Eight Positive Principles of Thinking 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. Phil. 4:8

Eight positive principles of thinking What peace do Christians enjoy that the world does not? How does not having peace in our circumstances work against us and against our relationship with God? What can we do to restore our peace when we are going through a struggle?

Eight positive principles of thinking Speak to your soul ( your thoughts, attitudes, will, emotions). Remember-life & death is in your tongue Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance. Ps. 42:5 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God. Ps. 45:5

Eight positive principles of thinking For to be carnally minded is death but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity (an enemy) against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Rom. 8:6-9

Eight positive principles of thinking Phil. 4:8: Paul admonished the Philippian believers to reflect and meditate upon eight positive principles of thinking that would lead to victorious Christian living . That requires continuous and repeated action.

Eight positive principles of thinking Notice Paul's use of the word "whatsoever." Some Christians think this verse can only be fulfilled by thinking on "church" things or "religious" things, but Paul said "whatsoever" falls into these eight categories should be the focus of our attention.

Eight positive principles of thinking Therefore, it is not only thinking about spiritual truths that is important; we also need to be able to discern natural truths from lies and think on those things too.

Eight positive principles of thinking Our lives should not be compartmentalized into "spiritual" and "secular." Truth is truth whether we are at church or at home. We should think and deal justly whether with our Christian brothers and sisters or with the public on our jobs.

Eight positive principles of thinking We should keep our minds stayed on the good things God has given us in the natural, such as family, health, and work, just as we should think about righteousness, justification, forgiveness, and other things God does for us.

Eight positive principles of thinking Focusing on the good in every area of our lives is what Paul was advocating. Failure to recognize God's blessings in everyday living will cause us care and anxiety. Recognizing God's hand in even the smallest things will cause peace and will keep our hearts and minds following hard after the Lord.

Eight positive principles of thinking The eight principles of thought to reflect and ponder upon are 1) things that are "true," or honorable, truthful, and upright; not lying 2) things that are "honest,“ (noble) or honorable, truthful, genuine, and not characterized by deception or fraud

Eight positive principles of thinking 3) things that are "just," (right) or in accordance with what is right, or right conduct; any circumstance, fact, or deed that is right; not offensive, violent 4) things that are "pure," or free from defilement or impurity; for foolish talking or obscene words

Eight positive principles of thinking 5) things that are "lovely," (admirable) or pleasing, agreeable, and inspiring love or affection; not strife and/or contention 6) a "good report," or a saying or report that is positive and constructive, rather than negative and destructive

Eight positive principles of thinking 7) "virtue," or moral excellence, righteousness, and goodness; not a evil action or habit 8) "praise," or what is praiseworthy; expressing one's esteem of others and their virtues

Eight positive principles of thinking Think on these things. meditate upon them Focus and turn them over in our minds seriously consider them reason with ourselves about them (analyze them), in order to put them into practice.

Eight positive principles of thinking Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. Phil. 4:9 It is not the hearers of God's Word but the doers of God's Word who are blessed. Paul admonished the Philippians to do what they had seen him do. That was no small task. Paul had been through a lot, stoned, shipwrecked, beaten, imprisoned but he still had his joy.

Eight positive principles of thinking Not only were the Philippian believers to think upon whatsoever was true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report (Phil. 4:8), but they were also to "put into practice" the things they had learned. The Living Bible renders this verse as "Keep putting into practice all you learned from me and saw me doing, and the God of peace will be with you."

Eight positive principles of thinking Meaning this is "a command to keep on doing an action as one's general habit or lifestyle" (The Discovery Bible, Moody Press). In the eight things listed in Phil. 4:8-What can you or could you think about when your going through your struggle to help you maintain your joy?

Eight positive principles of thinking Phil. 4:11 Contentment doesn't come naturally or as a result of circumstances. Solomon said in Eccl. 2:24-25, "There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labor. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God" ."For who can eat, or who else can hasten hereunto, more than I?"

Eight positive principles of thinking No one on the earth could indulge his or her desires the way Solomon had. He was the richest man who has ever or will ever live (2Ch 1:12), yet he had come to the conclusion that people have to make themselves enjoy life. Things and circumstances didn't satisfy him, and they won't do it for us either. It is a choice on our part.

Eight positive principles of thinking Paul had learned to be content. Every one of us has that capacity, just like we have the intellect to read and write, but reading and writing don't come naturally. We had to learn, and some of us learned more quickly than others. Likewise, we have to learn to be content. Whatsoever things are good-Think your attention on those things.

Eight positive principles of thinking Resources: Andrew Wommack Ministry: Philippians 4