Living the Spirit-Led Life WEEK 1: BECOMING AWARE OF OUR THOUGHTS

Weekly Materials Weekly Study Topic Class Presentation Six Daily Devotionals 2

Weekly Materials Weekly Study Topic Class Presentation Six Daily Devotionals 3

Weekly Materials Weekly Study Topic Class Presentation Six Daily Devotionals 4

Weekly Materials Weekly Study Topic Class Presentation Six Daily Devotionals (on Bel Air website) 5

Weekly Materials 6

Weekly Materials 7

Weekly Materials 8

Does Growth Matter? 9

Does Growth Matter? Growth really matters! 10

Does Growth Matter? Growth really matters! Spiritual growth is how I take hold of the rich and satisfying life that Jesus offers us 11

Does Growth Matter? Growth really matters! Spiritual growth is how I take hold of the rich and satisfying life that Jesus offers us God is said to be our helper. But no one can be helped unless he does something. Augustine (Second Helvetic Confession, 5.048) 12

Does Growth Matter? Can we expect to grow if we apply ourselves? 13

Does Growth Matter? Can we expect to grow if we apply ourselves? Ephesians 4:14-15 NLT growing in every way more and more like Christ 14

Does Growth Matter? Can we expect to grow if we apply ourselves? Ephesians 4:14-15 NLT growing in every way more and more like Christ Ephesians 1:16-17 NLT so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. 15

What Do We Make of This? 17

What Do We Make of This? Believers and Non-Believers Behave Almost Identically 18

What Do We Make of This? Believers and Non-Believers Behave Almost Identically Indicator Christians Non- Christians You consider yourself to be loving 99% 95% You consider yourself to be happy 97% 93% You consider yourself to be compassionate 94% 95% You went out of your way to encourage or compliment someone in the past week 86% 77% You volunteered to help a non-profit within the past week 29% 27% You gave money to a homeless/poor person you saw on the street within the past week 13% 12% Growing True Disciples, George Barna, 2001 (1997 data) 19

What Do We Make of This? Head/logic-led It seemed reasonable to me 23

What Do We Make of This? Head/logic-led It seemed reasonable to me Proverbs 3:5 NIV do not depend on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:7 NLT Don't be impressed with your own wisdom. 24

What Do We Make of This? Head/logic-led Culture-led Everybody does it this way 25

What Do We Make of This? Head/logic-led Culture-led Everybody does it this way Romans 12:2 NIV Do not conform to the pattern of this world 26

What Do We Make of This? Head/logic-led Culture-led Pride-led/Offense-led You should feel sorry for yourself 27

What Do We Make of This? Head/logic-led Culture-led Pride-led/Offense-led You should feel sorry for yourself Obadiah 1:3 NIV The pride of your heart has deceived you 28

What Do We Make of This? Head/logic-led Culture-led Pride-led/Offense-led You should feel sorry for yourself I was offended, so I 29

What Do We Make of This? Head/logic-led Culture-led Pride-led/Offense-led You should feel sorry for yourself I was offended, so I James 1:19 NLT You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. 30

What Do We Make of This? Head/logic-led Culture-led Pride-led/Offense-led Money-led 31

What Do We Make of This? Head/logic-led Culture-led Pride-led/Offense-led Money-led Luke 12:15 NLT Life is not measured by how much you own." 32

What Do We Make of This? Head/logic-led Culture-led Pride-led/Offense-led Money-led Spirit-led 33

What Do We Make of This? Head/logic-led Culture-led Pride-led/Offense-led Money-led Spirit-led Romans 8:14 NIV For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 34

What Do We Make of This? Head/logic-led Culture-led Pride-led/Offense-led Money-led Spirit-led Romans 8:14 NIV For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. Ephesians 5:17 NLT Don't act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. 35

What Do We Make of This? Spirit-led = 36

What Do We Make of This? Spirit-led = Surrendered 37

What Do We Make of This? Spirit-led = Surrendered Ephesians 3:20 NIV Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, 38

What Do We Make of This? Spirit-led = Surrendered Ephesians 3:20 NIV Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 39

This Week: Becoming Aware of Our Thoughts o Importance of Heart and Mind 40

This Week: John 10:27 NIV My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 41

This Week: John 10:27 NIV My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 42

