Philippians 4:8 tells us what we should think about. The questions therefore arise, What are the thoughts that it prescribes? And since Philippians 4:8 are God’s words, Why is God concerned about our thoughts?

These are questions then that I will answer in this post.

Here is what Philippians 4:8 says: “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.” Philippians 4:8.

Bible Notation

Now you may be asking, What does the phrase “Philippians 4:8” mean? The actual phrase Philippians 4:8 is an example of what is known as Bible notation and it is a reference to a Bible quotation.

For as it is, the Bible is a collection of books. And each book in the Bible consists of one or more chapters, and each chapter has numbered sections called verses. So, the Bible notation “Philippians 4:8” refers to the book of Philippians, the 4^th chapter, and the 8^th verse of Chapter 4.

Who is God?

As was said before, Philippians 4:8 is a Bible quotation, and since when we read the Bible we are reading “the word of God” (1 Samuel 9:27), the question arises, Who is God?

It turns out that on reading the Bible, you will find that “God” (Genesis 1:1) and “the Godhead” (Acts 17:29) are interchangeable names in the Bible for a divine Family made up of three Persons. So, God is indeed a Person or, rather, Persons, and not a thing or things.

And God describes Himself in the Bible by saying that He is “God, that cannot lie” (Titus 1:2) and “God is love.” 1 John 4:8. That is to say, each of the three members of the Godhead has a character of love that is identical to the character of the others. In fact, the love in God’s heart is the only definition of true love in the universe.

And, No, there are not three Gods! Why? Because the members of the Godhead never contradict each other at any time, that is, we can say that they speak with one voice. For there has never been nor ever will be any disagreement or contention among them. Therefore, we can say, “there is one God.” Mark 12:32.

Furthermore, each Person in the Godhead, the divine Family, is “without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life.” Hebrews 7:3.

And the names of these three Persons in the Godhead are “the Father” (Matthew 11:27), “the Son” (Psalm 2:12) also called Christ (Matthew 1:1), and “the Holy Spirit.” Psalm 51:11.

Therefore, with this understanding of who God is, a related question is, Who is Jesus? The name Jesus was given to Christ when He was born as a baby boy on earth over 2,023 years ago. So, Jesus and Christ are one and the same divine Person.

Philippians 4:8 and How the Holy Human Race Became Unholy

When God created the earth, He at that time also created the first human pair, namely, a man named Adam and a woman named Eve.

Both Adam and Eve were holy, that is to say, righteous when they were created since they both had a character of perfect love. That is, Adam and Eve, had minds that obeyed od’s command in Philippians 4:8.

However, both Adam and Eve afterwards fell into evil and wrongdoing, which is sin. That is to say, Adam and Eve’s minds became filled other thoughts than those which God prescribes in Philippians 4:8.

How did Adam and Eve fall into sin? The reason is that they both yielded to the temptations of an angel named Satan.

Who then is Satan? He is an angel who was originally named “Lucifer” (Isaiah 14:12) by God, and who sinned in heaven by rebelling against God’s ways of love. So, Satan became the first person ever in the universe to disobey God’s command given in Philippians 4:8.

Satan also caused some of the other angels to join him in his rebellion against God. In other words, like Satan himself, to turn away from God’s command in Philippians 4:8.

And because Satan and his “evil angels” (Psalm 78:49) refused to stop sinning, refused to obey Philippians 4:8, God cast them all out of heaven pending God’s Judgment Day.

And, in accordance, to God’s great law of heredity, all of Adam and Eve’s descendants, that is, the whole human race have inherited their inclination to sin. Therefore, ever human being born after Adam and Eve are sinners from birth for their thoughts are contrary to Philippians 4:8.

This then is the story of how evil thoughts, contrary to Philippians 4:8, entered into the universe for the first time and, hence, how the holy human race became unholy.

Philippians 4:8 and God’s Plan to Save the Human Race from Annihilation by God

Now the question is, Will the unholy human race whose thoughts are contrary to Philippians 4:8 remain in this spiritual condition forever?

The answer is, No! Absolutely not!

Hear God’s words of hope: “For the wages of sin is [eternal] death [which is to cease to exist, that is to be annihilated by God]; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23.

