We wonder why we don’t get much out of preaching – studying – bible studies sometimes. We need to fix our minds upon the things of God. We allow our minds to feed on the filth of the world instead of spending time in God’s word. But if we would give as much energy to dwelling on the Word it would transform our time in our fellowship with Him.
Finally brethren whatever is…….true….(truthfulness) (sincere)….true in our words, actions, thoughts. Are our thoughts of God and others true, sincere (Ephesians 4:25) (Zechariah 8:15-17)? Noble….(honestly) (honorable) (properly)….what is honorable in the sight of God….whatever is worthy of reverence. Are our thoughts to live honorably, and proper before God and one another (Romans 13:13) (1 Peter 2:12)? Just….(doing what is right) (right conduct)….an upright life. Are our thoughts on doing what is right towards God and one another? Pure….(pure from defilement). It is abstaining from every form of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:22). Are our thoughts pure towards God and one another? Lovely….(gracious) (pleasing) (showing love). Are our thoughts on loving God and one another (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)? Of good report….(to think well of) (a good reputation). Are our thoughts of good towards God and others
(Philippians 1:27) (Ephesians 4:1-6) (1 Timothy 4:12)?
It is these areas our meditation is to be occupied. In things that are of any virtue (morally excellent) (things that are morally attractive). In things that are praiseworthy (deserving of praise from us). It is in Him (the Lord Jesus Christ) that we need to find ourselves meditating (thinking on – thinking about). Whatever things are True (true before God – true to our faith), things that are true are found only in our Lord (John 14:6) (Ephesians 4:20-21). Truth is obtained through the Holy Spirits work in us (John 16:13). What is true about our Lord? All of His word! Whatever things are noble (honest) (worthy of respect) (honorable – reverent). It is our Father God who deserves all reverence – He is to be honored in our thoughts (Psalm 89:5-7) (Psalm 111:9). Whatever things are just (right). Jesus Christ is the Just One – Righteous One (Acts 7:52) (1 John 2:1-2). Whatever things are pure (innocent – modest – uncontaminated by sin). It is Christ Jesus who is pure – sinless (Hebrews 4:14-16) (Hebrews 7:20-27). Whatever things are lovely (lovable – gracious). Our Lord is who is lovely! It is Him who is full of grace! Whatever things are of good report (what is good to hear – well spoken of). Our God is good!