Paul now gives a final word about worry, peace, and the mind. This “finally” is not merely a conclusion, but a gathering together of what he has already said. If we are going to enjoy the peace of God, then our mind must be protected. Paul shows that peace is connected to what we choose to dwell on. We cannot think on two things at once, so the question becomes: what is filling the mind?
He begins with things that are true. That which is real, genuine, and in harmony with God’s truth should fill our thoughts. This matters because the devil is a liar. Jesus said in John 8:44 that there is no truth in him. Satan wants to corrupt the mind through lies, just as Paul warned in 2 Corinthians 11:3, that the mind can be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. The answer is truth. Jesus prayed, “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth” (John 17:17), and the Spirit Himself is truth (1 John 5:6). We must not let our minds be governed by lies, fears, and falsehoods.
Then Paul says think on things that are honest. These are things worthy of respect, grave, dignified, and honorable. The Christian mind is not to be occupied with what is flippant, cheap, and empty, but with things that carry the dignity of holiness.
He then says think on things that are just. These are things that are upright, right, and righteous. This touches both our relationship toward God and our dealings with men. The Christian is to think in a way that reflects righteousness.
Next, Paul says think on things that are pure. This is moral cleanness. The believer’s thought life is to be undefiled and chaste. We live in a filthy world, and impurity is everywhere-through media, entertainment, the internet, and conversation. That is why the Christian must deliberately guard purity in the mind.
Then Paul says think on things that are lovely. These are thoughts that are pleasing and acceptable. Not mean thoughts. Not angry thoughts. Not murmuring thoughts. But thoughts that build people up instead of tearing them down.
Then he says think on things that are of good report. These are things that sound well, that are worthy, reputable, and spiritually healthy. There is so much bad news, unfair criticism, and ungodly perspective that can consume the mind. Paul says do not fill the mind with what is unworthy.
If there is any virtue, if there is anything morally excellent, and if there is any praise, anything praiseworthy, think on these things. The word “think” carries the idea of meditating, dwelling, and reckoning on these things. The trend of our mind matters. A person who goes astray from the Lord is not filling the mind with these kinds of thoughts. Hebrews 12:3 says, “Consider him”-and when we think on what is true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report, we ultimately find all of that fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
Source Coverage: Philippians 4:2-9
Let believers be of one mind, and ready to help each other. As the apostle had found the benefit of their assistance, he knew how comfortable it would be to his fellow-labourers to have the help of others. Let us seek to give assurance that our names are written in the book of life. Joy in God is of great consequence in the Christian life; and Christians need to be again and again called to it. It more than outweighs all causes for sorrow. Let their enemies perceive how moderate they were as to outward things, and how composedly they suffered loss and hardships. The day of judgment will soon arrive, with full redemption to believers, and destruction to ungodly men. There is a care of diligence which is our duty, and agrees with a wise forecast and due concern; but there is a care of fear and distrust, which is sin and folly, and only perplexes and distracts the mind. As a remedy against perplexing care, constant prayer is recommended. Not only stated times for prayer, but in every thing by prayer. We must join thanksgivings with prayers and supplications; not only seek supplies of good, but own the mercies we have received. God needs not to be told our wants or desires; he knows them better than we do; but he will have us show that we value the mercy, and feel our dependence on him. The peace of God, the comfortable sense of being reconciled to God, and having a part in his favour, and the hope of the heavenly blessedness, are a greater good than can be fully expressed. This peace will keep our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus; it will keep us from sinning under troubles, and from sinking under them; keep us calm and with inward satisfaction. Believers are to get and to keep a good name; a name for good things with God and good men. We should walk in all the ways of virtue, and abide therein; then, whether our praise is of men or not, it will be of God. The apostle is for an example. His doctrine and life agreed together. The way to have the God of peace with us, is to keep close to our duty. All our privileges and salvation arise in the free mercy of God; yet the enjoyment of them depends on our sincere and holy conduct. These are works of God, pertaining to God, and to him only are they to be ascribed, and to no other, neither men, words, nor deeds.
