Philippians 4:8-9 Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy—dwell on these things. Do what you have learned and received and heard from me, and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you. Big Idea: Our thoughts must be on the things of God. Philippians 4:8 Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy—dwell on these things. John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. “God makes it very rational for me to believe He’s there. He’s shown Himself in the created order. He’s broken into time and space. Jesus came in the flesh, was seen, and rose from the dead in history. The Apostles testify to these events in Scripture, recording those things they witnessed with their senses. It’s not irrational to believe in the One who vindicated Himself as the incarnation of truth. This is not blind faith but faith that embraces testimony….we continually measure our faith by the Word of God and make sure we are assenting to the reasonable, historical testimony of the prophets and the Apostles to the triumph of Christ. Faith is not mere intellectual assent. We aren’t saved simply because we affirm the truth of certain facts but because we trust the Person whom those facts reveal. So, faith is definitely more than knowledge. But it is not less.” RC Sproul, “Faith Has It's Reasons” Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. Next Step: I will reflect on my thought life this week. …whatever is true… John 14:6 I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. From the artist: “John 18:37 - ‘For this reason I was born and for this reason I came into the world, in order to bear witness to the truth…’ What a resounding affirmation of the invincible reality of absolute truth. Jesus Christ was born—the Eternal Word who is God took on flesh and came into the world—in order to bear witness to the truth. There IS truth, there IS reality, there IS eternal, immovable, unwavering, unshaken truth, and the purpose of the incarnation is to bear witness to that Truth.” …whatever is honorable… 1 Timothy 3:8-9, 11 Deacons, likewise, should be worthy of respect, not hypocritical, not drinking a lot of wine, not greedy for money, holding the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. Wives, likewise, should be worthy of respect, not slanderers, self-controlled, faithful in everything. Titus 2:2 Older men are to be self-controlled, worthy of respect, sensible, and sound in faith, love, and endurance. …whatever is just… Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God Isaiah 64:6b …and all our righteous acts are like a polluted garment; …whatever is pure… Matthew 5:21-22 “You have heard that it was said to our ancestors, Do not murder, and whoever murders will be subject to judgment. But I tell you, everyone who is angry with his brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Whoever insults his brother or sister will be subject to the court. Whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to hellfire.” Matthew 5:27-28 “You have heard that it was said, Do not commit adultery. But I tell you, everyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” …whatever is lovely… …whatever is commendable… …if there is any moral excellence… Romans 3:10-18 as it is written: There is no one righteous, not even one. There is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God. All have turned away; all alike have become worthless. There is no one who does what is good, not even one. Their throat is an open grave; they deceive with their tongues. Vipers’ venom is under their lips. Their mouth is full of cursing and bitterness. Their feet are swift to shed blood; ruin and wretchedness are in their paths, and the path of peace they have not known. There is no fear of God before their eyes. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. …if there is anything praiseworthy… Galatians 1:10 For am I now trying to persuade people, or God? Or am I striving to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ. Philippians 4:9 Do what you have learned and received and heard from me, and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you. Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you. Next Step: I will submit my life to Christ. *Picture was used with persmission from fullofeyes.com