1. “…think on these things…”
God’s Spiritual Filter
Philippians 4:8

2. INTRODUCTION: 1. Computer Technology is unbelievable!
a. Speed, size, capability
b. Computers have revolutionized the world!

3. INTRODUCTION: 1. Computer Technology is unbelievable!
a. Speed, size, capability
b. Computers have revolutionized the world!
2. However, Computers have a problem, which often leads to disaster!

4. INTRODUCTION: 1. Computer Technology is unbelievable!
a. Speed, size, capability
b. Computers have revolutionized the world! - World wide, Work
2. However, Computers have a problem, which often leads to disaster!
3. THE PROBLEM: Computers Require Data to be INPUT
into the machine for it to OUTPUT anything!

5. INTRODUCTION: 1. Computer Technology is unbelievable!
a. Speed, size, capability
b. Computers have revolutionized the world! - World wide, Work
2. However, Computers have a problem, which often leads to disaster!
3. THE PROBLEM: Computers Require Data to be INPUT
into the machine for it to OUTPUT anything!
4. THE DISASTER: The OUTPUT is only as Good as the INPUT!
a. You put Good information in, you get Good information out!
b. You put Bad information in, you get Bad information out…
“Garbage in…Garbage out!”

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

7. INTRODUCTION:
6. The Human Brain is just like a computer…”Protein Computer”
7. Unfortunately, the Brain has the same problem & potential for disaster as a computers:
a. The Brain requires INPUT to get OUTPUT
b. The OUTPUT is only as good as the INPUT

8. INTRODUCTION:
6. The Human Brain is just like a computer…”Protein Computer”
7. Unfortunately, the Brain has the same problem & potential for disaster as a computers:
a. The Brain requires INPUT to get OUTPUT
b. The OUTPUT is only as good as the INPUT
8. We want to discuss this Brain Problem and Specifically address how we can avoid the disaster of contaminated INPUT and OUTPUT!

9. I. A Persons INPUTS and OUTPUTS

10. I. A Persons INPUTS and OUTPUTS
A. A Person gets INPUTS from 2 Sources:
1. What they HEAR!
2. What they SEE!
3. Matt 13:15, Jeremiah 5:21

11. Matthew 13:15
“For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.” NKJV
Jeremiah 5:21
“Hear now this, O foolish people, and without understanding; which have eyes, and see not; which have ears, and hear not:” NKJV

12. I. A Persons INPUTS and OUTPUTS
A. A Person gets INPUTS from 2 Sources:
1. What they HEAR!
2. What they SEE!
3. Matt 13:15, Jeremiah 5:21
B. These INPUTS go into the Brain or Heart

13. I. A Persons INPUTS and OUTPUTS
A. A Person gets INPUTS from 2 Sources:
1. What they HEAR!
2. What they SEE!
3. Matt 13:15, Jeremiah 5:21
B. These INPUTS go into the Brain or Heart
C. From our Heart comes our OUTPUT, in 2 ways:
1. In what they SAY!
2. In the way they ACT!
3. Matt 12:34, Proverbs 23:7, Proverbs 4

14. Matthew 12:34 Proverbs 23:7 Proverbs 4:23
“O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh..” NKJV
Proverbs 23:7
“For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he…”NKJV
Proverbs 4:23
“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” NKJV
Issues - hauwt - towtsa’ah - borders or extent, often used of the
border of a kingdom or land; it
determines the area

15. II. Understanding INPUTS and OUTPUTS
A. A Person gets INPUTS from 2 Sources:
1. What they HEAR!
2. What they SEE!
3. Matt 13:15, Jeremiah 5:21
B. These INPUTS go into the Brain or Heart
C. From our Heart comes our OUTPUT, in 2 ways:
1. In what they SAY!
2. In the way they ACT!
3. Matt 12:34, Proverbs 23:7, Proverbs 4
D. Lets do a PRACTICAL EXERCISE!

