The Dictionary definition of a Good Report is a person’s high standing among others; dignity, honor, reputation
We live in an age where everywhere we turn seemingly has negative messages. The news is riddled with evil doings and malicious speech. It’s just plain depressing at times.
Have you ever thought to yourself the news you just watched made you feel better? Probably not! Hardly ever do they focus on good things in your area or across the country.
In computer science, there’s an old saying that states, “Garbage in, Garbage out.” If we fill our hearts and minds with garbage (evil things) eventually the things that come out of our mouth will be rubbish.
God wants us to fill our hearts and minds with good things.
Did you know that everything we say or do God hears it? When we watch the tv, God is right there with you. When you listen to music on the radio or a podcast, God is listening with you? What about when you tell your friends the latest news about —–, God hears it. God wants every aspects of our lives to bring glory to God that others may be won for Him.
Psalms 19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
Are we meditating on things that are pleasing to God? Do our actions honor God? If someone were to be able to hear our thoughts, would they see Jesus or self?
1 Corinthians 10:31-33 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.
What do you think of when you hear the word “lovely”?
When I hear this word “lovely”, I think of waterfalls in nature, a field of flowers, children playing, or watching dolphins swim in the ocean at sunset.
Do you desire to see God at work around you? Do you admire His handiwork (Psalm 19:1) in the world?
“The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness therof; the world, and they that dwell therein. For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods.” Psalm 24:1-2
“For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in the earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him , and for him:” Colossians 1:16
Everything was created by God and in Him alone do they exist. In essence, the world is God’s picture book for humans. Creation tells the story of our Creator and His love for us. In return, the world serves God by praising Him.
“Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fullness thereof. Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice Before the Lord: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth.” Psalm 96:11-13
The KJV dictionary defines the word “lovely” as amiable; that may excite love; possessing qualities which may invite affection.
Advanced English Dictionary says that “lovely” means appealing to the emotions as well as the eye.
The Greek word for lovely prosphiles which interpreted means pleasing, agreeable.
Most scholars agree the word lovely carries the meaning of amiable, pleasing, and without ill feeling or anger. Our Christian conducts needs to exemplify this virtue.
If we go around with ill-tempered, begrudging manners, we will not only grieve Christ but we will also give a negative view of Christianity. This in turn will injure and defeat the cause of Christ. We must strive to portray a lovely disposition or else we lose our influence.
A Christian’s thoughts should be focused on things that draw us closer to Christ.
“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength and my redeemer.” Psalm 19:14
The apostle Paul understood that our thought tend to control our actions. In Philippians 4:8, he gives us a list of things to keep our minds focused upon.
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.
The command to “think on these things” requires more than just quick thought, but rather active continuous meditation. The kind that translates thoughts into actions. Actions that lead to growing spiritually in the Lord.
Rather than filling our minds with junk which causes us to worry we should set our affection on things that will matter for eternity (Matthew 6:33).
When our thoughts are filled with virtuous things, they will have no room for the cares of this life. We will then be able to fully place our cares upon Christ, and the problems of this life will not have the ability to separate us from seeking God and hinder us from serving Him with all our hearts, minds, and souls.
KJV Dictionary Definition: pure, a. L. purus. – Genuine; real; true; incorrupt; unadulterated; as pure religion. James 1.
Merriam-Webster Definition: PURE – Not mixed with anything else; clean and not harmful in any way; having a smooth and clear sound that is not mixed with other sounds; morally good
Psalm 119:1-2 states “Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord. Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.”
Have you ever thought, “How Am I suppose to live a pure life when the world around me is so wicked?”
The Greek word for pure is αγνός, which translates into English as chaste, clean, or clear.
Psalm 119:9 tells us the way to make our ways pure is to take heed to God’s Word.
“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.” Psalm 119:9
In essence, we are to keep our state of mind and actions pure.
Sadly, our culture encourages the young people to live life to the fullest and if it feels good to do it. Purity seems to be regarded as no big deal. We cannot fill our minds with junk and expect to be able to live a pure life.
We must guard our hearts diligently, be aware of our weaknesses and guard them at all costs (Proverbs 4:23). The devil will hit you when you least expect it.
