—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.
Words spoken by the Apostle Paul to the Philippians, which continue to be full of wisdom, true, and still active for the Body of Christ today. Our mind is the battleground where the Devil comes against us. Here is where he brings thoughts contrary to the Word of God. Thoughts, which later drive us to speak against what God says about us.
Each word that comes out of our mouth was first a thought. In other words, our thoughts can become words if we give those thoughts enough attention, be it for our benefit or detriment.
Philippians 4:8 says:
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 any praise, think on these things.
The latter part of this verse indicates that we can control our thoughts. Notice it says, “think on these things,” you decide!
Let us look at one more scripture,
2 Corinthians 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.
Once again, the final part of this verse says: “bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.”
Which are those thoughts that have to be brought into captivity to the obedience of Christ?
–Each thought that is not in line with the Word of God
–Each thought that wants to bring discouragement
–Each thought that drives us away from the Word of Truth
–Each thought that drives us to doubt the Word of God
Who is Christ?
–The Word, John 1:1, John 1:14
Therefore, you can bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ (The Word)
How can we bring thoughts into captivity to Christ?
–Speaking what the Word says about those thoughts
**You cannot cast down thoughts with other thoughts. In other words, wrongful thoughts must be cast down by speaking (The Word).
Let’s do an exercise. Begin counting the numbers from 1-10 in your head. When you get to number 10, speak your name out loud. What happened to the numbers you were counting in your head? They stopped, right? Why? Because a spoken word interrupted that “thought.” It is the same way when bad thoughts come to us, when we speak The Word, those thoughts will be cancelled, “brought to the obedience of Christ,” The Word.
Now there is no reason for the Devil to gain ground over us. On the contrary, we now take control over our thoughts and we decide what to think.
–Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely…
Pastor Nuvia Hughes