A friend of mine said one time, “Who needs Satan to tempt me, I can do this all on my own.” What a very profound statement. The Bible confirms this in James 1 vs 14-15; But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. (KJV) It’s so comforting to find a cause for our failures in other places. We blame Satan, or people around us. Certainly, some culpability can be found there. Some would even blame God, as seen in the above James passage vs 13. In reality, we are the first defense to our own sins. According to the passages already quoted, sin begins in the mind. We become what we think about. Pr 23:7 For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: If this be true, then what ought a christian think about? In the book of Philippians, Paul gives us a list of 6 things to think about: vs 8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy–meditate on these things. (NKJV)

1-TRUE – You may think that this is honesty, in reality, this is talking about…reality. So often we find ourselves believing lies. Jesus, while praying in the garden said, “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” Joh 17:17 So, to me this says to think on true things, which is the word of God.

2-NOBLE – This word is only used 3 other times in the new testament, as far as the Greek word <semnos> is concerned and it is used for the leaders in the church. These folks are to be noble, which means grave. (grave = serious or solemn in manner or appearance; somber.) My understanding is that we should take things seriously. Does this mean that fun is dissallowed? No, it just means that we need to be able to put aside the passing pleasures of sin and be able to do that which is right. Heb 11:26

3-JUST – also translated as “righteous”, this speaks to things we do that are right (righteous). Consider this verse, Mt 13:49 So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, (KJV) Jesus uses “just” comparing those that are wicked. So, “just” is the opposite of wicked.

4-PURE – This word is translated as chaste, clear and pure in the New Testament. We know what chaste means. When speaking of sexuality, a chaste person is one that keeps their marriage vows, or remains a virgin until marriage. Outside of that context, it can be guiltless. No charge can be brought against you.

5-LOVELY – This speaks to those things that are agreeable to others. Christians ought never be crabby or complainers. I guess you could say that we should be thinking positively.

6-GOOD REPORT – That is, whatever is of a good reputation. There are actions that people see as reputable. Kindness, charity, courtesy. It’s funny, liars hate being told lies. Thieves hate their things being stolen. There are actions that all agree are good.

 Jesus said in Mt 15:18 “But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.” (KJV)

Would you like to read the Bible with me? Give me a call, let’s learn together.

spencer
Borger, Tx
806/274-5021
Ask me how to make your calling and election sure. 2Pet 1:10