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A Biblical Application of Thinking
By Gary L. Fiscus

(Part I Lecture)

There are well over 100 biblical passages that refer to or allude to THINKING. This does not include countless other clauses that involve learning, application, meditation, studying etc. We will get to some of these later in this study but now let me draw your attention to education, both secular and spiritual.
According to Medical News Today the brain is the most complex organ of the human body. For years many have believed that one uses only about 10% of that brain. Research has shown to the contrary. People use “most of their brain,” according to the sources author Lana Burgess. Her words were critiqued by Seunggu Han, M.D.
The same printed article in July 2024 states that “the brain weighs about three pounds and contains around 1000 billion neurons which are cells that carry information.” I want to focus on this INFORMATION put into our brains. Are we talking about a complex medium that evolved, or was there Intelligent Design behind it all? As vital as a critical study would be of origins, we must limit this lesson to how that human brain is used, not its derivation just here. I believe Jehovah has given us the capability of using this organ with which to THINK. That is the physical part.
While we are referencing modern-day authorities, and purposely giving credit to men and women who know about such things, let us also go back to the Greek philosopher Aristotle, (384-322 B.C.). He suggested that one test of an individual’s education is whether they could entertain new ideas. That demands THINKING. This is application of that which is learned. Do you meditate? Do you spend time in thought? Do you contemplate any facet of life that comes your way? Do you meet challenges with raw nerves or with carefully thought-out planning to find solutions to the problems? The key to successful learning is THINKING. Proper use of the brain requires persistence, dedication and determination. From a Christian’s standpoint all of these must be exercised with godliness, morality, love, kindness, care and concern. not only for oneself but for others. In fact, the cliché “God first, others second, self, third,” well fits the application of how a Christian THINKS and acts.
Another well-noted figure was John Ruskin, (19th century, 1819-1900), English author, historian, lecturer, etc. He said that education is, “Teaching not what they do not know but showing them to behave as they do not yet behave.” This is another way of saying that when one is properly taught, he will change his actions and activities. This too involves THINKING. We add that as a Christian one “practices what he preaches.” He learns God’s will then makes spiritual application of what he has learned. A good education changes a person’s intellect but also changes his moral values and actions predicating all of them on God and His word. In other words, application of Bible knowledge is required for real success. It is achieved with proper THINKING.
We understand that as human beings we are physically in a body but also have a soul, an intellect, a mind, and a spirit. These are intangible but can and must be developed, trained and put into action with a view toward eternity. Solomon said it best, “And the dust returneth to the earth as it was, and the spirit returneth unto God who gave it.” Zechariah adds, “… [Jehovah] … formeth the spirit of man within him.” There are distinctions made among soul, intellect, mind, and spirit but just here we are looking at the importance of learning, educating, THINKING and preparing the WHOLE man for eternity.
Science as well as the scriptures teach us that by developing our intellect we can improve our health. Moses taught this same thing in the book of Leviticus, chapter 11, regarding dietary laws for the Hebrew nation. The apostle Paul admonished us to care for our bodies, “Or know ye not that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which ye have from God? and ye are not your own; for ye were bought with a price: glorify God therefore in your body.” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) There is obviously an intertwining of body, soul, and spirit in us as humans. THINK about it.
Let us refer to a well-known scripture at 2 Timothy 2:15, “Give diligence, (study, KJV) to present thyself approved unto God…” Note that as THINKING people we are to investigate, ingest and digest that which is good for us. It is a learning process. We often concentrate so much on the significance of study that we minimize the process of THINKING and learning. The translation “give diligence” lends itself more to our responsibilities in learning; not just to go through the motions of reading but actually putting our all into comprehending that which is better for us!
The suggestion is that again there is a difference between knowledge and learning. Bible students often point out the difference between knowledge and wisdom, (see Proverbs 1:7; James 1:4). We infrequently discern between knowing and learning. What we take into our brain must be THOUGHT about. We are not machines to merely be fed data.
