Brain Surgery 4.8 Part 3 Thinking JUST or right
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Some Thoughts About Right Thinking
Some Thoughts About Right Thinking
I. Introduction (Matthew 22:37)
I. Introduction (Matthew 22:37)
Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
A. Matthew 22:37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
A. Matthew 22:37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
B. Oh that we Christians were a right-thinking people, and not just emotion-led, and constantly offended!
B. Oh that we Christians were a right-thinking people, and not just emotion-led, and constantly offended!
1. I know we think we think, but we don’t – not like we were designed to – not like we are supposed to
1. I know we think we think, but we don’t – not like we were designed to – not like we are supposed to
2. Modern thinking has been left to the elites – to the highly educated – the “scientists”
2. Modern thinking has been left to the elites – to the highly educated – the “scientists”
3. Modern Thinking for the rest of us has been reduced to just getting along with everyone around you. (And yet we are the most divided society)
3. Modern Thinking for the rest of us has been reduced to just getting along with everyone around you. (And yet we are the most divided society)
4. Modern thinking does not allow us common people to think outside the box anymore
4. Modern thinking does not allow us common people to think outside the box anymore
a. But only thinking and choosing what everyone else has already decided.
a. But only thinking and choosing what everyone else has already decided.
b. Just following the mega-influencers on TikTok and Instagram, and in the movies.
b. Just following the mega-influencers on TikTok and Instagram, and in the movies.
c. It is called shallow thinking, and emotionalism, and laziness!
c. It is called shallow thinking, and emotionalism, and laziness!
5. My generation fought for the right and ability to think for ourselves
5. My generation fought for the right and ability to think for ourselves
6. And yet, I would say more than 80% of the population of western nations now actively seek for the government, and the churches, and the school systems, and the entertainment industry to do all the thinking for them!
6. And yet, I would say more than 80% of the population of western nations now actively seek for the government, and the churches, and the school systems, and the entertainment industry to do all the thinking for them!
C. And that has wrecked our society, our children, and our homes!
C. And that has wrecked our society, our children, and our homes!
1. People do not learn to think at church anymore.
1. People do not learn to think at church anymore.
a. PEOPLE DON’T WANT TO THINK
a. PEOPLE DON’T WANT TO THINK
b. They do not want to LISTEN
b. They do not want to LISTEN
2. Most people have already made up their minds about everything – they just want to be told that they are okay, and that what they already believe is right
2. Most people have already made up their minds about everything – they just want to be told that they are okay, and that what they already believe is right
3. So they attend churches that talk nice, and that say what has always been said, and they only follow ministries that make them feel good, or that they already agree with
3. So they attend churches that talk nice, and that say what has always been said, and they only follow ministries that make them feel good, or that they already agree with
4. And so the world heads faster and faster to hell!
4. And so the world heads faster and faster to hell!
D. So, The battle today is not for money, or for land, or for power… but for the mind.
D. So, The battle today is not for money, or for land, or for power… but for the mind.
E. Because, INSIDE our heads, the real war is being won or lost by the kind of thoughts that you and I think!
E. Because, INSIDE our heads, the real war is being won or lost by the kind of thoughts that you and I think!
1. That’s hy the devil wants you and your family completely dominated by the news, by sports, by entertainment, by friends, so that you don’t do any of your own thinking
1. That’s hy the devil wants you and your family completely dominated by the news, by sports, by entertainment, by friends, so that you don’t do any of your own thinking
2. So that your mind is not right towards God, and towards the things that really matter!
2. So that your mind is not right towards God, and towards the things that really matter!
F. So let me ask you… What kind of thoughts go on in your head?
F. So let me ask you… What kind of thoughts go on in your head?
Right kinds of thoughts, or shameful, dark, fearful, anxious, angry, defeated thoughts?
Right kinds of thoughts, or shameful, dark, fearful, anxious, angry, defeated thoughts?
