writes, “Little children, let no one deceive you; the one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous; the one
who practices sin is of the devil” (1 John 3:7-8). To think on what
is right means to think on the holy nature of God, especially as revealed in the person of Jesus Christ, and to model our behavior
after Him.
4.
Think on whatever is pure.
The word refers to ceremonial purity, but also to the moral
purity that is pictured by the ceremonial. It especially means keeping our bodies undefiled by abstaining from sexual sins (see 2 Cor.
11:2; 1 Tim. 5:22; Titus 2:5; James 3:17; 1 Pet. 3:2; 1 John 3:3). In
Ephesians 5:3-5 Paul warns, “But do not let immorality or any impurity or greed even be named among you, as is proper among
saints; and there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. For this you
know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of
Christ and God.” As Christians, we must say no to our sexually
impure culture and focus on moral purity.
5.
Think on whatever is lovely.
This word occurs only here in the New Testament. It means
what is pleasing, agreeable, and attractive. At times we all find ourselves attracted to that which is evil. But this word must be taken
with the context, meaning that which is both pure and attractive.
Jesus Christ is inherently attractive, and so we should think often
on our lovely Savior, who gave Himself for us on the cross.
6.
Think on whatever is of good repute.
This comes from a compound word meaning to speak well of
something (our word “euphemism” comes from this Greek word).
It refers to something that “deservedly enjoys a good reputation”
(F. F. Bruce, New International Biblical Commentary, Philippians [Hendrickson], p. 146). As Paul says in 1 Corinthians 13, love belie