That which is included in our passage of the day must be taken into account. We must reckon with it – inwardly. It must occupy our thinking.
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“Thinking”
Philippians 4:8
- Today we’re going to talk about our thinking
- The word we find in the passage is “logizomai”
- It means to reckon, to count, to compute – to take into account
- This word deals with reality
- If I reckon that my bank account has $25 in it
- The it has $25 in it
- Otherwise, I am deceiving myself
- This word refers more to fact than supposition or opinion
- Our theme “Thinking” from Philippians 4:8 today
- The word for “think” that we find in our first verse of the day
- Appears 41 times in the New Testament
- It’s translated “think” 9 times
- “Impute” 8
- “Reckon” 6
- “Count” 5
- “Account” 4
- “Suppose” twice
- And “reason” and “number” once
- It is the word found in Mark 15:28 regarding Jesus…
“And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors. “
- When Jesus was crucified
- He was thought to be, reckoned to be
- One of the transgressors
- And was indeed included among them
- That which is included in our passage of the day must be taken into account
- We must reckon with it – inwardly
- Our job is to deliberate upon it
- It is to occupy our thinking
- Let’s read…
Philippians 4:8
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.
- Let’s start with the word true
- For we are to think upon that which is true
- This is loving the truth
- Speaking the truth
- And being truthful
- This word is found elsewhere in the New Testament in John 4:16-19
16 Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither.
17 The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband:
18 For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly.
- The word that ends the passage “truly” is the same word
- Jesus has touched on a deep reality in her life
- Not that which appears to be true
- Not that which the world would have us believe is true
- Not even that which we would tell ourselves is true
- But that which is indeed true (good, bad, or ugly)
- The next word: honest
- This means “venerable”
- To be venerated for character
- Honourable
- Three times this word is translated “grave”
- The word is listed in our qualifications for a deacon
- These men are to be “grave”
- Or to be regarded for the sake of their character
- Think also upon that which is “just”
- This is something righteous, which observes divine law
- It is translated righteous or just 81 times in the New Testament
- The first time we see it: Matthew 1:18-19
- And it provides a vivid picture…
18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
- No matter the embarrassment, or the hurt, or the pain
- Whether he understood or not
- Joseph was just
- He refused to make her a public example
- He was righteous
- He observed divine law
- Think on that which is “pure”
- This is purity from carnality
- Chaste
- Pure from every fault
- Immaculate
- Clean
- This is character that is free from the pollution of the world
- We see it in Titus 2:3-5, translated chaste
3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;
4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,
5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
- This kind of purity glorifies God
- Doesn’t allow for accusation against Him for our sake
- We should also think on that which is “lovely”
- This is acceptable, pleasing
- This particular word is used only once in the New Testament
- These are the things that are genuinely lovely
- Also, that which is “of good report”
- Or worth talking about
- This word, also used just once in the New Testament
- Other translations render it reputable or commendable
- What are we to reckon with?
- To deliberate upon?
- What should occupy our minds?
- That which is true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report
- Our thoughts should be in direct opposition
- In pure contrast to the thinking of the world
- If there be any “virtue” or moral excellence
- If there be any “praise” or commendation
- Think on these things
- This kind of thinking can only be shaped by the word of God
- It is distinct from the world
Psalm 19:7-10
7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.
9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
- His law is perfect
- It has a deep, profound, and permanent effect
- His testimonies are certain, without doubt
- Bringing wisdom to those who had no wisdom
- Who, in and of themselves, were simple
- Perhaps even foolish
- Everything He says is right
- And cannot be wrong
- It makes the heart rejoice
- It is pure
- And provides enlightenment in a world that is desperately dark
- If we read it, with the proper reverence for Him
- A clear view of who He is
- We come to see that what He says is enduring
- Nothing will erase it for all eternity
- It is very truth
- Completely right
- Its value is greater than all riches in this world
- The taste of it sweet, to those who will but taste
- How can we think upon that which is true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report
- Think on that which God says
- Reckon with it