When the Unexpected happens part 3 new

Noel Merrick

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When the Unexpected happens part 3 new

Allow us to give a little commentary on this passage in 1 Kings 19

1 KINGS 19 – GOD ENCOURAGES DISCOURAGED ELIJAH

1 Kings 19:1-18 – A Great Victory & the Aftermath of It

A. Elijah flees to the wilderness.

1. (1 Kings 19: 1-3) Jezebel’s threat.

a. Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done: The report came as a great shock to this champion of Baal and Astarte worship in Israel.

She thought so much of these priests that she supported them from the royal treasury, and now they were dead at the hand of Elijah.

b. So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by tomorrow about this time: Jezebel heard about all that Elijah had done, encompassing the great confrontation at Mount Carmel.

Yet her response was not to say, “The silence of Baal and the fire from Yahweh proves that I am wrong and Yahweh is God.”

Instead, she responded with a vow to kill within 24 hours the man who exposed the lie of Baal worship and displayed the glory of Yahweh.

i. “He probably thought that the miracle at Carmel would have been the means of effecting the conversion of the whole court and of the country, but, finding himself mistaken, he is greatly discouraged.” (Clarke)

c. When he saw that, he arose and ran for his life, and went to Beersheba: We cannot say for certain if this was led of God or not.

It is clear that God wanted to protect Elijah, but we cannot say if God wanted to protect him at Jezreel or protect him by getting him out of Jezreel.

Nevertheless, Elijah went about 80 miles south to Beersheba.

i. “Probably Elijah had played into Jezebel’s hand. Had she really wanted Elijah dead, she surely would have seized him without warning and slain him.

What she desired was that Elijah and his God be discredited before the new converts what had aided Elijah by executing the prophets of Baal.” (Patterson and Austel)

ii. “Elijah failed in the very point at which he was strongest, and that is where most men fail.

In Scripture, it is the wisest man who proves himself to be the greatest fool; just as the meekest man, Moses, spoke hasty and bitter words.

Abraham failed in his faith, and Job in his patience; so, he who was the most courageous of all men, fled from an angry woman.” (Spurgeon)

2. (1 Kings 19:4 ) Elijah’s depression.

1 Kings 19:4 KJV 1900

But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.

a. He himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness: Beyond the distant city of Beersheba, Elijah secluded himself even more.

b. And he prayed that he might die: This mighty man of prayer – mighty enough to make the rain and the dew stop for three and a half years, and then mighty enough to make it start again at his prayer – now he prayed that he might die.

i. Thankfully, this was a prayer not answered for Elijah. In fact, Elijah was one of the few men in the Bible to never die!

We can imagine that as he was caught up into heaven, he smiled and thought of this prayer – and the blessed no that answered his prayer.

To receive a no answer from God can be better than receiving a yes answer.

c. It is enough: We sense that Elijah meant, “I can’t do this anymore, LORD.”

The work was stressful, exhausting, and seemed to accomplish nothing.

The great work on Mount Carmel did not result in a lasting national revival or return to the LORD.

i. Perhaps Elijah had especially hoped that the events on Mount Carmel would turn around Ahab and Jezebel and the leadership of Israel in general.

If so, Elijah forgot that people reject God despite the evidence, not because of the evidence.

ii. “Elijah said, ‘It is enough,’ yet it was not enough even for his own enjoyment, for the Lord had more blessings in store for him…

It was so with Elijah, for he was to have that wonderful revelation of God on Mount Horeb.

He had more to enjoy, and the later life of Elijah appears to have been one of calm communion with his God; he seems never to have had another fainting fit, but to the end his sun shone brightly without a cloud.

So it was not enough; how could he know that it was? It is God alone who knows when we have done enough, and enjoyed enough; but we do not know.” (Spurgeon)

d. Now, LORD, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers: When Elijah examined the apparent failure of his work, he instinctively set the blame on his own unworthiness.

It was because he was a sinner as the rest of his ancestors that the work seemed to fail.

B. God’s ministry to the despairing Elijah.

1. ( 1 Kings 19:5-8) God ministers to the physical needs of Elijah.

1 Kings 19:5–8 KJV 1900

And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat. And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again. And the angel of the Lord came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee. And he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God.

a. As he lay and slept under a broom tree: This was the mercy of God extended to Elijah.

Physically speaking, he needed rest and replenishment. God gave him rest under a broom tree, and provided miraculous food for the replenishment.

i. God first ministered to Elijah’s physical needs.

This is not always His order, but physical needs are important.

Sometimes the most spiritual thing a person can do is get enough rest and replenishment.

ii. “And how many are there at this day that sit under Elias’s juniper, willing and wishing to lay down that heavy burden imposed upon them by the Almighty!” (Trapp)

b. So he ate and drank, and lay down again: Elijah received this rest and replenishment repeatedly from the LORD.

One quick nap and one quick meal wasn’t enough.

i. “Before entering into that communion with him which was for the correction of his false attitude of fear, He commanded him to eat, thus ministering to his physical weakness.” (Morgan)

ii. “The spirit needs to be fed, and the body needs feeding also.

Do not forget these matters; it may seem to some people that I ought not to mention such small things as food and rest, but these may be the very first elements in really helping a poor depressed servant of God.” (Spurgeon)

iii. “It was very gracious for God to deal this with his servant.

We might have expected rebuke or remonstrance, chiding or chastisement; but we would hardly have expected such loving, gentle treatment as this.” (Meyer)

c. Arise and eat, because the journey is too great for you: God set Elijah on a 200-mile, 40-day trip to Mount Horeb, also known as Mount Sinai.

This shows that God did not demand an immediate recovery from Elijah.

He allowed the prophet time to recover from his spiritual depression.

i. “Elijah’s forty-day journey is not without significance. Indeed, a straight trip from Beersheba would require little more than a quarter of that time.

Therefore the period is designedly symbolic.

As the children of Israel had a notable spiritual failure and so were to wander forty years in the wilderness, so a defeated Elijah was to spend forty days in the desert.” (Patterson and Austel)

2. (1 Kings 19: 9-10) God allows Elijah to vent his frustrations.

1 Kings 19:9–10 KJV 1900

And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there; and, behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and he said unto him, What doest thou here, Elijah? And he said, I have been very jealous for the Lord God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.

a. He went into a cave: Literally, the Hebrew is definite describing the cave.

“The cave may well have been the specific ‘cleft of the rock’ where God appeared to Moses ( Exod 33:22 ) rather than the ‘cave-region’ generally.” (Wiseman)

Exodus 33:22 KJV 1900

And it shall come to pass, while my glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a clift of the rock, and will cover thee with my hand while I pass by:

i. “Perhaps no spot on earth is more associated with the manifested presence of God than that sacred mount.” (Meyer)

b. What are you doing here, Elijah: God knew the answer to this question, but it was good for Elijah to speak to the LORD freely and to unburden his heart.

i. “God has ways of teaching all of us in our bones and in our flesh, but he specially knows how to do this with those upon whom he puts any honor in his service.