This Week: John 10:27 NIV My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 43

We Have an Adversary There is a war being waged against us! 44

We Have an Adversary There is a war being waged against us! A spiritual battle is happening Ephesians 6:12 NLT For we are not fighting against fleshand-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. 45

We Have an Adversary There is a war being waged against us! A spiritual battle is happening 1 John 5:19 NLT We know that we are children of God and that the world around us is under the control of the evil one. 48

We Have an Adversary There is a war being waged against us! A spiritual battle is happening Ephesians 2:2 NLT You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. 49

We Have an Adversary There is a war being waged against us! Do I need to pay close attention to this? YES! 50

We Have an Adversary There is a war being waged against us! Do I need to pay close attention to this? YES! 1 Peter 5:8 NLT Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 51

We Have an Adversary There is a war being waged against us! Do I need to pay close attention to this? YES! 1 Peter 5:8 MSG Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. 53

We Have an Adversary There is a war being waged against us! Do I need to pay close attention to this? YES! Satan is crafty and has specific strategies Ephesians 6:11 NLT Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 54

We Have an Adversary There is a war being waged against us! Do I need to worry? NO! 56

We Have an Adversary There is a war being waged against us! Do I need to worry? NO! 1 John 5:5 NLT And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God. 57

We Have an Adversary There is a war being waged against us! Do I need to worry? NO! 1 John 5:18 NLT We know that God's children do not make a practice of sinning, for God's Son holds them securely, and the evil one cannot touch them. 59

We Have an Adversary There is a war being waged against us! Do I need to worry? NO! James 4:7 NIV Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 60

We Have an Adversary There is a war being waged against us! Do I need to worry? NO! James 4:7 NIV Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. GOOD NEWS #4: WHAT KIND OF ENEMY FLEES WHEN YOU RESIST HIM? 61

We Have an Adversary What do we know about Satan? A liar and the father of lies John 8:44 NIV 62

We Have an Adversary What do we know about Satan? There is no truth in him John 8:44 NIV 63

We Have an Adversary What do we know about Satan? Was a murderer from the beginning John 8:44 NIV 64

We Have an Adversary What do we know about Satan? Comes only to steal and kill and destroy John 10:10 NIV 65

We Have an Adversary What do we know about Satan? Has blinded the minds of those who don't believe 2 Corinth 4:4 NLT 66

We Have an Adversary What do we know about Satan? No power or authority over believers 1 John 5:18 NLT; James 4:7 NIV 67

We Have an Adversary What do we know about Satan? Sets traps 2 Timothy 2:26 NLT 68

We Have an Adversary What do we know about Satan? Has specific strategies/schemes Ephesians 6:11 NLT/NIV 69

We Have an Adversary What do we know about Satan? Disguises himself as an angel of light 2 Corinthians 11:14 NLT 70

We Have an Adversary What do we know about Satan? Relies on deception Romans 7:11 NLT 71

We Have an Adversary What do we know about Satan? Will flee if we resist him James 4:7 NIV 72

We Have an Adversary Key Takeaway #1: We have an adversary who is trying to derail us o He has no direct power or authority over believers 73

We Have an Adversary Key Takeaway #1: We have an adversary who is trying to derail us o o He has no direct power or authority over believers Satan relies on deceiving us Hebrews 3:13 NLT You must warn each other every day, while it is still "today," so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God. 74

We Have an Adversary Satan s goal is to influence our heart. 76

We Have an Adversary Satan s goal is to influence our heart. Ephesians 2:2 NLT You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. 77

Our Heart is the Prize My spiritual heart is the secret vault where I hold my conscious and subconscious beliefs. 79

Our Heart is the Prize My spiritual heart is the secret vault where I hold my conscious and subconscious beliefs. Proverbs 4:23 NIV Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. 80

Our Heart is the Prize My spiritual heart is the secret vault where I hold my conscious and subconscious beliefs. James 4:8 NLT Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. 81

Our Heart is the Prize My spiritual heart is the secret vault where I hold my conscious and subconscious beliefs. Luke 6:45 NIV A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. 82

Our Heart is the Prize So my heart is the prize of this war, but HOW DOES THE BATTLE GET PLAYED OUT? 84