G. If you want them to be right thoughts, stay with me, these next few weeks!
G. If you want them to be right thoughts, stay with me, these next few weeks!
Lets get some data on the meaning of the word Just in Phil 4:8
Lets get some data on the meaning of the word Just in Phil 4:8
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.
I. What Is Just (Right) Thinking?
I. What Is Just (Right) Thinking?
- this is a very common word in the NT
- its often translated as right, righteous, righteousness...which of course is a major theme in the Bible.
- this is a very common word in the NT
- its often translated as right, righteous, righteousness...which of course is a major theme in the Bible.
- one writer defined this word (dikaia) as "upright or just, conformable to God's standards and thus worthy of His approval."
- one writer defined this word (dikaia) as "upright or just, conformable to God's standards and thus worthy of His approval."
- The United Bible Society's Dictionary defines this as "conforming to the standard, will, or character of God; upright, righteous, good, just, right, proper, in a right relationship with God, fair, honest, innocent."
- The United Bible Society's Dictionary defines this as "conforming to the standard, will, or character of God; upright, righteous, good, just, right, proper, in a right relationship with God, fair, honest, innocent."
- William Hendriksen said "In all his planning, let the Christian ask himself, Is this in harmony with God's will and law?"
- William Hendriksen said "In all his planning, let the Christian ask himself, Is this in harmony with God's will and law?"
- now, we really need to concentrate at this point.
- now, we really need to concentrate at this point.
- the Lord undoubtedly put this word in this list because its an area in which we're prone to fail.
- the Lord undoubtedly put this word in this list because its an area in which we're prone to fail.
- so, let's try to brainstorm how that might be true:
- so, let's try to brainstorm how that might be true:
II. In What Areas Might Our Thinking Might Not Be Just?
II. In What Areas Might Our Thinking Might Not Be Just?
(-- as many specific examples as possible)
(-- as many specific examples as possible)
- when you think about all the ways we might violate this command, itspretty sobering.
- when you think about all the ways we might violate this command, itspretty sobering.
- but that’s not the end of the discussion...because when we think about righteousness -- we also need to:
- but that’s not the end of the discussion...because when we think about righteousness -- we also need to:
III. Remember, Our Original Thinking Was Anything But Just
III. Remember, Our Original Thinking Was Anything But Just
- there are some strong statements in the Bible about just how unrighteous we were apart from Christ.
- there are some strong statements in the Bible about just how unrighteous we were apart from Christ.
A. Psalm 58:3 - The wicked are estranged from the womb, these who speak lies go astray from birth.
A. Psalm 58:3 - The wicked are estranged from the womb, these who speak lies go astray from birth.
The wicked are estranged from the womb: They go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies.
B. Psalm 51:5 - In sin my mother conceived me.
B. Psalm 51:5 - In sin my mother conceived me.
Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; And in sin did my mother conceive me.
C. Isaiah 64:6 - All our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment.
C. Isaiah 64:6 - All our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment.
But we are all as an unclean thing, And all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; And we all do fade as a leaf; And our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
D. Rom. 3:10 - There is none righteous, no not one.
D. Rom. 3:10 - There is none righteous, no not one.
As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
-- these verses (and there are many more like them) explain all the things we wrote up on the board.
-- these verses (and there are many more like them) explain all the things we wrote up on the board.
-- thinking "justly" is anything but standard equipment.
-- thinking "justly" is anything but standard equipment.
- the "ruts in our minds" were exactly the opposite of just and righteous thinking.
- the "ruts in our minds" were exactly the opposite of just and righteous thinking.
- but thank the Lord for this last idea...
- but thank the Lord for this last idea...
IV. That's Why It Is Such A Great Privilege to be Reconciled to the Just God of Heaven.
IV. That's Why It Is Such A Great Privilege to be Reconciled to the Just God of Heaven.
A. He is righteous
A. He is righteous
- the Father - John 17:25, I John 1:9, Rev. 16:5
- the Father - John 17:25, I John 1:9, Rev. 16:5
O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
And I heard the angel of the waters say, Thou art righteous, O Lord, which art, and wast, and shalt be, because thou hast judged thus.
