We’re in the process of exploring how to take captive every thought and make it obedient to Christ using Philippians 4:8:

Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

We’ve camped on ‘true’ for quite a while – it’s good stuff!  Truth is a hallmark of Christ and an easy distinguishing feature of whether or not something is of Him and His kingdom. (As a quick reminder, we’re exploring these words to help align our minds to the Lord’s, which is a great first step as we seek to be wise about what we confront in others.) 

‘Noble’ is up next.

It’s not used very much in the New Testament.  Except for its use here in Philippians 4:8, it is only used three other times.  In all three instances (1 Timothy 3:8, 11; Titus 2:2) it sets the bar that deacons, their wives, and older men should be worthy of respect.  They should be honorable and dignified.

Outside of the New Testament, ‘noble,’ or σεμνός, was used in Greek as an epithet.  Good ol’ dictionary.com gives us this example of an epithet:

any word or phrase applied to a person or thing to describe an actual or attributed quality: “Richard the Lion-Hearted” is an epithet of Richard I.  

So if we were to use σεμνός as an epithet in Greek, it would be like saying Richard the Noble, or Richard the Honorable.

It’s a word of honor and dignity.  It indicates – and can inspire – respect.

We kind of use this today… like when a judge enters the courtroom.  The bailiff beckons, “All rise.”  Then he announces, “The Honorable Judge Richard presiding,” and in walks the judge.

Can we be silly for just a minute?  If we apply this to our thoughts, it’s basically like someone announcing,

“All rise!  The honorable [insert your name]’s thought presiding.”

And in walks your thought to preside in your mind. 

It walks in {hopefully!} characterized by honor, respect, and dignity.  It is {hopefully!} honorable and noble.

Thoughts now in session : )