“…think on these things…”God’s Spiritual Filter

Philippians 4:8Philippians 4:8

INTRODUCTION:

1. Computer Technology is unbelievable! 1. Computer Technology is unbelievable! a. Speed, size, capabilitya. Speed, size, capability

b. Computers have revolutionized the world! b. Computers have revolutionized the world!

INTRODUCTION:

1. Computer Technology is unbelievable! 1. Computer Technology is unbelievable! a. Speed, size, capabilitya. Speed, size, capability

b. Computers have revolutionized the world! b. Computers have revolutionized the world!

2. However, Computers have a 2. However, Computers have a problemproblem, which often leads to , which often leads to disasterdisaster!!

INTRODUCTION:

1. Computer Technology is unbelievable! 1. Computer Technology is unbelievable! a. Speed, size, capabilitya. Speed, size, capability

b. Computers have revolutionized the world! - World wide, Workb. Computers have revolutionized the world! - World wide, Work

2. However, Computers have a 2. However, Computers have a problemproblem, which often leads to , which often leads to disasterdisaster!!

3. 3. THE PROBLEMTHE PROBLEM: Computers Require Data to be INPUT: Computers Require Data to be INPUT into the machine for it to OUTPUT anything!into the machine for it to OUTPUT anything!

INTRODUCTION:

1. Computer Technology is unbelievable! 1. Computer Technology is unbelievable! a. Speed, size, capabilitya. Speed, size, capability

b. Computers have revolutionized the world! - World wide, Workb. Computers have revolutionized the world! - World wide, Work

2. However, Computers have a 2. However, Computers have a problemproblem, which often leads to , which often leads to disasterdisaster!!

3. 3. THE PROBLEMTHE PROBLEM: Computers Require Data to be INPUT: Computers Require Data to be INPUT into the machine for it to OUTPUT anything!into the machine for it to OUTPUT anything!

4. 4. THE DISASTERTHE DISASTER: The OUTPUT is only as Good as the INPUT!: The OUTPUT is only as Good as the INPUT!

a. You put a. You put Good Good information in, you get information in, you get GoodGood information out! information out!

b. You put b. You put BadBad information in, you get information in, you get BadBad information out… information out…““Garbage in…Garbage out!”Garbage in…Garbage out!”

INTRODUCTION:

6. The Human Brain is just like a computer…”Protein Computer”6. The Human Brain is just like a computer…”Protein Computer”

INTRODUCTION:

6. The Human Brain is just like a computer…”Protein Computer”6. The Human Brain is just like a computer…”Protein Computer”

7. 7. UnfortunatelyUnfortunately, the Brain has the same problem & potential for , the Brain has the same problem & potential for disaster as a computers:disaster as a computers:

a. The Brain requires INPUT to get OUTPUTa. The Brain requires INPUT to get OUTPUTb. The OUTPUT is only as good as the INPUTb. The OUTPUT is only as good as the INPUT

INTRODUCTION:

6. The Human Brain is just like a computer…”Protein Computer”6. The Human Brain is just like a computer…”Protein Computer”

7. 7. UnfortunatelyUnfortunately, the Brain has the same problem & potential for , the Brain has the same problem & potential for disaster as a computers:disaster as a computers:

a. The Brain requires INPUT to get OUTPUTa. The Brain requires INPUT to get OUTPUTb. The OUTPUT is only as good as the INPUTb. The OUTPUT is only as good as the INPUT

8. We want to discuss this 8. We want to discuss this Brain ProblemBrain Problem and Specifically address and Specifically address how we can avoid the disaster of contaminated INPUT and how we can avoid the disaster of contaminated INPUT and OUTPUT!OUTPUT!

I. A Persons INPUTS and OUTPUTS

I. A Persons INPUTS and OUTPUTS

A. A Person gets A. A Person gets INPUTSINPUTS from 2 Sources: from 2 Sources:

1. What they 1. What they HEAR!HEAR!2. What they 2. What they SEE!SEE!3. 3. Matt 13:15, Jeremiah 5:21Matt 13:15, Jeremiah 5:21

Matthew 13:15Matthew 13:15

““For this people’s heart is waxed gross, For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closedhearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should ; lest at any time they should seesee with their eyeswith their eyes, , and and hearhear with their ears with their ears, , and should understand with and should understand with their hearttheir heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them, and should be converted, and I should heal them.” .” NKJVNKJV

