Preacher Joshua Yong

                                                                Whatsoever Things Are True

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."

The word "think" means "to take an inventory of". In this case it is to take an inventory of what fills our mind. We are to keep doing it for the rest of our lives. This is not an option but a necessary injunction from the LORD to protect us from sin and our witness for Christ.

Long before words are spoken, or an action taken, the thought of the words and action would have already been formed in our minds. This truth demonstrates how vulnerable our minds can be. Our minds are vulnerable because, wittingly or unwittingly, the thoughts in our minds often take their own course. Our minds run from one thought to another, and if not guarded, these thoughts could lead to much evil – "For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies" (Matt 15:19).

Our Lord Jesus Christ reminds us of the great care we have to take in guarding our thoughts when he warns us that murder and adultery are already considered committed when they are committed in the heart (Matt 5:22, 28).

What constitutes our thoughts? What are the things that constantly influence our minds? Is it our present circumstances or the noise around us or the words we hear or the book we recently read? Innumerable things constantly fill our minds. It is little wonder that even when we get down on our knees to pray, we struggle with drifting minds and wandering thoughts – from the burdens of the day, to the p lans of tomorrow, all these clamour for attention.

Beware Of Wicked Thoughts

Sometimes our thoughts carry little significance and simply disappear into our memories; other times, these thoughts bring about deadly consequences. These are the wicked thoughts that the Bible warns us of. Examples of such wicked thoughts include:

a) Pride in the heart à Proverbs 16:5 – "Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished."

b) Worry of the heart à Matthew 6:25 – "Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?" The word "thought" is the same word for "care" used in Phil 4:6. It describes anxiety and worry that trouble the heart and lead to depression and stress.

c) Wickedness of the heart à Genesis 6:5 – "And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually."

d) Covetousness of the heart à Psalm 119:36 – "Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness." Covetousness creates many a restless heart.

e) Distracted heart à Jer 17:5 – "Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD." A heart that departs from the Lord is a distracted heart. This heart is self-reliant, and most vulnerable.

The mind is so vulnerable, yet so difficult to guard, for it constantly longs to be filled. If our minds are constantly filled with thoughts, the only way to guard our minds then, is to pray for divine keeping and to fill our minds with virtuous and praise-worthy thoughts. One thing to note about the mind is that it thinks of only one thing at a time. If we are thinking of godly thoughts there is no room to think of evil. This is where Philippians 4:8 comes in.

Be Anxious For Nothing

In Philippians chapter 4, as Apostle Paul began the conclusion of his epistle, he encouraged the Christians with various practical exhortations.

Paul encouraged the believers to be "careful for nothing" (Phil 4:6). "Careful" describes the anxiety which troubles Christians. Instead of being anxious, Paul encouraged the Christians to pray. Paul encouraged believers with the assurance that, by faith and through prayer, the peace of God will keep their hearts and mind through Christ Jesus. Apostle Paul then went on to exhort believers on the things they ought to think upon instead of being anxious.

Anxiety is usually caused by unfounded fears, or unnecessary doubts. These fears or doubts are often based on falsehood. The Devil as the father of lies stands as the believer’s adversary, casting doubt and speaking lies. What are some lies that the Devil tells?

The Devil attempts to deceive believers concerning their salvation – Satan sometimes seduces us to despair, reminding us of our guilt and sin.

The Devil attempts to deceive believers concerning God’s plan – When we face adversities and afflictions, Satan sows seeds of doubt in our minds, tempting us to question God’s purpose and plan.

The Devil attempts to deceive believers concerning God’s faithfulness and care – Do we wonder if God will remain faithful despite our failings? Do we see the faithful hand of God in all things?

The Devil attempts to deceive believers concerning their usefulness – There is a vast difference between recognising one’s inadequacies and feeling hopeless or useless. God has given every Christian at least one spiritual gift with which to serve Him. Hopelessness and uselessness are the feelings which the Devil uses to discourage the Christian in service.

There are so many other falsehoods that can trouble even the most mature and devout Christian. Hence, how can Christians overcome these anxieties that are based on falsehoods and lies?

Whatsoever Things are True

Believers are encouraged to think upon things which are "true." We are not to let our minds wander to future uncertainties or dwell upon past wrongs, both of which we have no control over.

The things which are true speak of the confidence and assurance we can have in what is genuine and what is real, and are as follows. Think upon these things:

a) The truthfulness of God: Numbers 23:19 – "God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? Or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?" The truthfulness of God speaks of the faithfulness of God. Are you worried or troubled? Think upon the faithfulness of God and what that means. People are always seeking for something new because they will never be satisfied with material things. If the mercies of God are new every morning (Lam 3:23), it means that we can never grow tired of the mercies of God. Thinking upon the faithfulness and mercies of God is a fresh thought for each day - an exercise that will never lose its attraction.

b) The Word of God: John 17:17 – "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth." Meditate upon the Word of God; accompany each thought with the truth of God’s Word. The Bible declares that the truth of God’s Word is liberating (John 8:32). In a world where everything is relative and subjective, the Word of God stands as the absolute standard of truth. Man can never find absolute certainty in science or in history, for many of these scientists and historians often contradict themselves and their findings are at best probably true. The Word of God stands as the absolute standard of truth because it is given by God who is truth.

c) Think upon Christ who is truth: John 14:6 – "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." Again the Word of God declares in John 1:14 – "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." The promises of Christ are true; we can always have full assurance in what He says. Christ Himself is truth, because there is no lie in Him.

Are you troubled by unfounded fears and doubts? Are you anxious and worried because of the lies of the Devil? Think upon the things which are true. Let the faithfulness of God and the love of Christ comfort your heart.