, deceit, immorality, etc. to build nests in their hair; allowing the enemy to run rampant among their thoughts. The tragic result is that many Christians are miserable, resentful, bitter, ineffective, and unfruitful in their service for Christ Jesus.
I) A Principle to Safeguarding our Minds
In our struggle against the schemes of Satan, we must have strategies to safeguard our mind. Here are six ways to begin that process:
1. Protection begins with salvation. (Ephesians 6:17a & 1 Corinthians 2:16).
2. Prayer is the path to peace of mind (Philippians 4:6-7).
3. Preparation is an action word. (1 Peter 1:13)
4. Preeminence of mind means, “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth” (Colossians 3:2; also, Philippians 3:19).
5. Position means “place of mind” (Isaiah 26:3).
6. Process refers to being “clear minded” (1 Peter 4:7).
The mind games Satan plays with you and me are deadly serious.
II) A Pattern for Right Thinking (4:8)
Make no mistake: There is no enduring change in life, there is no meaningful Christ-exalting, sin-killing sanctification apart from a transformation in how you think. Your mind matters. In fact, it matters eternally. So, Paul tells us all to think these eight virtues.
1) “Whatsoever is true”
Paul’s exhortation is that we are to think and meditate on truth with regard to God, man, the church, the world, sin, redemption, relationships, etc
2) “Whatsoever is honorable”
He has in view things that lift the mind rather than dragging it through the gutter.
3) “Whatsoever is just”
That is to say, whatever is in accord with divine standards of right and wrong.
4) “Whatever is pure”
He’s calling us to fix our thoughts on those things that are untainted by evil or moral corruption; that are lacking in defect and are morally blameless.
5) “Whatever is lovely”
Here he focuses on whatever calls forth or evokes love and admiration and is pleasing or agreeable to the heart.
6) “Whatsoever is commendable”
That is to say, whatever is worthy of a good report, praiseworthy and appealing; whatever is worthy and avoids giving offence.
7) “if there is any excellence”
God calls us to excel, to do all within our power and by his grace to pursue and produce the very best.
8) “if there is anything worthy of praise”
By this I think he means the sort of conduct that wins the affection and admiration of others, even non-Christians.
III) A Practice of Right Thinking Leads to Right Living
What is our responsibility? Is it to simply just “think” on such things, to reflect upon them, to ponder, to meditate on, to dwell on them? No, don’t just think about these things . . . apply them. Translate biblical principles into biblical practices.
Put this truth into practice. Why? Because when you do these things, God makes you a promise.
Look closely at verse 9 and you will see that the promise is not that God’s peace will be with you but “the God of peace will be with you.”
Yes, God will give you peace, but He will be with you as you put these things into practice.
When you put this into practice you demonstrate your faith and trust in Jesus. You will never have a joyful, enduring faith if you surrender the fight raging in the battlefield of your mind.
Remember, while you can’t control the birds flying over your head, you can control those that want to land on your head and build nests. Take your thoughts captive, place your trust in Jesus, live for Him, and “the God of peace will be with you.”
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