Think Right

 

Philippians 4:8 

SUBJECT: ANXIETY

THEME: Part of the Secret to Victory Over Worry and Anxiety is Right Thinking, coupled with the “God of peace” to guide us and the “Peace of God” to protect our feelings and thoughts against worry.                              

RELEVANCE: Often, we forfeit the joy of the Lord through worries that plague our minds and hearts. Fears, worries, uncertainties, and even people can literally rob us of our joy, leaving us anxious. Yet the Lord wants us to have a heart that is joyful and uninfluenced by the uncertainties life will present. We can have strong joy when we Pray, Think, and Live right, but we must rely on the “God of Peace” to give us the “peace of God” as we meet these conditions.

INTRODUCTION:

In Phil 4:6 the word “careful” means “to be pulled in different directions.” Our hopes pull us one way; our apprehensions pull us in the contrary direction; and we are pulled apart with worry and anxiety. The key is not succumbing to victimhood, but to consciously choose Christ for victory.

The antidote to worry is God’s peace. “And the peace of God ... shall keep [garrison, guard like a soldier] your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:7).

When you have this:

          1. The “peace of God” guards you (Phil 4:7)

          2. The “God of peace” guides you (Phil 4:9)

          3. With such protection there is no need to worry!

If we are to conquer worry and experience peace, we must meet the conditions God gave. There are three:

     A.  Right Praying (Phil 4:6-7)

     B.  Right Thinking (Phil 4:8)

     C.  Right Living (Phil 4:9)

MESSAGE:

RIGHT THINKING; PEACE THROUGH CORRECT THOUGHTS.  (Phil. 4:8)

    * This inner peace involves the heart (feelings) and the mind (thoughts).

Isaiah 26:3, Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

    * Wrong thinking leads to wrong feeling, and before long the heart and mind are pulled apart and we are strangled by worry.

    * We must realize that thoughts are real and powerful, even though they cannot be seen, weighed, or measured. We must discipline and train our minds to be obedient to Christ. This is challenging, but very possible. 2 Cor. 10:5, Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

QUOTE: "Sow a thought, reap an action. Sow an action, reap a habit. Sow a habit, reap a character. Sow a character, reap a destiny!"— Unknown

Paul spells out in detail some things we ought to think about as Christians.

A.  THINK ABOUT TRUE THINGS. Phil. 4:8

The first place to focus is on true matters. Concentrating on the facts and giving preference to what can be verified by the evidence. There is something else here that must not be missed; it is the concept of focusing on the positive.  

Now the apostle gives a closing bit of advice concerning the thought life. The Bible everywhere teaches that we can control what we think. It is useless to adopt a defeatist attitude, saying that we simply cannot help it when our minds are filled with unwelcome thoughts. The fact of the matter is that we can help it. The secret lies in positive thinking. It is what is now a well-known principle—the expulsive power of a new affection. A person cannot entertain evil thoughts and thoughts about the Lord Jesus at the same time. If, then, an evil thought should come to him, he should immediately get rid of it by meditating on the Person and work of Christ. The more enlightened psychologists and psychiatrists of the day have come to agree with the Apostle Paul on this matter. They stress the dangers of negative thinking.^[1]

   1.  Most of Us Worry About Things We Cannot Control.

QUOTE: “Dr. Walter Cavert reported a survey on worry that indicated that only 8 percent of the things people worried about were legitimate matters of concern! The other 92 percent were either imaginary, never happened, or involved matters over which the people had no control anyway.” — Warren W. Wiersbe

   2. We Can Control Our Minds by Believing the Truth.

“True” has the sense of valid, reliable, and honest—the opposite of false or speculative. Such ‘uprightness’ characterizes God (Rom 3:4) and should also depict believers. The idea is what really is or what is so or what has happened.

Romans 3:4, God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.

1 Peter 5:12, By Silvanus, a faithful brother unto you, as I suppose, I have written briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God wherein ye stand.

True (alēthē) things are of course the opposite of dishonest and unreliable things (cf. Eph. 4:15, 25). ^[2]

A believer that is consistently truthful builds authenticity into relationships; they are transparent and can be counted on for honest feedback that edifies others. He does not resort to lies, manipulations, or flattery.

