Think on these Things: Training the Mind for Godliness

 Uniting Heaven and Earth

Christ in Philippians and Colossians 

Lesson 7 - Wednesday 

Think on These Things...

Read: Philippians 4:8–9

As Paul brings his letter to the Philippians toward its close, he turns from prayer and peace to the discipline of the mind and the practice of the life. Christianity, in Paul’s teaching, is not only about what we believe but also about what occupies our thoughts and governs our actions. In Philippians 4:8–9, he gives a deliberate, comprehensive call to holy thinking that results in faithful living.

What We Are Urged to Think About (Philippians 4:8)

Paul begins with the inner life. He lists a series of virtues that are to shape the believer’s thought patterns:

• Whatever is true – Our minds are to dwell on what accords with reality as God defines it, not deception, half-truths, or worldly illusions (John 17:17). Truth anchors the soul in a world filled with lies.

• Whatever is honorable (noble) – These are things worthy of respect and reverence, lifting our thoughts above the trivial and degrading. God calls us to think on what reflects His dignity and holiness.

• Whatever is just (right) – This points to what is morally upright and aligned with God’s righteous standards. Meditating on justice shapes our conscience and our conduct.

• Whatever is pure – Purity involves freedom from moral corruption and sinful mixture. In a culture saturated with impurity, Paul urges believers to guard the mind carefully (Matt. 5:8).

• Whatever is lovely – These are things that promote love, grace, and harmony rather than bitterness or strife. Lovely thoughts soften the heart and reflect Christlike character.

• Whatever is commendable (of good report) – Paul directs us to think on things that are well spoken of because they are genuinely good, not merely popular or flattering.

• If there is any excellence – This term gathers all moral virtue and excellence, urging believers to admire and pursue what is truly good in God’s sight.

• If there is anything worthy of praise – Ultimately, our thinking should be shaped by what brings glory to God, not self or the world.

Paul concludes this list with a command: “think on these things.” This is not passive reflection but intentional mental discipline. The Christian mind must be trained to dwell on what reflects God’s character and will.

What We Are Urged to Do (Philippians 4:9)

Paul then moves from thought to action. Faithful thinking must result in faithful living.

• “What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things.” Paul calls the Philippians to put into practice the apostolic teaching they were given, the truths they received, the instruction they heard, and the godly example they observed. Christianity is learned, taught, modeled, and lived.

True spirituality does not end with knowledge or admiration of virtue; it is expressed through obedience and imitation of Christlike examples (1 Cor. 11:1).

The Promise Attached

Paul closes with a reassuring promise: “And the God of peace will be with you.” Earlier, he spoke of the peace of God guarding the heart and mind (Phil. 4:7). Here he promises something even deeper—the presence of the God of peace Himself. When our thoughts are disciplined and our lives obedient, we experience not only God’s peace but God’s abiding fellowship.

Conclusion

Philippians 4:8–9 teaches us that Christian maturity involves both the renewal of the mind and the practice of truth. What we allow to shape our thoughts will inevitably shape our lives. By intentionally dwelling on godly virtues and faithfully practicing what we have learned in Christ, we walk daily in the presence of the God of peace.

Prayer

Gracious Father,
Teach us to discipline our minds to dwell on what is true, honorable, just, pure, and pleasing to You. Help us not only to admire these virtues but to live them out in faithful obedience. May our thoughts be shaped by Your truth and our lives reflect Your Son. Thank You for the promise of Your peace and Your presence as we seek to walk in Your ways. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

More on Lesson 7: A Heavenly Citizenship

This Quarter's Sabbath School Lessons Here: Christ in Philippians and Colossians