You must not marvel, if God should be pleased to bless you to the conversion of souls, that he should also make you sometimes smart.” (Spurgeon)

c. I have been very zealous for the LORD God of hosts: Elijah protested to God, “I have faithfully served You and now look at the danger I am in.”

To Elijah – and many servants of God since – it seemed unfair that a faithful servant of God should be made to suffer.

d. I alone am left: This was not accurate, but it reflected how Elijah felt. Even back at the confrontation at Mount Carmel, Elijah said I alone am left a prophet of the LORD 1 Kings 18:22 .

1 Kings 18:22 KJV 1900

Then said Elijah unto the people, I, even I only, remain a prophet of the Lord; but Baal’s prophets are four hundred and fifty men.

Discouraging times make God’s servants feel more isolated and alone than they are.

d. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life: Strangely, the reasons Elijah provided were actually important reasons for him to remain alive.

If he really was the last prophet or believer alive, should not he seek to live as long as possible?

If the enemies of God like Jezebel wanted him dead, should he not seek to defeat her wicked will?

Elijah, here, powerfully showed the unreasonable nature of unbelief and fear.

3. (1 Kings 19: 11-12) God reveals Himself to Elijah.

1 Kings 19:11–12 KJV 1900

And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord. And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake: And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.

a. Go out, and stand on the mountain before the LORD: God knew what the depressed and discouraged Elijah needed.

He needed a personal encounter with God.

There was nothing fundamentally wrong with Elijah’s theology, but at the time there was something lacking in his experience.

b. Behold, the LORD passed by: God brought His presence before Elijah, but first, to show where He was not.

The LORD was not in the wind; He was not in the earthquake; He was not in the fire.

Like many others, Elijah probably only looked for God in dramatic manifestations.

Certainly, God sometimes appears in such ways, but He often appears in less dramatic surroundings.

i. “This same lesson has to be learned over and over by us all: let us repeat it, ‘Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord.’

It is to be lamented that the most of professors obstinately cling to the fatal error of looking for displays of power of one kind or another.

I hear that a certain church is seeking for a very clever man: she thinks that God is in the wind… That still small voice will be hushed and silent, while the boastings of your wisdom resound like a howling wind or a thunder unaccompanied by rain.” (Spurgeon)

c. After the fire a still small voice: This final phenomenon was a marked contrast to the previous manifestations.

God actually met Elijah in the quiet whisper of a voice, instead of the earth-shaking phenomenon that had gone before.

i. Wiseman called the still small voice a gentle whisper.

ii. “And now the thunder ceased, and the lightning was gone, and the earth was still, and the wind was hushed, and there was a dead calm, and out of the midst of the still air there came what the Hebrew calls ‘a voice of gentle silence,’ as if silence had become audible.

There is nothing more terrible than an awful stillness after a dread uproar.” (Spurgeon)

iii. Elijah perhaps thought that the dramatic display of power at Mount Carmel would turn the nation around.

Or perhaps he thought that the radical display of God’s judgment against the priests of Baal following the vindication at Mount Carmel would change the hearts of the nation.

Neither of these worked.

This example is important for Christian ministers today, especially preachers.

It shows that displays of power and preaching God’s anger don’t necessarily change hearts.

Instead, the still small voice of God speaking to the human heart is actually more powerful than outward displays of power or displays of God’s judgment.

iv. “Because the success of Carmel melted like the morning mist, he thought that his career had been a failure all along, and that he had brought no one to reverence Jehovah; but he was reading with the eyes of unbelief, and his imagination was leading him rather than the facts of the case.

Here are seven thousand people scattered up and down the country to whom God has blessed Elijah’s testimony.

If he had not blessed his big things as he had desired, yet his little things had prospered greatly.

It was Elijah’s daily conduct rather than his miracles which had impressed these seven thousand and led them to hold fast their integrity.” (Spurgeon)

4. (1 Kings 19: 13-15) After this ministry, God gives Elijah work to do.

1 Kings 19:13–15 KJV 1900

And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah? And he said, I have been very jealous for the Lord God of hosts: because the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away. And the Lord said unto him, Go, return on thy way to the wilderness of Damascus: and when thou comest, anoint Hazael to be king over Syria:

a. He wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood in the entrance of the cave: Immediately, Elijah sensed that God was present in the still small voice in a way that He was not in the previous, more dramatic phenomena.

Because he sensed the special presence of God, Elijah immediately humbled himself when he wrapped his face in his mantle.

i. “Through horror and dread of God’s presence, being sensible that he was neither worthy nor able to endure the sight of God with open face.” (Poole)

ii. “He first wrapped his mantle about his face – he became subdued and awe-stricken – full of reverence.

Oh! it is a great thing when a sinner is willing to wrap his face when he is confounded, and say, ‘I cannot defend my course; I am guilty.’

We know that if at our judgment-seat a man pleads guilty, he is punished; but at the judgment-seat of the gospel whoever pleads guilty is forgiven.

Wrap your face.” (Spurgeon)

b. What are you doing here, Elijah: God asked Elijah the same question – and received the same response – as in 1 Kings 19:9-10 .

1 Kings 19:9–10 KJV 1900

There was something helpful for Elijah in this question-and-answer process.

c. Go, return on your way… anoint Hazael as king over Syria: God gave Elijah something to do. He needed a task to focus on so he could avoid excessive introspection. He needed to stop looking at himself and his own (admittedly difficult) circumstances.

He needed to get on with what God wanted him to do.

i. “Then the Lord did what perhaps was best of all for Elijah, he gave him some more work to do. He sent him off about his Master’s business again; and I warrant you that, when Elijah went back over that road, it was with a very different step from that which brought him down to Beersheba.

He had come along terrified and distressed; but now he goes back with the majesty that belongs to the Tishbite, he is afraid of no Jezebel now.” (Spurgeon)

5. (1 Kings 19: 16-18) Further assurance to Elijah.

1 Kings 19:16–18 KJV 1900

And Jehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou anoint to be king over Israel: and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah shalt thou anoint to be prophet in thy room. And it shall come to pass, that him that escapeth the sword of Hazael shall Jehu slay: and him that escapeth from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha slay. Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.

a. You shall anoint Jehu the son of Nimshi as king over Israel: God had more work for Elijah to do.

He would also demonstrate God’s choice of Jehu to be the king to succeed the corrupt Ahab and his wife Jezebel.

b. Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel Meholah you shall anoint as prophet in your place: God gave something else to the discouraged and depressed prophet, beyond work to do.

He also gave him a friend and a successor.

i. Elijah needed a friend; the core of his complaint before God was that he was alone.

God let him know that there was a man ready to learn from the great prophet and be his disciple and companion.

ii. Elijah also needed hope, and since Elisha would be raised up as a successor to Elijah’s prophetic office, Elijah then knew that his work would continue even after his death.

c. It shall be that whoever escapes the sword of Hazael, Jehu will kill; and whoever escapes the sword of Jehu, Elisha will kill: This was another source of encouragement to Elijah.

