The Consequences of a Critical Spirit & Negative Thinking. Dr. Kenneth Jones Pastor, Practical Living Ministry

Transcription

1 The Consequences of a Critical Spirit & Negative Thinking Dr. Kenneth Jones Pastor, Practical Living Ministry

2 God wants us to truly experience Life in the Spirit, which can be hindered or negated in our lives if we continue to choose to live carnally Romans 8:6 - For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. To be carnally minded means the minding of the things of the flesh, giving to them supreme attention. The Carnal mind is a mindset of choice It means walking according to reasoning dictated by what your five senses. It denotes our human nature The Carnal mindset is Self-focused and feelings oriented and under the influence of the principles which govern the people of this world 1 Corinthians 3:3 - For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?

3 The carnal mind is the mind of the flesh. It is God s desire that we walk, live, and submit to the influence of the Spirit to be productive disciples Certain aspects of the human nature hinders us from achieving a prosperous soul and separates us from God due to sin The Word of God provides us much insight as to what is living the life of God according to the Spirit, and what is described in our carnal state that puts us in opposition to God s Word and purpose for our lives

4 God s glory is in His character. To truly give glory to God is to reflect His character, His nature in the earth God created us in His image not just to look like him, but to act like Him. We even have access to the Mind of Christ When we act and behave contrary to God s Word and character, we are not giving glory to God nor demonstrating a renewed mindset Even in this dispensation of Grace, God still judges our behavior

5 Passions (Alignment, seated) Influence (World system, Godly, secular) Nature Desires (sensual, godly) (spiritual, carnal, reprobate) Humanity Total Being, yet Self Ruled; Governed by Emotions, Physical, & knowledge; Natural Man, disconnected from God w/o spiritual understanding (1 st Cor 2:14; Eph 4:18; 2 nd Peter 2:10) World Represents Ungodly Influence & Secular System; Realm ruled by Satan (1 st John 2:16; 2 nd Cor 4:4) Carnal State Rom 8:6,7; 1 st Cor 3:1-4 Spiritual Man Spirit Ruled; Renewing Born Again through the Spirit and Transformed into the Image of Christ (Romans 8:6; 1 Cor 2:15; Ephesians 5: 16,18) Governance (Spirit of God, evil spirits, Word of God) Understanding (Discernment, revelation) Choice(s) (Volition) Mindset (Renewed; Transformed) 5

6 A Ticket allows Entrance You have to Allow or submit to the thought What thoughts are you giving admission/permission to? Some of our negative thoughts have a Seasons Pass in our minds Reasoning Thoughts of Depression Fear & Anxiety Witchcraft & Occult Lusts Philosophies Imaginations Strongholds develop when you not only admit or allow thoughts but when you also allow them to reside there

7 While we discuss patterns of thinking, don t forget that negative, Oppressive, and ungodly patterns of thinking are detrimental as it can lead to sin, bondage, and Bring God s judgment. James 1:14-15: But every person is tempted when he is drawn away, enticed and baited by his own evil desire (lust, passions). 15 Then the evil desire, when it has conceived, gives birth to sin, and sin, when it is fully matured, brings forth death Covetousness in Judas allowed him to be enticed by 30 pieces of silver, along with his dismay of Jesus as not being the conquering king as he had expected him to be Examples: Ananais and Saphira thinking to lie to Peter being impelled by Satan (filled with intent) Aaron and Miriam Who does Moses think he is! Accusation fueled by jealousy (numbers 11 & 12) Pride comes before a fall A Haughty Spirit Lifting oneself up

8 The serpent had to get Eve to think at his level in order to persuade her to eat of the fruit. Soon after Man s thoughts were on evil continually (Genesis 3:4-6; Genesis 6:5) The unsaved person is not challenged, because his mind is reprobate. The reprobate mind reacts and operates to the course of this world. But when a person is saved, the enemy launches attack after attack through strongholds and Oppression to reduce our new mind back to a carnal or reprobate status again.