- the Son - I John 2:1, 29, 3:7
- the Son - I John 2:1, 29, 3:7
My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.
Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.
*** Rev. 15:3
*** Rev. 15:3
And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.
B. He clothes us in the righteousness of Christ
B. He clothes us in the righteousness of Christ
For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
C. We are to be slaves of righteousness
C. We are to be slaves of righteousness
- Rom. 6:12-14, 16-18
- Rom. 6:12-14, 16-18
Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.
For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?
But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.
Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.
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A Blueprint for Thinking
A Blueprint for Thinking
As people endowed with the mind of Christ, Christians need to apply this knowledge to every area of their lives.
As people endowed with the mind of Christ, Christians need to apply this knowledge to every area of their lives.
The teaching of Christ of Christ does not simply lead one to salvation, but it provides a framework in which we are to function in our relationships, ministries, and vocations.
The teaching of Christ of Christ does not simply lead one to salvation, but it provides a framework in which we are to function in our relationships, ministries, and vocations.
Christian knowledge shapes our thinking, but it does not shape it through some magical process in which we are uninvolved.
Christian knowledge shapes our thinking, but it does not shape it through some magical process in which we are uninvolved.
Our thinking is shaped by the Spirit through the Word of God, and that instruction has direct bearing on how we think about every facet of life.
Our thinking is shaped by the Spirit through the Word of God, and that instruction has direct bearing on how we think about every facet of life.
In other words, Christians should see every aspect of life, economics, politics, education, personal relationships, from a Christian point of view.
In other words, Christians should see every aspect of life, economics, politics, education, personal relationships, from a Christian point of view.
Such a perspective is called a Christian worldview. A worldview is what a person believes about God, reality, knowledge, humanity, and morality.
Such a perspective is called a Christian worldview. A worldview is what a person believes about God, reality, knowledge, humanity, and morality.
An atheistic worldview is obviously very different from a Christian worldview. Everyone perceives reality from a certain worldview.
An atheistic worldview is obviously very different from a Christian worldview. Everyone perceives reality from a certain worldview.
They might not be able to articulate that worldview, but it is there nonetheless, forming their opinions and values.
They might not be able to articulate that worldview, but it is there nonetheless, forming their opinions and values.
Many people remain ignorant all their lives of their underlying philosophies and worldviews that shape their thinking, and, sadly, many in the church continue to live in such darkness because they have not grasped what it truly means to have the mind of Christ.
Many people remain ignorant all their lives of their underlying philosophies and worldviews that shape their thinking, and, sadly, many in the church continue to live in such darkness because they have not grasped what it truly means to have the mind of Christ.
More than anyone else in the world, the Christian should be fully aware of what shapes his thinking.
More than anyone else in the world, the Christian should be fully aware of what shapes his thinking.
He should be consciously subjecting his mind to the teaching of God's Word and applying that instruction to every area of his life.
He should be consciously subjecting his mind to the teaching of God's Word and applying that instruction to every area of his life.
For the Christian to remain in the dark about what it means to develop and maintain a Christian worldview is a dangerous thing.
For the Christian to remain in the dark about what it means to develop and maintain a Christian worldview is a dangerous thing.
It means that he may be searching the Scriptures on Sunday to know how to worship God, but he fails to see the connection between the teaching of Christ and his daily life throughout the week.
It means that he may be searching the Scriptures on Sunday to know how to worship God, but he fails to see the connection between the teaching of Christ and his daily life throughout the week.
He fails to see how God's Word relates to his work, his family, his politics, and his education.
He fails to see how God's Word relates to his work, his family, his politics, and his education.
1. Does this writer believe that developing the "mind of Christ" is a passive process?
1. Does this writer believe that developing the "mind of Christ" is a passive process?
Do you agree or disagree?
Do you agree or disagree?
