Philippians 4 is a filter, a sieve of our thought life. What ever thought does not line up with it we cast down and bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of the Christ in us.
Philippians 4: 8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.
True alēthēs this is from two words. 1- a- without, and lḗthō, an older form of lanthánō, to be hid, unawares. True, one who cannot lie.
Now in studying Greek words we need to go to the root of the words, to get a clearer picture of what they mean. Remember the people who made dictionaries are biased, they interpret meanings of words according to their current believe system.
The root of the word “true” alēthēs is without, to be hid, unawares.
This implies that the truth can be hidden, where people are not aware of it.
And this is exactly true, concerning the word true in this verse.
We are living in a world that is like the movie the Matrix, the natural world is an illusion. The reality is that the natural world was created from the real world which is the realm of the spirit.
For example, the word of God tells us that by the strips of Jesus we were healed. But the physical sense world may tell you that you are not. You can’t walk, you have cancer or some other disease, but the truth is you are healed.
So, what is true is the reality of what YHWH spoke, in the realm of the spirit, the natural world would not even exist if the Lord had not spoken it into existence.
Noble semnos from sébomai, to venerate- (to regard or treat someone or something with deep respect, reverence, and honor. Semnós represents not only earthly dignity, but that which is resulting from a higher citizenship, a heavenly one, which is the possession of all believers. There lies something of majestic and awe–inspiring qualities in semnós which does not repel but rather invites and attracts.
We are to see everyone perfect in Christ, we do not judge people as to what is wrong in their lives, because we do not know the motivations and intentions of their hearts, they are responsible to walk in the light or revelation from God they possess.
We cannot lay the dedication that we walk in, on new believers. God deals with each of his children individually on the spiritual level they are living on. That is why we walk by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God to us individually. Once we walk in a word we receive from the lord, he will give us another one. We walk on the path of light unto the perfect day. This the true ministry of a Pastor to each of the sheep under him, until they can hear the voice of clearly for themselves.
Just dikaios from díkē– right, just, equitable (in character or act); by implication innocent, holy (absolute or relative): – just, meet, right (-eous). Used in the neut, tó díkaion, to do that which is right, that which is just. This is expected by the one who sets the rules and regulations whereby man must live, whether that be society or God. Therefore, it means that which is expected as duty and which is claimed as a right because of one’s conformity to the rules of God or society.
dikaios was first used of persons observant ofdike, “custom, rule, right,” especially in the fulfillment of duties towards god and men, and of things that were in accordance with right. The English word “righteous” was formerly spelt “rightwise,” (in a) straight way.
In the NT it denotes “righteous,” a state of being right, or right conduct, judged whether by the divine standard, or according to human standards, of what is right. Said of God, it designates the perfect agreement between His nature and His acts (in which He is the standard for all men).
Our primary destiny is to be conformed or transformed to the image of Christ. Any thought that does not line up with who we are legally in Christ, or the next step we take in our practical walk with God, we cast down.
Any thought that does not line up with the righteousness of Christ we cast down.
We are bringing every thought into the captivity of the obedience in Christ.
Pure hagnos– “pure from every fault, immaculate, “chaste”; “pure from carnality, modest,”Freedom from defilements or impurities. This word is Akin- having similar qualities, being essentially alike, or being related by nature to hágios – holy.
Every thought that enters our mind concerning ourselves or others that is not pure and holy we cast down.
Lovely prosphilēs from prós – “to-and”, phíléō – Friend, dear. Dear to someone, beloved.
Friendly towards, acceptable: – “pleasing, agreeable, lovely.” In the NT, used for things, acceptable, pleasing.
Every thought that is not lovely, friendly toward someone we cast down.
Of good report euphēmos from eú, well, good, and phḗmē, fame. Well–spoken of, of good report, praiseworthy, laudable, reputable.
Any thought that is not of good report, praiseworthy about ourselves and others we cast down.
Virtue aretē Superiority or being pleasing to God. Aretḗ denotes in a moral sense what gives man and women their worth, the Lord’s efficiency.
In the NT: virtue, moral excellency, perfection, goodness of action. In 1 Pet. 2:9, aretás (pl.) is translated “praises.” The virtues as a force or energy of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Whatever obtains preeminent estimation for a person or thing; “intrinsic eminence, moral goodness, virtue.”
Any thought towards ourselves or others that is not of virtue or moral excellence we cast down.
Praiseworthy epainos noun from epí – upon, and aínos – praise. Applause, commendation, praise, approval. The object of praise, something praiseworthy, reward.
Any thought towards ourselves or others that is not praiseworthy we cast down.
If we practice using this as a filter of our thought life we will come into the mind of Christ.