With this promise he knew that ultimately justice would be done, and God would not allow the institutionalized persecution and promotion of idolatry to go unpunished.

d. Yet I have reserved seven thousand in Israel, all whose knees have not bowed to Baal: This was a final encouragement to Elijah.

He repeatedly bemoaned that he was alone among the true followers of God ( 1 Kings 18:22 , 19:10, 19:1 4).

1 Kings 18:22 KJV 1900

Then said Elijah unto the people, I, even I only, remain a prophet of the Lord; but Baal’s prophets are four hundred and fifty men.

1 Kings 19:10 KJV 1900

And he said, I have been very jealous for the Lord God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.

1 Kings 19:1 KJV 1900

And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and withal how he had slain all the prophets with the sword.

1 Kings 19:14 KJV 1900

And he said, I have been very jealous for the Lord God of hosts: because the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.

This both assured Elijah that he was not alone and that his work as a prophet had indeed been fruitful.

i. This showed Elijah that his quiet ministry over the years actually bore more fruit than the spectacular ministry at Mount Carmel.

“Yet, all the while that vile idolatry was spreading in Israel, the worship of the true God was being retained by seven thousand faithful souls, though Elijah did not know that there was even one beside himself.

How were they won to Jehovah? Certainly not by Elijah’s impressive demonstration on the top of Carmel, for they were loyal to the Lord before that… The still small voice had been doing for Israel what Elijah could not do” (Spurgeon).

11) TO CENTER YOUR AFFECTION.

Mark 2:1- 12

Mark 2:1–12 (KJV 1900)

And again he entered into Capernaum, after some days; and it was noised that he was in the house.

And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and he preached the word unto them.

And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four.

And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay.

When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.

But there were certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts,

Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?

And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, he said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts?

Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk?

But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,)

I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house.

And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion.

1 Kings 19:1-21

1 Kings 19:1–21 (KJV 1900)

And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and withal how he had slain all the prophets with the sword.

Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by to morrow about this time.

And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beer-sheba, which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there.

And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat.

And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again.

And the angel of the Lord came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee.

And he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God.

And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there; and, behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and he said unto him, What doest thou here, Elijah?

And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.

And the Lord said unto him, Go, return on thy way to the wilderness of Damascus: and when thou comest, anoint Hazael to be king over Syria:

And Jehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou anoint to be king over Israel: and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah shalt thou anoint to be prophet in thy room.

And it shall come to pass, that him that escapeth the sword of Hazael shall Jehu slay: and him that escapeth from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha slay.

Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.

So he departed thence, and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen before him, and he with the twelfth: and Elijah passed by him, and cast his mantle upon him.

And he left the oxen, and ran after Elijah, and said, Let me, I pray thee, kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow thee. And he said unto him, Go back again: for what have I done to thee?

And he returned back from him, and took a yoke of oxen, and slew them, and boiled their flesh with the instruments of the oxen, and gave unto the people, and they did eat. Then he arose, and went after Elijah, and ministered unto him.

Col 3:1-17

Colossians 3:1–17 KJV 1900

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

From Nave s

Affections

Should be supremely set upon God

Deut 6:5; Mar 12:30

Deuteronomy 6:5 (KJV 1900)

And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.

Mark 12:30 (KJV 1900)

And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.

Should be set upon:

The commandments of God

Psa 19:8-10; Psa 119:20; Psa 119:97; Psa 119:103; Psa 119:167

Psalm 19:8–10 (KJV 1900)

The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.

The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.

More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.

Psalm 119:20 KJV 1900

My soul breaketh for the longing That it hath unto thy judgments at all times.

Psalm 119:97 KJV 1900

MEM. O how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day.

Psalm 119:103 (KJV 1900)

How sweet are thy words unto my taste! Yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!

Psalm 119:167 (KJV 1900)

My soul hath kept thy testimonies; And I love them exceedingly.

The house and worship of God

1Ch 29:3; Psa 26:8; Psa 27:4; Psa 84:1-2

1 Chronicles 29:3 (KJV 1900)

Moreover, because I have set my affection to the house of my God, I have of mine own proper good, of gold and silver, which I have given to the house of my God, over and above all that I have prepared for the holy house,

Psalm 26:8 (KJV 1900)

Lord, I have loved the habitation of thy house, And the place where thine honour dwelleth.

Psalm 27:4 (KJV 1900)

One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple.

Psalm 84:1–2 (KJV 1900)

How amiable are thy tabernacles, O Lord of hosts!

My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord: My heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God.

The people of God

Psa 16:3; Rom 12:10; 2Co 7:13-16; 1Th 2:8

Psalm 16:3 KJV 1900

But to the saints that are in the earth, And to the excellent, in whom is all my delight.

Romans 12:10 KJV 1900

Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

2 Corinthians 7:13–16 (KJV 1900)

Therefore we were comforted in your comfort: yea, and exceedingly the more joyed we for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you all.

For if I have boasted any thing to him of you, I am not ashamed; but as we spake all things to you in truth, even so our boasting, which I made before Titus, is found a truth.

And his inward affection is more abundant toward you, whilst he remembereth the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling ye received him.

I rejoice therefore that I have confidence in you in all things.

1 Thessalonians 2:8 (KJV 1900)

So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.

Heavenly things

Col_3:1-2

Colossians 3:1–2 (KJV 1900)

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

Should be zealously engaged for God

Psa 69:9; Psa 119:139; Gal 4:18

Psalm 69:9 (KJV 1900)

For the zeal of thine house hath eaten me up; And the reproaches of them that reproached thee are fallen upon me.

Psalm 119:139 (KJV 1900)

My zeal hath consumed me, Because mine enemies have forgotten thy words.

Galatians 4:18 (KJV 1900)

But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you.

Christ claims the first place in

Mat 10:37; Luk 14:26

Matthew 10:37 KJV 1900

He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.

Luke 14:26 (KJV 1900)

If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.

Enkindled by communion with Christ

Luk_24:32

Luke 24:32 KJV 1900

And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?

Blessedness of making God the object of

Psa_91:14

Psalm 91:14 KJV 1900

Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.

Should not grow cold

Psa 106:12-13; Mat 24:12; Gal 4:15; Rev 2:4

Psalm 106:12–13 (KJV 1900)

Then believed they his words; They sang his praise.

They soon forgat his works; They waited not for his counsel:

Matthew 24:12 KJV 1900

And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.

Galatians 4:15 KJV 1900

Where is then the blessedness ye spake of? for I bear you record, that, if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me.

Revelation 2:4 (KJV 1900)

Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.

Of saints, supremely set on God

Psa 42:1; Psa 73:25; Psa 119:10

Psalm 42:1 (KJV 1900)

As the hart panteth after the water brooks, So panteth my soul after thee, O God.

Psalm 73:25 (KJV 1900)

Whom have I in heaven but thee? And there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.

Psalm 119:10 (KJV 1900)

With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.

