The Encourager
“THINK ON THESE by Mike Richardson”
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
When the Apostle Paul wrote to the church at Philippi, he wrote the beautiful statement quoted above. Paul was instructing the Philippians to think on things that are pure, true, holy, and just. The word says in Proverbs 27:3 “As he thinks in his heart, so is he.” So, without any doubt our thoughts are extremely important. Paul said, “Think on these things for without thought and investigation they never could do us any good.” In this article, it is my desire for us to stop and think about three different things are of the utmost importance. I want us to focus our attention and think about some things that are true, and which have to do with our salvation.
(i)Think about God’s Marvelous Bible. The Bible is the word of God! That very statement should make us shout AMEN! for that one statement teaches us all we know about life here and the life to come. Nothing is more clearly established then the fact the Bible is the word of God. God has made promises in this Book to those who obey and the Bible tells us all we need to know to get in a right relationship with God. The Bible is the only Book that tells us what God expects of us, how to be saved from sin. It is the only book that tells us why it was written, so that we might believe (Jno.20:31). It is the only Book that tell us about heaven and hell and life beyond the grave. Some wonder why they waver in faith, is it because we don’t spend enough time studying, reading, and thinking about the Bible. Think of all the people included in the Bible that took fifteen hundred years to write. Amos a vine dresser, Solomon a king, David a shepherd, Moses a statesman, Peter a fisherman, Paul a scholar all guided by the Holy Spirit wrote the Bible. Yet, it fits together, consider the Bible and be amazed! (a)No Book ever had so much opposition as the Bible. Every individual who never obeys it opposes it. Men have tried to destroy it, discredit it, and deny it. Evil men hate it and modern day philosophy, science, and such belittle it. Why with all this opposition has this Book stood the test of time? Because it is the word of God! Men have died defending it, they have been burned at the stake, devoured by lions, had hot lead poured down their throats because they believed the Bible. Do you believe is the word of God and will you follow it even if it cost you your life?
(ii)Think About the Salvation of Your Soul. Many think about everything under the sun, but their soul. Consider for a moment what Jesus did to save your soul. Consider the torturous death He died on the cross. How can you not give your life to the One who gave His life on the cross for you? There is a great question Jesus asked in Mk.8:36 “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” Think of hell where the worm never dies and the fire is never quenched. Then stop and consider heaven where the roses never fade, and no tears ever fall. How much have you thought about your soul? This week have you thought more about work than you have your soul? Then you need to stop and rethink your priorities. Think about your soul. Be pardoned by the blood of Christ in obedience to His word (MK.16:16).
(iii)Think About the Judgment Day (I Thess.4:13-18). There will be a judgment day. The Hebrew writer states, “It is appointed unto man to diem then the judgment.” Have you ever meditated and thought about the judgment day? What will that day be like? When the day of judgment comes where will you be? Will you be on the right hand of God among the redeemed or on the left hand among the lost (Mt.25)? Have you thought about it? Think on these things.
