Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Paul directs his readers to completely capture their minds and bodies for Christ. Our minds are powerful. Depending on how we fill them, we can either do great good for God or great harm to His cause. Let’s examine today things we should think about and things we should do.

Whatever is TRUE True indicates that which is dependable, trustworthy, reputable. It’s opposite is falsehood, deception and lies.

Noble is what is honorable, of good repute. The opposite would be what is base, vulgar, ordinary, common.

 RIGHT means what is innocent, holy, equitable  It’s opposite would be that which is unjust, unholy, wrong

 PURE is innocent, chaste, modest, clean  The opposite would be that which is filthy, immodest, impure, immoral.

 LOVELY is “friendly towards”, acceptable, comely, easily approachable  The opposite would be whatever is repulsive, reprehensible, disgusting.

ADMIRABLE is well- spoken of, dignified, of good reputation to everyone, a good example or role model. The opposite would be that which is common, vulgar, lowly, tarnished, besmirched.

EXCELLENT is “manliness” – meaning virtuous, valorous, praiseworthy. The opposite would be that which is cowardly, shiftless, detestable.

PRAISEWORTHY is commendable, positive, worthwhile, of great value. The opposite would be that which is negative, able to be criticized, less than perfect, flawed.

What fills our minds? Books – how do you judge them? Movies – what is your criteria? Music – which choice is right? Television – what station? Conversation – what subjects? Who fills our minds? Parents Friends Role models

"Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit. You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. Matthew 12:33-35

Whatever you’ve learned from me – all that was taught. Whatever you’ve received from me – all that was entrusted. Whatever you’ve heard from me – all that was spoken. Whatever you’ve seen in me – all that was modeled. Put it into practice.

Christianity is not simply a matter of “going to church” It is a life-building faith which changes heart, mind, soul. Christ must be Lord of our: MINDS LIVES BEHAVIORS PRACTICES

When we choose to fill our minds with junk we offend the Lord. We grieve His Spirit. Whenever we give ourselves permission to dabble in the darkness we rebel against the Lord of Light.

We must take charge of our minds and our bodies. We must remain HOLY to the Lord.