       A.  Satan Attempts to Controls Our Minds with Lies.

Certainly, we don’t want the devil in our heads!

              1.  Satan is the liar (John 8:44).

John 8:44, 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.

             2.  Satan wants to corrupt our minds with his lies (2 Cor 11:3).

 2 Cor. 11:3, But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.

ILLUSTRATION: “Yea, hath God said?” is the way he approaches us, just as he approached Eve (Gen 3:1).

       B.  The Holy Spirit Controls Our Yielded Minds Through Truth (John 17:17; 1 John 5:6).

John 17:17, Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. 

1 John 5:6, This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.

APPLICATION: But bear always in mind that the devil tries to control our thoughts through lies. Whenever we believe a lie, Satan takes over. He effectively won that battle on that occasion. We must rely on the Holy Spirit to remind us of the truths from God’s Word to help us combat the lies of Satan. It helped us greatly to live by Bible principles and direct statements from the New Testament especially. Also, we must bring our minds under the influence of God’s Word with even greater concentration when we are most inclined to worry. It is both a protective and guiding measure. Submitting our minds to Christ is a pre-conflict decision each believer must make to be obedient to him and to steer clear of the devil’s influence. Remember, Satan will try to manipulate us using his lies, the promise of independence of God, riches, power, pride, and our worship. Often these temptations (the lust of the flesh, lust of eyes, and the pride of life) are hidden or concealed; so, we must be discerning.  

B.  THINK ABOUT HONEST AND JUST THINGS. Phil. 4:8

This means “dignified and worthy of respect.” It speaks of what is morally attractive and deserving honor.

   1. Think on the Things That Are Worthy of Respect.

There are many things that are not respectable, and Christians should not think about these things. This does not mean we hide our heads in the sand and avoid what is unpleasant and displeasing, but it does mean we do not focus our attention on dishonorable things and permit them to control our thoughts. You must discipline your thought life. (1 Tim. 3:8, 11; Titus 2:2)

   2.  Think on Things That Meet God’s Standard.

“Right” speaks of what is upright or just, conformable to God’s standards and thus worthy of his approval.

The word “just” is from the Greek word meaning both “just” and also “righteous,” here, “righteous” in a comprehensive sense.^[3]

APPLICATION: We can help our thoughts, and we can choose to think about things that meet with God’s approval. I must hasten to observe that if we expose our ears and eyes to filth then that is exactly what your thoughts will consist of. Avoid working against yourself by cleaning up the stuff you expose yourself to. Fill your reflections with “right,” respectful, and holy concepts and notions. Good books, healthy Christian biographies, wholesome music with great God-centered lyrics, and Christ filled movies are a great starting place. Remember also, that everything that claims to be godly or Christian is actually worldly, carnal, and devilish!

C. THINK ABOUT PURE, LOVELY, AND GOOD REPORT THINGS. Phil. 4:8

These observations must not be overlooked or diminished in their importance.

    1. Concentrate on Pure Thinking.

“Pure” probably refers to moral purity, since the people then, as now, were constantly attacked by temptations to sexual impurity (Eph 4:17-24; 5:8-12). Our life situation, TV, radio, magazines, and the internet are filled with vile content so, this idea of remaining pure will require real discipline. Songs often portray some scandalous behavior and ideas that we would be wise to guard against. Preaching, teaching, counseling, and instruction in righteousness must contrast wickedness with purity for clarity’s sake but spend the necessary time making the wholesome very clear to the listener also. For example, if the awful imagine of a worldly-wise wicked women come to mind; well, this can be defeated with the image of Christ on the cross willingly suffering for my sins. Another example would be counteracting angry hasty decisions by featuring Abigail armed with a future vision and wise counsel calmly talking David into cherishing the will of God more than personal revenge. Be sure to emphasize the positive solutions and procedures not merely indicating what was wrong.

    2. Concentrate on Lovely Thoughts.

“Lovely” means “beautiful, attractive.”  This relates to what is pleasing, agreeable, or amiable.