The story of Joseph in Genesis 39 is a good example. Joseph was sold into slavery as a young man. He was torn from a godly family and thrown into a wicked world he knew nothing of. Yet, God was with him, and with God’s strength, he prospered in all he did.
Temptation saw an opportunity to bring him down. Because Joseph kept a close relationship with his Heavenly Father, he was able to resist temptation when it came knocking.
Not only must we commit to be pure in every area of our lives, but we also need to develop a strategy to stay pure. Joseph was able to remain pure because he had made a prior commitment to moral purity. If you commit to being a person of integrity in all areas of your life, it will be easier to resist temptation when it comes along.
We keep our hearts and minds pure by focusing upon living out the Word of God in our daily lives. The only way we can do that is to determine to study and memorized God’s Word.
How does one live a pure life?
Accept Christ as your personal Saviour.
The first step to living a pure life is to have Christ living in your heart (Acts 16:31; Romans 10:9-10; John 3:16). It is impossible to evade the temptations of this world in your own strength. God’s grace will help you through each trial and He will guide your steps (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Seek God in all you do
Simply desire to keep Christ at the center of all you do (Matthew 6:33; 1 Chronicles 16:11; Hebrews 11:1)
Memorize Scripture
The Bible contains a wealth of truths and wisdom that can be applied to our daily lives.
Memorizing Scripture will help you resist temptation (Psalm 119:9-16; James 4:7; Galatians 5:13-15 )
Memorizing Scripture helps us live obediently (2 Corinthians 10:5; Psalm 119:9)
Memorizing Scripture brings blessings and success (Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1)
Memorizing Scripture allows us to be ready to encourage others (Romans 15:4; 1 Thessalonians 4:18; Philippians 4:13; Proverbs 3:5-6; Isaiah 41:10)
“The Bible will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from the Bible.” ― Dwight L. Moody
Value Your Family and Choose Your Friends Wisely
Your relationships can greatly influence the person you are. It’s one thing to be friends with a person who is working on growing in the Lord, but it is very different to be friends with one who doesn’t care about his sin nor controls it. Our spiritual growth can be significantly hindered if we choose to hang around ungodly people. (2 Corinthians 6:14)
Be Transformed By Renewing Your Mind
Christ is our refuge, strength, and help in times of trouble (2 Samuel 22:3; Psalm 46:1; Isaiah 25:4). We can only succeed in spiritual warfare by arming ourselves with spiritual weapons as in Ephesians 6:10-18 and 2 Corinthians 10:1-6. We keep our minds spiritually renewed by meditating on God’s Word daily and prayer. We must ask the Lord daily for the strength to withstand the wiles of the devil (Ephesians 6:11).
Daily ask the Lord for wisdom and guidance to live a pure life.
But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. Galatians 3:11
KJV Dictionary defines JUST as In a moral sense, upright; honest; having principles of rectitude, or conforming exactly to the laws, and to principles of rectitude in social conduct; equitable in the distribution of justice; as a just judge.1
Webster defines JUST as 1a: having a basis in or conforming to fact or reason : REASONABLEb: conforming to a standard of correctness : PROPER2a(1): acting or being in conformity with what is morally upright or good : RIGHTEOUS(2): being what is merited : DESERVEDb: legally correct : LAWFUL2
The apostle Paul wrote this letter as an encouragement to the Christians at Philippi. The book of Philippians is a blueprint on how to have joy in all circumstances.
Paul dedicated his life to following Christ. His desire to know Christ above all else is best expressed in Philippians 3:8-10: “Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;”
The Greek word for Just is δίκαιος, ία, ιον (dikaios)3 which means correct, righteous, by implication innocent: a state of being right. It can simply mean someone who is righteous in their ways.4
Paul is admonishing us to keep our focus on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous, and praise worthy (Philippians 4:8). You’ve heard the old adage: “garbage in, garbage out”. The same is true for applying good things in our lives. What we allow to go into our minds will determine what we dwell upon and therefore what comes out in words and actions.
Many times we choose to focus on things that can bring happiness, and pleasure. We frequently think about things that serve our self will. Though we say that we desire to live a righteous life, our minds are usually focused on things that feed fleshly desires (Galatians 5:19-21). Would your thought life be described as just?
