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. 9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.”
We live in a world that is constantly working to take charge of our minds and to fill our thinking with ungodly “things” and to lead us away into immorality, dishonesty, selfishness, and mean behaviors which ultimately leads to ruined lives and destruction in this present world. But, Paul exhorts us to “think on these things”; that is, “things” that “are true”, “honest”, “just”, “pure”, “lovely”, and “of good report”? He had just listed some of these “things” (Philippians 3:1-4:7); now, he exhorts us to “think on these things” and to “do” them. As the Lord told Peter, “Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat” (Luke 22:31); that is, to lead you astray and to so severely trouble you that you are separated from the joys of worship and service to our Lord. Said another way, “be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:2). John warns us that “even now are there many antichrists” (I John 2:18). These “antichrists” are minions of the devil who spend their time opposing Christ Jesus, His Word, His Church, and His people. And, we are warned to “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” (I Peter 5:8). These wicked minions seek to entice the Children of God with all manner of temptations, filling the mind with carnally appealing “things” that may seem harmless on the surface, but will eventually lead to destruction and ruin. Thus, Paul charges us to “think on” and “do” these godly “things” instead of the devil’s deceptive enticements; for, “If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.” (John 13:17).