The meaning of learning is entertaining an idea, THINKING, then acting upon it. As the result, this development improves our intellect. E.G., this brings refreshing sense to Jesus’ statement at Matthew 7:16, “By their fruits ye shall know them. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?” You say, “well that’s a given.” No, it is not. Such information has to be learned. We observe a person’s “fruits” and identify them by those “fruits.” We know, i.e., have learned from investigation and analyses that grapes do not grow on thorn bushes nor figs on thistles. We of the midwestern United States might give another simile, “corn does not grow from soybeans, nor do soybeans grow from seed corn.” The analogy is the same and we know this because we have learned it. One teacher has suggested that Jesus, Matthew 7:16 is teaching the skill of self-reliance.
The apostle Paul penned in Philippians 3:13, “… forgetting the things which are behind…” Why is this important? Because many people have a tendency to dwell on the past. They THINK of it so dearly or tragically that they cannot enjoy the present for worrying about what may happen in the future. The author of the epistle to these brethren at Philippi commanded them to learn from past experiences but not to dwell on them. Think about the past but do not let it overwhelm you. Have you ever been so involved with a previous event that the whole situation impeded your life? The ability to learn is on the fringe of wisdom. It takes what we have learned, we THINK about it and then spiritually apply it.
Another attribute of knowledge, learning, intellect, welfare of soul, spirit, mind and body is creativity. THINK. Meditate on your ideas. Read what Jehovah says in His word, and allow it to formulate your THINKING as to its significance in your own mind. That is not to personally or privately interpret God’s intentions but to reflect and seriously consider what His tenents are. We acknowledge from His word that one’s own learning of faith comes from that word. Romans 10:17 explains, “So belief (faith) comes by hearing and hearing by the word of Christ.” You may say, “Well, I know that one by heart.” Good for you but merely memorizing the words does not mean that you have learned what it means, nor that you are making application of it! Have you given THOUGHT to what it means?
Hearing God’s word and believing in Him and His word is the beginning of a continuing process of learning. That creates within us a desire to grow, mature, and develop our relationship to Jesus and His word. That gospel creates in me a longing to continue learning. It is not that I create new words or doctrine but I create the stimulation to want to learn more. That makes me THINK. The principle is relevant from the Hebrew writer’s words in Hebrew 10:24, “and let us consider, (i.e., think) one another to provoke, (stimulate, KJV) unto love and good works.” Association and fellowship with Christians stirs me to be creative, personable, caring, and amiable. It triggers brethren to do likewise. They reciprocate. In this way I am applying my creativity. They are applying theirs. We are both THINKING.
Doctors and science tell us that every time we THINK on an idea we build brain cells. This is inclusive of practicing good habits, changing one’s behavior when it is for the better and staying focused on godly activities, e.g., biblical ideas and scriptural practices.
We close this lecture part of our study with a question: What or Who is in control of your life? Is it outside circumstances, inward emotions, lack of education either/or secular or spiritual, lack of communication, NOT THINKING, what? To quote another source, Irish playwright, critic, George Bernard Shaw (1856–1950) once explained, “People blame circumstances, you should look for the circumstance they require and create it.” Put yourself in their place is the meaning of Shaw’s statement. This is also a Native American proverb: “Do not judge me until you have walked a mile in my moccasins.” The original concept, however, was first taught by Jesus in Matthew 7:1-2, “Judge not, lest ye be judged. Why do you see the splinter in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye?” Do circumstances control your life? Are they an excuse for what has or has not happened to you? Do you THINK how can I help others and/or how can I help myself?
I like the words of Moses in Deuteronomy 31:8, “It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Would this assurance not help Joshua with time to THINK about military strategy, have no fear or be dismayed? Note that the Lord did not say, “I am going to DO THIS FOR YOU, rather He said, “I will give you strength.” The point is that if God did all for Joshua, why would Moses’s replacement need strength. God expects us to THINK. He watches over and even protects us, but He also expects us to implement our plans by doing our own THINKING, “according to His will,” 1 John 5:14.
The Psalmist at 73:26 wrote, "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." These two verses encourage me to learn how to be closer to my God. Sometimes in my own feebleness I do not apply myself to biblical application of THINKING. I Must do better. I must learn. I must educate myself, learn, THINK and apply what I have learned that heaven might be my home.

