The Joy of Proper Thinking
Philippians 4:1-9
I. Introduction
A. A Bright Future
1. In 1999 and 2000 Rick Ankeil was a sure fire star.
a) He pitched for the St. Louis Cardinals.
b) Some called him the next Sandy Kuafax.
c) He seemed to be a natural.
2. A New Season
a) The 2001 became a disaster.
b) After a reasonable start, Ankeil could not throw strikes.
c) The problem was all in his head.
d) Sent to the minors
e) Had surgery and came back this year
3. 2005 Season
a) Started spring training ok.
b) Lost control again (trouble in his head)
c) Quit pitching to try to become an outfielder.
d) What Ankiel needed was a clear head.
B. A Brighter Future
1. Philippians 3
a) Paul talked about his past.
b) Paul forgot (uninfluenced by) his past.
c) Paul looked forward to a great future (14-21).
2. The Key to His Outlook.
a) Clear Mind
b) Based on proper thinking.
3. Philippians 4:1-9
a) Five keys to proper thinking.
b) That we might have a clear mind.
II. The Joy of Proper Thinking
A. Minds that are Secure (1)
1. We are to be steadfast.
a) In God’s gospel – 1 Corinthians 15:1-2
b) In God’s doctrine – Ephesians 4:14, Hebrews 13:9
c) In God’s service – 1 Corinthians 15:58
d) In God’s faith – 1 Corinthians 16:13
2. The steadfastness of God helps us be steadfast and sure.
a) Daniel described God as living and steadfast forever – Daniel 6:26
b) Jesus is the same – Hebrews 13:8
c) This gives us a steadfast hope – Hebrews 6:18-19
B. Minds that Seek Peace (2-5)
1. Same Minded Christians (2)
a) Find common ground in the gospel of Christ – 1 Corinthians 1:10
b) Both having the mind of Christ – Philippians 2:5
2. Helpful Christians (3)
a) We are to meet urgent needs – Titus 3:14
b) Meeting urgent needs at times means putting yourself on uncomfortable situation.
3. Joyful Christians (4)
a) In all things rejoicing in the Lord – 1 Thessalonians 5:18
b) Even in trials – James 1:2-5
c) Especially in resolving conflict – Matthew 18:15-21
4. Gentle Christians (5)
a) Not angry and flying off the handle – Proverbs 29:11, 14:17
b) God’s gentleness makes us great – Psalm 18:35
c) Gentleness is part of the fruit of the spirit – Galatians 5:22
C. Minds that Solicit Help (6-7)
1. Anxiety clouds the mind.
a) Proverbs 12:25 – “Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression.”
b) Proverbs 14:30 – “A sound mind (heart) is life to the body.”
2. Clouded Minds make poor choices.
a) We are to be sober minded in prayer– 1 Peter 4:7
b) We are to be sober minded in identifying the devil – 1 Peter 5:8
c) We are to be sober minded in discernment – Titus 2:6-8
3. God is the “Visene” for the mind.
a) He makes our path clear – Proverbs 3:6
b) He helps light our way – Proverbs 6:23
c) Jesus is the Light and the Way – John 8:12, 14:6
d) We are to confidently seek His help – Hebrews 4:16
e) Knowing that He cares for us – 1 Peter 5:7
D. Minds that Stay Focused (8)
1. The mind must be protected
a) Proverbs 23:7 – “As a man thinks in his heart so is he.”
b) Proverbs 4:23 – “Keep your heart with all diligence for out of it flows the issues of life.”
2. Where our minds should focus.
a) Truth – John 17:17 (Remember John 8:44)
b) Noble (Honest) – Respected, valuable, without hypocrisy.
c) Just – Right and correspond with God’s thinking
d) Pure – Free of defiling qualities
e) Lovely – Attractive
f) Of Good report – Worth talking about (Titus 2:1, Colossians 4:5-6)
g) Virtuous – Promotes Excellence
h) Praiseworthy –
3. Right thoughts will lead to right actions.
E. Minds that Shine Bright (9)
1. They produce godly actions.
a) Exercise godliness – 1 Timothy 4:6-8
b) Exhibit progress – 1 Timothy 4:15-16
c) Exemplify Christ – 1 Corinthians 11:1
d) Exalting God – Matthew 5:16
2. They produce godly fruit.
a) Galatians 5:22-23 – The fruit of the Spirit
b) 2 Peter 1:5-7 – The Christians graces
3. They make godly disciples
a) Through teaching Christ – Matthew 28:19-20
b) Through living as Christ – Philippians 1:21
c) Through
4. Four keys to this life
a) Learn the truth – 2 Timothy 2:15
b) Receive the truth – James 1:21
c) Teach the truth – Ephesians 4:15
d) Live the truth – James 1:22
III. Conclusion
A. The Right Mind Brings Joy
1. Right Praying
2. Right Focus
3. Right Living
4. Right with God.
B. Invitation