9 The purpose of the enemy is to reduce our pattern of thinking to his level so that he can push, persuade, or press (oppress) to act contrary to the will and purpose of God Example: How does one act or think when in fear or anxiety? How do you make decisions? Do you seek God as you should or do you run to the arm of flesh? Instead of trusting God, you have now incurred debt that increases your anxieties and impacts more godly behavior. Image of crumbs to a trap of different thoughts to final trap, i.e. depression

10 Complete, delivered, soundness, well, healed, sound in body mind and spirit 1 Th 5:23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly: and I pray God your whole spirit soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. While many of us just want relief in our lives, God wants us to experience Wholeness that comes through faith and obedience in the Father Through faith we can experience healing, but it is through obedience that we can experience wholeness

11 Answer: Both By nature the inclination to think, act, react or respond according to one s reprobate or carnal mindset Even after a person is saved, he/she may choose to operate in their old mindset, or act carnally, instead out of a transforming renewed mindset (Romans 12: 1,2) Our natural/reprobate/carnal/spiritual mindsets dictates our thoughts, attitudes, behavior, and actions

12 1 Corinthians 12:7 - But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. Galatians 5:22,23: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. We are endowed with Power, giftings, character, and Revelation of the spirit in order to profit (for utility, or use) or live successfully in our Christian walk Vs. 25: If we live in the Spirit This means that we live under the influences of the Holy Spirit. By his influences and agency He governs our spiritual life.

13 The Attributes of the Spirit of God assists, helps, and empowers us in our spiritual walk, bringing God s Word to our remembrance, comforting and refreshing us when we are weary, and guiding our thoughts and behavior Spirit of peace Fruit of the Spirit to keep our minds and hearts Spirit of power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7) Spirit of wisdom, revelation and knowledge of God (Ephesians 1:17) Spirit of Compassion (Mark 6:34) - greater love for others Spirit of praise to replace the spirit of heaviness A Fervent Spirit - Zeal of God (Romans 12:11; Psalms 69:9) with knowledge Spirit of truth (John 16:13) to guide us into the truth of God s Word

14 Evil manifestations of Influence, Obsession, Oppression & Possession When we submit to our fleshly, carnal nature, we give legal permission for demonic spirits to attack us through imaginations and obsessive and oppressive thoughts and reinforce strongholds building up within us spirit of heaviness (Isaiah 61:3) feeling of being despondent and weighted down spirit of fear (timidity and cowardice) i.e. keeps us from witnessing Downcast spirit (Hopelessness) spirit of Error -wrong opinion relative to morals or religion spirit of divinations (witchcraft) spiritual influences upon our emotions/social sins (Galatians 5:21,22) and self control spirit of Darkness blinds Christians from seeing the Truth

15 Ever been so consumed with thoughts about something or someone that it is difficult to resist or respond? Ever go from just being critical to judging that person, accusing them, become jealous and envy all of a sudden even though you are trying so hard to resist these thoughts? You just can t seem to be positive about anything. You see certain things as hopeless

16 Ever sat in the church and suddenly a thought comes to your mind, Who does she think she is? You are better than she is. She thinks she knows it all. The pastor reading the same old scripture! He needs to be more spiritual. I bet he s not in the word like he used to. You don t need to pay attention to this message. You heard it all before. Who is he to tell you anything? You are just as spiritual and have more knowledge than he does anyway.