Jeremiah 5:21Jeremiah 5:21

““Hear now this, O foolish people, Hear now this, O foolish people, and without understandingand without understanding; which ; which have have eyes, and see noteyes, and see not; which have ; which have ears, and hear notears, and hear not:” :” NKJVNKJV

I. A Persons INPUTS and OUTPUTS

A. A Person gets A. A Person gets INPUTSINPUTS from 2 Sources: from 2 Sources:

1. What they 1. What they HEAR!HEAR!2. What they 2. What they SEE!SEE!3. 3. Matt 13:15, Jeremiah 5:21Matt 13:15, Jeremiah 5:21

B. These INPUTS go into the Brain or B. These INPUTS go into the Brain or HeartHeart

I. A Persons INPUTS and OUTPUTS

A. A Person gets A. A Person gets INPUTSINPUTS from 2 Sources: from 2 Sources:

1. What they 1. What they HEAR!HEAR!2. What they 2. What they SEE!SEE!3. 3. Matt 13:15, Jeremiah 5:21Matt 13:15, Jeremiah 5:21

B. These INPUTS go into the Brain or B. These INPUTS go into the Brain or HeartHeart

C. From our Heart comes our C. From our Heart comes our OUTPUTOUTPUT, in 2 ways:, in 2 ways:

1. In what they 1. In what they SAY!SAY!2. In the way they 2. In the way they ACT!ACT!3. 3. Matt 12:34, Proverbs 23:7, Proverbs 4Matt 12:34, Proverbs 23:7, Proverbs 4

Matthew 12:34Matthew 12:34

““O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speakethout of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh ..”..” NKJVNKJV

Proverbs 23:7Proverbs 23:7

““For as he thinketh in his heart, so isFor as he thinketh in his heart, so is he…” he…”NKJVNKJV

Proverbs 4:23Proverbs 4:23

““Keep thy heart with all diligenceKeep thy heart with all diligence; ; for out of it are the for out of it are the issues of lifeissues of life.” .” NKJVNKJV

IssuesIssues - - hauwt - hauwt - towtsa’ah - borders or extent, often used of thetowtsa’ah - borders or extent, often used of the border of a kingdom or land; itborder of a kingdom or land; it determines the areadetermines the area

II. Understanding INPUTS and OUTPUTS

A. A Person gets A. A Person gets INPUTSINPUTS from 2 Sources: from 2 Sources:

1. What they 1. What they HEAR!HEAR!2. What they 2. What they SEE!SEE!3. 3. Matt 13:15, Jeremiah 5:21Matt 13:15, Jeremiah 5:21

B. These INPUTS go into the Brain or B. These INPUTS go into the Brain or HeartHeart

C. From our Heart comes our C. From our Heart comes our OUTPUTOUTPUT, in 2 ways:, in 2 ways:

1. In what they 1. In what they SAY!SAY!2. In the way they 2. In the way they ACT!ACT!3. 3. Matt 12:34, Proverbs 23:7, Proverbs 4Matt 12:34, Proverbs 23:7, Proverbs 4

D. D. Lets do a PRACTICAL EXERCISE!Lets do a PRACTICAL EXERCISE!

What we HearWhat we Hear What we SeeWhat we See

INPUTS & OUTPUTS

What we SayWhat we Say What we DoWhat we Do

What we HearWhat we Hear What we SeeWhat we See

INPUTS & OUTPUTS

What we SayWhat we Say What we DoWhat we Do

IS GOODIS GOOD IS GOODIS GOOD

What we HearWhat we Hear What we SeeWhat we See

INPUTS & OUTPUTS

What we SayWhat we Say What we DoWhat we Do

IS GOODIS GOOD IS GOODIS GOOD

IS GOODIS GOOD IS GOODIS GOOD

What we HearWhat we Hear What we SeeWhat we See

INPUTS & OUTPUTS

What we SayWhat we Say What we DoWhat we Do

IS EVILIS EVIL IS EVILIS EVIL

What we HearWhat we Hear What we SeeWhat we See

INPUTS & OUTPUTS

What we SayWhat we Say What we DoWhat we Do

IS EVILIS EVIL IS EVILIS EVIL

IS EVILIS EVIL IS EVILIS EVIL

What we HearWhat we Hear What we SeeWhat we See

INPUTS & OUTPUTS

What we SayWhat we Say What we DoWhat we Do

GOOD GOOD &&

EVILEVIL

GOOD GOOD &&

EVILEVIL

?? ??

