Philippians 4:8-9 Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honest, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure… In the service of God there is employment for every faculty and function; they each have a mission for the Master. The power to think is the prerogative distinctly peculiar to man. I. THOUGHT IS A DUTY. Thoughtlessness, and consequently ignorance, is what the Lord so pathetically lamented in His people Israel. "Israel doth not know; My people doth not consider." Thoughtlessness has wrought the ruin of our race. Isaac "meditated at eventide." Joshua was commanded to "meditate day and night in the statutes of the Lord." David was a diligent and talented thinker. "When I consider Thy heavens," etc. II. SUBJECTS FOR THOUGHT. "Whatsoever things are true," etc. We are to think, but not at random. Definite thought alone is profitable. There are subjects worthy of winning the thoughts of thinkers the most profound. (J. W. Bray.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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. |
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