2. Philippians 4:8,9

3. 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

4. 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”

5. 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.

6. 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.”

7. 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…

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. Will You Act Appropriately?