Paul now gives a final word about worry, peace, and the mind. This “finally” is not merely a conclusion, but a gathering together of what he has already said. If we are going to enjoy the peace of God, then our mind must be protected. Paul shows that peace is connected to what we choose to dwell on. We cannot think on two things at once, so the question becomes: what is filling the mind?
He begins with things that are true. That which is real, genuine, and in harmony with God’s truth should fill our thoughts. This matters because the devil is a liar. Jesus said in John 8:44 that there is no truth in him. Satan wants to corrupt the mind through lies, just as Paul warned in 2 Corinthians 11:3, that the mind can be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. The answer is truth. Jesus prayed, “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth” (John 17:17), and the Spirit Himself is truth (1 John 5:6). We must not let our minds be governed by lies, fears, and falsehoods.
Then Paul says think on things that are honest. These are things worthy of respect, grave, dignified, and honorable. The Christian mind is not to be occupied with what is flippant, cheap, and empty, but with things that carry the dignity of holiness.
He then says think on things that are just. These are things that are upright, right, and righteous. This touches both our relationship toward God and our dealings with men. The Christian is to think in a way that reflects righteousness.
Next, Paul says think on things that are pure. This is moral cleanness. The believer’s thought life is to be undefiled and chaste. We live in a filthy world, and impurity is everywhere-through media, entertainment, the internet, and conversation. That is why the Christian must deliberately guard purity in the mind.
Then Paul says think on things that are lovely. These are thoughts that are pleasing and acceptable. Not mean thoughts. Not angry thoughts. Not murmuring thoughts. But thoughts that build people up instead of tearing them down.
Then he says think on things that are of good report. These are things that sound well, that are worthy, reputable, and spiritually healthy. There is so much bad news, unfair criticism, and ungodly perspective that can consume the mind. Paul says do not fill the mind with what is unworthy.
If there is any virtue, if there is anything morally excellent, and if there is any praise, anything praiseworthy, think on these things. The word “think” carries the idea of meditating, dwelling, and reckoning on these things. The trend of our mind matters. A person who goes astray from the Lord is not filling the mind with these kinds of thoughts. Hebrews 12:3 says, “Consider him”-and when we think on what is true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report, we ultimately find all of that fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
Let believers be of one mind, and ready to help each other. As the apostle had found the benefit of their assistance, he knew how comfortable it would be to his fellow-labourers to have the help of others. Let us seek to give assurance that our names are written in the book of life. Joy in God is of great consequence in the Christian life; and Christians need to be again and again called to it. It more than outweighs all causes for sorrow. Let their enemies perceive how moderate they were as to outward things, and how composedly they suffered loss and hardships. The day of judgment will soon arrive, with full redemption to believers, and destruction to ungodly men. There is a care of diligence which is our duty, and agrees with a wise forecast and due concern; but there is a care of fear and distrust, which is sin and folly, and only perplexes and distracts the mind. As a remedy against perplexing care, constant prayer is recommended. Not only stated times for prayer, but in every thing by prayer. We must join thanksgivings with prayers and supplications; not only seek supplies of good, but own the mercies we have received. God needs not to be told our wants or desires; he knows them better than we do; but he will have us show that we value the mercy, and feel our dependence on him. The peace of God, the comfortable sense of being reconciled to God, and having a part in his favour, and the hope of the heavenly blessedness, are a greater good than can be fully expressed. This peace will keep our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus; it will keep us from sinning under troubles, and from sinking under them; keep us calm and with inward satisfaction. Believers are to get and to keep a good name; a name for good things with God and good men. We should walk in all the ways of virtue, and abide therein; then, whether our praise is of men or not, it will be of God. The apostle is for an example. His doctrine and life agreed together. The way to have the God of peace with us, is to keep close to our duty. All our privileges and salvation arise in the free mercy of God; yet the enjoyment of them depends on our sincere and holy conduct. These are works of God, pertaining to God, and to him only are they to be ascribed, and to no other, neither men, words, nor deeds.