Go! And Think Like Jesus: Renewing Your Mind with Philippians 4:8
Introduction: The Battle for the Mind
There is a war raging in the world today — not just on battlefields, but within hearts and minds. Every day, millions wake up assaulted by voices — news headlines, social media, entertainment — all shaping how people think, feel, and act. Yet God calls His people to think differently.
Paul writes in Philippians 4:8 (NLT): “And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honourable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”
This verse is not a casual suggestion; it’s a command — a call to focus our minds on the reality of Christ and the beauty of holiness. What we think determines what we believe, and what we believe determines how we live.
1. The Context: Paul’s Call to Joy and Peace in Christ
Paul wrote Philippians from a prison cell in Rome, not from a place of comfort or freedom. Despite his chains, the letter radiates joy — because Paul’s focus wasn’t on his circumstances, but on Christ.
In the preceding verses, Paul speaks of anxiety and peace:
Philippians 4:6–7 (NLT): “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand.”
Peace and right thinking are linked. Paul shows us that peace is not the absence of problems — it’s the presence of Jesus in the midst of them.
The Greek word for “fix your thoughts” is logizesthe — it means to reckon, to meditate, to continually dwell upon. It’s not fleeting; it’s intentional. Paul is urging us to choose what fills our minds — not to let the world do it for us.
2. Think About What Is True
The first instruction Paul gives is to think about what is true.
In a world drowning in lies, half-truths, and deceit, truth is precious. The Greek word alethes means that which is unconcealed, that which corresponds to reality.
Jesus said in John 14:6 (NLT): “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.”
To think about what is true is to fix our minds on Jesus Christ Himself.
Imagine a compass. No matter how much you turn it, the needle always points north. For the believer, Christ is our true north. When our thoughts drift, we must realign to Him.
John 8:31–32 (NLT): “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
When we meditate on God’s truth, freedom follows — freedom from fear, anxiety, shame, and confusion.
John Piper once said, “The battle for holiness begins in the mind. What you feed your mind determines the shape of your soul.”
Piper reminds us that sanctification is not accidental; it’s the product of intentional thought shaped by the Word of God.
3. Think About What Is Honourable and Right
Paul continues — “Fix your thoughts on what is honourable and right.”
The Greek word for honourable is semnos, meaning noble, dignified, worthy of respect. For right (dikaios), it means that which conforms to God’s standard.
In a culture where sin is celebrated and righteousness mocked, the believer is called to think differently.
Romans 12:2 (NLT): “Don’t copy the behaviour and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.”
Transformation begins with a renewed mind. The Holy Spirit reshapes our values so that what pleases God pleases us too.
Think of a filter in a water jug. It removes impurities, ensuring what you drink is pure. The Word of God is the believer’s mental filter. Every thought must pass through the filter of Scripture — “Does this honour Christ? Is this right before God?”
Charles Stanley wrote, “Our emotions will always follow our thoughts. If you want peace, guard what you think.”
Stanley captures the link between mental purity and spiritual peace. When we fix our minds on Christ’s righteousness, the turmoil within settles under His authority.
4. Think About What Is Pure, Lovely, and Admirable
Purity in thought leads to purity in action. The Greek word for pure is hagnos — meaning free from moral pollution.
Jesus said in Matthew 5:8 (NLT): “God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.”
To think purely is to see clearly — to perceive God’s beauty without the fog of sin.
Lovely (prosphiles) and admirable (euphemos) describe what draws our hearts upward — things that reflect the grace, kindness, and compassion of Christ.
Colossians 3:2 (NLT): “Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.”
We live in a society obsessed with self, pleasure, and greed — but the Spirit redirects our minds heavenward.
Tim Keller wrote, “The gospel changes not just what you believe, but what you find beautiful.”
When Christ captures the heart, our definition of beauty changes. We begin to see holiness as lovely, forgiveness as admirable, and obedience as desirable.
5. Think About What Is Excellent and Worthy of Praise
Paul concludes with a sweeping call — “Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”
The Greek word for excellent is arete — meaning moral virtue, spiritual excellence. For worthy of praise (epainos), it means commendable, approved by God.
This is not worldly self-improvement — it’s worshipful thought. Our minds were made to magnify Jesus.
2 Corinthians 10:5 (NLT): “We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.”
Every thought either glorifies God or distracts from Him. The renewed mind chooses the former.
Max Lucado said, “You are what you think, because your thoughts run your life.”
Lucado points to the heart of Philippians 4:8 — discipleship begins in the thought life. A life that magnifies Christ begins with a mind that meditates on Him.
6. The Gospel Application: The Mind of Christ
We cannot do this in our own strength. Apart from Christ, our minds are darkened by sin.
Paul writes in Romans 8:6–7 (NLT): “So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.”
The only way to think like Christ is to belong to Christ.
The Gospel:
Jesus, the Son of God, took our sin upon Himself at the cross — every impure thought, every deceitful desire, every sinful imagination. He was crucified, died, and was buried. On the third day, He rose again — conquering sin, death, and the power of darkness. Through faith in Him, we are given not only forgiveness but a new mind and heart.
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT): “Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!”
When Christ redeems us, He renews how we think, how we feel, and how we see.
7. A Call to Action: Think Like Jesus
Church, the question is not “What do you think?” but “Who shapes your thinking?”
Let the Spirit fill your mind with God’s Word. Replace fear with faith. Replace impurity with holiness. Replace lies with truth.
Every time your thoughts wander into worry, doubt, or temptation — fix them on Jesus. Let His beauty fill your imagination. Let His promises steady your heart.
A pilot flying through dense fog cannot rely on what he sees — he must trust the instruments. In the same way, when the world’s fog clouds your vision, trust the instrument panel of God’s Word. It will keep you steady, true, and safe.
8. Invitation to Salvation
If you have never trusted Jesus as your Lord and Saviour — today, He invites you.
Repent of your sin. Turn from your way and receive His forgiveness. Believe that Jesus died for your sins, rose from the dead, and now reigns as Lord.
When you surrender to Christ, He gives you a new mind, a clean heart, and the peace that surpasses all understanding.
“Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.” — Romans 12:2
Today, you can be made new — because of Jesus.
Conclusion and Benediction:
Beloved, as we leave this place, let us go and think like Jesus. Let every thought, every word, every decision be shaped by His truth, His love, and His glory.
May the Spirit of God fill your minds with light.
May the peace of Christ guard your hearts.
And may your life be a reflection of His beauty in a broken world.
“Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:23 (NLT)