17 Critical Spirit - A critical spirit, is an obsessive attitude of criticism, Complaining and fault-finding, which seeks to tear others down. It may even be a Perceived Thought. Negative Spirit- Pessimism or Negativity: A negative emotional focus, a bad attitude or a negative, cynical, secular view of life. In the course of our reprobate and carnal thinking, we may find ourselves being critical at times and speaking negatively. However, an obsession or pressing of a spiritual entity influencing our thinking, behaving, and attitude gives credence that a spirit may be operating

18 This is not the same thing as what is sometimes called constructive criticism. Expressed in love to build up, not to tear down Galatians 6:1 - Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. What separates the critical spirit from one being constructive is the desire to restore that person Ye who are spiritual Live and walk in the Spirit

19 Ephesians 4:15 - But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: We are required to speak the truth to ourselves and one another, but to do it without whining, complaining, and being negative If you are born of God, then you are not authorized to operate in your flesh

20 Romans 12:3 - For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. A critical spirit is rooted in pride it seeks to bring others down while it lifts itself up A critical spirit is also considered as one who complains- expressing dissatisfaction or annoyance leading to a desire to vent negative emotions A person of this spirit does not wish to correct nor does it wishes to assist

21 Insecurity: Quite often, criticism flows through people who are not very secure in how they see themselves. Sometimes we project negative attributes onto others that we actually carry in ourselves. Self-Accusation: Criticism is fueled by an accusing spirit, especially in the words we speak. Being critical of others helps us to avoid dealing with ourselves; keeping us from confronting the issues of our own heart. Bitterness: Criticism gains momentum in people that have unresolved bitterness and unforgiveness issues in their life.

22 Comparison/Competition/Resentment: We often criticize those who threaten our insecurity and lack of growth. Perfectionism: Those with a critical spirit are hard to please and are never satisfied. This makes relationship with them a miserable experience. Very little life and hope flows from them. Joylessness: You cannot be critical and filled with joy at the same time.

23 Negative people tend to focus on others faults (or their own faults). They may regularly point out shortcomings with their comments, attitudes, and frowns. Negative people will approach situations from a pessimistic viewpoint, assuming the worst in any given situation. Negativism is a failure to believe. It is faithless and destructive words about people, myself, or situations that only ventilates my flesh, doing nothing for my spirit Pessimism or Negativity: A negative emotional focus, a bad attitude or a negative, cynical, secular view of life. It seems that no matter what opinion you have, they ll take the opposite and argue with you

24 A negative, fault-finding, bitter attitude is a sin; Israel sinned against God in the wilderness by complaining about their circumstances (Numbers 11:1). Be aware that the best way to deal with a negative person may simply be to limit your contact with him, if possible.

25 Numbers 13:32 - And they brought up an evil report of the land which they had searched unto the children of Israel, saying, The land, through which we have gone to search it, is a land that eateth up the inhabitants thereof; and all the people that we saw in it are men of a great stature. Numbers 13:32 - So they gave a negative report to the Israelites about the land they had scouted: "The land we passed through to explore is one that devours its inhabitants, and all the people we saw in it are men of great size. (Holman s) A critical spirit can be very detrimental and damaging to a person s personal faith or to the health and vitality of a local congregation.

26 Negativity is a pattern of Sinful Thinking. A negative spirit never operates in faith and will wear on the faith of others Negative people usually speak after something positive or faith-filled is stated (Numbers 13:30 Joshua and Caleb saying, We can take the land! ) While there may be some negativism in the statement, there may be some partial truth in what one may say

27 Numbers 13:33 And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight. The reason Israel feared and did not enter in is because how negatively they saw themselves. The enemy saw them as they saw themselves. We must see ourselves according to the Word and how God sees us. This is not Positive Thinking, But Affirming our faith in God s Word and Power, Believing that He is who He say He is.

28 Hinders relationship with God and Others Hinders your spiritual growth and destructive to your faith It Grieves the Holy Spirit and hinders the Flow of Revelation knowledge (Hebrews 2:1) God hates, & Judges it, and it keeps you separated from him Being around critical and negative people hinders your spiritual zeal and productivity A spirit of criticism and negativity is a tactic of the evil one to bring division to the body and destroying its unity. Satan knows that if he can divide the body he can neutralize its effectiveness.

