CHANGE THE WAY YOU THINK

Change The Way You Think

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.Romans 12:2

to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, Ephesians 4:22–23

INTRODUCTION

I remember hearing about a man who bought a brand-new computer—top of the line, fastest processor, best graphics, all the bells and whistles. But after a few weeks, he started complaining that it wasn’t working right. It was slow, freezing up, crashing every time he opened a program.

So he called the company, frustrated, saying, “I paid all this money for the best machine out there, and it’s acting worse than my old one!”

The technician asked a simple question: “Sir, did you ever update the software?”

He said, “Update the what?”

The tech said, “Sir, your problem isn’t the hardware—it’s the software. You’ve got new equipment running on an old operating system.”

Come on somebody—how many believers are trying to live the new life in Christ while still operating with an old mindset? God gave you a new heart, a new spirit, a new identity… but you’re still thinking with the world’s old software.

That’s why Paul says, “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” You can’t live a new life with an old way of thinking. If you want transformation, you’ve got to let the Holy Spirit run the update.

I. A mind that is not transformed corrupts and deceives.

A. The flesh in scripture doesn’t mean your physical body it is referring to your “sinful human nature”.

1. The flesh is self-centered. (Resistant Toward God and Leads to Death).

Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. Romans 8:5

2. Resistant toward God.

The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Romans 8:7

3. Leads to death.

For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live. Romans 8:13

B. An unrenewed mind constantly operates under deception.

1. It will constantly feed any corrupt desires and destructive habits before it chooses God!

C. An unrenewed mind is no good without God.

II. Transformation begins with rejecting the worlds mold.

Do not be conformed to this world…

A. A mold is something that is used to mass produce a product so that everything looks the same.

1. The World wants you to fit into what it says you should be.

B. Transformation begins when you make a conscious choice to reject the world’s values, pressures and customs.

C. You can’t experience TRUE transformation until you stop imitating the world and start imitating Christ.

III. Transformation involves a complete shift of your mind and attitude.

The way you think and act or respond

A. Transformation is not partial—its entire and continual.

1. The phrase “Spirit of your mind” is referring to your inner disposition.

2. In other words, the controlling influence behind your thoughts.

3. God doesn’t just want new information in your mind, he wants a new attitude that reflects his truth.

B. The more your thoughts and attitudes align with God’s truth, the more your outer life begins to reflect inner change.

Transformation flows outward.

IV. Transformation restores the divine image.

“…put on the new nature (the regenerate self) created in God’s image, [Godlike] in true righteousness and holiness.” — Ephesians 4:24 AMP

A. Renewing your mind helps you to live and operate in your true identity as a child of God.

Explain…

B. The renewed mind aligns with God’s image.

God is righteous (HE IS THE STANDARD) and Holy (HE IS HOLY)

1. Righteousness – Right Standing with God.

2. Holiness – Right Living Before God.

C. As your mind is renewed from the fallen nature to that of Christ.

V. The power of a transformed mind.

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Philippians 2:5

A. A transformed mind will discern God’s will.

that by testing you may discern what is the will of God. Romans 12:2

1. You will stop guessing what God wants and recognize it.

2.If you are struggling with making decisions it will give you clarity and peace of mind.

B. A transformed mind will reflect God’s nature.

and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:24

1. The more your thoughts align with Gods word the more your character and attitude begins to change.

2. You start to love as He loves, forgive as He forgives and in live in a way that pleases God.

3. People will see Jesus in you

C. A transformed mind will break strongholds.

The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:4–5

1. The devil wants to control your mind.

2. When your mind is renewed your old thought patterns lose their grip.

(a) No more fear, shame or condemnation

3. You stop believing the lies the devil is telling you about yourself, others and God.

That’s true FREEDOM!

D. A transformed mind changes behavior.

1. Change doesn’t happen with willpower.

(a) It happens with new thinking.

2. You speak differently, treat people differently.

3. You carry yourself with purpose.

CONCLUSION SIGN UP WITH PASTOR ROSE SHES IN THE LOBBY AT THE WELCOME CENTER.