Of the wicked, not sincerely set on God

Isa 58:1-2; Eze 33:31-32; Luk 8:13

Isaiah 58:1–2 KJV 1900

Cry aloud, spare not, Lift up thy voice like a trumpet, And shew my people their transgression, And the house of Jacob their sins. Yet they seek me daily, And delight to know my ways, As a nation that did righteousness, And forsook not the ordinance of their God: They ask of me the ordinances of justice; They take delight in approaching to God.

Ezekiel 33:31–32 (KJV 1900)

And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee as my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they shew much love, but their heart goeth after their covetousness.

And, lo, thou art unto them as a very lovely song of one that hath a pleasant voice, and can play well on an instrument: for they hear thy words, but they do them not.

Luke 8:13 KJV 1900

They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.

Carnal, should be mortified

Rom 8:13; Rom 13:14; 1Co 9:27; Col 3:5; 1Th 4:5

Romans 8:13 KJV 1900

For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

Romans 13:14 (KJV 1900)

But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

1 Corinthians 9:27 KJV 1900

But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

Colossians 3:5 (KJV 1900)

Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:

1 Thessalonians 4:5 (KJV 1900)

Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:

Carnal affections crucified in saints

Rom 6:6; Gal 5:24

Romans 6:6 (KJV 1900)

Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

Galatians 5:24 (KJV 1900)

And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

False teachers seek to captivate

Gal 1:10; Gal 4:17; 2Ti 3:6; 2Pe 2:3; 2Pe 2:18; Rev 2:14; Rev 2:20

Galatians 1:10 (KJV 1900)

For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.

Galatians 4:17 (KJV 1900)

They zealously affect you, but not well; yea, they would exclude you, that ye might affect them.

2 Timothy 3:6 (KJV 1900)

For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,

2 Peter 2:3 (KJV 1900)

And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.

2 Peter 2:18 (KJV 1900)

For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.

Revelation 2:14 (KJV 1900)

But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.

Revelation 2:20 (KJV 1900)

Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.

Of the wicked, are unnatural and perverted

Rom 1:31; 2Ti 3:3; 2Pe 2:10

Romans 1:31 (KJV 1900)

Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:

2 Timothy 3:3 (KJV 1900)

Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,

2 Peter 2:10 (KJV 1900)

But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.

9 Habits to Center God in Your Life

As a Pastor and Preacher Most of what I preach about is God-centred.

The Bible gives us what are commonly referred to as spiritual disciplines.

These are things Jesus instructs us to do in order to become

a) more like him and

b) closer to him.

We’re going to take a quick look at nine spiritual disciplines and give you scripture references to study in order to help you make these things part of who you are.

There are many books on spiritual disciplines You only have to get on amazon.com.au to find them

Before we start I want to remind you of this one very important thing:

Being a Christian is not something you do.

Being a Christian is who you are.

So if you’re looking for a to-do list to be able to check off as you go about your business, this list isn’t for you.

You can treat it like that, but you won’t be doing yourself or anyone else any favors by doing so.

This is the real deal.

These are the things Jesus expects and even commands us to do in order to be one of the branches on his vine (John 15:1-5).

John 15:1–5 (KJV 1900)

I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.

Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.

Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.

I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

1. Submission

God cannot be the centre of your life unless you submit to him fully.

God won’t play second-fiddle to anyone or anything.

Just like you can’t be a little bit married, you can’t be a little bit Christian.

You either are or you aren’t.

How do you submit to God?

Acts 2:38; James 4:7; Proverbs 3:5-6; Hebrews 10:26; Ecclesiastes 12:13-14.

Acts 2:38 (KJV 1900)

Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

James 4:7 (KJV 1900)

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Proverbs 3:5–6 (KJV 1900)

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; And lean not unto thine own understanding.

In all thy ways acknowledge him, And he shall direct thy paths.

Hebrews 10:26 (KJV 1900)

For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,

Ecclesiastes 12:13–14 (KJV 1900)

Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.

For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.

2. Confession

Admit your sins to God. Ask his forgiveness and accept it with gratitude, thanksgiving, and humility.

John 3:16; 1 John 1:9; 2 Peter 3:9; James 4:7-10; Psalm 1.

John 3:16 (KJV 1900)

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

1 John 1:9 (KJV 1900)

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

2 Peter 3:9 (KJV 1900)

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

James 4:7–10 (KJV 1900)

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.

Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

Psalm 1 (KJV 1900)

Blessed is the man That walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor standeth in the way of sinners, Nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

But his delight is in the law of the Lord; And in his law doth he meditate day and night.

And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, That bringeth forth his fruit in his season; His leaf also shall not wither; And whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

The ungodly are not so: But are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.

Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.

For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: But the way of the ungodly shall perish.

3. Study

Know God’s Word, the Bible. You wouldn’t attempt to pass a class without studying the materials or take on a new job without knowing what is expected of you.

Making Christ the centre of your life is no different in the fact that there are specific expectations, guidelines, and yes, even rules for doing so.

God wants us to be wholly his, but he doesn’t expect us to do it on our own.

He knows we can’t but he’s right there to help us out.

2 Timothy 3:16-17; Joshua 1:8; Psalm 119:11; Deuteronomy 11:18-23; Romans 12:2; Ephesians 6:11-17.

2 Timothy 3:16–17 (KJV 1900)

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

Joshua 1:8 (KJV 1900)

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

Psalm 119:11 (KJV 1900)

Thy word have I hid in mine heart, That I might not sin against thee.

Deuteronomy 11:18–23 (KJV 1900)

Therefore shall ye lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul, and bind them for a sign upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes.

And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

And thou shalt write them upon the door posts of thine house, and upon thy gates:

That your days may be multiplied, and the days of your children, in the land which the Lord sware unto your fathers to give them, as the days of heaven upon the earth.

For if ye shall diligently keep all these commandments which I command you, to do them, to love the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, and to cleave unto him;

Then will the Lord drive out all these nations from before you, and ye shall possess greater nations and mightier than yourselves.

Romans 12:2 (KJV 1900)

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Ephesians 6:11–17 (KJV 1900)

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

4. Guidance

God gives each of us specific talents and spiritual gifts.

Thankfully some of us receive the gifts of teaching, preaching and leadership.

We all need these people in our lives to guide us in the process of maturing in our faith.

And if you are one of those people who have one or more of these gifts, you need to make sure you are using it to help others because not only are you helping others, but in the process you are growing and maturing, as well.

Romans 10:17; Hebrews 13:7; Philippians 4:9; Romans 10:14-15

Romans 10:17 (KJV 1900)

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Hebrews 13:7 (KJV 1900)

Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.

Philippians 4:9 (KJV 1900)

Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

Romans 10:14–15 (KJV 1900)

How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?

And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

5. Prayer

You can’t have a relationship with anyone without strong, solid communication.

Talk to Jesus who is the intercessor on our behalf to God.

Tell him your heart’s desires, confess your sins to him, praise him, thank him, and pray on behalf of others.

Remember, though, prayer is about more than you talking to Jesus.

Prayer is also about listening for Jesus to talk back to you.

He will talk back to you through that little voice inside you which is the Holy Spirit.

