Think on These Things

✝️ THINK ON THESE THINGS

Text: Philippians 4:8–10

🌟 Introduction

Paul exhorts believers to discipline their minds toward truth, purity, and virtue.
When we think on these things and follow them, it prevents:

  • 🚫 Sinning — doubtful and delusional thoughts lead to sin.

  • 💔 Sinking — burdens of distress and despair pull us under.

  • 🌊 Shifting — dissatisfaction and false doctrine toss us about (cf. Eph. 4:14).

Paul also rejoices (v.10) that the Philippians cared for him, yet without anxious worry (“careful” as in v.6 — be careful for nothing). Sometimes you can’t do more than you’re able; pray for future opportunity, trust God, and rejoice when He provides.

💡 Illustration Idea: A farmer sows patiently, not anxiously — he can’t control rain or growth, but trusts God for the increase.

I. ⚡ Minister According to God’s Ability — 1 Peter 4:11

“If any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth…”

  • We serve not in our strength but God’s supply.

  • Ministry without God’s power leads to burnout and barrenness.

  • Trust the Spirit for ability, insight, and endurance.

📜 Historical Quote: “He who serves in his own strength will soon serve no more.” — Charles Spurgeon (19th c.)

💡 Illustration Idea: A lamp cannot burn without oil; ministry cannot run without God’s enabling.

II. 😊 Give Cheerfully — 2 Corinthians 8:12

“If there be first a willing mind, it is accepted…”

  • God accepts what is willing, not what is pressured.

  • Joyful giving reflects a thankful heart.

  • Our giving is worship, not duty alone.

📜 Historical Quote: “Cheerful givers do not count the cost but the privilege.” — D.L. Moody (19th c.)

💡 Illustration Idea: The Philippians gave joyfully despite poverty (Phil. 4:15–18).

III. 🛡️ Give Responsibly — 2 Corinthians 8:12

“…according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.”

  • God does not expect what we do not have.

  • Responsible giving avoids careful anxiety while still exercising faith.

  • Pray for open doors to give more as God prospers you.

📜 Historical Quote: “God judges not by the sum, but by the sacrifice.” — J.C. Ryle (19th c.)

💡 Illustration Idea: Widow’s mite — not the amount but the heart and proportion.

🌱 Application / Challenge

  • 🧠 Guard your mind: Fill it with truth, not fear or falsehood.

  • 🙌 Serve with God’s strength: Stop striving in your own power.

  • 💝 Give with joy & wisdom: Be generous, but also prayerfully responsible.

✅ Takeaway: Think well → Live well. Right thinking produces joyful serving and wise, cheerful giving.

Jeffrey smith