APPLICATION: In verse 7, Paul had assured the believer that God would safeguard their hearts and minds through the Lord Jesus Christ. But it is also required that we maintain our responsibilities in these matters.  God does not protect the person’s mind who does not want it to be kept pure. (Dr. W. W. Wirsbe)

Thinking about the “lovely” leadership qualities of David, the inspiring patience of Job, the desirable traits of Daniel, the motivation of Paul, the obedience of Peter, and the devotion of the apostle John is desirable. What about the attractive qualities of Sarah, Mordecai, Ruth, Hosea, and Joseph. While just about anyone can be critical, there is something to be said for a person who can spot these beautiful qualities in others. 

    3. Concentrate on Good Reports.

“Of good report” means “worth talking about, appealing.” It denotes what is praiseworthy, attractive, and what rings true to the highest standards. Our minds are naturally focused on the bad, evil, negative, and shameful. We must fight against this natural tendency to emphasize the good report.

APPLICATION: The believer must major in the high and noble thoughts, not the base thoughts of this corrupt world. The secret to this kind of thinking is to focus on Jesus Christ as soon as an evil thought comes to mind. Whenever we are tempted to think wrong toward someone we have forgiven, we divert our thoughts back to their qualities and the things we can appreciate– refusing to think on matters we have forgiven them for.  Often it helps if we feel compassion for them in their predicament it helps. If we feel tempted to say something nasty or unkind about someone, we must discipline ourselves to report the good and express words of praise and appreciation for what we can because it’s inappropriate to criticize in most cases. Truly our thoughts are a formidable battleground.   

D.  THINK ABOUT VIRTUOUS AND PRAISE-WORTHY THINGS. Phil. 4:8

Now we look at the last area of mental concentration and focus, the virtuous and that which is worthy of praise. Consciencely thinking on outstanding goodness in general, the glory of knowing God and sharing His great power, moral excellence of character, and things deserving of celebratory expressions—matters we can applaud, support, or admire (2Pet. 1:3).

     1. If it Has Virtue, it Will Motivate Us to Do Better; and If it Has Praise, it Is Worth Commending to Others.

     2.  We Cannot Afford to Waste “Brain Power” on Thoughts That Tear ourselves down or That Would Tear Others Down If These Thoughts Were Shared.

ILLUSTRATION:  If you will compare this list to David's description of the Word of God in Ps 19:7-9, you will see a parallel. The Christian who fills his heart and mind with God's Word will have a “built-in radar” for detecting wrong thoughts. “Great peace have they which love Thy Law” (Ps 119:165). Right thinking is the result of daily meditation on the Word of God.  Through the Word we can have peace through Thinking! (Dr. W. W. Wiersbe)

Psalm 19:7-9, The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. [8] The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. [9] The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.

One caution here: we do not automatically accept information because it is positively presented, and we do not automatically reject something if it is stated negatively. Evidence is what we need…solid incontrovertible proof is what we require. Alignment with God’s Word is the standard for each of us; our own thought or conclusion may be misinformed, but God’s Word when properly interpreted and applied is totally reliable. It helps us to be thoroughly familiar with it.

CONCLUSION:

Right praying, right thinking, and next right living: these are the conditions for solid peace and victory over worry. There is no middle ground. Either we yield heart and mind to the Spirit of God and practice right praying, thinking, and living; or we yield to the flesh and find ourselves torn apart by worry. Again, worrying is sin! We have the peace of God to guard us and the God of peace to guide us!

Many are motivated to protect their ‘peace,’ and they make major decisions to secure their own ‘peace.’ Usually this means avoiding drama, disorder, confusion, and chaos that is generated by others. They opt for an environment filled with quietness, tranquility, and calmness, which is admirable in many regards. But we can be thankful that God’s brand of “peace” provides protection for us! His “peace” keeps us…garrison us about and protect us from excessive anxiety regardless of the external conditions.

