I. Introduction (Philippians 4:8)
“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 virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
A. What’s On Your Mind?
- What occupies your thoughts?
- What do you think about when you’re alone?
- Where does your mind go when it wanders?
B. Your Thoughts Matter
- They shape who you are
- They influence what you do
- They determine your direction
II. The Checklist for Thinking
A. Is It True?
- Not gossip or rumor
- Not exaggeration
- Verified truth
B. Is It Honest?
- Dignified and honorable
- Worthy of respect
- Nothing shameful
C. Is It Just?
- Fair and right
- According to God’s standard
- What ought to be
D. Is It Pure?
- Clean and wholesome
- Free from contamination
- Morally excellent
E. Is It Lovely?
- Beautiful and attractive
- Pleasing to God
- Not ugly or degrading
F. Is It of Good Report?
- Something you’d be willing to tell others
- Praiseworthy
- Not something you’d be ashamed of
G. Is There Virtue in It?
- Moral excellence
- Something good
- Character-building
H. Is It Praiseworthy?
- Would God approve?
- Would it honor Him?
- Could you thank God for it?
III. How to Change Your Thinking
A. Stop the Wrong Thoughts
- Capture them (2 Corinthians 10:5)
- Don’t entertain them
- Reject them immediately
B. Replace with Right Thoughts
- You can’t just empty your mind
- You must fill it with good things
- Scripture is the best source
C. Practice Daily
- Habits form through repetition
- It gets easier over time
- Be patient with yourself
IV. The Results of Right Thinking
A. Peace (Philippians 4:7)
- The peace of God
- Guards your heart and mind
- Passes all understanding
B. Joy
- Thoughts affect emotions
- Right thinking leads to joy
- Wrong thinking leads to despair
C. Godliness
- As a man thinks, so is he
- Right thinking produces right living
- Transformation from the inside out
Conclusion
Guard your mind. Fill it with what is true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report. Your thoughts will shape your life.