Can you control your thoughts? Not that you have absolute and total charge over everything that goes on in your mind, but, can you decide to think about something if asked? If you can’t, we need to get help for you.
Perhaps I should start all over and ask how much control do you have over your thoughts? How responsible are you for what you think? On a one to ten scale, how much would you say that you are in control of your thinking? If you are not in control of your own thoughts who or what is? Today we will look at our thought lives from Philippians and other passages. This week I came across some news that made me see how needful and applicable this is for us.
What big event is scheduled for this February 5th? Super Bowl Sunday! Right? I just heard yesterday that while the game may be a safe, (wholesome?) thing to watch, at least some of the advertisements, which are becoming the most popular item of the show, will not be. Children of light, take notice and beware!
This from a USA Today article: Sexy ads are slinking back to the Super Bowl. At stake: the eyeballs of more than 100 million Super Bowl viewers. And the urgent need to drive all of them online to find out more, socialize and tweet with friends and ultimately buy that beer, smartphone or luxury car. Thirty-some advertisers will spend upwards of $230 million just for the airtime to fight for attention in the Feb. 5 game. But that only partly explains why sexual imagery in Super Bowl advertising is becoming about as common as sand in the Sahara.
Bob Parsons, GoDaddy’s controversial but confident founder, has a simple explanation: "Sex sells on the Super Bowl." But the article goes on to say this is not true. In fact, sexually oriented advertisements lose more than they gain in positive motivation for buyers. So why use them? Ask this: who is behind these adds? God or someone else. There is your answer.
How do you control your thoughts in a Christ-like way and intentionally expose your eyes and mind to the cesspool that is served up by Satan’s servants on Super bowl Sunday? (Or any other day for that matter). The Psalmist said, “I will set before my eyes no unclean thing.” And Job said, “I have made a covenant with my eyes not to lust after a maid.” Jesus said, “Anyone who looks at a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery in his heart.” He went on to say, “If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and cast it from you. It is better to enter life with one eye than having two eyes to be thrown into hell.”
It is time for us who call ourselves Christians to take seriously what the Bible says about how we think, and that means where we focus our eyes and attention, too.
Did you know that the Bible has a lot of instruction about how and where we focus our minds and thoughts?
Phil. 4:4-9 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers,
whatever is true,
whatever is noble,
whatever is just,
whatever is pure,
whatever is lovely,
whatever is admirable—
if anything is excellent and
if anything is praiseworthy—
think about such things.
These things that you have learned and received and heard from me, and seen in me— practice these!
And the God of peace will be with you.
(Other scriptures to consider about our thoughts and minds)
Matthew 16:23
Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.”
Matthew 22:37
Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’
Romans 1:28
Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done.
Romans 8:5-8 says: 5 For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6 For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, 7 because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, 8 and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
2 Cor. 10:5b says: ... we take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ.
Philippians 3:19
Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things.
Philippians 4: 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
(Our text Philippians 4:8-9)
Colossians 3: 1 Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. 3 For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
(Back to Philippians again)
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers,
whatever is true,
whatever is noble,
whatever is just,
whatever is pure,
whatever is lovely,
whatever is admirable—
if anything is excellent and
if anything is praiseworthy—
think about such things.
These things that you have learned and received and heard from me, and seen in me— practice these!
And the God of peace will be with you.
The peace of God and the God of peace... These form bookends for this beautiful little mental diet that God’s word gives us here.
Each item in this list is a quality that brings life and peace from God. Each one points to the character of Jesus Christ, and each one stands in stark contrast to the darkness of death and destruction that comes from sinful thinking.
The goal of this instruction is love from a pure heart, a good conscience and sincere faith. There is nothing more basic to our being than our thoughts. They will always set themselves on something. We are given here clear instruction as to where we should focus our thinking and a promise of God’s peace for us if we obey.
Let’s briefly look at each one and then I will offer a resolution for us to consider in obedience to this instruction.
Whatever is true. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except by me.” The world offers us cheap lies, Jesus offers us eternal life. We should set our thoughts on what is reliable and lasting and bring God’s peace rather than illusions that vanish before our eyes and after the thrill is gone they bring ruin and misery. Turn your eyes on Jesus the truth.
