Understanding Philippians 4:8: The Command to Think on True and Pure Things

Introduction

The Bible, a foundational text in many religions, often contains profound and transformative commands. One such verse, Philippians 4:8, emphasizes the importance of our thoughts and the things we focus on. The passage reads: '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 KJV

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.

This verse is more than a simple suggestion; it is a clear commandment to believers. Understanding and applying this command can lead to profound personal and spiritual growth.

Philippian 4:8: A Commanding Verse

The word 'think' in Philippians 4:8 is not just a passive suggestion but an active command. It is the type of command that should be heeded because it leads to spiritual transformation. In Philippians 4:8, Paul is instructing the believers in Philippi to fix their minds on the virtues and values mentioned above. These include the things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, and virtuous.

Using Spiritual Laws to Create Miracles

There are two realities to consider: the spiritual realm, which created the natural realm, and the natural world we live in. The spiritual realm operates under spiritual laws, and these laws can be harnessed to bring about miraculous transformations. For instance, the natural world must align with the spiritual for true miracles to occur. This aligns with the wisdom imparted by Jesus in John 17:17, where He reveals that the truth is the Word of God.

Personal Experience of Thinking on True and Pure Things

To illustrate how focusing on true and pure thoughts can produce real results, let us examine an episode from my own life. On a Friday morning in January 2016, an angelic encounter led me to recite Romans 4:19-20 word for word, as prophetic. This encounter was a profound example of the command in Philippians 4:8 in action.

Romans 4:19-20 KJV

19 And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah's womb: 20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strong in faith giving glory to God.

After the angelic message, I reflected on the encounter and asked if I had ever noticed that Abraham praised God before he felt any better. Despite my reflection, I had never noticed this before. This experience highlights how our thoughts can impact our spiritual journey and the outcomes we seek.

Healing Through Faith and Praise

Another illuminating real-life example is the healing of my mother. At the age of 83, she was struggling with heart issues, and medical specialists recommended a pacemaker. Through faith, healing, and praise, my mother was healed. We followed several steps:

We read verses on healing, believing that faith comes through hearing, as stated in Romans 10:17. We prayed once and only once to the Father in Jesus' name, as instructed in John 16:23-24. We thanked God that He had already healed my mother for several minutes, in accordance with Mark 11:24. The next day, my mother walked a mile to get her groceries, completely normal, and did not need a pacemaker.

This miraculous transformation demonstrates the power of focusing on true, pure, and lovely thoughts. When we align ourselves with the divine and praise God, we bring about the miraculous.

Matthew 6:7 also warns against repeating prayers and emphasizes the importance of speaking to God in authentic faith. Similarly, Colossians 4:2 and Philippians 4:6 reinforce the power of praising God in our everyday lives.

Conclusion

Philippians 4:8 is a command that should not be overlooked. By focusing on true and pure things, we can bring about real change in our lives and those around us. The experiences shared here are just a small glimpse into the countless testimonies of how this principle has worked in people's lives. Whether you are a seasoned believer or just starting on your spiritual journey, embracing the command to think on true and pure things can be transformative.

May your thoughts be rooted in the goodness, truth, and purity of God's Word, leading to a life filled with virtue and praise.