"Finally, brothers and sisters, 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
1. WHATEVER IS TRUE.
The word means, “true as to fact ... it denotes the actuality of a thing. The “true” is that which corresponds to reality.
John 3:33 - “God is true”
John 8:44 - He is a deceiver, and he uses sin to deceive an enslave.
John 1:1 - Jesus is the word of God and the bible is God’s word
2. WHATEVER IS HONORABLE (NIV = “NOBLE”).
The word means “that which inspires reverence or awe; dignified, worthy of respect.”
1 Tim. 3:8, 11 - It is a character quality required in deacons and deaconesses.
1 Tim. 3:4 - Elders should keep their children under control “with all dignity”.
1 Tim. 2:2 - All Christians should “lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity”.
3. WHATEVER IS RIGHT.
This word is used of God Himself who is righteous - Romans 3:26
God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. - 2 Corinthians 5:21
4. WHATEVER IS PURE.
The word refers to ceremonial purity, but also to the moral purity that is pictured by the ceremonial. It especially means keeping our bodies undefiled by abstaining from sexual sins. - Ephesians 5:3-5
All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure. - 1 John 3:3
5. What ever is LOVELY.
It means what is pleasing, agreeable, and attractive.
6. What ever is admirable.
This comes from a compound word meaning to speak well of something. It refers to something that “deservedly enjoys a good reputation”
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." - 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
ANYTHING is excellent.
The word “excellence” means moral virtue.
Anything is praiseworthy.
The word “praise” is used both of what is praiseworthy in God and in people.
THINK ON THESE THINGS.
Any time we see the words mature or adult audiences we can be sure that it will destroy our joy.
CHALLENGE THIS WEEK: 4 Day media fast
Every time you want to consume media read this verse (Philippians 4:8-9), then proceed.