We must train our minds to focus on things that are wholesome. We must pay attention to what we allow to enter our minds through television, internet, books, movies, radio, etc. Spend time in God’s Word and pray. Ask Him to fill your life until your heart and mind only dwells upon that which is in harmony with God’s standards as stated in Scriptures.
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
The second in our list of things we are to keep our minds and hearts focused upon is Honest.
The King James Dictionary defines Honesty as:
HON’ESTY, n. on’esty. L. honestas.
1. In principle, an upright disposition; moral rectitude of heart; a disposition to conform to justice and correct moral principles, in all social transactions. In fact, upright conduct; an actual conformity to justice and moral rectitude.
2. Fairness; candor; truth; as the honesty of a narrative.
3. Frank sincerity.
The Webster Dictionary defines honest as:
Honest, hon·est | \ ˈä-nəst \
1a: free from fraud or deception:LEGITIMATE, b: GENUINE, c: HUMBLE, PLAIN2a: REPUTABLE, RESPECTABLEb chiefly British : GOOD, WORTHY3: worthy of praise 4a: marked by integrity b: marked by free, forthright, and sincere expression : FRANKc: direct and uncomplicated : INNOCENT
Society treats lying as harmless. Many times we aren’t even aware of the deceitfulness that surrounds us. The world has taught that truth is irrelevant and tolerance is more important. Honesty is not a top priority.
One may exaggerate the facts just to make themselves look good; one tells the police officer that they weren’t aware they were speeding, some cheat on income taxes; others tell a “white lie” to get out of trouble; or some call in sick just to get out of work.
In a world full of chaos and deception seemingly around every corner, we must remember that the devil is the “Father of lies”.
Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. John 8:44
Did you know that the average person tells approximately thirteen lies a week?
According to a study conducted by UM psychologist Robert S Feldman, most people lie in everyday conversation when they are trying to appear likable and competent. He found that 60 percent of people lied at least once during a ten-minute conversation and told an average of two to three lies.
The Bible contains several admonitions against lying including the ninth commandment “Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.” (Exodus 20:16) and Proverbs 6:16-19 states God’s animosity towards lying:
“These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.”
Honesty is of extreme importance in relationships. If we want genuine and wholesome relationships with those around us, we must practice being honest in all we say and do.
God expects and deserves honesty.
Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. Psalm 51:6
Our true nature isn’t revealed in our physical appearance but rather it comes from within our hearts. Our innermost thoughts declare our true character.
The thoughts of our hearts tell others about our spiritual state.
For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee. Proverbs 23:7
What does your heart dwell upon?
Do we focus our thoughts on what everyone else is doing or are we trying to keep up with our neighbors? Or do we focus our minds on Christ and the wisdom that He imparts to us in His Word?
When we focus on godly wisdom our speech will be filled with grace. Our words will offer praise to God (Hebrews 13:15), and will edify the brethren (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. Colossians 4:6
As we grow closer to Christ in our walk with Him, it will become increasingly more natural to be honest in our thoughts, words, and actions. We must strive to dwell only on those things that are honest.
Philippians 4:7-8 – And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 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.
Let’s begin with verse 7…
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7
The Peace of God is a quiet rest that dwells in our soul. This peace keeps our hearts and minds focused on Christ. It is that peace that causes no anxiety or excessive care about things of this world when we commit wholly to the Lord.
Verse 8 gives us a list of things we are to keep our minds and hearts focused upon.
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
The first one is – TRUE.
The King James Dictionary defines TRUE as being in accordance with the actual state of things; conformable to fact; as a true relation or narration; a true history; genuine; pure; real; not counterfeit.
We can only have an effective personal relationship with Christ as a believer if we focus our eyes upon Christ. We do this through prayer, meditating on Scripture, and submitting our thoughts and imaginations to Christ. We are encouraged to yield every thought to Christ (Romans 6:13, 2 Corinthians 10:5). Let our minds dwell on Christ and not allow our hearts to control us.
Righteous living depends on keeping our minds on Christ.
When anxious thoughts begin to flood our minds, we should immediately STOP what we are doing, THINK “Is this pleasing Christ?”, and PRAY asking for God’s help. Yet too often we allow the anxious and fretful thoughts to take over and bog us down.
