Missionary
Notes
Transcript
Introduction
A goal, a race, or a battle is first won or lost in the mind.
Question: Do you agree or disagree with that statement? Why?
Through careful strategy and cunning deceit, Satan attempts to set up “strongholds” in our mind. A stronghold is an area in which we are held bondage (in prison) due to a certain way of thinking. —Joyce Myers
What does the Scripture say?
Romans 8:5-6
Romans 8:5-6
Text
5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.
6 For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.
This morning I want to show you that the most significant battlefield you will ever face is the battlefield of the mind.
The Scripture refers to your mind in various ways. One of those ways is using the word “heart.” The heart in Scripture describes a person’s thoughts, priorities, spiritual health, and overall quality of being.
Before any action is accomplished, the heart—youth mind—has made determination of what should be done.
Jesus said, speaking of religious legalists, call the Pharisees:
34 You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.
Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.
Our of one’s thoughts, determination, spiritual quality—one commits to action.
No wonder that the enemy, Satan, is committed to declaring war in your mind.
Important: Failure to guard our hearts and minds opens the door to spiritual defeat.
Remember: A life without Christ as the center is a life filled with corruption.
The Old Testament prophet Jeremiah said:
9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?
Transition
However, a life transformed by Jesus Christ is a life that is posed for victory.
With the mind a battlefield, what can we do to win?
Romans 12:1-2
Romans 12:1-2
1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
2 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.
Entering the Battle with the Right Heart and Right Mind
Embrace the mercies of God.
Be a living sacrifice.
Live holy lives.
Worship.
Reject the ways of the world.
Renew your mind.
Renew your mind.
Rick Renner— Real spiritual warfare is a specific condition of the mind that involves a lifelong commitment . It is not so much an action as it is a determined and committed attitude of the mind.
Example: the Apostle Paul
7 So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited.
8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me.
9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
How do we renew our mind?
Trust in the Lord.
Feed your soul from the Word of God.
Pray! Pray! Pray!
Stop.
Give God your best time (not the left overs).
Listen! Do not do all the talking!
Surrender. Repent. Start over.
Worship.
Guard your heart and mind from anything that may lead you away from God’s presence.
Conclusion
10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.
11 Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.
Questions for Reflection and Small Group Discussion
Do you believe that spiritual warfare is won or lost in the mind? Why?
Why do you think Satan attacks the mind?
How do you think sins affects a person’s ability (or lack thereof) to face spiritual battle?
What ways can help to “renew” your mind and prepare you for spiritual warfare?