The Battlefield is My Mind The battle for my heart plays out in my mind. 85

The Battlefield is My Mind The battle for my heart plays out in my mind. Romans 7:22 NLT I love God's law with all my heart. 23 But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. 86

The Battlefield is My Mind The battle for my heart plays out in my mind. Romans 8:6 NLT So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. 87

The Battlefield is My Mind The battle for my heart plays out in my mind. Romans 12:2 NLT Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. 91

The Battlefield is My Mind The battle for my heart plays out in my mind. 2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 92

The Battlefield is My Mind The battle for my heart plays out in my mind. 2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. GOOD NEWS #6: WE CAN REGULATE OUR THOUGHTS! 93

How does this actually work? Ideas Beliefs 94

How does this actually work? Ideas Over 70,000 thoughts per day Beliefs 95

How does this actually work? Ideas Over 70,000 thoughts per day Whatever my mind accepts as truth takes root in my heart Beliefs 96

How does this actually work? Ideas Over 70,000 thoughts per day Whatever my mind accepts as truth takes root in my heart Ideas turn into beliefs, and beliefs start to impact my choices Beliefs 97

How does this actually work? Ideas Over 70,000 thoughts per day Whatever my mind accepts as truth takes root in my heart Ideas turn into beliefs, and beliefs start to impact my choices Beliefs The beliefs in my heart shape my thoughts and influence my actions 98

How does this actually work? Ideas 1 Samuel 16:7 NIV People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." Whatever my mind accepts as truth takes root in my heart Ideas turn into beliefs, and beliefs start to impact my choices Beliefs The beliefs in my heart shape my thoughts and influence my actions 99

How does this actually work? Whatever my mind accepts as truth takes root in my heart Ideas turn into beliefs, and beliefs start to impact my choices The beliefs in my heart shape my thoughts and influence my actions Ideas Beliefs 1 Samuel 16:7 NIV People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." Romans 10:10 NLT For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved. Different Conditions of the Heart: PURE IN HEART Matthew 5:8 NIV Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 101

How does this actually work? Ideas Whatever my mind accepts as truth takes root in my heart Ideas turn into beliefs, and beliefs start to impact my choices Beliefs The beliefs in my heart shape my thoughts and influence my actions 103

How does this actually work? DARKENED MIND & HARDENED HEART Whatever my mind accepts as truth takes root in my heart Ideas turn into beliefs, and beliefs start to impact my choices The beliefs in my heart shape my thoughts and influence my actions Ideas Beliefs WRONG CHOICES 104

How does this actually work? DARKENED MIND & HARDENED HEART Ideas Whatever my mind accepts as truth takes root in my heart Ideas turn into beliefs, and beliefs start to impact my choices Beliefs WRONG CHOICES HARDENED HEART UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES CONFUSED & HURT The beliefs in my heart shape my thoughts and influence my actions Proverbs 28:14 NLT whoever hardens their heart falls into trouble. 108

How does this actually work? POWER, LOVE & SOUND MIND 2 Timothy 1:7 KJV Whatever my mind accepts as truth takes root in my heart Ideas turn into beliefs, and beliefs start to impact my choices The beliefs in my heart shape my thoughts and influence my actions Ideas Beliefs GOOD CHOICES 110

How does this actually work? POWER, LOVE & SOUND MIND 2 Timothy 1:7 KJV Ideas Whatever my mind accepts as truth takes root in my heart Ideas turn into beliefs, and beliefs start to impact my choices Beliefs GOOD CHOICES GROWTH WITH NO SORROW ATTACHED The beliefs in my heart shape my thoughts and influence my actions Proverbs 10:22 NLT The blessing of the LORD makes a person rich, and He adds no sorrow with it. 111

How does this actually work? POWER, LOVE & SOUND MIND 2 Timothy 1:7 KJV Ideas Whatever my mind accepts as truth takes root in my heart Ideas turn into beliefs, and beliefs start to impact my choices Beliefs GOOD CHOICES GROWTH WITH NO SORROW ATTACHED CLARITY & CONFIDENCE The beliefs in my heart shape my thoughts and influence my actions Psalm 18:28 NLT You, LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light. 112

