“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.”
When somebody says finally, things are about ready to wrap up. Unless it’s a preacher or a politician, then, all bets are off.
So, when Paul in Phil 4:8 starts with finally, brethren, we need to do two things. One, find out what he was talking about before, and two, see what was so important that he was letting us know what would be in his last teaching.
The list that follows is very important because it is a way to build our mind like the mind of Christ. Would we dare to think that Jesus ever thought outside of this boundary? No, He stayed His mind on things above while dealing with the things down here.
But what about me? Can I honestly say that this group of things captures my mind and heart, and I put the things that I am thinking up to the scrutiny of this verse?
If we did, our sleep would be better, our souls would be more content, our anxiety and fear levels would be non-existent, or at least under control. That sounds like reason enough to study this verse over the next few weeks in itself.
But, in addition to all the beneficial things to ourselves, we get the added knowledge that we are living the Way of Jesus by thinking the Way of Jesus.
So, Good Thoughts,
Pastor Brent