For “by one man [Adam] sin entered into the world, and [eternal] death by sin; and so [eternal] death [has] passed upon all men [all humanity], for that all have sinned [by their evil thoughts which are contrary to Philippians 4:8].” Romans 5:12.

And “sin is not imputed [does not exist] when there is no law.” Romans 5:13. What law? God’s law of love, in that, every evil thought that is contrary to Philippians 4:8 breaks this God’s law of love.

“But not as the offence [against God in going contrary to Philippians 4:8], so also is the free gift [of God to humanity]. For if through the offence of one [of Adam] many [even all the human race] be [eternally] dead, much more the grace of God [the blessings of the unmerited favour of God upon the human race], and the gift by grace [by God’s unmerited favour], which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many [even the whole human race].” Romans 5:15.

What is the gift that brings eternal life to the human race to which God refers? It is the death of Jesus Christ “for the sins of the whole world.” 1 John 2:2. By this means, God has made a way of escape for the human race from annihilation by God because Jesus Christ died in their place.

Note though that this  does not mean that every human being will automatically receive eternal life from God! Only those people who humble themselves and allow God to supernaturally put the love in God’s heart in their hearts will be granted eternal life by God.

In other words, if we allow, which is to say, give God our permission to put His love in our heart, we will live in accordance with a mind full with only holy thoughts as Philippians 4:8 prescribes. Hence, God will give us everlasting life with God Himself.

This then is God’s plan to save the human race from annihilation by God.

Philippians 4:8 and God’s Enabling Power

You may be asking, How exactly does God put His love in our hearts? How does God cause our minds to be filled with only holy thoughts in accordance with Philippians 4:8?

Well, as Philippians 4:8 states, we must choose to think on good things. But it is a fact that this is not enough. We need God’s enabling power to set our minds on a holy track and to eliminate the evil from our minds.

Our choice, in accordance with Philippians 4:8, gives God permission to work a transformation in us. Thus, God says, “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man [of human beings], the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us [who have chosen God’s ways of love in accordance with Philippians 4:8] by his [Holy] Spirit: for the [Holy] Spirit searcheth [knows] all things, yea, [even] the deep things of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:9, 10.

That is to say, to those who allow God to work in them, the Holy Spirit reveals to us the holy things of God for us to think on as Philippians 4:8 prescribes.

“For what man [what person] knoweth the things [thoughts] of a man [of a person], save [except] the spirit [the mind] of man [of the person] which is in him [or her]? even so the things [the mind] of God knoweth no man [no human being], but the [Holy] Spirit of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:11. Here God is saying that, while we know our own thoughts, we do not know God’s mind for only the Holy Spirit, God Himself, knows it.

But praise be to God for His blessings in accordance with Philippians 4:8! For God says, “Now we [who have given God our permission] have received, not the spirit of the world [which is Satan], but the [Holy] spirit which is of God; that we might know the things [thoughts] that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak [as a result of God’s holy thoughts placed in our minds in accordance with Philippians 4:8], not in the words which man’s [which human beings] wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost [Holy Spirit] teacheth; comparing spiritual things [thoughts] with [other] spiritual [thoughts].” 1 Corinthians 2:12, 13.

“But the natural man receiveth not the things [the thoughts] of the [Holy] Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” 1 Corinthians 2:14.

“But he [or she] that is spiritual judgeth [discerns and understands] all [God’s] things [thoughts]…For who hath known the mind of the Lord [God], that he [or she] may instruct him [God]? But we [who are spiritual in accordance with Philippians 4:8] have the mind of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 2:15, 16.

This then is how God enables us to think only holy thoughts as Philippians 4:8 prescribes.

Philippians 4:8—God Knows Our Thoughts

Now God says, “I know the things [thoughts] that come into your mind, every one of them.” Ezekiel 11:5.

“Neither is there any creature [any person] that is not manifest [known] in his [God’s] sight: but all things [thoughts] are naked and opened unto the eyes of him [God] with whom we have to do.” Hebrews 4:13.

So, we cannot hide our thoughts from God. He knows it all whether we are in accordance with Philippians 4:8 or not.

