Philippians 4:8,9

Thinking like a Christian Philippians 4:8 Paul begins with “FINALLY” Right Traits- “TRUE” – that which is genuine or real “Noble” – good and of moral worth “Just” – doing what is right “Pure” – holy, morally undefiled “Lovely” – that which evokes a response of love “Good report” – well spoken of

Thinking like a Christian Philippians 4:8 Right Traits- “Virtue” – refers to the excellence that the righteous are to maintain “Praiseworthy” – anything worthy of praise What is the proper response? Right Thinking – “meditate on these things”

Thinking like a Christian We Must Focus On Them True, honorable, just, pure, lovely, good report That which is good & uplifting, in contrast with that which is dirty & degrading Read negatively: Do not let your mind dwell on things that are false, dishonorable, immoral, etc.

Thinking like a Christian The Mind Naturally Dwells On Something Fix thoughts on good things, not bad- on positive things, not negative -- on things that build us up, not tear us down Every individual has the power to control their lives – Proverbs 23:7 “Think on these things” – Philippians 4:8 “A man is what he thinks about all day long.” “The soul is dyed the color of its thinking.”

Thinking like a Christian “But I can’t control my thoughts. From time to time, bad thoughts slip into my mind – there is nothing I can do about it.” When bad thoughts come into our head – think on those things that are true, honorable, just, etc. The more we control our thoughts the easier it be to…

Act like a Christian Philippians 4:9 Why does Paul want us to concentrate our thoughts on edifying things? Is it a mere mental exercise? No! Insufficient to think like Christians and not Act like Christians

Act like a Christian We Need: Right Teaching – Acts 20:20,27; 2 Timothy 4:2 They “learned” God’s word from Paul John 6:45 They “saw” the example of Paul – Matthew 23:3; 1 Timothy 4:12; Titus 2:7 They “received” the instruction Matthew 7:21

Act like a Christian We Need: Right Training “These things do” Word suggests repeating an action until it becomes natural Many who are unwilling to develop their skills of living through practice

Act like a Christian Philippians 4:9 “…the God of peace will be with you.” If you will think as you should & act as you should you will have peace To become a Christian & have peace: Think Clearly John 14:1 Act Appropriately Plan of Salvation

Will You Act Appropriately?