April 25, 2021
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INTRODUCTION: You will never change your life until you change the way you think.
YOUR LIFE WILL FOLLOW THE DIRECTION OF YOUR MOST DOMINANT THOUGHTS!
Proverbs 23:7-“For as he thinks in his heart so is he……”
If we are ever going to change the way we think we’ve got to understand that our mind is a battlefield!
2Corinthians 10:3-5- “For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
Ephesians 6:10-11- “A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.”
God says, “Do it in My strength, wearing My armor, but you have to take the stand.”
WHAT DOES STANDING LOOK LIKE?
Proverbs 4:23- “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.
Proverbs 4:23(CEV)- “Carefully guard your thoughts because they are the source
of true life.”
PUTTING UP YOUR GUARD (DEFENSE)
- Guard Your Mind Against Lies
John 8:44- “When he (the devil) lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”
- Guard Your Mind Against Fear
2Timothy 1:7-“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
- Guard Your Mind Against Temptation
1Corinthians 10:13- “The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.”
- Guard Your Mind Against Negativity
Proverbs 18:8- “Listening to gossip is like eating cheap candy; do you really want junk like that in your belly?”
Now it’s time to go on the offensive!
CHOOSING THE RIGHT THOUGHTS (OFFENSE)
- Think Positive Thoughts
Philippians 4:8,9- “And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.
- Think Encouraging Thoughts
Ephesians 4:29- “Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.”
Hebrews 10:25 “And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.”
How can I encourage others if I’m not thinking encouraging thoughts!
1Thessalonians 5:11-“So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.”
- Think Grateful Thoughts
Colossians 3:15- “And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.”
1 Thessalonians 5:18 – “Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”
- Think God Thoughts
Isaiah 26:3 “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!”
CONCLUSION: The defense: Guard against lies, fear, temptation and negativity.
The offense: Think positive, encouraging, grateful, God thoughts!
Win the battle in your mind, guard yourself and then go the offensive and choose the right thoughts.
HOW?
Romans 13:14- “Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires.” It’s Jesus Christ who changes your life and empowers you to think positive, encouraging, grateful God thoughts!