Walls Around the Mind
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Philippians 4:8 (KJV)
- Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest,
whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things
are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report: if there be any virture,
and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Walls Around the Mind
Philippians 4:8
The greatest battle going on in this world is the battle for your mind. When a person has no
discipline over what goes into his mind, he becomes a city without walls. As the Scripture
declares, "He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and
without walls" (Prov. 25:28). Anything is free to enter or leave. We must have walls around
the mind.
- The context of this text . . . "The peace of God shall keep your hearts and
minds . . ." (v.7).
Last week we talked about worry and the dangers of having a mind crowded with concern.
- Worry . . . (anxiety) is the Greek word 'phrenetic' which means "a
crowded mind."
We are to worship the Lord, thank Him for His goodness, and make our request known.
- Peace . . . is a work of God that He creates within the heart --- a fruit of the
Spirit.
The word "keep" is a fortress word that speaks of God guarding our hearts and minds.
He establishes walls to keep "thoughts of worry" out. He guards and protects us.
God is the one who produces peace within the heart by guarding the mind! God does it!
- The command in this text . . . "things true . . . think on these things"
(v.8).
In the next verse (v.9), Pauls says, "those things you have learned, seen and heard . . .
do!"
Wait a minute! If God is the one who is doing the work in me, why should I do anything?
- God's sovereignty does not reduce man's responsibility . . .
When God chooses to do a work, he gives man responsibility. The evidence of God doing the
work is the fulfillment of our responsibility. YOU are called to think on certain things. YOU
are called to have rule over your own mind. That is a command.
- Your responsibility is fulfilled only by the grace of God . . .
There is no conflict between saying "I have a responsibility" and in the next breath adding "I can
only fulfill that responsibility by the grace of God."
- The conclusions from this text . . . "if there be any virtue, if there be any
praise, think" (v.8).
The term think is comparable to the Hebrew word meditate used in Psalm 1. It has the idea of
"chewing the cud" or "ruminating." The apostle tells us how a Christian is to think.
- Guard what you think about . . .
Paul gives six specific terms that should define what our mind meditates upon . . .
Things that are "true, honest, just, pure, lovely, admirable (good report)."
- TRUE --- things that have the character of truth.
- HONEST --- worthy of reverence.
- JUST --- things righteous (as they ought to be).
- PURE --- holy, without defilement.
- LOVELY --- winsome or pleasing.
- ADMIRABLE --- a good or fair thought.
Paul then gives two general terms: KJV says "anything of virtue and praise." The NIV
uses the phrase --- "if there be anything excellent and praiseworthy."
- What you think about you become . . .
"As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he" (Proverbs 23:7). When you allow yourself to
think about things that can not be characterized by the words above, you become like your
thoughts. Are your thoughts unloving, irreverent, displeasing, etc . . .? May God give you the
grace to build walls around your mind that protect your life.
Questions? Comments?
Pastor Wade
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