2. What is a Christian worldview?
2. What is a Christian worldview?
3. What do you especially like about this article?
3. What do you especially like about this article?
4. What do you find especially challenging about this article?
4. What do you find especially challenging about this article?
5. How should these ideas affect our study of Philippians 4:8?
5. How should these ideas affect our study of Philippians 4:8?
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.
II. Background
II. Background
A. Our Mind is Amazing (Psalm 139:14)
A. Our Mind is Amazing (Psalm 139:14)
I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: Marvellous are thy works; And that my soul knoweth right well.
1. God designed our minds! They are products of engineering, not accidental evolution!
1. God designed our minds! They are products of engineering, not accidental evolution!
2. Psalm 139:14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made
2. Psalm 139:14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made
I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: Marvellous are thy works; And that my soul knoweth right well.
3. Our mind is more than just a ball of fat between our ears
3. Our mind is more than just a ball of fat between our ears
4. Your brain contains more than the 100 billion interconnected neurons, that have trillions of chemical and electrical signals firing between them!
4. Your brain contains more than the 100 billion interconnected neurons, that have trillions of chemical and electrical signals firing between them!
5. It weighs less than 1.5 kgs, and is no bigger than your two fists put together
5. It weighs less than 1.5 kgs, and is no bigger than your two fists put together
6. Your brain is the ultimate computer, taking vast amounts of “data”—from all your senses—and spitting out a decision – like should you wear a jumper today, or a t-shirt?
6. Your brain is the ultimate computer, taking vast amounts of “data”—from all your senses—and spitting out a decision – like should you wear a jumper today, or a t-shirt?
a. It has the ability to sense what time it is, the temperature, it senses smells, tastes, voices, individual words, sights, noises, pains, excitements…
a. It has the ability to sense what time it is, the temperature, it senses smells, tastes, voices, individual words, sights, noises, pains, excitements…
b. Then it links all of that information together to make a thought, a decision, a memory, or a snapshot of your world at that moment!
b. Then it links all of that information together to make a thought, a decision, a memory, or a snapshot of your world at that moment!
c. Just THINKING causes you to lose about two percent of your total weight every day.
c. Just THINKING causes you to lose about two percent of your total weight every day.
That’s why good, healthy meals make for a good healthy mind!
That’s why good, healthy meals make for a good healthy mind!
Junk food makes for junk heads! Remember that next time you are reaching for a KitKat.
Junk food makes for junk heads! Remember that next time you are reaching for a KitKat.
7. Yet, for most people, all that ability is wasted – rarely used. Rarely developed.
7. Yet, for most people, all that ability is wasted – rarely used. Rarely developed.
8. And that is why right thoughts rarely go through our minds
8. And that is why right thoughts rarely go through our minds
B. What Are Right Thoughts?
B. What Are Right Thoughts?
1. Right thoughts are:
1. Right thoughts are:
a. Not always Happy thoughts – some are sombre, serious, sad thoughts
a. Not always Happy thoughts – some are sombre, serious, sad thoughts
b. Not always Sure thoughts – maybe still being formed
b. Not always Sure thoughts – maybe still being formed
c. Not always Deep, and philosophical thoughts - just sometimes enjoyed, and rested upon – like, God is faithful, I am loved, God is working all things together for good, Jesus is coming again!
c. Not always Deep, and philosophical thoughts - just sometimes enjoyed, and rested upon – like, God is faithful, I am loved, God is working all things together for good, Jesus is coming again!
d. Not judgmental thoughts – always seeing the dark side of everything. Many people think it is good to only see problems and faults – that is NOT good!
d. Not judgmental thoughts – always seeing the dark side of everything. Many people think it is good to only see problems and faults – that is NOT good!
e. Not only religious thoughts – but thoughts about your family, your wife, your husband, your future, your past, your plans, your needs – those are all good and right to think about.
e. Not only religious thoughts – but thoughts about your family, your wife, your husband, your future, your past, your plans, your needs – those are all good and right to think about.