Philippians 4:8 and the Things That Pollute and Corrupt the Human Race

And God says to every human being, “You…were dead in trespasses and sins [contrary to God’s command in Philippians 4:8]; wherein…ye walked according to the course of this world, according to [Satan] the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience [to God]: Among whom also we all had our conversation…in the lusts of our flesh [of our sinful nature], fulfilling the desires of the flesh [of the sinful nature] and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath [of God’s fierce anger because of our sins].” Ephesians 2:1-3.

Thus, every human being will find that when they choose to obey Philippians 4:8 they have entered into a fight against the evil influence of their own sinful nature, the world, and the devil, Satan.

Philippians 4:8 and the Inward Corruption of Our Sinful Nature

In the Bible, we find God’s words concerning our sinful nature which is contrary to Philippians 4:8: “That which cometh out of the man [of the person], that defileth [corrupts and pollutes [the person]] the man. For from within, out of the heart of men [of human beings], proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within [the person], and defile [corrupts and pollutes] the man [the person].” Mark 7:20-23.

“(For many walk [live in disobedience to Philippians 4:8], of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ [to which Christ’s hands and feet were nailed so that Christ died]: Whose end is destruction [is annihilation], whose God is their belly [their appetite for food], and whose glory is in their shame [due to their sins], who mind earthly things.)” Philippians 3:18, 19.

Of such people, God says, “For they that are after the flesh [who live according to their sinful nature and so live contrary to Philippians 4:8] do mind the things of the flesh [of the sinful nature]; but they that are after the [according to the ways of love of the Holy] Spirit [care about] the things of the [Holy] Spirit. For to be carnally [worldly] minded is [eternal] death; but to be spiritually minded is [eternal] life and peace [with God].” Romans 8:5, 6.

“Because the carnal [worldly] mind is enmity against [hatred of] God: for it is not subject to the law of God [to God’s law of love], neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh [that live according to their sinful nature and, hence, in disobedience to Philippians 4:8] cannot please God.” Romans 8:7, 8.

And there are some people “who [contrary to Philippians 4:8] being past [any] feeling [of love] have given themselves over unto lasciviousness [to the evil of wantonness], to work all uncleanness [of heart] with greediness.” Ephesians 4:19.

To such God says, “Take heed [Take care]…lest [to prevent any possibility that] there be in any of you an evil heart…in departing from the living God.” Hebrews 3:12. For then you disobey Philippians 4:8 according to the inward corruption of your own sinful nature.

Philippians 4:8 and the Incoming Pollution from the World

Moreover, God says to ever human being, “Thou shalt not follow amultitude to do evil [whereby you disobey my command in Philippians 4:8].” Exodus 23:2. For “the whole world lieth in [is given over to] wickedness.” 1 John 5:19.

“Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men [who live contrary to Philippians 4:8]. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away. For they sleep not, except they have done mischief [wickedness]; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall [away from God’s ways of love].” Proverbs 4:14-16.

Further, in accordance with Philippians 4:8, “Beware lest any man [anyone] spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men [of human beings], after the rudiments [the principles] of the world, and not after Christ [and His ways of love].” Colossians 2:8.

“Surely [every human being can say in truth] our fathers [our ancestors] have inherited lies, vanity [worthlessness], and things wherein there is no profit [all of which are contrary to Philippians 4:8].” Jeremiah 16:19.

And “this their way [in disobedience to Philippians 4:8] is their folly [their foolishness]: yet [we] their posterity [their descendants have] approve[ed] their sayings. Selah [Think on these things].” Psalm 49:13.

So, God says of every human being, “They hearkened not unto me [did not obey my command in Philippians 4:8], nor inclined their ear, but hardened their neck [in stubbornness in sin]: they did worse than their fathers [than their ancestors].” Jeremiah 7:26.

This then is how God describes the pollution and corruption of the world that comes upon every human being.