16. INPUTS & OUTPUTS
What we Hear
What we See
What we Do
What we Say

17. IS GOOD IS GOOD INPUTS & OUTPUTS What we Hear What we See What we Do
What we Say

18. IS GOOD IS GOOD IS GOOD IS GOOD INPUTS & OUTPUTS What we Hear
What we See
IS GOOD
IS GOOD
What we Do
What we Say
IS GOOD
IS GOOD

19. IS EVIL IS EVIL INPUTS & OUTPUTS What we Hear What we See What we Do
What we Say

20. IS EVIL IS EVIL IS EVIL IS EVIL INPUTS & OUTPUTS What we Hear
What we See
IS EVIL
IS EVIL
What we Do
What we Say
IS EVIL
IS EVIL

21. GOOD & EVIL GOOD & EVIL ? ? INPUTS & OUTPUTS What we Hear What we See
What we Do
What we Say ? ?

22. GOOD & EVIL GOOD & EVIL IS EVIL IS EVIL INPUTS & OUTPUTS What we Hear
What we See
GOOD
&
EVIL
GOOD
&
EVIL
What we Do
What we Say
IS EVIL
IS EVIL

23. II. Understanding INPUTS and OUTPUTS
E. THERE IS NO MIXING OF GOOD & BAD, CONTAMINATION OCCURS AND EVIL RESULTS

24. II. Understanding INPUTS and OUTPUTS
E. THERE IS NO MIXING OF GOOD & BAD, CONTAMINATION OCCURS AND EVIL RESULTS
1. James 3:9-12
9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. 10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. 11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? 12 Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.

25. II. Understanding INPUTS and OUTPUTS
E. THERE IS NO MIXING OF GOOD & BAD, CONTAMINATION OCCURS AND EVIL RESULTS
1. James 3:9-12
2. Matt 6:22-24
22 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. 23 But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! 24 No man can serve two masters: for either 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 mammon.

26. II. Understanding INPUTS and OUTPUTS
E. THERE IS NO MIXING OF GOOD & BAD, CONTAMINATION OCCURS AND EVIL RESULTS
1. James 3:9-12
2. Matt 6:22-24
3. Revelation 3: church at Laodicea
15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

27. II. Understanding INPUTS and OUTPUTS
E. THERE IS NO MIXING OF GOOD & BAD, CONTAMINATION OCCURS AND EVIL RESULTS
1. James 3:9-12
2. Matt 6:22-24
3. Revelation 3:15-16
F. This is a HUGE Problem for the CHURCH!!!!!

28. II. Understanding INPUTS and OUTPUTS
E. THERE IS NO MIXING OF GOOD & BAD, CONTAMINATION OCCURS AND EVIL RESULTS
1. James 3:9-12
2. Matt 6:22-24
3. Revelation 3:15-16
F. This is a HUGE Problem for the CHURCH!!!!!
1. We must watch our INPUT - Filth is everywhere!
TV, Radio, Magazines, Internet, Movies, Friends
2. Be careful for the Accidental/Unintentional Evil Input!

29. II. Understanding INPUTS and OUTPUTS
E. THERE IS NO MIXING OF GOOD & BAD, CONTAMINATION OCCURS AND EVIL RESULTS
1. James 3:9-12
2. Matt 6:22-24
3. Revelation 3:15-16
F. This is a HUGE Problem for the CHURCH!!!!!
1. We must watch our INPUT - Filth is everywhere!
TV, Radio, Magazines, Internet, Movies, Friends
2. Be careful for the Accidental/Unintentional Evil Input!
3. NEVER ALLOW an INTENTIONAL Evil Input!

30. II. Understanding INPUTS and OUTPUTS
E. THERE IS NO MIXING OF GOOD & BAD, CONTAMINATION OCCURS AND EVIL RESULTS
1. James 3:9-12
2. Matt 6:22-24
3. Revelation 3:15-16
F. This is a HUGE Problem for the CHURCH!!!!!
1. We must watch our INPUT - Filth is everywhere!
TV, Radio, Magazines, Internet, Movies, Friends
2. Be careful for the Accidental/Unintentional Evil Input!
3. NEVER ALLOW an INTENTIONAL Evil Input!
Christians are doing this more and more!!!
They ride the fence with what they read, watch, listen to!
It is KILLING THEM & THE CHURCH!

31. III. Insuring GOOD INPUTS and OUTPUTS

32. III. Insuring GOOD INPUTS and OUTPUTS
A. We can insure GOOD Input & Outputs!!
B. Do this by Installing a SPIRITUAL FILTER!