What matters is whether you panic or worry when you think of those things
What matters is whether you panic or worry when you think of those things
2. Right thoughts… four things make a thought right
2. Right thoughts… four things make a thought right
a. Are what God thinks – about everything
a. Are what God thinks – about everything
1) Not what the majority think, or how you feel
1) Not what the majority think, or how you feel
2) But are Bible-based thoughts – thoughts that come from the Bible (Joshua 1:8) through our mind and heart, and out our mouths.
2) But are Bible-based thoughts – thoughts that come from the Bible (Joshua 1:8) through our mind and heart, and out our mouths.
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.
3) Seeking the mind of Christ – how HE saw things, and thought about things
3) Seeking the mind of Christ – how HE saw things, and thought about things
a) What does GOD think of your wife? Of your husband? Or your employer?
a) What does GOD think of your wife? Of your husband? Or your employer?
b) Of your neighbours? What does God think of politics,
b) Of your neighbours? What does God think of politics,
c) What does He think about what you watched on Netflix last night?
c) What does He think about what you watched on Netflix last night?
d) What does He think about the problems and troubles you are going through?
d) What does He think about the problems and troubles you are going through?
e) And what does He think about your life so far?
e) And what does He think about your life so far?
f) I think it would surprise you to find out what God thinks about most everything!
f) I think it would surprise you to find out what God thinks about most everything!
b. Right Thoughts Are sceptical of everything (1Thessalonians 5:21)
b. Right Thoughts Are sceptical of everything (1Thessalonians 5:21)
Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
1) 1Th 5:21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
1) 1Th 5:21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
2) Slow to just believe what everyone else may be saying or believing
2) Slow to just believe what everyone else may be saying or believing
3) It is not that we DON’T believe things… just that we don’t instantly, and blindly believe whatever we see on RTE News, or in Science, or on the internet
3) It is not that we DON’T believe things… just that we don’t instantly, and blindly believe whatever we see on RTE News, or in Science, or on the internet
4) Right thoughts are Able to come to your own conclusion
4) Right thoughts are Able to come to your own conclusion
5) And Right thoughts Want the truth, and won’t settle for anything less
5) And Right thoughts Want the truth, and won’t settle for anything less
c. Does Not Think Evil of Others (1Corinthians 13:5) – very important!
c. Does Not Think Evil of Others (1Corinthians 13:5) – very important!
Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
1) What does that mean?
1) What does that mean?
2) It is not a spiritual mind that always sees the dark side of everything.
2) It is not a spiritual mind that always sees the dark side of everything.
3) Right thinking means, you don’t go looking for faults in others, and don’t dwell on the faults and failures of other people – even though you know they are there
3) Right thinking means, you don’t go looking for faults in others, and don’t dwell on the faults and failures of other people – even though you know they are there
4) It means, We will not think ill of a person’s motives, opinions, or conduct until we are compelled to do so by the most unbreakable evidence.
4) It means, We will not think ill of a person’s motives, opinions, or conduct until we are compelled to do so by the most unbreakable evidence.
5) We instead think the best of people, and will put the best possible “spin” on the motives and the conduct of others. Give people the benefit of the doubt, until we are proven wrong.
5) We instead think the best of people, and will put the best possible “spin” on the motives and the conduct of others. Give people the benefit of the doubt, until we are proven wrong.
6) THAT is right thinking folks! Not positive thinking, but respectful thinking!
6) THAT is right thinking folks! Not positive thinking, but respectful thinking!
d. Are Settled thoughts – not always changing with every wind of doctrine
d. Are Settled thoughts – not always changing with every wind of doctrine
1) Ephesians 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro [FROM BULLY TO BULLY], and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive
1) Ephesians 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro [FROM BULLY TO BULLY], and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive
That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
2) But knowing some things for sure
2) But knowing some things for sure
a) Like the Gospel
a) Like the Gospel
b) Like the truth of the Bible
b) Like the truth of the Bible
c) Like our salvation
c) Like our salvation
d) Like the promises of God – to work everything, EVERYTHING out for good to them that love Him
d) Like the promises of God – to work everything, EVERYTHING out for good to them that love Him
e. I wish you would memorise that list!
e. I wish you would memorise that list!
