What does it mean that we should think on whatever is true (Philippians 4:8)?

Answer

Paul writes to the Philippian believers, encouraging them to “stand firm in the Lord” «Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved. », (Philippians 4:1), and one crucial aspect of standing firm is that we should focus on whatever is true «Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. », (Philippians 4:8). In fact, Paul introduces this concept by saying, “Finally, brethren,” indicating that reflecting on whatever is true is highlighted as the final crucial element required for a believer to stand firm in the Lord.

In this exhortation, Paul elaborates on the concept of truth. Not only should we focus on whatever is true, but we should also consider what is honorable, what is right, what is pure, what is lovely, what is of good repute, what is excellent, and what is worthy of praise «Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. », (Philippians 4:8). Here, Paul helps his readers understand that there is a significant connection between truth and these other qualities—honor, righteousness, purity, loveliness, good reputation, excellence, and praiseworthiness. He further mentions that the Philippian believers had learned from him.About these things in the past, and he challenges them to practice these things “Those things, which you have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.”, (Philippians 4:9).

Not only should we think on whatever is true, but we should also practice the things that are connected to truth. Paul’s encouragement that we should focus on certain things and then practice those things helps us to understand that, in order to have a practice based on truth and the wholesomeness that comes from truth, we have to have our minds set on truth and truthful things.

The outcome of thinking on whatever is true and having a walk or practice that reflects truth is that the God of peace will be with those who think and walk that way “Those things, which you have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.”, (Philippians 4:9). Of course, the Bible makes it evident that God is already with those who have believed in Jesus—Ephesians 1:13–14 and Romans 8:9, for example, explain that the Holy Spirit is with and in believers. So Paul is not saying here that God will be with those who think and act according to truth—His presence with and in people who have believed in Jesus is already a reality, and He says that He will never leave or forsake them “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as you have: for he has said, I will never leave you, nor forsake you.”, (Hebrews 13:5). What Paul is saying is that the peace of God will be with the person who thinks and acts according to truth.

In Philippians 4:6 Paul exhorts his readers to avoid anxiety by constant prayer and thanksgiving.

Living. Those who focus on truth are immersed in these things: who God is, His ability to provide, and His trustworthiness to carry us through—and His peace guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. When we think on what is true, we will recognize the Lord’s role in our lives, we will be prayerful and thankful, and we will have peace.

God’s peace is based on truth, not circumstances. Even in the most difficult of circumstances, we can still have God’s peace by following His recipe. In order to stand firm in Him and have His peace, we need to think on whatever is true. In order to do that, we must access the truth He has provided to us. This truth is found in the Word of God (Psalm 119:160; John 17:17). If we are allowing His Word to dwell richly in us—to be at home in us «Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. », (Colossians 3:16)—then we will experience the kind of peace He intends for us to enjoy «And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. », (Colossians 3:15).

Allowing His Word to dwell richly in us, thinking on whatever is true, being prayerful and thankful—these are all related ideas for how we are to think and act, and they are vital components to help us to stand strong even in difficulty and to enjoy His peace even in the worst of times.