What’s On Your Mind?
What’s On Your Mind: Discover the power of Biblical Thinking • Sermon • Submitted • Presented • 36:59
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Message
Turn to Romans 7:22-25.
What is the mind? Our minds are almost always working - even when we are asleep. As we go about our day, our minds are busy processing and analyzing everything that our senses tell us, but I would guess that very few of us have ever spent much time thinking about our own thoughts. We don’t normally analyze our thoughts because we are so busy thinking about everything else around us. Sometimes, however, we’ll challenge other people to think about theirs!
"What were you thinking?" is a question often asked after some unfortunate mistake or blunder. …many a parent has asked their child, “Why didn't you think?" Someone [once said that], "Some people get lost in thought because it's such unfamiliar territory!"
All of us have had times when we have "drawn a blank" or had a "senior moment," but [even worse] most of us probably wish we could get rid of some thoughts. By no means are we alone in this struggle. - What’s On Your Mind, Dr. John Goetsch, page VII
Read Romans 7:22-25.
Yes, even Paul spoke about the battle that was fought in his mind.
Dr. Duane Gish has stated, ”The human brain is the most complex arrangement of matter in the universe."
Psychologists tell us the average person has about ten thousand thoughts each day. In fact, we are told that regardless of IQ, the average person has more information stored in his brain than is contained in the National Library!
The human thought processes [largely] remain a mystery to scientists and psychologists. But one thing is sure: How you think will affect the direction of your life. - What’s On Your Mind, Dr. John Goetsch, page VIII
Given enough time, the patterns of your life are a reflection of your thoughts. With the exception of some kind of mental health need, if there is a sinful pattern of behavior, it is because there is an unbiblical way of thinking.
Someone once said, "The body manifests what the mind harbors."
Ask yourself this question: Is there a pattern of behavior in my life that I don’t like?
Or perhaps a better question would be:
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Is there a pattern of behavior in my life that doesn’t please God?
Whatever that pattern may be, there must first be a change of thinking before there can be a change of living.
I once had a conversation with someone who was addicted to alcohol - and they knew it. When I say this person was addicted, I simply mean that their body craved it. I once heard a secular scientist explain that alcohol is a drug. He explained how it affects the brain and also how it affects the body.
This person I was talking to was addicted to the drug of alcohol and had been for many years. It was a pattern of behavior that they did not like, but here was the problem that prevented any kind of change: they thought that they were hopeless. They were convinced that God had given up on them and that there was no way they could ever have victory over their alcohol.
Now understand, if someone has been hooked on alcohol for years, it will usually take a lot of work, a lot of counsel, a lot of accountability, a lot of help from others to change that pattern of behavior. However, there must first be a change of thinking before there can be a change of living.
We often hide behind some deadly euphemism, saying, "It’s just the way I am" or "my dad was the same way" or "I'm too old to change now."
The truth is, our behavior will change when our thinking changes. If you are stuck in a certain behavioral pattern, you should question your thinking. - What’s On Your Mind, Dr. John Goetsch, page IX
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Proverbs 23:7 (KJV 1900)
For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he…
Sometimes our way of thinking is like a deeply engrained habit, but Christ can transform the Christian who grows in a holy dissatisfaction of that way of thinking. There must come a point where we tell ourselves, “I want to change.”
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Turn to and read 1 Corinthians 6:9-11.
The members of the church at Corinth were saved out of some pretty wicked lifestyles, and their minds had been tainted by sin which was now affecting their behavior as believers.
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Turn to and read 2 Corinthians 10:3-5.
Paul reminds them that change is possible, but only as they would allow the power of God to change their thinking. - What’s On Your Mind, Dr. John Goetsch, page IX
Understand, human willpower alone is not sufficient to change how we think and how we live. God never tells us in the Bible to live like Christ simply by trying harder. He tells us to live like Christ by being completely dependent upon Christ.
As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:
Paul claimed, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
“Change must always take place from the inside out.” - What’s On Your Mind, Dr. John Goetsch, page X
But let’s admit something: throughout the typical day, our culture regularly presents us with things to lead us to think all the wrong thoughts. Meanwhile, God tells us what to think on - think on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely and so on.
Application: So what’s on your mind, Christian? “God desires that our entire lives be wholly surrendered to His control.” God’s goal for you is that Christ’s life will flow through yours so that others will see Jesus in you. Christ resides within you, therefore, His life must be lived out through your hands, your feet, your words, your actions, and even your thoughts.
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Turn to and read Romans 12:1-2.
Application: Christian, there is hope for you. Maybe tonight there’s a pattern of behavior that God has helped you identify and you want to change it. I want you to know: there is hope for you. God’s will is that you become more like Jesus. God will actively transform your life through the power of Christ as you begin to intentionally change your thinking.
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Renewing: a renewal, renovation, complete change for the better - Joseph Henry Thayer, A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament:
Perhaps you need to do an early spring cleaning in your mind. Maybe you need to do a complete renovation and take your thinking all the way down to the studs before you can rebuild it with the mind of Christ.
As we begin this series and as I close in prayer, tell the Lord that you will change your thinking in whatever ways He wants you to, so that you can be like Jesus.