"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" (Phil. 4:8).

Paul is now giving us the fourth step or key in this series of seven (7) keys that will focus us in on Christ and His life in and through us.  If you attempt to do that list on your own and in your own strength you will soon be disappointed and probably get discouraged.  Paul emphasizes over and over that we need to have our mind transformed and renewed (Rom. 12:2).  We can't do that with our own self efforts.  The Holy Spirit renews our mind in the Father's own timing.  We certainly want to cooperate and be willing, available, and ready.  Paul says, "be renewed in the spirit of your mind" (Eph. 4:23).  The deepest translations of these two verses, state that we should continually submit ourselves to the renewal of our minds by His active Spirit work within us.

While we certainly could identify things in the natural that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, and of good report.  However, we should stay with Paul's theme, purpose and context of this passage.  Paul is talking about the Holy Spirit renewing our mind to the truth of the fullness of Christ with His nature and His Spirit.  Christ is truth (John 14:6).  Christ who came to live, die, pay the penalty for our sin with His spotless shed blood is the noble, just, and pure Person.  This is the love of our Father in Him -- that's what is really lovely.  The good report or the good news is that He is not only resurrected, but now has come back to live in every Spirit birthed child of God.  Is that ever praiseworthy?!!!!