What we HearWhat we Hear What we SeeWhat we See

INPUTS & OUTPUTS

What we SayWhat we Say What we DoWhat we Do

GOOD GOOD &&

EVILEVIL

GOOD GOOD &&

EVILEVIL

IS EVILIS EVILIS EVILIS EVIL

II. Understanding INPUTS and OUTPUTS

E. E. THERE IS NO MIXING OF GOOD & BAD, THERE IS NO MIXING OF GOOD & BAD, CONTAMINATION OCCURS AND EVIL RESULTSCONTAMINATION OCCURS AND EVIL RESULTS

II. Understanding INPUTS and OUTPUTS

E. E. THERE IS NO MIXING OF GOOD & BAD, THERE IS NO MIXING OF GOOD & BAD, CONTAMINATION OCCURS AND EVIL RESULTSCONTAMINATION OCCURS AND EVIL RESULTS

11. . James 3:9-12James 3:9-12

9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith 9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. 10 curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. 10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to bebrethren, these things ought not so to be. 11 Doth a fountain . 11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? 12 Can send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? 12 Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.

II. Understanding INPUTS and OUTPUTS

E. E. THERE IS NO MIXING OF GOOD & BAD, THERE IS NO MIXING OF GOOD & BAD, CONTAMINATION OCCURS AND EVIL RESULTSCONTAMINATION OCCURS AND EVIL RESULTS

11. . James 3:9-12James 3:9-122.2. Matt 6:22-24Matt 6:22-24

22 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be 22 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. 23 single, thy whole body shall be full of light. 23 But if thine But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!that darkness! 24 24 No man can serve two mastersNo man can serve two masters: for either : for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.mammon.

II. Understanding INPUTS and OUTPUTS

E. E. THERE IS NO MIXING OF GOOD & BAD, THERE IS NO MIXING OF GOOD & BAD, CONTAMINATION OCCURS AND EVIL RESULTSCONTAMINATION OCCURS AND EVIL RESULTS

11. . James 3:9-12James 3:9-122.2. Matt 6:22-24 Matt 6:22-243.3. Revelation 3:15-16 - church at LaodiceaRevelation 3:15-16 - church at Laodicea

15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I 15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 16 So then because thou would thou wert cold or hot. 16 So then because thou art art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.my mouth.

II. Understanding INPUTS and OUTPUTS

E. E. THERE IS NO MIXING OF GOOD & BAD, THERE IS NO MIXING OF GOOD & BAD, CONTAMINATION OCCURS AND EVIL RESULTSCONTAMINATION OCCURS AND EVIL RESULTS

11. . James 3:9-12James 3:9-122.2. Matt 6:22-24 Matt 6:22-243.3. Revelation 3:15-16 Revelation 3:15-16

F. This is a HUGE Problem for the CHURCH!!!!!F. This is a HUGE Problem for the CHURCH!!!!!

II. Understanding INPUTS and OUTPUTS

E. E. THERE IS NO MIXING OF GOOD & BAD, THERE IS NO MIXING OF GOOD & BAD, CONTAMINATION OCCURS AND EVIL RESULTSCONTAMINATION OCCURS AND EVIL RESULTS

11. . James 3:9-12James 3:9-122.2. Matt 6:22-24 Matt 6:22-243.3. Revelation 3:15-16 Revelation 3:15-16

F. This is a HUGE Problem for the CHURCH!!!!!F. This is a HUGE Problem for the CHURCH!!!!!

1. We must watch our INPUT - Filth is everywhere!1. We must watch our INPUT - Filth is everywhere!TV, Radio,TV, Radio, Magazines, Internet, Movies, Friends Magazines, Internet, Movies, Friends

2. Be careful for the Accidental/Unintentional Evil Input!2. Be careful for the Accidental/Unintentional Evil Input!

II. Understanding INPUTS and OUTPUTS

E. E. THERE IS NO MIXING OF GOOD & BAD, THERE IS NO MIXING OF GOOD & BAD, CONTAMINATION OCCURS AND EVIL RESULTSCONTAMINATION OCCURS AND EVIL RESULTS

11. . James 3:9-12James 3:9-122.2. Matt 6:22-24 Matt 6:22-243.3. Revelation 3:15-16 Revelation 3:15-16

F. This is a HUGE Problem for the CHURCH!!!!!F. This is a HUGE Problem for the CHURCH!!!!!

1. We must watch our INPUT - Filth is everywhere!1. We must watch our INPUT - Filth is everywhere!TV, Radio,TV, Radio, Magazines, Internet, Movies, Friends Magazines, Internet, Movies, Friends

2. Be careful for the Accidental/Unintentional Evil Input!2. Be careful for the Accidental/Unintentional Evil Input!

3. 3. NEVER ALLOW an NEVER ALLOW an INTENTIONALINTENTIONAL Evil Input Evil Input!!

