How to Control Your Thought Life

Sermon OverviewScripture Reference: Philippians 4:4-8Adrian Rogers says, “You can choose your thoughts like you choose your friends.”As Christians, we must have a standard regarding the kinds of thoughts we allow into our minds. Scripture shows us how and why we should control our thought lives.Philippians 4:4-7 says, “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”Every Christian who is in control of his thoughts will have conscious, contagious joy in the Lord.We will obtain healthy mental attitudes when we remember God is near, and we will recognize His presence continually.We must refuse to worry about anything; Jesus Himself tells us that worrying is worthless, wasteful, and wicked. (See Matthew 6.) Instead, we must bring every need to God—all the while, developing thankful spirits.Philippians 4:8 says, “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.”This verse reveals exactly how we should screen our thoughts and what to admit into our minds:1, Reliance Test: Is it true? Does it come from a reliable source?2, Respect Test: Is it honest, honorable, and worthy of respect?3. Rightness Test: Is it straight-line thinking or is it crooked thinking?4. Reverence Test: Is it pure, free of contamination, worthy of being lifted up in worship?5. Relationship Test: Does it cause you to love rather than criticize?6. Refinement Test: Is it a good report, high-toned, refined, and beneficial?We can win the war on our minds and control our thoughts, but it will not happen if we stay neutral. We must be intentional about thinking what is good. We will not overcome evil with anything other than what is good.Apply it to your lifeThere is a correct standard for the thoughts we allow into our minds. Do you think about what is true, noble, just, pure, lovely, or of good report? Be intentional today, as you meditate on what is good.