In Philippians 4:8, Paul instructs believers: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” This verse encourages Christians to fill their minds with virtuous thoughts and meditate on that which is good and praiseworthy. But what exactly does it mean to think on whatever is noble?
The Context of Philippians 4:8
To properly understand this verse, it is important to consider the broader context of the passage. Philippians 4 begins with Paul urging the church to stand firm in the Lord, calling on two women, Euodia and Syntyche, to agree in the Lord (Philippians 4:1-3). He then exhorts the Philippians: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:4-7).
Paul then moves on to provide the exhortation in verse 8 to think on what is noble, followed by a call to put into practice all that they had learned and received from Paul (Philippians 4:9). This context shows that Paul was giving very practical instructions to enable the Philippians to live upright lives pleasing to God even in the midst of difficult circumstances. Right thinking was key to experiencing joy, peace, and righteousness.
A Contrast to Society’s Ways
In the Greco-Roman world of Paul’s day, society was rampant with immorality and corrupt thinking. Sensuality, greed, violence, and pursuit of pleasure were common. Paul presents a stark contrast to the way the world thinks by commanding believers to dwell on purity and virtue. Thinking rightly about things that are true, honorable, just, pure, and praiseworthy enables Christians to swim against the cultural tides and walk in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ (Philippians 1:27). Rather than absorb the unwholesome ideals of the world, Christians are to discipline their thought-lives.
Characteristics of Noble Thinking
When Paul instructs believers to think on what is noble, he provides a list of virtues that should characterize their thought-lives:
Whatever is True
Christians are to think about things that are true, honest, and sincere. Truth is in accordance with the facts and reality. Followers of Christ should meditate on that which aligns with the truth of God’s word (John 17:17). They are to dwell on truth, not falsehoods or distortions.
Whatever is Honorable
That which is honorable refers to ideas and concepts that are dignified, worthy of respect, and noble. Christians should focus their minds on things that are revered and esteemed as morally excellent.
Whatever is Just
Dwelling on what is just involves contemplating that which is right and equitable according to God’s standards. God is just, and His people should ponder justice, fairness, and moral uprightness.
Whatever is Pure
Thinking on purity entails meditating on that which is morally clean, spotless, and untainted by sin. Christians are to dwell on holy motives, desires, and thoughts.
Whatever is Lovely
That which is lovely refers to things that are pleasing, agreeable, and admirable. Believers should contemplate beauty, excellence, and grace.
Whatever is Commendable
Christians are also encouraged to focus their minds on anything praiseworthy, virtuous, and morally good. If actions, character qualities, and ideas merit commendation, then they are worthy subjects of meditation.
If There is Any Excellence
In addition to thinking on specific virtues, believers should also reflect on general excellence and nobility. Anything characterized by extraordinarily good quality is appropriate for mental attention.
If There is Anything Worthy of Praise
Lastly, Christians should dwell on anything deserving of praise. If something warrants acclaim and glorification for its goodness, it is suitable for rumination.
The Outworking of Noble Thinking
Filling one’s mind with noble thoughts bears tremendous practical fruit in the life of a believer. By focusing the mind, Christians are transformed and able to discern and approve what is the will of God – what is good, pleasing, and perfect (Romans 12:2). Noble thinking creates a heart inclination toward righteousness and goodness. It ministers grace to the hearers (Ephesians 4:29) and spreads peace (2 Corinthians 13:11). Here are some specific ways noble thinking impacts believers:
It Produces Worthy Conduct
Pondering things that are true, just, lovely, praiseworthy, etc. leads to living uprightly. Actions flow from thoughts. Paul reminds in Philippians 4:9 that the believers should put into practice all they had learned from him. Meditating on virtue impacts behavior.
It Guards the Heart & Mind
Thinking rightly enables the peace of God to guard the heart and mind (Philippians 4:7). Noble thoughts protect against anxiety, fear, sinful cravings, and instability. They act as a hedge around the heart.
It Develops Christian Virtues
Dwelling on goodness, purity, justice, etc. instills godly character. Focusing on Christ’s excellence transforms believers into His image (2 Corinthians 3:18). Noble thinking fosters virtues in those who contemplate it.
It Combats Sinful Thoughts
Noble meditation crowds out sinful thoughts of lust, envy, greed, pride, and hatred. Singling-minded focus on virtue leaves no room for evil rumination. Righteous thinking pushes out that which defiles.
It Leads to Joy & Peace
Thinking rightly enables believers to rejoice and be at peace amidst trials (Philippians 4:4-7). Focusing on the good, true, and beautiful fosters deep and abiding joy. Noble thoughts produce confident tranquility.
It Directs Prayer & Gratitude
Those who think nobly pray to God about their concerns rather than being anxious (Philippians 4:6). Thankfulness also flows out of meditation on moral excellence. Righteous thinking produces prayer and praise.
It Points to Christ’s Example
Ultimately, virtue-focused thinking directs attention to the perfect moral example found in Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment and source of whatever is true, just, commendable, excellent, and worthy of praise. Beholding Christ’s glory changes believers into His likeness (2 Corinthians 3:18).
Other Scripture About Noble Thinking
The Bible is filled with exhortations about the importance of noble, virtuous thinking for followers of Christ:
– “For the rest, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Philippians 4:8)
– “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Philippians 4:8)
– “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” (Colossians 3:2)
– “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)
– “Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.” (Romans 13:13-14)
– “Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” (Proverbs 31:30)
– “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me – practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:8-9)
How to Implement Noble Thinking
Putting Paul’s words in Philippians 4:8 into practice requires purposeful effort. Here are some practical tips for thinking on what is noble:
– Spend time daily reading God’s word and meditating on His truth, commands, and moral perfection (Psalm 1:1-3).
– Memorize and recite Philippians 4:8 and other verses about virtuous thinking. Use them as mental filters.
– Take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ, rejecting anxious, sinful thoughts (2 Corinthians 10:5).
– When faced with impurity, intentionally shift focus to what is lovely and praiseworthy.
– Consume media that highlights moral excellence and truth. Avoid entertainment propagating vice.
– Recognize noble character qualities in other Christians and dwell on these.
– Develop the habit of gratitude to God, focusing the mind on His goodness.
– Pray for the knowledge and wisdom to discern what is true, just, pure, commendable, and excellent.
Conclusion
Philippians 4:8 powerfully instructs Christians to program their minds to focus habitually on that which is virtuous. Rather than absorb the corrupt ideals of the world, believers are to dwell on moral purity and excellence as displayed in the person of Jesus Christ. Contemplating that which is true, honorable, just, and praiseworthy transforms thinking and conduct. It guards the heart, develops Christlike virtues, and combats sinful thought patterns. Purposefully thinking on whatever is noble is a vital spiritual discipline for followers of Christ. As Paul urged, Christians should continually cultivate pure, right thinking that honors God.