How does this actually work? POWER, LOVE & SOUND MIND 2 Timothy 1:7 KJV Ideas Whatever my mind accepts as truth takes root in my heart Ideas turn into beliefs, and beliefs start to impact my choices Beliefs GOOD CHOICES POWER, LOVE & SOUND MIND GROWTH WITH NO SORROW ATTACHED CLARITY & CONFIDENCE The beliefs in my heart shape my thoughts and influence my actions 2 Timothy 1:7 NIV For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7 KJV power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 113

My mind acts as the gatekeeper to my heart. Ideas My mind is the entry point Beliefs 114

My mind acts as the gatekeeper to my heart. Ideas I believe this. My mind is the entry point Takes root in my heart Starts to influence what I do My mind acts as the gatekeeper to my heart Beliefs 115

My mind acts as the gatekeeper to my heart. Ideas That s an interesting idea, but I m not sure I believe it. My mind is the entry point Doesn t take root in my heart Doesn t impact my thinking or my behavior My mind acts as the gatekeeper to my heart Beliefs 116

Becoming Aware of Our Thoughts Key Takeaway #2: We have an adversary who is trying to derail us We can control what we let into our heart o Our mind acts as the gatekeeper o Taking control of our mind = taking control of our life! 117

It s important because we re inundated with viewpoints We are barraged with success formulas that can influence us Ideas Beliefs 118

It s important because we re inundated with viewpoints Worldly Wisdom for Happiness We are barraged with success formulas that can influence us Ideas Beliefs 119

It s important because we re inundated with viewpoints Worldly Wisdom for Happiness We are barraged with success formulas that can influence us Ideas Each message promises My Way Is Right! We re not sure who to trust or what we should believe in Beliefs 121

The Bible says our life confusion is not an accident! Matthew 13:22 NLT The seed that fell among the thorns represents those who hear God's word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life and the lure of wealth, so no fruit is produced. Ideas Beliefs Worldly Wisdom for Happiness James 1:27 NIV Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. 126

The Bible says our life confusion is not an accident! Matthew 13:22 NLT The seed that fell among the thorns represents those who hear God's word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life and the lure of wealth, so no fruit is produced. Ideas Worldly Wisdom for Happiness James 1:27 NIV Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. Beliefs James 1:27 NLT refusing to let the world corrupt you. 127

The Bible says our life confusion is not an accident! Matthew 13:22 NLT The seed that fell among the thorns represents those who hear God's word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life and the lure of wealth, so no fruit is produced. Ideas Worldly Wisdom for Happiness James 1:27 NIV Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. Beliefs James 1:27 NLT refusing to let the world corrupt you. James 1:27 MSG guard against corruption from the godless world. 128

So we need to become aware of the activity in our mind. 129

So we need to become aware of the activity in our mind. As a believer, I have 3 authors contributing to my 70,000 daily thoughts: 130

So we need to become aware of the activity in our mind. As a believer, I have 3 authors contributing to my 70,000 daily thoughts: ME 131

So we need to become aware of the activity in our mind. As a believer, I have 3 authors contributing to my 70,000 daily thoughts: ME THE ADVERSARY A steady diet of: FALSE PROMISES BAD SUGGESTIONS CONDEMNATION 132

So we need to become aware of the activity in our mind. As a believer, I have 3 authors contributing to my 70,000 daily thoughts: THE HOLY SPIRIT ME THE ADVERSARY A steady diet of: FALSE PROMISES BAD SUGGESTIONS CONDEMNATION 133

So we need to become aware of the activity in our mind. As a believer, I have 3 authors contributing to my 70,000 daily thoughts: They all sound like my voice, because they are happening within my mind THE HOLY SPIRIT ME THE ADVERSARY If I give equal weight to every thought, I m giving equal loyalty to every author James 1:6/8 NLT be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind 8 Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do. A steady diet of: FALSE PROMISES BAD SUGGESTIONS CONDEMNATION 136

So we need to become aware of the activity in our mind. As a believer, I have 3 authors contributing to my 70,000 daily thoughts: They all sound like my voice, because they are happening within my mind IF IT ALL SOUNDS LIKE MY VOICE, HOW DO I IDENTIFY THE TRUE AUTHOR? THE HOLY SPIRIT ME THE ADVERSARY A steady diet of: FALSE PROMISES BAD SUGGESTIONS CONDEMNATION 137