C. Right Thinking Produces Good Fruit in the Life of a Christian
C. Right Thinking Produces Good Fruit in the Life of a Christian
1. Right words out our mouth (Matthew 12:34)
1. Right words out our mouth (Matthew 12:34)
O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.
a. Matthew 12:34 O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.
a. Matthew 12:34 O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.
O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.
b. What you think about and let affect your heart will determine what words are coming out of your mouth!
b. What you think about and let affect your heart will determine what words are coming out of your mouth!
2. Right actions (Proverbs 23:6,7)
2. Right actions (Proverbs 23:6,7)
Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, Neither desire thou his dainty meats:
For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; But his heart is not with thee.
a. Proverbs 23:6 Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, neither desire thou his dainty meats: [DON’T GO TO DINNER WITH AN ANGRY MAN]
a. Proverbs 23:6 Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, neither desire thou his dainty meats: [DON’T GO TO DINNER WITH AN ANGRY MAN]
Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, Neither desire thou his dainty meats:
b. Proverbs 23:7 For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.
b. Proverbs 23:7 For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.
For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; But his heart is not with thee.
c. His thoughts will soon turn to hateful and destructive actions
c. His thoughts will soon turn to hateful and destructive actions
d. Just as yours and mine do!
d. Just as yours and mine do!
3. Right worship (Matthew 15:8; 22:37)
3. Right worship (Matthew 15:8; 22:37)
This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.
Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
a. Matthews 15:8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.
a. Matthews 15:8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.
b. Their THOUGHTS follow their heart, and end up in empty worship
b. Their THOUGHTS follow their heart, and end up in empty worship
c. Matthew 22:37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
c. Matthew 22:37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
d. Don’t turn your mind OFF when you come to church – get it fed and activated!
d. Don’t turn your mind OFF when you come to church – get it fed and activated!
4. Not many people have any good fruit come out of their thinking
4. Not many people have any good fruit come out of their thinking
D. What if you struggle with wrong thoughts, wrong thinking?
D. What if you struggle with wrong thoughts, wrong thinking?
1. Understand It is normal & natural to struggle with wrong thinking (Isaiah 55:7-9)
1. Understand It is normal & natural to struggle with wrong thinking (Isaiah 55:7-9)
Let the wicked forsake his way, And the unrighteous man his thoughts: And let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; And to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, Neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are my ways higher than your ways, And my thoughts than your thoughts.
a. Right thoughts are not OUR normal thoughts
a. Right thoughts are not OUR normal thoughts
b. They do not come naturally - Or through education - Or from youtube!
b. They do not come naturally - Or through education - Or from youtube!
c. They come from GOD and Godly influences
c. They come from GOD and Godly influences
1) Isaiah 55:7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
1) Isaiah 55:7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
Let the wicked forsake his way, And the unrighteous man his thoughts: And let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; And to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
2) Isaiah 55:8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
2) Isaiah 55:8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, Neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.
3) Isaiah 55:9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
3) Isaiah 55:9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are my ways higher than your ways, And my thoughts than your thoughts.
2. It is in our nature to think evil things – wrong thinking comes naturally to all of us
2. It is in our nature to think evil things – wrong thinking comes naturally to all of us
a. Mark 7:21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts…
a. Mark 7:21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts…
For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,
b. The tendancy to think lustful, evil, hurtful thoughts is inside everyone of us!
b. The tendancy to think lustful, evil, hurtful thoughts is inside everyone of us!
c. People don’t like hearing this, but it is THE truth!
c. People don’t like hearing this, but it is THE truth!
d. Even Christians struggle with evil thinking!
d. Even Christians struggle with evil thinking!
