"The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you." Philippians 4:9 NKJV
Paul had just written to the Philippians to instruct them how to control their thoughts. It may be helpful to back up to v8 and read it prayer-fully. He was encouraging them, and now us, to meditate on good and praiseworthy things. In other words, to be in control of our thoughts.
What controls your thought life? What you think about on a regular basis is what will control your life, and what you will become. Hence, if you think about Jesus and a wholesome life with Him, you are more likely to be like Him than if, you think about unwholesome things. Your thoughts can rule your life.
Some patterns of thought, lead people away from the truth and, hold you in captivity. This is why Paul said in 2 Corinthians 10:4-5: For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds. 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ'. When unwholesome thoughts pop into our minds, instead of being tempted to entertain them, we need to take hold of them and refuse to allow them residence. We do this by immediately surrendering them to Jesus.
We are merely human beings and at times, bad thoughts appear reasonable thoughts, and we think about them and as we allow this to happen regularly; we become addicted to them, looking forward to being seduced by the very content of them, whatever they may be. We have to overcome whatever unwholesome thought pops into our heads.
Tony Evans gives an interesting comment here:
If addictive behaviour is present in a person's life, that behaviour is not the stronghold but merely its fruit. Strongholds can only be demolished by the knowledge of God - that is by truth. John 8:32 says, 'The truth will set you free.' When your relationship to the Living Word connects to the Written Word, 'You really will be free' John 8:36. If you're not taking every thought captive to obey Christ and are, instead succumbing to a stronghold, it's because you either don't know the truth or, aren't making use of the truth you know.' The Tony Evans Bible Commentary
? What would change in your life if you captured your unwholesome thoughts? Do you want to capture your unwholesome thoughts or hang on to them?
Give these two questions your attention.
Copyright 2023 Grahame Howard.
dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com
If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE
Member of the National Association of Christian Ministers
Why not order my Daily Commentary from Amazon - Paperback or Kindle
Check it out
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B084G9S4FD/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i2
No comments:
Post a Comment
Leave a message