The scriptures give us instructions on how we should think. And if we believe that the scriptures give us good instructions for life, there must a purpose and reason for thinking as instructed.

Philippians 4:8 “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.”

The word “think” here is the Greek word logizomai which can also means to calculate or figure or weigh the reasons.  Philippians 4 tells us how to think, that we should figure that there are good things coming, and think about the good report that is to be.  The scriptures do not tell us to be angry or to complain about life, it rather tells us the opposite. And if our thoughts do not have a purpose or do not matter, the scriptures would not talk about it and direct us to think a certain way. Our thoughts do matter.

Romans 8:24-28 “For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

Romans 8 tells us that it is hope (the expectation of good or bad) that saves us, where the definition of saved is not necessarily the orthodox meaning of being “saved”.  But whatever your definition of saved may be, hope is a good thing if that expectation is for good. It also says that the hope that saves us it not necessarily what we understand or see the outcome of.  We are told to hope for what we do not see or yet understand to be.  Doing this leaves all options open, including the best options that may not be so apparent. It says we do not really know what we should specifically pray for, even though sometimes we think we do.  But the mind of the Spirit knows the purpose of it all, which is typically different than what our ego mind thinks. So this scriptures reminds us, that if we love God’s purpose for our lives and we know and expect there is a good thing coming [because of what is promised], then we need to always remember that ALL things (good or seemly bad things) are meant to be in order to fully bring us to our true necessary purpose.  We need to remember this fact even during the seemly bad or good times of our life.  There is a reason, we must remember this and always expect the good outcome that is promised to those who love God’s purpose, and know that we may not understand or see what that outcome may be. This scripture gives us the impression that the hoping and expecting of good is what actually brings it to be, which follows what Romans 8 that says it IS our HOPE that saves us and not anything external to us or anything else. It is our expectation of good (good hope) that brings about the good that delivers us from “evil”.  So if our thoughts are so important and we are thinking negatively, that could also bring about a negative outcome.

The scriptures tell us NOT to have fear. There are many many references in the scriptures that warn us not to have fear:

·         Proverbs 10:24 “The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him: but the desire of the righteous shall be granted.” 

·         Job 3:25 “For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me.” 

·         Proverbs 29:25 ” The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.

·         Psalm 34:4 “I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.”

·         Romans 8:15 “For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.”

·         Philippians 4:6 “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”

·         2Timothy 1:7 “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”

·         1 John 4:18 “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.”

·         Philippians 2:14 ” Do all things without murmurings and disputings:”

·         1 Thessalonians 5:18 “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

The scriptures are very clear that we are not to fear and to be thankful in ALL things.   If we have fear and worry [rather than having positive hope] we can bring to pass the very things we fear. Our thoughts, fears, emotions, hope, and beliefs (faith) within us have the power to save us or destroy us.  And the words used in Proverbs 10:24 need to be carefully considered, because to be righteous does not mean self-righteousness and being wicked can mean many things including being proud, self-righteous, unthankful, or a complainer.  

Hebrews 11:1-2 “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report.”

Faith is defined as what ones believes to be true, and it is what makes hope in good things possible.  If you do not really believe that all things work together for your good (Romans 8 above), then there is no purpose in hoping for those good things, because it is the very absolute conviction in your heart and mind that makes the hope true hope.  So if you are not discouraged but truly believe that good things are in store, then your hope is established which is the same thing as having a good report or good outlook on life.

The scriptures say that we are meant to have good in our life and have our needs met in all fullness and not partially:

·         Jerimiah 29:11 “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”

·         Philippians 4:19 “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

What we truly believe is really what directs the outcome of our life. If we believe in the promises stated in the scriptures (“promises of God”), then we have a good report (Hebrews 11).  But if we do not believe in the good things promised for us, then we better to be careful as to what we do believe.  “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17).  We gain faith by believing that we are promised good things, as stated by the “word of God”.

Proverbs 16:3-4 “Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established. The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.

2 Corinthians 10:5 “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.”

2 Corinthians 10 reminds us that to keep our thoughts in check and in line with Christ, where Christ represents the anointing of love, meekness, humility, peace, and forgiveness.  Every thought is important. That is why is it important for every thought to be in obedience to those things that are Christ.  Remember we are saved by hope.  In order for our hope to save us, our thoughts and beliefs that direct our hope need to be good, so that hope will produce good for us. If we truly believe something, then our thoughts will align with that belief. Let’s say that again. If we truly believe something, then our thoughts will align with that belief.  As our thoughts are brought to obedience with what we believe, our hope will be established. This happens over time as we come to truly believe what we have been told through experience.

Romans 5:1- “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”

Again, our hope is established through tribulations, patience, and experience.  Remember our hope is directed by our thoughts, and our hope is established by our thoughts. And our thoughts need to always be in complete control for our good hope to be established.

Phil 4:6-7 “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Not only are we to control our thoughts in order to establish the hope which saves us, but in doing so we are to in turn to do as Phil 4:7 says and be thankful and carefree (i.e. free of fear). 

Ephesians 6:12 “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”

Here in Ephesians 6:12 and from Strong’s Concordance, the words “spiritual wickedness in high”, where “places” is added, literally mean - the human spirit’s evil purposes and desires in heaven.  The scriptures also tell us that heaven is located within each of us (also see previous posts about heaven); “…behold, the kingdom of God is within you.” (Luke 17:21), and kingdom of God = kingdom of heaven.   

Therefore, Ephesians 6:12 is telling us that in this life we really are not struggling with this physical world we live in, but we are struggling with powers that are not seen (darkness) and those powers we struggle with are the human spirit’s corrupt intentions within ourselves. We struggle and wrestled with the powers within us, which are our own thoughts, emotions, intentions, hopes, beliefs and so forth. This power within us is what we need to pin down in the wrestling match, pun intended.