29 Commit yourself to meditating and trusting in God s Word Reverse the thought Instead of saying something negative, speak in faith or positive about the person or event Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, sweet to the mind and healing to the body" (Prov. 16:23-24). Once you recognize that you are being negative Repent, Renounce, Repair, and Restate Take a moment to realize the impact of your statement if spoken to Yourself, that person, group, or organization Focus on the Truth and not always the counterfeit

30 Be careful who or what you are criticizing Check your Motive Be sure you have the authority, knowledge, revelation, or responsibility to make such a criticism of a person Be careful how you do it - Make statements about someone based on your judgement and not God s If you are around someone who criticize a lot - don't participate - God hears and will judge you also

31 Giving Grace Instead of Giving Grief As believers, our words and our lives are to reflect God s grace. We are to exhort and encourage others instead of the grief that comes from a critical and negative spirit. Ephesians 4:29 says, Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. Paul instructed the Ephesians regarding this, "We are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ... so that [the body] builds itself up in love.... Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.... Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you" (Ephesians 4:15-16, 29, 31-32)

32 Numbers 11: And when the people complained, it displeased the LORD: and the LORD heard it; and his anger was kindled; and the fire of the LORD burnt among them, and consumed them that were in the uttermost parts of the camp. 2 And the people cried unto Moses; and when Moses prayed unto the LORD, the fire was quenched. 3 And he called the name of the place Taberah: because the fire of the LORD burnt among them The People Complained (Criticized) about their condition, God heard it, He showed His anger and displeasure, and they were judged

33 Numbers 12: 1-3: And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman. 2 And they said, Hath the LORD indeed spoken only by Moses? hath he not spoken also by us? And the LORD heard it. 3 (Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.) Vs. 9: And the anger of the LORD was kindled against them; and he departed. Miriam's leprosy is healed though God commands her to be shut out of the host 10 And the cloud departed from off the tabernacle; and, behold, Miriam became leprous, white as snow: and Aaron looked upon Miriam, and, behold, she was leprous. 11 And Aaron said unto Moses, Alas, my lord, I beseech thee, lay not the sin upon us, wherein we have done foolishly, and wherein we have sinned.

34 Did they realize who they were speaking to or about? God s Servant, Moses Did they have the authority or even the need to question it? One attribute of a Critical or Judgmental spirit is the need to Ventilate oneself I just got to say it! I need to get this off my chest! Well, no you don t Miriam was the Instigator, so the punishment fell on he alone. Aaron was misled and he had to give account for his sin in participating

35 Hebrews 10:26 - For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, While many may say what Aaron and Miriam did was Accusation, realize that it begins from a pattern of thinking rooted in a critical and judgmental mindset. Aaron later recognizes what they did as SIN

36 2 Samuel 6: 14: Wearing a linen ephod, David was dancing before the Lord with all his might. 16 As the ark of the Lord was entering the City of David, Michal daughter of Saul watched from a window. And when she saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord, she despised him in her heart. 20 When David returned home to bless his household, Michal daughter of Saul came out to meet him and said, How the king of Israel has distinguished himself today, going around half-naked in full view of the slave girls of his servants as any vulgar fellow would! 23 And Michal daughter of Saul had no children to the day of her death. Michal did not consider who she was criticizing and her authority to make that judgment. It s was also God s judgment upon her, not her husband.

37 Matthew 25:24, 25: Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: 25 And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine. Criticism is based upon a perceived thought The mark of a slothful and wicked servant, his entertaining hard thoughts of his master.

38 Lord, through the power of your Spirit, I repent of every thought that I have been allowing to conflict my thinking, leading me away from you and I renounce corrupt thinking and passions that has produced strongholds in my mind and spirit Today I am making the deliberate decision to start submitting every area of my mind and emotions to the Word of God and to the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit. By your grace, please let the power of Your Word and the Influence of your Spirit flow into every area of my mind and emotions, energizing them and fortifying godly thoughts by your presence so that the devil can no longer access me through these areas of my life!