Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Philippians 4:8-9 – Knowing God – Think About Such Things – Growing As Disciples
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me–put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9
Into Practice
Did you know that you have control over what you allow yourself to think? Did you know that you can make a choice about what you allow yourself to think? Do you know that what you allow yourself to think will have power over your life? Your thoughts are not only in your mind. Your thoughts will also be on your heart. Your thoughts will guide the course of your life. All your words and deeds begin in your mind. This is not real encouraging. Why is that? I don’t like all the thoughts that I think. I don’t want all my thoughts to become my words and actions. I don’t want all my words to guide the course of my life. There is more. What’s that? I feel powerless over my thoughts. I don’t feel like I have power to control my thought life. My mind feels like a battleground and I’m not winning the fight. You are right about one thing. What’s that? Your mind is a battleground and you will not win the fight without my help. Would you like my help? Yes, I would like your help. I desperately need your help. Yes, you do.
You have been allowing yourself to think the wrong thoughts. You have been letting your mind dwell on what is not good. I get that, what would you suggest? I want you to fill your mind with what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy. They may not sound all that easy. It doesn’t. I’m not sure that I can identify thoughts and subjects that match up with all those words. This sounds like you would like me to think about what is perfect. That’s a very good place to start. What is perfect? What would have the power to instantly change your thinking to thoughts that please me? Your word is perfect. You are perfect. I could think about you. I could think about your word. I could think about all that you want to teach me. I could think about your will. I could think about doing what pleases you. Yes, that’s right.
Thinking about me and my word is not completely new to you. No, it is not. What has happened to you when you have turned your thoughts on to me and my word? I have been able to stop thinking thoughts that I don’t want to think. I have stopped thinking thoughts that are not pleasing to you. Your word has been like a brush scrubbing the crud out of my mind. As I have meditated on your word I have felt strengthened and able to reject thoughts that neither you nor I want me to think. As I have considered your word I have been made able to know and do your will. That’s right. Will you allow me to strengthen and cleanse your mind with my word? Will you allow my word to help you to know and do my will? Yes Lord, I will.
Lord, I know I have been quite a gifted negative thinker. I can see the downside of every situation. That’s not what I want. That’s not what you want. I want to think your thoughts and do your will so I can know you and live in your peace. Amen
Key Question… Why is there always an opportunity to think positively or negatively in the same set of circumstances?
Living It Out… Allow God’s word to help you to think His thoughts and do His will so you can experience His peace.
Seeing It Happen… Have faith that you will come to know God better and experience His peace as you think His thoughts and do His will.
Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how God has helped you to think His thoughts and do His will.
Prayer To Bless Others… May you think God’s thoughts and do His will so that you can live in His peace.
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