He will talk to you by putting scripture on your heart and in your mind.

He will talk to you by sending others to encourage you, teach you, and hold you accountable.

Philippians 4:6; John 15:7; Romans 8:26; Matthew 6:5-15; Jeremiah 33:3; Colossians 4:2; Jeremiah 29:12; Psalm 145:18-19; Psalm 55:17; Ephesians 3:14.

Philippians 4:6 (KJV 1900)

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

John 15:7 (KJV 1900)

If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

Romans 8:26 (KJV 1900)

Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

Matthew 6:5–15 (KJV 1900)

And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.

After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:

But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Jeremiah 33:3 (KJV 1900)

Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.

Colossians 4:2 (KJV 1900)

Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;

Jeremiah 29:12 (KJV 1900)

Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.

Psalm 145:18–19 (KJV 1900)

The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, To all that call upon him in truth.

He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: He also will hear their cry, and will save them.

Psalm 55:17 (KJV 1900)

Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: And he shall hear my voice.

Ephesians 3:14 (KJV 1900)

For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

6. Fasting

Here’s the thing about fasting…Jesus doesn’t say if we fast. He says when we fast.

You know what that means, don’t you?

It means it’s really not an option.

But here’s something else you need to know about fasting.

Fasting isn’t meant to be a punishment or to cause suffering from denial.

The purpose of fasting is to shift your focus off of your own desires and wants and onto the fact that God is able and willing to fill the voids left by those things you fast from.

When you fast you should fast from something sacrificially, yet from something that is also realistic.

In other words, fasting from liver and onions probably isn’t the least bit sacrificial and fasting from homework or going to work isn’t realistic.

Fasting should also be done for the purpose of changing your attitude by realizing a greater dependency on God and less on yourself. 2 Samuel 24:24; Matthew 6:16-18; Psalm 69:10.

2 Samuel 24:24 (KJV 1900)

And the king said unto Araunah, Nay; but I will surely buy it of thee at a price: neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the Lord my God of that which doth cost me nothing. So David bought the threshingfloor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver.

Matthew 6:16–18 (KJV 1900)

Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face;

That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.

Psalm 69:10 (KJV 1900)

When I wept, and chastened my soul with fasting, That was to my reproach.

7. Service

One of the best ways to get closer to God is to serve him.

When you are involved in ministry of any kind you see God touching people’s lives, the miracles he still gives, the changed hearts of people, and the truth that God’s goodness is still present and active in the sinful world we live in.

When you serve you are also getting at least as much as you give in the way of inner-peace and happiness that comes from helping others.

You experience real joy in the LORD, you use the talents and abilities God has given you for his glory and you are living out the Great Commission and the Golden Rule.

Acts 20:35; Colossians 3:17; Philippians 2:1-4; James 2:18; Matthew 20:28; James 4:17; Galatians 6:10.

Acts 20:35 (KJV 1900)

I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

Colossians 3:17 (KJV 1900)

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

Philippians 2:1–4 (KJV 1900)

If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,

Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

James 2:18 (KJV 1900)

Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

Matthew 20:28 (KJV 1900)

Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

James 4:17 (KJV 1900)

Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

Galatians 6:10 (KJV 1900)

As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

8. Giving

Everything we have belongs to God. Our bodies, our family, our money, our material possessions, our abilities, and even our very life belongs to God.

As the creator of everything he can claim ownership.

So in giving to God we are really sharing back with him.

Sharing back is a huge test of faith for us.

Our selfish, sinful nature instinctively wants to hold tight to what we have and try to get even more and more and more.

When we give back to God we are shouting at the top of our voices that we have faith in his promise to provide, care for, and bless us abundantly.

Luke 6:38; 2 Corinthians 9:7; Matthew 6:1-4; Malachi 3:10.

Luke 6:38 (KJV 1900)

Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

2 Corinthians 9:7 (KJV 1900)

Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

Matthew 6:1–4 (KJV 1900)

Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.

Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:

That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.

Malachi 3:10 (KJV 1900)

Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be meat in mine house, And prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, If I will not open you the windows of heaven, And pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

9. Worship

Giving credit where credit is due—that’s what worship is really all about.

When you purposefully, willingly, and regularly worship on a daily basis in some way or another, God can’t help but be the centre of your life because you’ll be placing him in that place of deserved prominence.

You can worship God by singing to him, thanking him, recognizing his actions in your life and in the world around you, sharing the truth of who he is with others, and honoring his almightiness with your faithful obedience.

Psalm 150:1-6; Romans 12:1; Colossians 3:16; Ephesians 5:19.

Psalm 150:1–6 (KJV 1900)

Praise ye the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary: Praise him in the firmament of his power.

Praise him for his mighty acts: Praise him according to his excellent greatness.

Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: Praise him with the psaltery and harp.

Praise him with the timbrel and dance: Praise him with stringed instruments and organs.

Praise him upon the loud cymbals: Praise him upon the high sounding cymbals.

Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord.

Romans 12:1 (KJV 1900)

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

Colossians 3:16 (KJV 1900)

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Ephesians 5:19 (KJV 1900)

Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

Be disciplined. Be God-centred. Be whole.

Set Your Mind on Things Above

– Colossians 3:1-4

Colossians 3:1–4 (KJV 1900)

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

The world has a way of getting us down.

It fills us with distractions, temptation, and entertainment, promising us happiness but never fully delivering.

Perhaps you have felt weighed down when looking at the state of the world—overwhelmed by the corruption and confusion that surrounds us.

Even the day-to-day responsibilities that we are given can feel burdensome.

When we focus on these earthly things our eyes slip from the “things above.”

We forget the blessings and promises we have through our adoption as sons and daughters of Jesus and our satisfaction in Christ slips away as well.

Yet, it doesn’t have to be this way!

Colossians 3 explores what it means to set your mind on things above, enabling us to experience the true joy the Father wants to lavish on us.

Colossians 3 (KJV 1900)

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:

For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:

In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.

But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.

Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;

And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:

Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.

Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.

And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.

Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.

Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.

Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.

Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:

And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.

But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.

Furthermore, when we set our eyes on Him, we are better able to serve him—and service is ultimately the duty and pleasure of every believer.

How to Set Your Mind on Things Above

1. Put to Death What Is Earthly

2. Put on the New Self

3. Let the Peace of Christ Rule in Your Hearts

4. Let the Word of Christ Richly Dwell

5. Give Thanks to God

How to Set Your Mind on Things Above

When it comes to refocusing our eyes on Christ, the Bible gives us clear instructions.

We are not to linger in our old habits of fear, sin and discouragement, as when we were unbelievers.

Instead we are called to lay down these things that hinder us and through the power of the Holy Spirit step into our new life as Christians.

The old man looks at the things of this world, but the new man in Christ looks above to his precepts, promises and spiritual power.

1. Put to Death What Is Earthly

– Colossians 3:5-8

Colossians 3:5–8 (KJV 1900)

Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:

For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:

In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.

But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.

Our desire to look to earthly things instead of heavenly things comes from two flaws in thinking.