33. III. Insuring GOOD INPUTS and OUTPUTS
A. We can insure GOOD Input & Outputs!!
B. Do this by Installing a SPIRITUAL FILTER!
C. This Spiritual filter is found in 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.”
D. Let’s explain how this works…

34. Filters…. 1. We are all familiar with filtering systems:
a. Water filters are common
b. Air Filters are common
c. Fuel & Oil Filters in cars
2. Filters are designed for one purpose: to remove contamination!
3. Filters are essential for successful operation; without filtration, destruction is assured!
Filter
Contaminated
Pure
Component

35. Filters…. 1. Spiritual Filtration works the Same Way!
2. Philippians 4:8 is designed to: remove contamination!
3. This filter is essential for our successful SPIRITUAL operation; without this filtration, destruction is assured!
4. Now, let’s understand specifically how this filter works…
PHIL. 4:8
EVIL & GOOD
Pure
HEART or
MIND
Dishonesty, lies, immorality

36. IV. Understanding our Spiritual Filter…
Philippians 4:8
“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.”

37. IV. Understanding our Spiritual Filter…
Philippians 4:8
“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.”
A. We must install these thoughts in our mind!

38. IV. Understanding our Spiritual Filter…
Philippians 4:8
“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.”
A. We must install these thoughts in our mind!
1. “Logizomai” to deliberate, to account…to think on a matter by way of taking account of its character…making these things subjects of your thoughtful consideration!
2. WE must meditate on these things!
3. This takes deliberate action!

39. IV. Understanding our Spiritual Filter…
Philippians 4:8
“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.”
B. TRUE!
1. “alethes” true, truth loving, the reality lying at the basis of an appearance!
2. ASK OURSELVES…is what I am watching or hearing…true, according to God’s word?!

40. IV. Understanding our Spiritual Filter…
Philippians 4:8
“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.”
C. HONEST!
1. “semnos” reverend, honorable, dignified…the word points to a seriousness in purpose and to self-respect in conduct
2. ASK OURSELVES…is what I am watching or hearing…does it encourage me to act honestly or foolishly?

41. IV. Understanding our Spiritual Filter…
Philippians 4:8
“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.”
D. JUST!
1. “dikalos” denotes righteous, as state of being right. Said of God, it designates the perfect agreement btw. His nature and His acts!
2. ASK OURSELVES…is what I am watching or hearing…does this make me want to act like GOD or be RIGHT with God!

42. IV. Understanding our Spiritual Filter…
Philippians 4:8
“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.”
E. PURE!
1. “hagnos” Pure from defilement, not comtaminated, pure from fault…HOLY
2. ASK OURSELVES…is what I am watching or hearing…Does this CONTAMINATE ME and make me like the world!

43. IV. Understanding our Spiritual Filter…
Philippians 4:8
“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.”
F. LOVELY!
1. “prosphiles” pleasing, agreeable, from two words: “pros” meaning “towards” and “phileo” meaning”love”.
2. ASK OURSELVES…is what I am watching or hearing…promote me to love my neighbor and my brethren?!

44. IV. Understanding our Spiritual Filter…
Philippians 4:8
“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.”
G. GOOD REPORT!
1. “euphemous” good reputation, well saying, uttering good words and avoiding ill words, fair sounding
2. ASK OURSELVES…is what I am watching or hearing…is what I am hearing uplifting, good an positive

45. IV. Understanding our Spiritual Filter…
Philippians 4:8
“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.”
H. VIRTUE!
1. “arete” MORAL EXCELLANCE
2. ASK OURSELVES…is what I am watching or hearing…is it morally excellent according to God’s word

46. IV. Understanding our Spiritual Filter…
Philippians 4:8
“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.”
I. PRAISE!
1. “epainos” commendation, praise
2. ASK OURSELVES…is what I am watching or hearing…is this worthy of praise and commendation!!

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

48. CONCLUSION: 1. WE MUST WATCH WHAT WE ALLOW TO BE PUT INTO OUR MINDS!
2. We must keep ourselves pure!
Isaiah 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!
4. However, for those who might say...this stuff does not bother me…

49. 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!

50. Wounded at the Theatre John Chrysostom (AD 349-407)
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 )