Psalm 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. We desire that our spoken words, and internal thoughts would be pleasing and acceptable to the Lord. So, we embrace the connection between our inner thoughts and outward expressions. We seek alignment between our external speech and internal reflections and want harmony with God’s will and character. We long for a life of integrity, where thoughts and words are rooted in God’s eternal truth, bringing honor to the Lord as our Rock and Redeemer.  

---

^[1] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 1979.

^[2] Robert P. Lightner, “Philippians,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 664.

^[3] Kenneth S. Wuest, Wuest’s Word Studies from the Greek New Testament: For the English Reader, vol. 5 (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1997), 110.

Thinking In Spiritual Terms

Phil 3:17-21, Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. 18, (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19, Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) 20, For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: 21, Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

Ephes. 2:6, And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

Col. 3:1-3, If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. [2] Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. [3] For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

When we recognize Heaven as our spiritual country and home, it changes the way we view life here and what we emphasize while we live here on earth each day. This different emphasis is evident in our thinking and therefore our lifestyle. Our decisions are constantly screened through this grid of our perspectives.  What’s important to us as members of a heavenly community is different from those who are of the worldly perspective.

EMPHASIZING SPIRITUAL THINKING (Phil. 3:20)

   1.  What Does Spiritual Mean?

The word "spiritual" has suffered as much abuse as the word "fellowship."

      A.  The Wrong Idea.

Too many people think that a “spiritual Christian” is mystical, dreamy, impractical, and distant. Basically out of touch with reality! (Wiersbe)

You see a person can supposedly be ‘spiritual’ without ever having been saved.  In reference to Eastern religions, many feel that they are spiritual because they chant, sit with their legs crossed in a trance, or recite a memorized prayer. Then there is the example that is most familiar to us all who have been in church for any given period of time, when he prays, he shifts his voice into a sepulchral tone in tremolo and goes to great lengths to inform God of the things He already knows. Unfortunately, this kind of unctuous piety is a poor example of true spirituality. Others are convinced that if their list of service endeavors is filled with ‘Christian’activities then it indicates they are truly spiritual.  Again these are powerfully wrong ideas.

      B.  The Correct Idea.

To be spiritually minded does not require one to be impractical and mystical. Quite the contrary, the spiritual mind makes the believer think more clearly and get things done more efficiently.

Romans 8:4-7, That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. [5] For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. [6] For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. [7] Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.

          1. Not Those Who Walk After the Flesh.    Rom. 8:4

These are not saved, and they obey the pulses and drives of their old sinful nature.  They live to gratify the flesh and cater to themselves primarily— they literally seek to satisfy their body.

          2.  Those Who Walk After the Spirit.  Vs. 4, 6     

These are true believers, and they rise above the power of the fleshly carnal nature and emphasize the importance of an eternal perspective.  They are rightfully occupied with the Word of God, prayer, worship, Christian service, and a daily yielding to the Holy Spirit.

          3.  We Walk and Live in a Spiritual Sphere.  Vs. 6

The Holy Spirit is our guarantee for a real life, characterized by peace with God, and tranquility of heart.  We live in a different sphere of reality.  Just as fish live in water and people in the air, so is the believer living in the Spirit.

    2.  What Does Spiritual Mind Mean?

       A.  Having Heaven’s Point of View.      

Col. 3:2, Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

           1.  To be “spiritually minded” (Rom. 8:6) simply means to look at earth from heaven's point of view.

           2.  It is to give your heart–“your affection”– to the heavenly things and spiritual considerations, we do not allow ourselves to become consumed with the passing things of earth.

           3.  Literally it is a practice of occupying your minds with the things of God–“set your affection,”–and not merely concentrating on and living for this life on earth alone.   There is more to life then this!  

We should therefore, purpose in our hearts to occupy our minds with all that goes into life under the direction and power of the Spirit. Since the Holy Spirit produces a certain pattern for living and a way of thinking, our goal is “to be spiritually minded”—to mind and be mindful of the Spirit. Practically this means, making the Spirit’s character the object of our mind, the goal and focus of our actions, we must faithfully cultivate the graces of the Spirit in our hearts, and submit ourselves completely to his direct influence in our soul. To be spiritually minded, we seek those feelings and views which the Holy Spirit produces, and follow his leadership in our daily decisions.

