Sermon Tone Analysis

Introduction

Our thoughts show what we are.

Mind Reader?

We cannot read minds, we can only know what another is thinking by how they externalize their thoughts in their words and action.

If we could read the minds of others, we would know how to best deal with them.

Life is torture to a person who acts contrary to their beliefs.

James calls such a one “unstable” and likens him to “a wave of the sea” James 1:8

The God-controlled mind

We ceased to be a freethinker and began to think like Christ the moment we got saved.

When a sinner believes in Christ, the heart is not only purified, but something happens to his thought process as well.

It is changed.

We now possess a sound or disciplined mind.

In 2Timothy 1:7

Paul tells us what kind of a mind God gives to a saved person: “For God hath not given us the spirit [thought process] of fear [timidity, cowardice], but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind [sōphronismós, ‘a disciplined mind’].”

This is not a passive process

Paul informs the Philippians Phil.

2:5

We are commanded to continually (be in) have the mind of Christ.

The words “be in” here is the present imperative voice.

The greatest possession in life is not money or other worldly goods, but the freedom to think as we please.

Therefore we can determine who or what is controlling our thoughts.

i.e God through His Word

It is our duty to imitate the humility demonstrated by Christ.

Christ gave up this glory to accomplish the purpose of His for which He was sent.

Although Jesus had always been in the form of God ( John 10:30

; Phil.

2:6

(Phil.

2:7

Christ knowingly accepted the crucifixion

( Phil.

2:8

The result of which is that God exalts Him.

( Phil.

2:9

Christ’s future rule was assured because of His present obedience

(Phil.

2:8-9