We either look to earthly things because we think they will serve us somehow—such as bring us comfort, identity, pleasure, etc.

—or we look to earthly things because we forget who we serve.

However, we are a new creation, created in Christ Jesus for good works (2 Corinthians 5:17, Ephesians 2:10).

2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV 1900)

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Ephesians 2:10 (KJV 1900)

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

The first step toward setting your mind on things above is to rid yourself of your old self and the sins and habits that accompanied it.

Sin impedes a growing relationship with God and keeps your eyes on lowly things.

Believer, cast them off.

We cannot be fully God’s and remain part of the system of sin we have been delivered from.

Imagine trying to climb a ladder toward freedom with heavy weights upon your feet.

You are dragged back down with every step you attempt to take.

The ways of heaven and earth are opposed to each other.

You cannot achieve a heavenly mindset while persisting in your earthly actions.

2. Put on the New Self

– Colossians 3:11

Colossians 3:11 (KJV 1900)

Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.

Casting off sin is not enough if you do it in your own strength.

If we do it in our own power, we will surely fail.

Instead, we are given the power to reject sin and temptation through the empowering of his Spirit and the transforming of our minds through his Word (2 Peter 1:3).

2 Peter 1:3 (KJV 1900)

According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

You must put on the new self.

We, as believers, are to exemplify Christ.

The new self refers to the justified, transformed being that looks more like Jesus than our old selves in sin and shame.

Yes, we are “created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:21-24).

Ephesians 4:21–24 (KJV 1900)

If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:

That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;

And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

3. Let the Peace of Christ Rule in Your Hearts

– Colossians 3:15 When we focus on things of this world, our peace is stolen from us.

Colossians 3:15 (KJV 1900)

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

We become wrapped up in the transient things and forget the eternal foundation and unshifting identity we have in Christ.

The world may shift and quake beneath our feet, but Christ is our strong tower, our refuge, our peace (Psalm 91:2).

Psalm 91:2 (KJV 1900)

I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: My God; in him will I trust.

Isaiah 26:3 states that the Lord will keep us in “perfect peace” when we focus our minds on him and trust in him.

Isaiah 26:3 (KJV 1900)

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on thee: Because he trusteth in thee.

Don’t you desire this perfect peace in your hearts?

Don’t you long to retire your worry and instead set your mind on Christ and on things above?

When it says we are to let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts, it means that this peace should govern our minds.

Turn your eyes from worthless things and instead rest your security, your peace, in the goodness and sovereignty of Christ.

The more you look to Christ—the more you will become acquainted with our omnipotent, omnipresent God—the more you will trust his plan for your life.

He is worthy of your trust, and he is more than able to keep you at peace as you seek him first.

4. Let the Word of Christ Richly Dwell

– Colossians 3:16 One of the best ways to set your mind on things above is to cherish God’s Word.

Colossians 3:16 (KJV 1900)

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

We cannot expect to have peace, joy and a Christ-centered perspective if we only consume the material of this world.

If someone you love sent you a letter, would you toss it on the shelf and fail to open it?

Of course not!

If we love Christ, we will dedicate ourselves to reading his words to us.

The Bible is an essential part in spiritual growth and helps us to set our affections on things above.

While quiet study time is critical, we also need to share what we learn!

We are designed to share the good news and discuss heavenly things with others.

It only makes sense that reading and discussing Christ-centered things will shift our mind from the things of this world to his truth.

5. Give Thanks to God

– Colossians 3:17 Thankfulness may not come easily in all situations in life.

Colossians 3:17 (KJV 1900)

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

Yet, the believer is keenly aware that every good thing comes from God.

We are all deserving of his wrath for our rebellion against him, for violating his laws and departing from what is true and right.

However, through Christ’s atoning sacrifice, he made salvation possible.

Giving thanks is not only a natural expression of gratitude for Christ’s great grace to us, but it fuels us to do the work he has given us.

It reminds us who we are and shifts our focus from our worries to God’s power to save and provide.

So set your eyes, your heart, your mind, on things above and run the race he has set before you in victory.

Heb 12:2

Hebrews 12:2 (KJV 1900)

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

25 Ways to Set Your Mind on Things Above

The apostle Paul told us to set our minds on “things above,” that is, heavenly things, not on “things on the earth,” that is, earthly things (Colossians 3:2 ).

Colossians 3:2 (KJV 1900)

Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

He and other biblical authors make it clear that we need to be intentional about what is on our minds.

Here are the 25 best ways to follow Paul’s instructions and set our minds on the things above.

1. Adopt a Heavenly Mindset

In Romans 12:2, we find another excellent piece of advice from the apostle Paul.

Romans 12:2 (KJV 1900)

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

He wrote that we should be “transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2 KJV). How do we do that?

Romans 12:2 (KJV 1900)

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

The same Bible verse tells us not to be “conformed to this world” (Romans 12:2 KJV).

Romans 12:2 (KJV 1900)

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

We should not allow our minds to be shaped by the present world but by God’s Word.

Our mindset needs to be changed.

We need to let go of values and habits that don’t agree with God’s will and adopt a new mindset built upon the truth from Scripture.

2. Focus Your Thoughts on the Right Things

Paul’s exhortation in Philippians 4:8 teaches us to be very selective with what should occupy our thoughts.

Philippians 4:8 (KJV 1900)

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

This Bible verse tells us to think about things that are:

True Honest Just Pure Lovely Admirable Virtuous Worthy of praise If something doesn’t fit any of these categories, we should not allow it into our thought life.

3. Acknowledge Your Dependency upon God

If we want to produce real change in our minds and hearts, we need God’s help.

He is the One that can help us desire and pursue change (Philippians 2:13).

Philippians 2:13 (KJV 1900)

For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

No matter how hard we try on our own, we won’t be able to overcome our sinful human nature without God working in us through His Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:16-17).

Galatians 5:16–17 (KJV 1900)

This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

4. Let the Holy Spirit Be Your Helper

The Holy Spirit dwells in every child of God (John 14:17).

John 14:17 (KJV 1900)

Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

He will help us keep our minds on heavenly things in many ways, such as:

Teaching us and reminding us of the words of Christ Jesus (John 14:26).

John 14:26 (KJV 1900)

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

Leading us (Romans 8:14).

Romans 8:14 (KJV 1900)

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

Assuring us that we are children of God (Romans 8:16).

Romans 8:16 (KJV 1900)

The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

Interceding for us (Romans 8:26).

Romans 8:26 (KJV 1900)

Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

Guiding us into all truth (John 16:13).

John 16:13 (KJV 1900)

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

Empowering us (Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 12:11).

Acts 1:8 (KJV 1900)

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

1 Corinthians 12:11 (KJV 1900)

But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

And much more! Ask the Holy Spirit to be your helper, to help you discern and seek the important things (John 14:16).

John 14:16 (KJV 1900)

And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;

5. Resist the Devil

This is what the apostle James told us to do.

By resisting the devil, he will flee from us (James 4:7). To resist means to oppose, to withstand against him.

James 4:7 (KJV 1900)

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

We resist the devil as Jesus did: through prayer, fasting, and God’s Word (Luke 4:1-13).