II. Understanding INPUTS and OUTPUTS

E. E. THERE IS NO MIXING OF GOOD & BAD, THERE IS NO MIXING OF GOOD & BAD, CONTAMINATION OCCURS AND EVIL RESULTSCONTAMINATION OCCURS AND EVIL RESULTS

11. . James 3:9-12James 3:9-122.2. Matt 6:22-24 Matt 6:22-243.3. Revelation 3:15-16 Revelation 3:15-16

F. This is a HUGE Problem for the CHURCH!!!!!F. This is a HUGE Problem for the CHURCH!!!!!

1. We must watch our INPUT - Filth is everywhere!1. We must watch our INPUT - Filth is everywhere!TV, Radio,TV, Radio, Magazines, Internet, Movies, Friends Magazines, Internet, Movies, Friends

2. Be careful for the Accidental/Unintentional Evil Input!2. Be careful for the Accidental/Unintentional Evil Input!

3. 3. NEVER ALLOW an NEVER ALLOW an INTENTIONALINTENTIONAL Evil Input Evil Input!!• Christians are doing this more and moreChristians are doing this more and more!!!!!!• They They ride the fenceride the fence with what they read, watch, listen to! with what they read, watch, listen to!• It is KILLING THEM & THE CHURCH!It is KILLING THEM & THE CHURCH!

III. Insuring GOOD INPUTS and OUTPUTS

III. Insuring GOOD INPUTS and OUTPUTS

A. We can insure GOOD Input & Outputs!!A. We can insure GOOD Input & Outputs!!

B. Do this by Installing a SPIRITUAL FILTER!B. Do this by Installing a SPIRITUAL FILTER!

III. Insuring GOOD INPUTS and OUTPUTS

A. We can insure GOOD Input & Outputs!!A. We can insure GOOD Input & Outputs!!

B. Do this by Installing a SPIRITUAL FILTER!B. Do this by Installing a SPIRITUAL FILTER!

C. This Spiritual filter is found in C. This Spiritual filter is found in Philippians 4:8Philippians 4:8!!

“ “ Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”these things.”

D. Let’s explain how this works…D. Let’s explain how this works…

Filters….

1. We are all familiar with filtering systems:1. We are all familiar with filtering systems:a. Water filters are commona. Water filters are commonb. Air Filters are commonb. Air Filters are commonc. Fuel & Oil Filters in carsc. Fuel & Oil Filters in cars

2. Filters are designed for one purpose: to remove 2. Filters are designed for one purpose: to remove contamination!contamination!

3. Filters are 3. Filters are essential essential for successful operation; without for successful operation; without filtration, destruction is assured! filtration, destruction is assured!

ContaminatedContaminatedFilterFilter

PurePure

ComponentComponent

Filters….

1. Spiritual Filtration works the Same Way!1. Spiritual Filtration works the Same Way!

2. 2. Philippians 4:8Philippians 4:8 is designed to: remove contamination! is designed to: remove contamination!

3. This filter is 3. This filter is essential essential for our successful SPIRITUAL for our successful SPIRITUAL operation; without this filtration, destruction is assured! operation; without this filtration, destruction is assured!

4. Now, let’s understand specifically how this filter works…4. Now, let’s understand specifically how this filter works…

EVIL & GOODEVIL & GOODPHIL. 4:8PHIL. 4:8

PurePure

HEART or HEART or MINDMIND

Dishonesty, lies, immoralityDishonesty, lies, immorality

IV. Understanding our Spiritual Filter…

Philippians 4:8Philippians 4:8

““8 Finally, brethren, 8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, things are lovely, whatsoever things are of whatsoever things are of good report; if there be good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these any praise, think on these things.”things.”

IV. Understanding our Spiritual Filter…

Philippians 4:8Philippians 4:8

““8 Finally, brethren, 8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, things are lovely, whatsoever things are of whatsoever things are of good report; if there be good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, any praise, think on these think on these thingsthings.”.”