Philippians 4:8 and the Incoming Pollution from the Devil

In addition to warning humanity about the evil influence of their own sinful nature and the world, God goes on to say to every human being, “I [God] am jealous over you with godly jealousy…I fear, lest [the possibility that] by any means, as the serpent [was used by Satan and so] beguiled [deceived] Eve through his subtilty [subtlety], so your minds should be corrupted [contrary to Philippians 4:8] from the simplicity that is in Christ [and His ways of love].” 2 Corinthians 11:2, 3.

I, God, fear “lest [the possibility that] by some means the [Satan the] tempter have tempted you [to disobey my command in Philippians 4:8].” 1 Thessalonians 3:5.

Or I, God, know that “[the whole human race of] evil men [and women] and seducers shall wax [grow] worse and worse, deceiving [their fellow human beings], and being [themselves] deceived [by Satan].” 2 Timothy 3:13.

Thus, God exposes Satan for the tempter that he is who causes people to disobey Philippians 4:8.

Philippians 4:8 and Christ, the Truth

When Christ was on earth, He “Jesus saith…I [Christ] am the way, the truth, and the life [that is everlasting]: no man [no human being] cometh unto the Father [in heaven], but by me.” John 14:6.

This then is a great and important truth that we should think on in accordance with Philippians 4:8.

In addition, God says, “He [or She] that hath received his [Christ’s] testimony hath set to his seal [has acknowledged] that God is true. For he [Christ] whom God hath sent [into the world] speaketh the words of God.” John 3:33, 34.

For “Jesus…said, My doctrine [teaching] is not mine, but his [God’s] that sent me. If any man will do his [God’s] will, he shall [therefore] know of the doctrine [the teaching], whether it be of God, or whether I [Christ] speak of myself [on my own authority and not from God].” John 7:16, 17.

Here then are monumental truths which God has given in the Bible for us to think on as Philippians 4:8 says.

Philippians 4:8 and the Guidance of the Holy Spirit

Furthermore, as true things that we should think on in accordance with Philippians 4:8, Christ said, “The [Holy] Spirit of truth…he will guide you into all truth: for he [the Holy Spirit] shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear [from me, Christ,], that shall he speak: and he will shew [show] you things to come. He [the Holy Spirit] shall glorify me [Christ]: for he [the Holy Spirit] shall receive of mine, and shall shew [show] it unto you.” John 16:13-15.

Yes, we should certainly think about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives to make us obedient to Philippians 4:8. For the Holy Spirit speaks the truth about Christ who is worthy of our thoughts.

Philippians 4:8 and Discipleship to Christ

Philippians 4:8 is also telling us to think of Christ’s words when He said, “Come unto me [Christ], all ye that labour and are heavy laden [by your own futile efforts to stop sinning], and I will give you rest. Take my yoke [of the service of love to your fellow human beings] upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy [to bear], and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30.

Also, in accordance with Philippians 4:8, here are more words of Christ to think on: “If any man [If anyone] will come after me [will be my follower (disciple)], let him [or her] deny himself [or herself turn away from their natural inclinations to sin], and take up his [or her] cross [and put to death their selfishness] daily, andfollow me [Christ].” Luke 9:23.

So, here then are true and worthy thoughts which are in obedience to Philippians 4:8.

Philippians 4:8 and the Hope of Eternal Life

We come now to even more thoughts that are in accordance with Philippians 4:8 from a follower, that is, a disciple of Christ.

I “Paul, [am] a servant of God, and an apostle [a specially appointed disciple] of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect [God’s chosen because they have given God permission to work in their lives], and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness; in hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; but hath in due times manifested [made evident] his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour;” Titus 1:1-3.

Truly, in accordance with Philippians 4:8, the truth about the hope of receiving eternal life from God is something worth thinking about!

“Whatsoever Things are Honest” Philippians 4:8

Philippians 4:8 also states that we are to think on things that are honest. Again, we ind honest things in the Bible.

That is, in accordance with Philippians 4:8, God, though the apostle Peter, said, “We have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his [future] majesty [which was shown to us by God].” 2 Peter 1:16.

And the apostle Paul said, “But [we] have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.” 2 Corinthians 4:2.

Thus, the Bible is in accordance with its own words in Philippians 4:8 in that it only states honest things that we can safely think on without fear of our minds being corrupted.

TO BE CONTINUED…