1) 2Co 12:20 For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest there be debates [ARGUMENTS], envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults [RIOTS]
1) 2Co 12:20 For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest there be debates [ARGUMENTS], envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults [RIOTS]
For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults:
2) Those things were coming out of the thinking of CHRISTIANS in Corinth!
2) Those things were coming out of the thinking of CHRISTIANS in Corinth!
3. But we should not let wrong thinking run wild in our heads!
3. But we should not let wrong thinking run wild in our heads!
a. Would you really allow an angry bull or even a small stray cat run wild in your home? But that is what we tollerate going on in our HEADS!
a. Would you really allow an angry bull or even a small stray cat run wild in your home? But that is what we tollerate going on in our HEADS!
b. You and I are going to have to put out the effort and get right thoughts from the words of the Bible to overwhelm the wrong thoughts – we have forgotten that truth
b. You and I are going to have to put out the effort and get right thoughts from the words of the Bible to overwhelm the wrong thoughts – we have forgotten that truth
c. Man cannot know what are right things without learning what is actually right
c. Man cannot know what are right things without learning what is actually right
4. So, Open the Bible every morning, and ask God to teach you HOW TO THINK RIGHT
4. So, Open the Bible every morning, and ask God to teach you HOW TO THINK RIGHT
E. So, , Let’s Take Control of Our Thoughts in Jesus’ Name
E. So, , Let’s Take Control of Our Thoughts in Jesus’ Name
1. Let’s break the cycle of
1. Let’s break the cycle of
a. Confusion – not knowing what to think about important things
a. Confusion – not knowing what to think about important things
b. Manipulation / Deception – allowing the world to tell you what to think
b. Manipulation / Deception – allowing the world to tell you what to think
c. Offense – upset when others do not agree with what your authority says
c. Offense – upset when others do not agree with what your authority says
d. Reaction – seeing opposing views as completely wrong and attacking, arguing
d. Reaction – seeing opposing views as completely wrong and attacking, arguing
e. Ruin – end up being taken advantage of, and worse off than when you started
e. Ruin – end up being taken advantage of, and worse off than when you started
f. Ultimately Quitting whatever good God asks you to do
f. Ultimately Quitting whatever good God asks you to do
2. And replace it with
2. And replace it with
a. Absolute truths
a. Absolute truths
b. Constant Questioning and Testing of what we hear and believe. It is called Critical Thinking, and it is so needed today!
b. Constant Questioning and Testing of what we hear and believe. It is called Critical Thinking, and it is so needed today!
c. Forbearance – allowing other people to see things differently without being offended
c. Forbearance – allowing other people to see things differently without being offended
d. Smiling – put up with their judgmentalism
d. Smiling – put up with their judgmentalism
e. Stay standing – watch as multitudes rise and fall like ocean waves, and stay standing
e. Stay standing – watch as multitudes rise and fall like ocean waves, and stay standing
f. Worshipping and finishing whatever God asks you to do – no matter what is going on around us!
f. Worshipping and finishing whatever God asks you to do – no matter what is going on around us!
3. THAT is what Biblical Thinking can do!
3. THAT is what Biblical Thinking can do!
III. Next Week…
A. Changing Our Mind
A. Changing Our Mind
B. Learning HOW to Replace Wrong Thinking with Biblical Thinking
B. Learning HOW to Replace Wrong Thinking with Biblical Thinking
IV.Conclusion
IV.Conclusion
A. INSIDE our heads, the real war is being won or lost by the kind of thoughts that you and I think!
A. INSIDE our heads, the real war is being won or lost by the kind of thoughts that you and I think!
1. You probably don’t want to admit it… but…
1. You probably don’t want to admit it… but…
2. Wrong and sinful thinking has wrecked our homes, our society and most of all, our churches
2. Wrong and sinful thinking has wrecked our homes, our society and most of all, our churches
3. Oh that we Christians were a right-thinking people, and not just emotion-led, and constantly offended people – upset at one another instead of the devil!