So we need to become aware of the activity in our mind. A non-believer only has 2 authors of their thoughts: The Holy Spirit doesn t dwell in them yet because they haven t accepted Christ 1 Corinthians 2:14 NIV The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit. ME THE ADVERSARY A steady diet of: FALSE PROMISES BAD SUGGESTIONS CONDEMNATION 139

So we need to become aware of the activity in our mind. A non-believer only has 2 authors of their thoughts: The Holy Spirit doesn t dwell in them yet because they haven t accepted Christ 1 Corinthians 2:14 NIV The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit. Romans 5:6 NLT says that before Christ, the situation was utterly helpless ME THE ADVERSARY A steady diet of: FALSE PROMISES BAD SUGGESTIONS CONDEMNATION 140

But God has given us a way out through Christ. The Holy Spirit is a total game changer! John 16:13 NLT When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. 141

But God has given us a way out through Christ. The Holy Spirit is a total game changer! John 16:13 NLT When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. Romans 8:2 NLT And because you belong to Him, the power of the lifegiving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. 142

But God has given us a way out through Christ. We have access to truth, help, love and correction Inner Witness of the Holy Spirit 1 Kings 19:12 a still small voice (KJV) THE HOLY SPIRIT a gentle whisper (NIV/NLT) ME THE ADVERSARY A steady diet of: FALSE PROMISES BAD SUGGESTIONS CONDEMNATION 144

But God has given us a way out through Christ. We have access to truth, help, love and correction Inner Witness of the Holy Spirit 1 Kings 19:12 a still small voice (KJV) THE HOLY SPIRIT a gentle whisper (NIV/NLT) Nehemiah 7:5 God put it into my heart (NIV) God gave me the idea (NLT) ME THE ADVERSARY A steady diet of: FALSE PROMISES BAD SUGGESTIONS CONDEMNATION 145

But God has given us a way out through Christ. We have access to truth, help, love and correction THE HOLY SPIRIT ME THE ADVERSARY 1 John 5:4 NLT For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. A steady diet of: FALSE PROMISES BAD SUGGESTIONS CONDEMNATION 146

But God has given us a way out through Christ. We have access to truth, help, love and correction THE HOLY SPIRIT ME THE ADVERSARY 1 John 5:4 NLT For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. BUT HOW DO I DO IT? A steady diet of: FALSE PROMISES BAD SUGGESTIONS CONDEMNATION 147

How do I take hold of the rich and satisfying life? 148

How do I take hold of the rich and satisfying life? o I learn God s word 149

How do I take hold of the rich and satisfying life? o o I learn God s word I guard my heart by managing my thoughts 150

How do I take hold of the rich and satisfying life? o o o I learn God s word I guard my heart by managing my thoughts I get closer to God by following His instruction 151

I need to learn God s word. My mind becomes a POWERFUL gatekeeper 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 NLT 3 We are human, but we don't wage war as humans do. 4 We use God's mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. 5 We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ. 152

I need to learn God s word. My mind becomes a POWERFUL gatekeeper 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 NLT 3 We are human, but we don't wage war as humans do. 4 We use God's mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. Destroy the lies and false promises that lead us to make bad decisions 154

How do I capture rebellious thoughts? 1) I constantly evaluate my thoughts against God s word and character Ideas Beliefs 157

How do I capture rebellious thoughts? 1) I constantly evaluate my thoughts against God s word and character We can t control our thoughts, but we can decide whether we ll embrace or quickly discard them Ideas Beliefs 158

How do I capture rebellious thoughts? 1) I constantly evaluate my thoughts against God s word and character I use God s word to spot the incoming lies Ideas Beliefs 160

How do I capture rebellious thoughts? 1) I constantly evaluate my thoughts against God s word and character I use God s word to spot the incoming lies Ideas Hebrews 4:12 NLT For the word of God is alive and powerful It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Beliefs 161

How do I capture rebellious thoughts? 1) I constantly evaluate my thoughts against God s word and character I use God s word to spot the incoming lies Ideas Beliefs 162

How do I capture rebellious thoughts? 1) I constantly evaluate my thoughts against God s word and character I use God s word to spot the incoming lies Ideas Beliefs 163

How do I capture rebellious thoughts? 1) I constantly evaluate my thoughts against God s word and character I use God s word to spot the incoming lies Ideas Beliefs 164

