What Are You Thinking?

Philippians 4:8

INTRODUCTION: Our thought lives are of the utmost importance. Some think too little and some too much. The question is how do we ensure that our thought lives are considered strengths in our Christian walk rather than hindrances?

I. THE PROBLEM WITH THOUGHTS

A. Vain in Their Foundations

1. The thoughts of man are vanity (Psalm 94:11).
2. Vain thoughts lodge within (Jeremiah 4:14).
3. Even the wise have vain thoughts (1 Corinthians 3:20).

B. Wrong in Their Content

1. Judah thought Tamar was a harlot (Genesis 38:15). He was wrong!
2. Israel thought he would never see Joseph again (Genesis 48:11). He was wrong!
3. Eli thought Hannah was drunk when she was praying (1 Samuel 1:13). He was wrong!
4. A man proudly came to David to claim responsibility for the death of Saul thinking he would receive a reward (2 Samuel 1:2-16; 2 Samuel 4:10). He was wrong!
5. Naaman thought Elisha would come out and strike his hand over the place of his leprosy (2 Kings 5:9-11). He was wrong!
6. Haman thought Ahasuerus sought opportunity to reward him (Esther 6:6). He was wrong!
7. The disciples thought Christ sent Judas to buy something or make a donation to the poor (John 13:29). He was wrong!

C. Corrupted by Limitations

1. In man’s understanding of himself (Romans 12:3; 1 Corinthians 4:6; 2 Corinthians 3:5; Galatians 6:3)
2. In man’s understanding of God (Ephesians 3:20)

D. Evil in Their Nature (Genesis 6:5; Isaiah 59:7)

II. THE PRODUCT OF THOUGHTS

A. Thoughts Produce Reactions

1. Imaginations (Genesis 6:5; 1 Chronicles 28:9; 1 Chronicles 29:18)
2. Fears (Genesis 20:11; Daniel 4:5, 19; Daniel 5:6, 10)
3. Etc (Happiness, confusion, acceptance, rejection)

B. Thoughts Produce Actions (Isaiah 65:2)

1. These actions can be good.
2. These actions can be evil.

C. Thoughts Produce Few Solutions (Matthew 6:25-34)

1. It provides no food or drink.
2. It provides no clothing.
3. It adds nothing to a man’s stature.

III. THE PROVOCATION TO THINK

A. Biblical Christianity Thinks

1. The Lord Jesus constantly challenged men to think and asked them of their thoughts (Matthew 21:28; Matthew 22:42).
2. Paul called upon men to think (Philippians 4:8).

B. Biblical Christianity Considers God

1. Thoughts must be in obedience to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5).
2. God knows our thoughts (Psalm 94:11; Matthew 9:4; Matthew 12:25).

C. Biblical Christianity Understands Accountability

1. The Bible discerns the nature of thoughts (Hebrews 4:12).
2. Wrong thoughts call for repentance (Acts 8:22).

CONCLUSION: It is imperative that our thoughts be consumed with the Lord and His truths. Giving our thoughts over to anything other than this is to surrender our hearts, actions, fellowship with the Lord, and rewards for service.