Luke 4:1–13 (KJV 1900)

And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness,

Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered.

And the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread.

And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.

And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time.

And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it.

If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine.

And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

And he brought him to Jerusalem, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down from hence:

For it is written, He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee:

And in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.

And Jesus answering said unto him, It is said, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.

And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season.

We need to be aware of the enemy’s strategies so we don’t fall into his traps (2 Corinthians 2:11; 1 Peter 5:8).

2 Corinthians 2:11 (KJV 1900)

Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

1 Peter 5:8 (KJV 1900)

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

Since this battle occurs mostly in our minds, we need to resist the devil so that we can focus our minds on the things of God.

6. Put on the Full Armor of God

That is a known illustration Paul used to advise us in our fight against the evil one and its army (Ephesians 6:10-17).

Ephesians 6:10–17 (KJV 1900)

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

The components of the armor of God are:

Belt of truth: to fight the devil’s lies.

Breastplate of righteousness: Jesus’s righteousness (not ours!) protects our hearts from the devil’s attacks.

Shoes of the gospel of peace: to stand firm and advance into the enemy’s territory to proclaim the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Shield of faith: to extinguish the attacks by the enemy.

Helmet of salvation: to protect our minds.

Sword of the Spirit: this is the Word of God, which is our weapon of defense and attack (Matthew 4:3-11).

Matthew 4:3–11 (KJV 1900)

And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.

But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple,

And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.

Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.

Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;

And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.

Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.

Keep in mind that prayer is a key element in the battle (Ephesians 6:18).

Ephesians 6:18 (KJV 1900)

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

7. Guard Your Heart

What does that expression from Proverbs 4:23 mean?

Proverbs 4:23 (KJV 1900)

Keep thy heart with all diligence; For out of it are the issues of life.

In biblical terms, the “heart” is the center of the will, thoughts, feelings, and desires.

Nowadays, we say those things are in our minds. So, that expression means that we need to protect our minds from worldly things.

Exposing ourselves to ungodly things that ignite our temptations can cause us to sin (Matthew 26:41; James 1:14-16; 1 John 2:15-17).

Matthew 26:41 (KJV 1900)

Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

James 1:14–16 (KJV 1900)

But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

Do not err, my beloved brethren.

1 John 2:15–17 (KJV 1900)

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

8. Let Go of Your Old Self

In Ephesians 4:20-23, Paul tells us to put off our old self (our sinful nature) and put on our new self (the new creation Paul talks about in 2 Corinthians 5:17).

Ephesians 4:20–23 (KJV 1900)

But ye have not so learned Christ;

If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:

That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;

2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV 1900)

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

This illustration reminds us of a person changing clothes.

Paul urges us to let go of our fallen nature, with its evil desires and worldly lusts, and embrace our new holy nature.

It all begins in our minds by letting go of worldly thoughts and actions that lead us to sin and pursuing holiness (1 Peter 1:14-16).

1 Peter 1:14–16 (KJV 1900)

As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:

But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;

Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

9. Learn to Discern What Is Temporary from What Is Eternal

Everything in this world is temporary; it all belongs to a creation that will be renewed in the end (Revelation 21:1).

Revelation 21:1 (KJV 1900)

And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.

We need to keep that in mind and understand that what really matters are the eternal things (2 Corinthians 4:18).

2 Corinthians 4:18 (KJV 1900)

While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

We should set our minds and energy into making an eternal impact with our lives, not living for the things of the world.

Our lives must be dedicated to God and the things that please Him.

10. See the World from God’s Perspective

That helps us deconstruct the lies the world taught us our entire lives.

Start by observing how Jesus and the apostles lived.

Read the New Testament and pay attention to these questions:

What occupied their time?

What were their priorities?

What mattered to them?

How did they relate to the things of this world?

For example, in the episode of Jesus’s temptation, we see the Lord refusing things of this earth, like food, riches, and power, in order to obey God’s Word (Luke 4:1-13).

Luke 4:1–13 (KJV 1900)

And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness,

Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered.

And the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread.

And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.

And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time.

And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it.

If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine.

And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

And he brought him to Jerusalem, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down from hence:

For it is written, He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee:

And in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.

And Jesus answering said unto him, It is said, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.

And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season.

The Kingdom of God was His priority over whatever the devil could offer Him from the things of earth. His was a heavenly perspective.

11. Let Love Be Your Motivation

Paul begins the well-known chapter about love in 1 Corinthians chapter 13 by saying that everything we say, do, and give must be out of love; otherwise, it all comes down to nothing (1 Corinthians 13:1-3).

1 Corinthians 13:1–3 (KJV 1900)

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

God’s love must dwell in us, through the Holy Spirit, so our love for Him and others will be the driving force for what we think and do (1 Corinthians 16:14).

1 Corinthians 16:14 (KJV 1900)

Let all your things be done with charity.

12. Acknowledge the Presence of God in Your Life

You cannot do it alone.

But the good news is that God is with you (Isaiah 41:10).

Isaiah 41:10 (KJV 1900)

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: Be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; Yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

This assurance helps us focus on what matters, on the things of heaven.

We don’t depend upon our own strength; we depend upon God! So, when you feel weak, when your mind slips into negative thoughts, remember that God is there with you, even if it doesn’t seem so.

13. Seek God’s Wisdom

We need God’s wisdom to help us focus our minds and hearts on the things of the Kingdom of God.

Here are some suggestions to help you seek wisdom from God:

Be humble and acknowledge you need it (Proverbs 3:7, 18:15).

Proverbs 3:7 (KJV 1900)

Be not wise in thine own eyes: Fear the Lord, and depart from evil.

Proverbs 18:15 (KJV 1900)

The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; And the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.

Know that all wisdom comes from God (Proverbs 2:6).

Proverbs 2:6 (KJV 1900)

For the Lord giveth wisdom: Out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.

Study the Bible.

Start by meditating on Jesus’s life in the New Testament and the book of Proverbs in the Old Testament.Pray and ask God to give you wisdom (James 1:5).

James 1:5 (KJV 1900)

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

Welcome advice from more experienced followers of Jesus and learn from those who belong to the body of Christ (Proverbs 19:20; Colossians 3:16).

Proverbs 19:20 (KJV 1900)

Hear counsel, and receive instruction, That thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.

Colossians 3:16 (KJV 1900)

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

14. Make Prayer and Bible Reading a Daily Habit

Scripture teaches us everything we need to know about God and His will so we can live a new life.

It shows us the good things that should occupy our minds to pursue holiness.

That’s why we must have quality time on a daily basis meditating in the Bible and praying to the Lord, asking Him to help us put what we are learning into practice (Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1:2; Matthew 6:6).

Joshua 1:8 (KJV 1900)

Psalm 1:2 (KJV 1900)

But his delight is in the law of the Lord; And in his law doth he meditate day and night.

Matthew 6:6 (KJV 1900)

But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

15. Memorize Bible Verses

Committing excerpts from the Word of God to your memory is a great way to keep your mind on heavenly things.