Let’s choose to focus our minds on things that are true. Forsake the lies of the devil and allow the Lord to control our thoughts.
Webster defines RENEW as to make like new; restore to freshness, vigor, or perfection; to make new spiritually: regenerate
KJV Dictionary defines RENEW as to renovate; to restore to a former state, or to a good state, after decay or depravation; to rebuild, to repair to make new
Romans 12:1-2 says “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And 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.”
A person can be pulled at from many directions during the week making it tough to be successful negotiating all the demands from life in general.
Whether you must work to help provide for the family, deal with bosses and coworkers, juggle housework, pay bills, keep up with doctor appointments, raise children, do laundry, cook, clean, do home repairs, complete car maintenance, participate in social engagements, endure physical ailments, etc., these things can get you bogged down with unrealistic expectations of what you can handle with the resources you have.
You often find yourself emotionally and physically exhausted. Then, you find yourself resisting making commitments and fearful of the choices you make.
The “renewing” in verse two in the Greek language means renovation: renewing. In order to renew our minds, we need to determine to spend much needed time with the Lord on a daily basis. We must pursue Christ asking Him to reveal the truth we need for the day, and pray that He will provide the wisdom and knowledge (James 1:5) and strength (Isaiah 40:31) that we need for each day.
Webster defines graces as… unmerited divine assistance given to humans for their regeneration or sanctification
KJV Dictionary defines grace as… Favor; good will; kindness; disposition to oblige another; Appropriately, the free unmerited love and favor of God, the spring and source of all the benefits men receive from him.
Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also. 2 Corinthians 8:7
Grace is the love of God shown to all men regardless of status, race, size, or appearance. It’s the peace of God that calms even the most anxious soul. It’s the undeserved favor of God.
It’s not getting what we deserve. We deserve eternal damnation in the pits of hell. Yet, God, who is rich in mercy, loved us enough to sacrifice His only begotten Son (Ephesians 2:4). He gave us the eternal Hope of salvation.
God’s grace sought us out even though we have nothing in return to give. His love is unconditional. Grace can turn a life around from hopelessness to one full of hope & vitality.
Additional Scripture: Ephesians 2:8-9, 2 Timothy 1:9, John 1:14, 2 Corinthians 12:8-9, Hebrews 4:16, James 4:6, Psalm 103:8, Titus 2:11-12, 2 Peter 3:18
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, I may not know how everything works, but please help me to trust You more. Without You nothing else makes sense. Thank you that Your grace is sufficient in times of need. I ask that you help my family and I to grow in grace and in the knowledge of You. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
Hymns of Praise: 1. Amazing Grace 2. Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing 3. ‘Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus 4. Grace Greater Than Our Sin 5. To God Be the Glory
1: moderation in action, thought, or feeling:RESTRAINT
2a: habitual moderation in the indulgence of the appetites or passions
b: moderation in or abstinence from the use of alcoholic beverages
KJV Dictionary Definition:
TEM’PERANCE, n. L. temperantia, from tempero.
1. Moderation; particularly, habitual moderation in regard to the indulgence of the natural appetites and passions; restrained or moderate indulgence; as temperance in eating and drinking; temperance in the indulgence of joy or mirth. Temperance in eating and drinking is opposed to gluttony and drunkenness, and in other indulgences, to excess.
2. Patience; calmness; sedateness; moderation of passion.
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2
As we learn to walk in the Spirit, we allow Him to have control and not our flesh. The fruit of the Spirit temperance is not about self control but rather submitting to the Sovereign control of our Lord Jesus Christ. Temperance is self discipline.
Every aspect of our lives need to be yielded to the Spirit’s control including our thoughts (Proverbs 15:26), desires (Romans 13:13-14), speech (Psalm 19:14, Proverbs 29:11), appetite (Proverbs 23:2), sleep (Proverbs 6:9-11), finances (Luke 12:15), entertainment (1 John 2:15-17), emotions (1 Corinthians 10:13, Proverbs 16:32), etc. We develop temperance as we practice to live and walk in the control of the Holy Spirit.
With the control of the Holy Spirit, may we exhibit that He is granting temperance to us in all things!