3. Oh that we Christians were a right-thinking people, and not just emotion-led, and constantly offended people – upset at one another instead of the devil!
B. As Amazing as our mind is, it is probably messed up, the devil’s playground, wasted, rarely used, and rarely developed
B. As Amazing as our mind is, it is probably messed up, the devil’s playground, wasted, rarely used, and rarely developed
C. Four Things Make a Thought Right
C. Four Things Make a Thought Right
1. They are what God thinks – do you even KNOW what He thiks about things?
1. They are what God thinks – do you even KNOW what He thiks about things?
2. They are Sceptical of Everything – Careful to not be gullable, and manipulated
2. They are Sceptical of Everything – Careful to not be gullable, and manipulated
3. They Do Not Think Evil of Others
3. They Do Not Think Evil of Others
4. They are Settled Thoughts – not anxious, panicky, always changing with every wind of doctrine, but knowing some important things for sure
4. They are Settled Thoughts – not anxious, panicky, always changing with every wind of doctrine, but knowing some important things for sure
a. Are you blowing around like the wind with every religion, and every opinion, and never able to make up your own mind?
a. Are you blowing around like the wind with every religion, and every opinion, and never able to make up your own mind?
b. Do you even know the Gospel?
b. Do you even know the Gospel?
c. Do you just HOPE you are saved, or do you know that you know that Jesus in your heart of hearts as your Saviour and Lord?
c. Do you just HOPE you are saved, or do you know that you know that Jesus in your heart of hearts as your Saviour and Lord?
d. Have you humbled yourself and cried out to Him as a sinful wretch, and asked Jesus to forgive you and make you His child simply by His grace?
d. Have you humbled yourself and cried out to Him as a sinful wretch, and asked Jesus to forgive you and make you His child simply by His grace?
D. Dear Christian
D. Dear Christian
1. Right Thinking, Biblical Thinking BREAKS the Cycles of Confusion, Manipulation, Offenses, Frustration and Defeat that characterise most of Christianity today
1. Right Thinking, Biblical Thinking BREAKS the Cycles of Confusion, Manipulation, Offenses, Frustration and Defeat that characterise most of Christianity today
2. So, Open the Bible every morning from now on, and ask God to teach you HOW TO THINK RIGHT from the words you read
2. So, Open the Bible every morning from now on, and ask God to teach you HOW TO THINK RIGHT from the words you read
3. It will start to truly change your entire life – because that is why it was written!
3. It will start to truly change your entire life – because that is why it was written!
E. If you don’t KNOW how to be saved, let’s talk!
E. If you don’t KNOW how to be saved, let’s talk!
1. You Can Know...
1. You Can Know...
2. The God who made you – He wants you to know Him (Jer 29:13)
2. The God who made you – He wants you to know Him (Jer 29:13)
And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.
3. That He loves and wants you (John 3:16) – you don’t need to do anything b/c you can’t
3. That He loves and wants you (John 3:16) – you don’t need to do anything b/c you can’t
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.
4. That Jesus lived and died in your place on the cross – paying your penalty for all your sin – death! (Romans 6:23) Only HE could live perfectly, and die in your place
4. That Jesus lived and died in your place on the cross – paying your penalty for all your sin – death! (Romans 6:23) Only HE could live perfectly, and die in your place
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
5. You can know that THAT death was and is enough to make you perfectly righteous!
5. You can know that THAT death was and is enough to make you perfectly righteous!
6. All that is left for you to do is repent, and believe it with all your heart! (Mark 1:15)
6. All that is left for you to do is repent, and believe it with all your heart! (Mark 1:15)
And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.
7. It is like accepting a gift of a million euros! Just accept it!
7. It is like accepting a gift of a million euros! Just accept it!
8. And you will know you have eternal life (1 John 5:13) – because God will give it
8. And you will know you have eternal life (1 John 5:13) – because God will give it
These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
F. Make today your spiritual birthday!
F. Make today your spiritual birthday!