The first step is to select verses from Scripture that will help you remember what God has done for you, who He is, and the promises He gave to all of us.

Use memorization techniques that best suit you, and make sure to practice every day.

Keep bringing verses you’ve already memorized to your mind throughout the day, so you don’t forget them (Psalm 119:11).

Psalm 119:11 (KJV 1900)

Thy word have I hid in mine heart, That I might not sin against thee.

16. Ask God to Search Your Heart

It takes courage to do that.

We know that there are many things even in a believer’s mind that displease the Lord.

Our sins come from them.

But sin itself blinds us to our wrong ways.

That’s why we need to ask the Lord to:

Search our heart, our inner being (Psalm 139:23).

Psalm 139:23 (KJV 1900)

Search me, O God, and know my heart: Try me, and know my thoughts:

Show us the things we do that grieves Him (Psalm 139:24).

Psalm 139:24 (KJV 1900)

And see if there be any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.

Help us sanctify our minds and change our ways (Psalm 51:10).

Psalm 51:10 (KJV 1900)

Create in me a clean heart, O God; And renew a right spirit within me.

17. Confess Your Sins and Ask for God’s Forgiveness Daily

This is a critical habit that will bring major changes to your life and your relationship with the Lord.

So, here are a few things that will help you pursue a heavenly mindset and a holy life:

Think about your day.

Ask God to help you remember the sins you committed and the things that you shouldn’t have done.

Confess them to God.Ask Him for forgiveness, believing that Jesus has already paid the price at the cross.

Ask Him to help you fight temptation and not fall into those sins again.Thank God and believe you’re forgiven (Proverbs 28:13; 1 John 1:9).

Proverbs 28:13 (KJV 1900)

He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: But whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

1 John 1:9 (KJV 1900)

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Make it a daily routine in your life.

18. Flee from Temptation

During trials, we must persevere.

But, when it comes to temptation, we can never overestimate our strength to resist it (Matthew 26:41).

Matthew 26:41 (KJV 1900)

Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

We must flee from the situation right away (Genesis 39:11-12; 1 Corinthians 6:18).

Genesis 39:11–12 (KJV 1900)

And it came to pass about this time, that Joseph went into the house to do his business; and there was none of the men of the house there within.

And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out.

1 Corinthians 6:18 (KJV 1900)

Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.

The more we allow our eyes, ears, and thoughts to be exposed to such things that tempt us, the highest the risk that we may fall.

We must protect our minds and not give opportunities for the devil to tempt us (Ephesians 4:26-27).

Ephesians 4:26–27 (KJV 1900)

Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:

Neither give place to the devil.

19. Create Strategies to Bring Your Mind to God Throughout the Day

You need to be intentional to bring God’s Word into your mind during your daily life.

Here are some suggestions: Thank God for every good thing that happens (a good meal, a beautiful sunset, a fast commute, a pleasant conversation, a problem solved, a good idea you had, etc.).

Pray quietly for people you meet

.Use your breaks or waiting time to read a portion of Scripture or talk to God.Use your imagination and think of other good ways to keep connecting to God at all times.

20. Avoid Indulging in Earthly Pleasures

Most sins don’t happen unexpectedly.

They begin with little temptations that we give in, thinking that it’s no big deal. But it is.

Every sin is a huge deal (Romans 6:23).

Romans 6:23 (KJV 1900)

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

So, we must learn to resist every temptation that draws us to do something that will feed our earthly urges and bring us self-centered gratification.

We need to pursue the will of God and resist any impulse that can lead us to sin (James 1:14-15).

James 1:14–15 (KJV 1900)

But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

21. Practice Fasting

When we fast, we give up something we need (usually food) to dedicate time and energy exclusively for the Lord (Matthew 4:4).

Matthew 4:4 (KJV 1900)

But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

Whenever you can, take some time to fast, pray, and seek the presence of the Lord.

The discipline you learn through fasting will help you control other urges of your body and mind that may lead you to sin (1 Corinthians 9:27).

1 Corinthians 9:27 (KJV 1900)

But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

22. Be Thankful to God

Even during difficult times, we have a lot of reasons to be thankful to God.

The Lord has done so much for us; He has shown His great love for us in many ways:

He gave His son to pay for our sins (Romans 5:8).

Romans 5:8 (KJV 1900)

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

He forgave us (1 John 1:9).

1 John 1:9 (KJV 1900)

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

He adopted us as His own children (John 1:12).

John 1:12 (KJV 1900)

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

He gave us eternal life with Him (John 3:16).

John 3:16 (KJV 1900)

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

And much more.

We don’t even notice most of the blessings that He gives us every day.

So, make sure to take a moment to thank the Lord for all He does for you daily (Psalm 145:9; James 1:17).

Psalm 145:9 (KJV 1900)

The Lord is good to all: And his tender mercies are over all his works.

James 1:17 (KJV 1900)

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

Be specific and let each reason you mention sink in your mind and lead you to worship the Lord for His kindness.

23. Learn to Think Intentionally

All humans have a sinful nature.

It means that it is natural for us to sin.

So, thinking about heavenly things is not natural for us.

We need to practice it intentionally.

If we let our minds wander freely, most of the thoughts that come to us are usually not heavenly thoughts.

So, avoid letting your mind wander without purpose.

Feed it with good content.

For example, if you’re tired and need to relax, instead of letting your thoughts run freely, put on some good music that helps you think about godly things while you rest.

24. Beware of Your Pride

Pride is a threat that lives inside every one of us.

It tempts us to think that our good works are somehow making us better than other people or that we are worthy of the kindness of God.

Don’t let worldly thoughts like that creep into your mind. Do this instead:

Remain humble (James 4:6).

James 4:6 (KJV 1900)

But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

Consider others better than yourself (Philippians 2:3).

Philippians 2:3 (KJV 1900)

Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

Keep in mind that you don’t deserve any favor from the Lord (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Ephesians 2:8–9 (KJV 1900)

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Remember that the good things you do also come from the Lord (James 1:17).

James 1:17 (KJV 1900)

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

25. Put Your Hope in God

When we decide to live our lives for God, we face all sorts of resistance, including from our own earthly nature.

We need to do our best to fight temptation and focus our minds on heavenly things.

And we need to trust God that He will take care of what’s beyond our reach (Philippians 4:13).

Philippians 4:13 (KJV 1900)

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Trust Him with your needs, your circumstances, your future (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).

2 Corinthians 4:16–18 (KJV 1900)

For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;

While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Put your hope in Him and Him alone (Romans 15:13).

Romans 15:13 (KJV 1900)

Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

Conclusion

The apostle Paul gave us a bold challenge.

Discipline and intentional actions will help you keep your mind connected to the word of Christ Jesus, who is seated at the right hand of God in the heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6).

Ephesians 2:6 (KJV 1900)

And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

Set your mind on the things above, and the peace of God will guard your hearts and your minds in the Lord Jesus Christ (Philippians 4:6-9).

Philippians 4:6–9 (KJV 1900)

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

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