       B.  Having a Dual Citizenship.

            1.  It is Not Merely Concentrating on Heaven. D.L. Moody used to scold Christians for being "so heavenly minded they were no earthly good," and that exhortation still needs to be heeded.

           2.  Christians have a dual citizenship - on earth and in heaven - and our citizenship in heaven ought to make us better people here on earth.

      C.  Having Eternal Values and Not Temporal.

          1.  The spiritually minded believer is not attracted by the "things" of this world.

1 John 2:15-17,  Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. [16] For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. [17] And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

Lot selected the well watered plains of Jordan because his values were worldly, and ultimately he lost everything.

         2.  He makes his decisions on the basis of eternal values and not the passing fads of society.

Moses refused the pleasures and treasures of Egypt because he had something infinitely more wonderful to live for. Hebrews 11:24-26, By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; [25] Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; [26] Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.

Mark 8:36, For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?

Philip. 3:12,  Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.

Our most important goal should be getting to know Christ better. Paul says that his goal is to know Christ, to be like Christ, and to be all Christ has in mind for him. This goal absorbed all of Paul’s energy. This is a helpful example for us. We should not let anything take our eyes off our goal—Christ. With the single-mindedness of an athlete in training, we must lay aside everything harmful and forsake anything that may distract us from being effective Christians. What is holding you back?

EMPHASIZING SPIRITUAL LIVING  (Phil. 3:20)

Certainly the way we think, influences greatly the pattern of our lifestyle. And of course our lives demonstrate our value system.

    1.  What Does Heaven Have to Do With My Life Right Now?

“For our conversation is in heaven” (Phil 3:20).

       A.  Conversation Has to do With Conduct.

Philip. 1:27, Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

The old English word “conversation” usually refers to our conduct, behavior, and lifestyle, but here it has a much broader meaning to encompass ‘the behavior of a community or citizenship obligations.’

            1.  A Conduct Consistent With Being Citizens of the Heavenly Country.

Here we are citizens of the USA living wherever on earth; we have our leaders and presidents, our legislators and law-makers, our duties, and our privileges. It is a shadow of heavenly things.

            2.  A Conduct Consistent With Being a Member of the Heavenly City– New Jerusalem.

The heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God, is our true home, our continuing city.  (See Rev. 21:10-27)

       B.  Conversation Has to do With Citizenship.

The terms “conversation” in Phil. 3:20, would include, “community,” “governmental administration,” “political order,” “behavior of the citizens.”  It has to do with the way we actually live as a citizen of a nation, colony, or city.  

Much like the Pilgrims living in America–the new world–during the 1600 and 1700 in the 13 colonies were actually citizens of England, though they lived on a different continent.  Therefore, they were subjects of the king and responsible to the laws of England.  Likewise Christians in New Testament Churches are colonies of Heaven– subject to the authority and laws of our Sovereign. Why? Because our citizenship is up there!

                                                                                                           

             1.  Almighty God is King of Our Country!

                   *   The almighty God, King of kings and Lord of lords, is the center of that vast communion.

                   *   The blessed angels, our guardians, are his ministers, standing before him, to do his will.

                   *   The saints, living and departed, are our fellow-citizens, the general assembly and Church of the Firstborn who are written in heaven, and the spirits just men made perfect.

Hebrews 12:22-23,  But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, [23] To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,

             2.  All of Our Privileges Extend from Heaven to Us!

Ephes. 1:3, Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

There we have our privileges,

                    *  The grace of God,

                    *  The help of the Holy Spirit of God,

                    *  The hope of everlasting blessedness.

                    *  The peace of God that passes all understanding.

                    *  The sweet communion of the Lord.

                    *  The Fellowship of the Family of God.

             3.  All of Our Responsibilities Extend to Us Here!

Matthew 22:37-38, Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. [38] This is the first and great commandment.

  

Therefore, we have our duties, all growing from the one highest law of love: "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart;... thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself."