How do I capture rebellious thoughts? 2) I pay attention to my rogue thoughts that are inconsistent with scripture and/or God s character Ideas Beliefs 165

How do I capture rebellious thoughts? 2) I pay attention to my rogue thoughts that are inconsistent with scripture and/or God s character HOW CAN I TELL? Clues: Inner turmoil and anxiety Chief Culprits: Fearful thoughts Condemning thoughts Ideas Beliefs 168

How do I capture rebellious thoughts? 2) I pay attention to my rogue thoughts that are inconsistent with scripture and/or God s character WHAT DO I DO? I resist the thought and quickly discard it Romans 6:12 NLT Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires. Ideas Beliefs 172

How do I capture rebellious thoughts? 3) I put great weight on anything that sounds like God s voice I test it against scripture Ideas Beliefs 175

How do I capture rebellious thoughts? 3) I put great weight on anything that sounds like God s voice I test it against scripture I test it with time Ideas Beliefs 176

How do I capture rebellious thoughts? 3) I put great weight on anything that sounds like God s voice I test it against scripture I test it with time I test it with mature believers Ideas Beliefs 177

How do I capture rebellious thoughts? 3) I put great weight on anything that sounds like God s voice I test it against scripture I test it with time I test it with mature believers I let it pass into my heart, even if I don t understand it, because I trust the Source Proverbs 3:5 NLT Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Ideas Beliefs 178

How do I capture rebellious thoughts? 4) I regulate what I put into my mind I manage what I ingest and spend my time thinking about Ideas Beliefs 179

How do I capture rebellious thoughts? 4) I regulate what I put into my mind I manage what I ingest and spend my time thinking about Colossians 3:2 NLT Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. Philippians 4:8 NLT Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Ideas Beliefs 181

How do I capture rebellious thoughts? 4) I regulate what I put into my mind I manage what I ingest and spend my time thinking about I think about God and take in God s word every day Ideas James 4:8 NIV Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Beliefs 183

How do I capture rebellious thoughts? 4) I regulate what I put into my mind I manage what I ingest and spend my time thinking about I think about God and take in God s word every day I talk to God throughout the day Ideas Beliefs Philippians 4:6 NLT Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. 184

How do I capture rebellious thoughts? 4) I regulate what I put into my mind I manage what I ingest and spend my time thinking about I think about God and take in God s word every day I talk to God throughout the day I trust God s voice and act on it! Ideas Beliefs 1 Peter 1:22 NLT Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth 185

David lived this way 3,000 years ago. 186

David lived this way 3,000 years ago. HOW CAN WE TELL? 187

David lived this way 3,000 years ago. HOW CAN WE TELL? Psalm 26:2 NIV Test me, LORD, and try me, examine my heart and my mind; 188

David lived this way 3,000 years ago. HOW CAN WE TELL? Psalm 26:2 NIV Test me, LORD, and try me, examine my heart and my mind; Psalm 51:10 NIV Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 17:3 NLT You have tested my thoughts and examined my heart in the night. You have scrutinized me and found nothing wrong. I am determined not to sin in what I say. 190

Case Study: Joshua Joshua 1:2-8 NLT 192

Case Study: Joshua Joshua 1:2-8 NLT 2 "Moses My servant is dead. Therefore, the time has come for you to lead these people, the Israelites, across the Jordan River 193

Case Study: Joshua Joshua 1:2-8 NLT 2 "Moses My servant is dead. Therefore, the time has come for you to lead these people, the Israelites, across the Jordan River 3 I promise you what I promised Moses: 'Wherever you set foot, you will be on land I have given you 5 No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you. 7 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. 199

Becoming Aware of Our Thoughts Key Takeaway #3: We have an adversary who is trying to derail us We can control what we let into our heart o My mind acts as the gatekeeper o Taking control of my mind = taking control of my life! We stand firm by managing our thought life o This is how we fight the good fight of faith 1 TIMOTHY 6:12 NLT o We take hold of the rich and satisfying life JOHN 10:10 NLT o Overwhelming victory is ours through Christ! ROMANS 8:37 NLT 205

Homework For This Week: 1) Read the printed lesson 2) How well do you spot the authors of your thoughts? 3) What actions can you take to increase control over your thought life? 206