1. 1 Practical Principles that lead to Spiritual Stability Cultivating harmony in the Church Maintaining a spirit of joy Learning to be content Resting on a confident faith Reacting to problems w/ thankful prayer Thinking on Godly virtues Obeying God’s standard

2. 2 Practical Principles that lead to Spiritual Stability - Part 3 Thinking on Godly virtues  Finally – sum total or climax  Dwell on these things – command to think by way of evaluation or calculation  The Bible states we are a product of our thoughts – Proverbs 23:7  Mark 7:20-23

3. 3 Practical Principles that lead to Spiritual Stability - Part 3 Thinking on Godly virtues (cont’d)  Biblical question, “Is it true?” – Jn. 17:17  Cultural questions: “Does it work?” “Does it work?” “How does it make me feel?” “How does it make me feel?”  Acts 17:11

4. 4 Practical Principles that lead to Spiritual Stability - Part 3 Thinking on Godly virtues (cont’d)  Thinking is essential to saving and sanctifying faith Romans 8:5,6 Romans 8:5,6 2 Corinthians 4:4-6 2 Corinthians 4:4-6 1 Corinthians 1:30 ; 2:11-16 1 Corinthians 1:30 ; 2:11-16 Proverbs 2:1-6 Proverbs 2:1-6

5. 5 Practical Principles that lead to Spiritual Stability - Part 3 Thinking on Godly virtues (cont’d)  What are we to think (dwell) on? 1.Whatever is true – Ps. 19:9 ; 119:151 Reading, analyzing, meditating Reading, analyzing, meditating Basis for all other thought Basis for all other thought 2.Whatever is honorable – revere or worship 3.Whatever is right - righteous

6. 6 Practical Principles that lead to Spiritual Stability - Part 3 Thinking on Godly virtues (cont’d)  What are we to think (dwell) on? 4.Whatever is pure – morally clean ; 1 Jn. 3:3 5.Whatever is lovely – gracious, patient 6.Whatever is of good repute – loftiest theme 7.Summary – any excellence or anything worthy of praise: Proverbs 4:23

7. 7 Practical Principles that lead to Spiritual Stability - Part 3 Application #6 How is your thinking? Is your thinking leading to death or life and peace?

8. 8 Practical Principles that lead to Spiritual Stability - Part 3 Obeying God’s standard  “Practice” – repetition; Col. 3:15-17  Correct thinking leads to correct behavior Learned – teaching, instructing, discipling Learned – teaching, instructing, discipling Received – refers to God’s revelation Received – refers to God’s revelation Heard – what Paul had become known for Heard – what Paul had become known for Seen – direct observation of life message Seen – direct observation of life message

9. 9 Practical Principles that lead to Spiritual Stability - Part 3 Obeying God’s standard  Promise of obedience ….. the God of peace will be with you! the God of peace will be with you!

10. 10 Practical Principles that lead to Spiritual Stability - Part 3 Application #7 Do you have peace? If not is it because of a lack of obedience?