(Part II Bible Verse Questions)
Having read the above treatise on learning, THINKING, education, attitude, etc. let us now concentrate on particular scriptures that lend themselves to our learning process as Bible students. These are but ten suggested words, phrases and concepts straight from the Bible. Hopefully, the above paragraphs that you have now read, will give a little clearer understanding as to why it is imperative that as Christians we THINK, gain knowledge, wisdom, consideration, comprehension, excitement and motivation for ourselves and toward one another:

1) Proverbs 15:28, “The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, But the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.”
a) In defining the word “ponder” (“studieth,” KJV), two synonyms are given in the Greek language, they are imagine and meditate. How do these fit our discussion of the heart and our THINKING? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________
b) On the use of the word “answer” synonyms are to pay attention and/or respond. In our thinking processes how do these fit? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
c) Why does the “wicked’s mouth pour out evil things?” What does it have to do with thinking? ___________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________
d) How might the humorous cliché “Put brain in gear before putting mouth in motion” work with this Proverbs 15:28 passage? _____ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________
2) Mark 7:21-22, “For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride and foolishness.”
a) Are not all these actions coming from the brain? ___________ ___________________________________________________
b) “Within” what? __________________ What comes “from within?” _____________________________________________ ___________________________________________________
c) What then does “out of the heart” mean? ________________ ___________________________________________________
3) Proverbs 23:7, “For as he thinks within himself, so he is. He says to you, ‘Eat and drink!’ But his heart is not with you.”
a) Read v 6 and answer who is the “he” spoken of in this context? ___________________________________________________
b) How is our thinking affected by the “he’s” thinking of this world? ______________________________________________ ___________________________________________________
c) How might the cliché, “You are what you eat” apply to this Proverb and this study about thinking? ________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________
d) If the “wicked person’s heart is not with me,” what do you think is his motivation for coercing me? Consider Proverbs 1:8-19 in your answer. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
4) Romans 12:2, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be trans-formed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”
a) Often people think and thereby conclude that conformation, i.e., compliance, is easier than noncompliance. A familiar quotation cited is, “If you won’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything.” E.g., Going along with the crowd is easier than bucking the trend or ignoring or fighting against worldly popularity. Again, as with the previous reference read Proverbs 1:8-19. _____________________________________ ___________________________________________________
b) Transformation comes as a positive result of right-thinking. One’s mind is renewed for the better. Things are THOUGHT through. Decisions are made that will improve a person’s character and lead him to righteousness. In what ways might one “prove what the will of God is?” ___ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________
c) Regarding our learning and THINKING processes, define how this might be “good” thinking, “acceptable” thinking, “perfect” thinking. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
5) Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.” Do not make this a superficial listing of mere Bible words. THINK about each one, define and describe what you THINK it requires of you. “Dwell” i.e., “Think” on the following:
a) What might be “true?” ____________________________
b) What might be “honorable?” ________________________
c) What might be “right?” ____________________________
d) What might be “pure?” ____________________________
e) What might be “lovely?” ___________________________
f) What might be of “good repute?” _____________________
g) What might “have excellence?” ______________________
h) What might be “worthy of praise?” ____________________
6) Philippians 2:5, “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus.”
a) One’s attitude is composed and determined by a series of THOUGHT processes. Those processes are implemented and bring the result of hopefully righteous behavior, conduct, and character. Here is a list of synonyms for attitude. THINK about each one as to how it is tantamount to attitude.
i) Mental process - ____________________________
ii) Arrogance - _______________________________
iii) Mindset - _________________________________
iv) Posture - _________________________________
v) Insolence - ________________________________
vi) Righteousness - ____________________________
b) This passage, Philippians 2:5, suggests that as a child of God one is to emulate Christ as did Paul in his teachings and in his examples:
i) 1 Corinthians 11:1 ___________________________
ii) Romans 15:1-3 _____________________________
iii) Philippians 2:4-8 ___________________________
c) Note that this attitude development comes from “in yourselves.” Food for thought: “You are who you are because you make yourself that way.” ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________
7) Proverbs 14:15, “The naive believes everything, But the sensible man considers his steps.”
a) This is typical Hebrew poetry. E.G., the two-phrase contrast is poetically obvious as it notes the difference between naiveté and common sense. How is this determined? By self-“consider[ation].” I.E., THINK before you act.
b) When one “considers” in this case “his steps,” he will either act foolishly, irrationally, imprudently, or in his THINKING he analyzes his steps and determines to act with “sense,” i.e., discerning perception.
c) Sometimes we act upon our own gullibility. As the Proverb says, we “believe every(any)thing.”
d) Can you think of occasions where a person has not THOUGHT about a situation but plunged headlong into trouble? He did not use common sense but “believed everything” about a person, situation, acquaintance or job? ________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________
8) Acts 18:28, “For he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, demonstrating by the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ.”
a) How might one “powerfully refute” anything? What type of THINKING might this require? _____________________________ ___________________________________________________
b) How does Luke 23:10 use “powerfully?” How do you perceive the positive and the negative results of these powerful refutations? _________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________
c) Can one “refute” any issue with any type of authority? Explain this in light of the last clause of v 10, “…by the Scriptures…” ____________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________
d) In your thinking explain why “was” is used and not “is.” _____ ___________________________________________________
9) Philippians 2:4, “Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.”
a) “Look out” means what? ___________________________ ___________________________________________________
b) How does one’s thinking develop an “interest” toward others? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________
c) Is a Christian not to be concerned at all for his own “interests?” ______________________________________________________________________________________________________
10) Proverbs 22:17, “Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise and apply your mind to my knowledge.”
a) I had a friend, now deceased, who had spent his life establishing new banks in Indiana and Michigan. When I asked him about his success he said, “I surround myself with wise men.” Is this not what Solomon is saying in this passage? _________________________________________
b) Several times in the book of Revelation Jesus said, “He that hath an ear let him hear,” (Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 29; 3:6; 13; 22; 13:9). What word or words say the same thing in Proverbs 22:17? ____________________ ___________________________________________________
c) Romans 10:17 states, “So belief cometh of hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” (ASV). Explain this in light of Proverbs 22:17 as well as from the above-mentioned Revelation references. ________________ ___________________________________________________
d) Staying with our main concern of THINKING, application of one’s mind is to be based on what, Proverbs 22:17? _________________ ___________________________________________________

Here then are ten passages of scripture that focus on one’s THINKING, MIND DEVELOPMENT, COMMITMENT and MEDITATION. One last THINKING application is from Paul’s writings at 2 Cor. 13:5, “Try your own selves, whether ye are in the faith; prove your own selves. Or know ye not as to your own selves, that Jesus Christ is in you? unless indeed ye be reprobate.” After reading, studying and meditating about this admonition, what do you THINK? ____________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________