Think on Things that are Lovely
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TITLE: Think on Things that are Lovely
SUBJECT: Thing on These Things
PROPOSITION: For us to think on things that are lovely, we must 1) Focus on the Positive, 2) Change Our Thinking, 3) Model Exemplary Behavior.
OBJECTIVE: Each listener should understand that God wants us to dwell on lovely things.
AIM: I want this sermon to move our minds in the direction of good and stay there.
INTRODUCTION:
1. Read: Philippians 4:8
2. About the Text:
1) What does it mean to think on things that are lovely?
2) This the Greek word προσφιλής (prosphiles). It is it the only time it is used in the GNT.
3) It is translated “lovely,” but also may be translated, “agreeable,” “pleasant,” or “beloved.”
4) The notion is of actions and thoughts that are not disturbing, distasteful, or ugly.
5) Remember that this is a command of God – Think on these things!
6) We must think on things that are lovely!
3. Ref. to S, T, P, O, and A.
DISCUSSION: To think about things that are lovely we must…
I. Focus on the Positive
1. Where is our focus?
1) The news? (This is not where it needs to be.)
2) Violent Movies/Video Games filled with Expletives?
3) Music that glorifies evil?
4) These are not “lovely” things.
2. Where do we need to put our focus?
1) God and Jesus Christ – How is your prayer life?
2) God’s word – How often are you involved in reading and studying the Bible each week?
3) The church – How involved are you with God’s people?
4) Spirituality – Are your daily decisions spiritually informed?
5) Our families – Do you prioritize your family over other activities?
3. Bible verses on focus:
1) Song: Higher Ground
2) “Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; ??I will set him on high, because he has known My name” (Psalm 91:14).
3) “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth” (Colossians 3:1-2).
4) “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19-21).
II. Change our Thinking
1. Survival Mentality
1) Think about how to avoid failure.
2) This means thinking about failure and all the possible failure scenarios.
3) It is always thinking about unlovely, unpleasant, unhappy things.
4) We do not have to do this!
5) “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).
2. We must trust in God to change our thinking.
1) Survival thinking all depends upon me, but…
a. I can’t anticipate all circumstances.
b. I can’t know all relationships.
c. It is impossible!
2) We must trust in God (not self) for all these things.
3) “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, ??And lean not on your own understanding; ??In all your ways acknowledge Him, ??And He shall direct your paths. ??Do not be wise in your own eyes; ??Fear the LORD and depart from evil” (Proverbs 3:5-7).
3. Everyday Repentance
1) We must have a heart of repentance.
a. “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart—These, O God, You will not despise” (Psalm 51:17).
b. “The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit” (Psalm 34:18).
2) This means accepting correction.
a. “He who keeps instruction is in the way of life, But he who refuses correction goes astray” (Proverbs 10:17).
b. “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16).
III. Model Exemplary Behavior
1. Follow Christ!
1) Christ is the standard.
2) “For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren” (Romans 8:29).
3) “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1).
4) “For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps” (1 Peter 2:21).
2. Be a doer of the word.
1) “If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them” (John 13:17).
2) “Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city” (Revelation 22:14).
3) “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (James 1:22).
3. Let your light shine!
1) “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:17).
2) “But the path of the just is like the shining sun, That shines ever brighter unto the perfect day” (Proverbs 4:18).
3) “Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern” (Philippians 3:17).
CONCLUSION:
1. To think on things that are lovely, we must . . .
1) Focus on the Positive
2) Change Our Thinking
3) Model Exemplary Behavior
2. Invitation