Controlling Our Thoughts

Controlling Our Thoughts

I. The capacity of our minds.

Brain can record 800 memories per second.

It is estimated that in a lifetime the brain can store one million billion bits of information. 1021

It is a myth that humans only use 10 percent of our brain. We actually use all of it. We’re even using more than 10 percent when we sleep.

It accounts for your ability to think, remember, love, hate, feel, reason, imagine and analyze.

Extras

The human brain begins to lose some memory abilities as well as some cognitive skills by your late 20s.

Information runs between neurons in your brain for everything we see, think, or do. These neurons move information at different speeds. The fastest speed for information to pass between neurons is about 250 mph.

Your brain uses 20 percent of the oxygen and blood in your body...The typical brain comprises about 2% of the body’s total weight, but uses 20% of its total energy and oxygen intake.

A piece of brain tissue the size of a grain of sand contains 100,000 neurons and 1 billion synapses, all communicating with each other.

And lastly, There’s a reason the brain has been called a “random thought generator.”

According to the Laboratory of Neuro Imaging at the University of Southern California, the average brain generates 48.6 thoughts per minute. (20)

This adds up to a total of 70,000 thoughts per day.

II. Why else should we control it?

A. Because it is commanded.

Prov. 4:23

B. Because temptation begins in our minds.

James 1:14,15

C. Because pleasing thoughts do not come automatically.

D. Because if we don't the result will be guilt (because we have not obeyed God) and

unhappiness. The way will become hard and we may experience physical problems.

1. Doctors estimate that emotionally induced illness accounts for 65 to 80% of all

modern sickness.

E. Because if we don't we'll become ugly.

What happened when Cain got angry --> his countenance fell. (Gen. 4:5)

On the other hand a merry heart --> cheerful face. (Prov. 15:13)

III. Hindrances to controlling our thinking.

A. Because of what's out there for our minds to absorb.

B. W orldly philosophies compete for our minds.

1. Sex outside of marriage is pleasurable and fun. There are no consequences.

2. If someone hurts me, I have a right to get even. I don't have to return good for evil.

3. I must value myself.

4. Love is a feeling.

5. If it looks good, feels good, and I enjoy it, go for it.

6. Abortion is my choice.

7. Beauty, power, and prestige are what count.

8. I deserve to be treated well.

9. I don't have to obey authority.

10. I don't have to work heartily, as unto the Lord.

IV. Controlling our thinking.

A. Recognize it will take hard work. There are no short cuts. It will take effort.

Heb.12:11

B. Develop some hatreds and desires.

1. We will not be motivated to do the hard work unless we learn to hate sin.

a. 1 John 3:4

2. Learn to desire God.

Ps. 119:131

Ps. 42:1,2

Ps. 119:111,112

C. Next, deal with guilt.

Ps. 32:3

Ps. 38:4

Ps. 38:6,8

D. Evaluate current practices and make changes.

E. Identify sinful thought patterns.

Which of these sinful thought patterns do you tend to have?

Constant pessimism and negativism.

Envy.

A critical, condemnatory, accusatory, judgmental attitude.

Bitterness.

Resentment.

Impulsiveness.

Regrets (looking to the past in such a way that it keeps you from

living biblically, responsibly, productively in the present)

Worry.

Jumping to hasty and unfounded conclusions.

Daydreaming.

Self-pity.

Wicked, immoral imaginations.

Thinking others are talking about me behind my back.

Assuming others are out to trap me.

Watching for the mistakes of others.

Being glad when others fail.

Not listening to both sides of the story.

Focusing on another's bad qualities.

Assuming others are wrong.

Exaggerating my problems or successes.

Exaggerating the faults and mistakes of others.

Wishing I was someone else or that I was someplace else.

Not seeing any sense in trying to change or improve.

Thinking about how others don't appreciate me.

Thinking about how others have abused or mistreated me.

Thinking about how much better off others are.

F. Exercise self-discipline in your thoughts. Control your thoughts. Take every thought

captive...

Rom. 13:14

G. Make it hard on yourself to sin.

Matt. 5:29-30

H. Push out the wrong input by giving your mind good stuff.

Rom. 12:2

Eph. 4:23

1. Study to show yourself approved.

2. Memorize.

Ps. 119:11

I. Learn to think biblically about all areas of your life…a biblical approach to popular phrases

I can't do it. I can't handle anymore. I Cor. 10:13

He deserves what he gets. Rom. 12:17-21

There no point in talking about it. Eph. 4:26,27

I've already blown it for this week. Prov. 24:16

He won't do anything about it. I Cor. 13:7

I can't forgive. Matt. 18:21ff

I can't stop this sin. I Cor. 6:11

I have cancer. Rom. 8:28,29

V. Conclusion

You do what you do and you feel what you feel because you think what you think.