Whatever is noble, honorable. This word actually means an awareness of God’s presence. It is a kind of awesome nobility that comes from standing before Almighty God with assurance of His love and awareness of His majesty. Thinking about the vast universe in light of God’s creative might, or the infinitely small order within every atom and molecule God has designed. This is the idea here. Jesus Christ, the word of God through whom all things were made and by whom everything holds together... Let us focus on Him.
Whatever is just. This is the same word for righteous. Jesus Christ is called the Righteous One who came to fulfill all righteousness and who paid for the sins that we justly deserve so that we might become his righteousness. Think about Him.
Whatever is pure. Jesus said, “Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.” Pure and holy are the opposite of dirty and defiled. Jesus, the pure Lamb of God is our perfect sacrifice. He resisted temptation and sin and became our path to purity. He cleanses us and makes us pure by His blood. Consider Him.
Whatever is lovely. This word describes something or someone who calls forth love. Some call forth bitterness and resentment. Jesus draws us to Himself by His character and wisdom. Jesus shines with the light of heaven and glory of God. All who are drawn to such are drawn to Him.
Whatever is admirable. This word is hard to translate. It describes things that are fit for God to hear. Things God will be pleased to listen to. If our minds and our mouths were filled with things God is pleased to hear, there would be no ugly words, lies, or gossip, no complaining or grumbling. Just imaging the peace! Jesus Christ, the word of God, speaks just such admirable language. Let us listen to His voice and echo it.
If anything is excellent. This is the only time this word occurs in the writings of Paul. It pictures whatever is highest and best about all that God has created. To think this way about anyone is to see God’s image and consider God’s goodness. After creation, God looked at all He had made and said that is it very good.
If there is anything worthy of praise. This again gets our attention on things above, even as we look at the creation here below. Where do you see God’s handiwork? Where do you see Jesus?
Can we take this instruction to heart? Can we resolve to put it into practice?
God’s word commands us to do so! If we would enjoy the presence of the God of peace, we must practice these things in our thoughts. It will direct our actions and bless our lives! Will you take this word of God to heart? Will you commit to obey it’s teaching?
If you are willing to make this resolution together today, confirm it by saying, “I will” as I mention each item in this list and ask for your commitment to think about these things:
Will you think about -
whatever is true,
whatever is noble,
whatever is just,
whatever is pure,
whatever is lovely,
whatever is admirable—
if anything is excellent and
if anything is praiseworthy—
Let us pray.
Holy Father, we need you to renew our minds in Christ Jesus. We need you to create in us a new heart, O God. We seek your peace and presence as we hear your voice and consider your instruction in this word of scripture.
Forgive us, Father, for our sinful hearts and minds. Help us Holy Father to set our minds on things above and fix our eyes on Jesus. We live in a lost and sinful world and some of us have hearts and minds so entangled in this world... break these chains that bind us from you. There may be some here who do not want to obey your word. Some here today may even desire to live in darkness while hoping you will still accept and save them. Father, for them I beg you to break their stubborn will and remove the heart of stone and give them a heart that seeks you with passion and faithfulness.
True and noble, just and pure, lovely and admirable, excellent and praiseworthy God, thank-you for your grace and mercy. We declare your praise and faithfulness. Help us to be like you. May we be transformed in mind and heart and deeds by Your holy and perfect love. Through your only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
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Handout for lesson:
Resolution
By the grace of God, I will obey His word and pursue the practice of this mental diet.
Can we take this instruction to heart? Can we resolve to put it into practice?
God’s word commands us to do so! If we would enjoy the presence of the God of peace, we must practice these things in our thoughts. It will direct our actions and bless our lives! Will you take this word of God to heart? Will you commit to obey it’s teaching?
If you are willing to make this resolution together today, confirm it by saying, “I will” as I mention each item in this list and ask for your commitment to think about these things:
Will you determine to think about -
whatever is true,
whatever is noble,
whatever is just,
whatever is pure,
whatever is lovely,
whatever is admirable—
if anything is excellent and
if anything is praiseworthy—
If you are willing to make this your mental diet, sign and keep this as a symbol of your decision and commitment before the Lord and this congregation.
Signed:___________________________________, Date:____________________