A. We must install these A. We must install these thoughts in our mind!thoughts in our mind!

IV. Understanding our Spiritual Filter…

Philippians 4:8Philippians 4:8

““8 Finally, brethren, 8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, things are lovely, whatsoever things are of whatsoever things are of good report; if there be good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, any praise, think on these think on these thingsthings.”.”

A. We must install these A. We must install these thoughts in our mind!thoughts in our mind!

1. “Logizomai” to deliberate, 1. “Logizomai” to deliberate, to account…to think on a to account…to think on a matter by way of taking matter by way of taking account of its account of its character…character…making these things making these things subjects of your thoughtful subjects of your thoughtful considerationconsideration!!

2. 2. WE must meditate on these WE must meditate on these thingsthings!!

3. 3. This takes deliberate This takes deliberate actionaction!!

IV. Understanding our Spiritual Filter…

Philippians 4:8Philippians 4:8

““8 Finally, brethren, 8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are truewhatsoever things are true, , whatsoever things are whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, things are lovely, whatsoever things are of whatsoever things are of good report; if there be good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these any praise, think on these things.”things.”

B. B. TRUETRUE!!

1. “alethes” true, truth 1. “alethes” true, truth loving, the reality lying at loving, the reality lying at the basis of an the basis of an appearance!appearance!

2. ASK OURSELVES…is 2. ASK OURSELVES…is what I am watching or what I am watching or hearing…hearing…true, according true, according to God’s word?!to God’s word?!

IV. Understanding our Spiritual Filter…

Philippians 4:8Philippians 4:8

““8 Finally, brethren, 8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are whatsoever things are honest,honest, whatsoever things whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, things are lovely, whatsoever things are of whatsoever things are of good report; if there be good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these any praise, think on these things.”things.”

C. C. HONESTHONEST!!

1. “semnos” reverend, 1. “semnos” reverend, honorable, dignified…the honorable, dignified…the word points to a word points to a seriousness in purpose seriousness in purpose and to self-respect in and to self-respect in conductconduct

2. ASK OURSELVES…is 2. ASK OURSELVES…is what I am watching or what I am watching or hearing…hearing…does it does it encourage me to act encourage me to act honestly or foolishlyhonestly or foolishly??

IV. Understanding our Spiritual Filter…

Philippians 4:8Philippians 4:8

““8 Finally, brethren, 8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are whatsoever things are honest, honest, whatsoever things whatsoever things are just,are just, whatsoever things whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, things are lovely, whatsoever things are of whatsoever things are of good report; if there be good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these any praise, think on these things.”things.”

D. D. JUSTJUST!!

1. “dikalos” denotes 1. “dikalos” denotes righteous, as state of righteous, as state of being right. Said of God, being right. Said of God, it designates the perfect it designates the perfect agreement btw. His nature agreement btw. His nature and His acts!and His acts!

2. ASK OURSELVES…is 2. ASK OURSELVES…is what I am watching or what I am watching or hearing…hearing…does this make does this make me want to act like GOD me want to act like GOD or be RIGHT with God!or be RIGHT with God!

IV. Understanding our Spiritual Filter…

Philippians 4:8Philippians 4:8

““8 Finally, brethren, 8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things honest, whatsoever things are just, are just, whatsoever things whatsoever things are pure,are pure, whatsoever whatsoever things are lovely, things are lovely, whatsoever things are of whatsoever things are of good report; if there be good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these any praise, think on these things.”things.”

E. E. PUREPURE!!

1. “hagnos” Pure from 1. “hagnos” Pure from defilement, not defilement, not comtaminated, pure from comtaminated, pure from fault…HOLYfault…HOLY

2. ASK OURSELVES…is 2. ASK OURSELVES…is what I am watching or what I am watching or hearing…hearing…Does this Does this CONTAMINATE ME and CONTAMINATE ME and make me like the worldmake me like the world!!

IV. Understanding our Spiritual Filter…

Philippians 4:8Philippians 4:8

““8 Finally, brethren, 8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, are pure, whatsoever whatsoever things are lovelythings are lovely, , whatsoever things are of whatsoever things are of good report; if there be good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these any praise, think on these things.”things.”

F. F. LOVELYLOVELY!!

1. “prosphiles” pleasing, 1. “prosphiles” pleasing, agreeable, from two agreeable, from two words: “pros” meaning words: “pros” meaning “towards” and “phileo” “towards” and “phileo” meaning”love”.meaning”love”.