Every believer is a citizen of Heaven and God has fully accepted each of us as His own children.  Ephes. 2:19, Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; We are not strangers to Heaven, we instead belong to the royal family in that city! We must recognize that we have a responsibility to obey the Laws of our country where our citizenship is.  We much daily live in complete submission to the authority of our King— the Lord Jesus Christ– first and foremost.  Our conduct ought to be becoming of a citizen of the heavenly country and the heavenly Father’s household.  As we seek to execute our responsibilities as a citizen, we must take full advantage of all our privileges in Christ to ensure we fulfill his will for us. Making full use of prayer, the Word, the leadership of the Holy Ghost, and the counsel of godly brethren should be our focus.  Acknowledge Christ’s authority in your life, employ your spiritual privileges as you fulfill your god-given responsibilities (Wiersbe).

                                                                       

    2.  How Does Spiritual Thinking Relate to Spiritual Living?  Rom. 12:1-2

Paul is encouraging us to have the spiritual mind, and he does this by pointing out the characteristics of the Christian whose citizenship is in Heaven. Just as Philippi was a colony of Rome on foreign soil, so the churches are “colonies of Heaven” here on earth.

Think about it . . . our real home is Heaven right now. We are citizens of the heavenly world first and of the earthly world second.  Col. 3:1-3, If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. [2] Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. [3] For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.  The highest loyalty and allegiance should be to that kingdom first and foremost. The promise of service should be to our great Master the Lord Jesus in all purity and holiness.  Our home is in Heaven, where Jesus is; it is so new. “Ye are come . . . unto the city of the living God;” “Ye are fellow-citizens with the saints.”  Therefore “seek those things which are above.”  There in Heaven must be the place of our treasures; there is where we must focus our hearts. We should try by God's grace to fill our minds with the blessed thought of Heaven, to make a point to meditate daily upon what it means to belong to that city, its never-ending worship, its unclouded view of the Divine beauty. For there we hope to spend the ages of the everlasting life.  Let us try to fill our thoughts and imaginations with it now, not with the poor prizes of earthly success, worldly popularity, fleshly appetites, and prideful pursuits.  Let us seek to realize those striking words, “Our conversation is in heaven.”

The Spiritually Minded Believer is able to focus on Spiritual Blessings and still maintain a very practical and meaningful life. We should live down to earth even though we are seated in heavenly places.  Keep your spiritual privileges in clear view because they will guide you to make decisions consistent with Heavenly Citizenship.

Five Keys to Handling God's Word

Five Keys to Handling God’s Word With Godly Competence

When we undertake to represent the Most High God and speak His eternal truth into the lives of others, we must demonstrate a certain level of competence to be taken seriously. Rest assured a Master of Divinity is not required to communicate God's truth more effectively! There are; however, some important measures we all must take to ensure God's message is transferred to others with the designs God intended. Though this article is not comprehensive, it does afford foundational instructions and principles that are always applicable to Christian servants desiring to handle the Bible faithfully.

• ·      Value It—appreciate and love God’s Word above all things knowing it is true and supremely beneficial to us as we adhere to its instructions. Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold. 128, Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way. 129, Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them. 130, The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple. (Ps. 119:127-130)
• ·      Study It—train in the Word with great interest to please God, and to share it most effectively with others. Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (2 Tim. 2:15)
• ·      Think It—contemplate deeply upon the Word to mature and explore new territory in Christ, to obey/practice clearly established Bible teachings, and to protect ourselves and our people from errors. Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. 16, Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee. (1 Tim. 4:15-16)
• ·      Use It—gently and patiently teach and instruct the wayward and stumbling the Word hoping for their repentance and eventual liberation from satanic lies. And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, 25, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; 26, And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will. (2 Tim. 2:24-26)
• ·      Trust It—know and trust the discerning and penetrating power of the Word to reveal, expose, and evaluate our motives and desires. For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Heb. 4:12)

Any genuine Christian who takes these pointers seriously will excel in their ability to communicate Christ’s precious truth to others with competence. Because we do not believe anything is good enough for Jesus, we take pains to ensure our very best efforts are rendered in His service. Christ deserves our utmost! May our ministry of the Word always honor Him!