2. ASK OURSELVES…is 2. ASK OURSELVES…is what I am watching or what I am watching or hearing…hearing…promote me to promote me to love my neighbor and my love my neighbor and my brethren?!brethren?!

IV. Understanding our Spiritual Filter…

Philippians 4:8Philippians 4:8

““8 Finally, brethren, 8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, things are lovely, whatsoever things are of whatsoever things are of good reportgood report; if there be ; if there be any virtue, and if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these any praise, think on these things.”things.”

G. G. GOOD REPORTGOOD REPORT!!

1. “euphemous” good 1. “euphemous” good reputation, well saying, reputation, well saying, uttering good words and uttering good words and avoiding ill words, fair avoiding ill words, fair soundingsounding

2. ASK OURSELVES…is 2. ASK OURSELVES…is what I am watching or what I am watching or hearing…hearing…is what I am is what I am hearing uplifting, good an hearing uplifting, good an positivepositive

IV. Understanding our Spiritual Filter…

Philippians 4:8Philippians 4:8

““8 Finally, brethren, 8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, things are lovely, whatsoever things are of whatsoever things are of good report; good report; if there be if there be any virtueany virtue, and if there be , and if there be any praise, think on these any praise, think on these things.”things.”

H. H. VIRTUEVIRTUE!!

1. “arete” MORAL 1. “arete” MORAL EXCELLANCEEXCELLANCE

2. ASK OURSELVES…is 2. ASK OURSELVES…is what I am watching or what I am watching or hearing…hearing…is it morally is it morally excellent according to excellent according to God’s wordGod’s word

IV. Understanding our Spiritual Filter…

Philippians 4:8Philippians 4:8

““8 Finally, brethren, 8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, things are lovely, whatsoever things are of whatsoever things are of good report; if there be good report; if there be any virtue, any virtue, and if there be and if there be any praiseany praise, think on these , think on these things.”things.”

I. I. PRAISEPRAISE!!

1. “epainos” commendation, 1. “epainos” commendation, praisepraise

2. ASK OURSELVES…is 2. ASK OURSELVES…is what I am watching or what I am watching or hearing…hearing…is this worthy of is this worthy of praise and praise and commendation!!commendation!!

CONCLUSION:

1. 1. WE MUST WATCH WHAT WE ALLOW TO BE PUT INTO WE MUST WATCH WHAT WE ALLOW TO BE PUT INTO OUR MINDS!OUR MINDS!

CONCLUSION:

1. 1. WE MUST WATCH WHAT WE ALLOW TO BE PUT INTO WE MUST WATCH WHAT WE ALLOW TO BE PUT INTO OUR MINDS!OUR MINDS!

2. We must keep ourselves pure!2. We must keep ourselves pure!Isaiah 33:15Isaiah 33:15

He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil;

3. We CAN and MUST Do It!3. We CAN and MUST Do It!

4. However, for those who might say...this stuff does not bother 4. However, for those who might say...this stuff does not bother me…me…

Wounded at the Theatre

If you see a shameless woman in the theater, who treads the stage with uncovered head and bold attitudes dressed in garments adorned with gold, flaunting her soft sensuality, singing immoral songs, throwing her limbs about in the dance, and making shameless speeches . . . do you still dare to say nothing human happens to you then?

Long after the theater is closed and everyone is gone away, those images still float before your soul - their words, their conduct, their glances, their walk, their positions, their excitation, their unchaste limbs - and as for you, you go home covered with a thousand wounds!

But not alone - the shameless woman goes with you - although not openly and visibly but in your heart, and in your conscience, and there within you she kindles the Babylonian furnace in which the peace of your home, the purity of your heart, and the happiness of your marriage will be burnt up!

Wounded at the Theatre

If you see a shameless woman in the theater, who treads the stage with uncovered head and bold attitudes dressed in garments adorned with gold, flaunting her soft sensuality, singing immoral songs, throwing her limbs about in the dance, and making shameless speeches . . . do you still dare to say nothing human happens to you then?

Long after the theater is closed and everyone is gone away, those images still float before your soul - their words, their conduct, their glances, their walk, their positions, their excitation, their unchaste limbs - and as for you, you go home covered with a thousand wounds!

But not alone - the shameless woman goes with you - although not openly and visibly but in your heart, and in your conscience, and there within you she kindles the Babylonian furnace in which the peace of your home, the purity of your heart, and the happiness of your marriage will be burnt up!

John Chrysostom (AD 349-407)John Chrysostom (AD 349-407)