Safe Thinking
Safe Thinking
“SAFE THINKING”
Intro. One of our biggest areas of conflict is in our minds.
All of us are subject to various attacks in our minds that can have very serious consequences
1. One of the greatest blessings of Christianity is a return
to sanity
a. The Bible tells us we can be sane!
Mark 5:15 (NKJV)
Then they came to Jesus and saw the one who had been demon-possessed and had the legion, sitting and clothed and in his right mind. And they were afraid.
2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
Ephesians 4:23 (NKJV)
and be renewed in the spirit of your mind.
Mark 5:15 uses the phrase “right mind” / 2 Timothy 1:7 talks about having a “sound mind” / and Ephesians 4:23 says we have a “renewed mind”
b. I think all of us want to be in our right minds, have a
sound mind, and a renewed mind
When 2 Timothy 1:7 uses the phrase, “sound mind,” it could literally be translated, “safe thinking.”
Tonight, we’re going to look at how to put a stop to some of the mind hassles we face
2 Corinthians 10:5 (KJV)
Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.
I. IT MATTERS WHAT WE THINK
A. WE ARE WHAT WE THINK
Proverbs 23:7 (NKJV)
For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.
1. Some of us really don’t get this, I don’t know that I
ALWAYS consider this
a. If we did get this, we would be a lot more careful to
guard the kind of thoughts we dwell on
We are what we think
quote: Psychologist Archibald Hart writes, “Research has shown that one’s thought life influences every aspect of one’s being.”
Whether we are filled with confidence or fear, depends on the kind of thoughts that occupy our mind on a regular basis
illus.Over the last 30 years or so, the most dominant movement in
American psychology has been what is known as cognitive psychology. Cognitive psychology is built around the truth that the
way we think determines so much about us.
2. The way we think creates attitudes, it shapes our
emotions, and governs our behavior
a. The way we think, even effects our immune system and
our vulnerability to illness
It matters what we think!
Everything about us flows out of the way we think
3. The way we think, determines how we feel, and the
way we feel, determines how we act
ex.Job experienced this…
Job 21:6 (NCV)
When I think about this, I am terribly afraid and my body shakes.
Jobs thoughts were so troubling they made his whole body tremble
a. All of us know from experience that our thoughts
influence how we act (our behavior)
When we think angry thoughts, we can work ourselves into a rage. (It can be over something as stupid as a place in line at the grocery store.)
Or, if we start thinking depressing thoughts, “Nobody cares, I’m all alone, it will never get any better, I can’t do anything right, etc.” We can think ourselves into a state of absolute misery!
B. GENERALLY SPEAKING, OUR NEGATIVE THOUGHTS COME
FROM 3 AREAS
1. What we think is influenced by the world
a. Societal influences: family, friends, people we work
with, the media, etc.
Who we listen to, what we watch on TV, the things we read, the sites we go to on the internet, are all shaping our minds and will determine the kind of people we become
2. Our thoughts come from the flesh
a. Our thoughts come from us!
b. Some of our thoughts are out of our own carnality
Matthew 15:19-20 (NLT)
19 For from the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, all sexual immorality, theft, lying, and slander.
20 These are what defile you…
3. Some of our thoughts come from the devil
2 Corinthians 11:3 (NIV)
But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.
a. The word minds that’s used here is the Greek word,
noema, and it’s the same Greek word that’s used for
thoughts
2 Cor 11:3 could read just as accurately, “…just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your thoughts may somehow be led astray…”
b. Satan tries to plant thoughts of fear, doubt, uncertainty,
anger, hatred, impurity, and on and on and on…
Whatever the origin, the world, the flesh, or the devil, we’ve got to learn to control our thoughts
II.HOW TO HAVE A SOUND MIND
A. IT REQUIRES A REACTION
2 Corinthians 10:5 (KJV)
Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God…
When we catch ourselves thinking the wrong way, we can’t just let it go
We’ve got to react, do something about it
Our wrong thinking requires a reaction
Casting down imaginations
1. This isn’t just warning us about having an overactive
imagination
a. When 2 Corinthians says, casting down
imaginations, it isn’t just talking about overactive
imaginations
b. The word imaginations that’s used here actually
means reasoning
2. We’re to react and cast down reasoning that is against
or contrary to the knowledge of God
This happens to us all the time
We all have thoughts that bombard us that are against the knowledge of God (or what’s true of God and His will)
ex. “God’s not there, or if He is there He’s not listening, or if He is
listening He must not care!”
Or, “I’ll never change, stuff in my life won’t get any better…”
We have to cast down those thoughts
They are contrary to what’s true of God
3. Notice the wording in 2 Corinthians 10:5, casting down
a. It means to demolish, pull down, destroy
b. We’ve got to react against those thoughts
We can’t just let those thoughts go
It’s incredible what we sometimes allow ourselves to think about
ex.Sinful thoughts, self accusing thoughts, God accusing thoughts.
We may think it doesn’t really matter because they’re only thoughts.
They do matter. Our thoughts shape our lives.
Cast down, demolish, destroy…react!
ex.“I’m not going to let this go. I refuse to think this way.”
Wrong thinking requires a reaction
We can’t just let it go
B. IF WE’RE GOING TO HAVE A SOUND MIND IT REQUIRES A
DELIBERATE ACTION
2 Corinthians 10:5 (KJV)
…and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.
1. What he’s saying is we’ve got to become more God-
minded
Colossians 3:2 (NKJV)
Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.
a. This isn’t talking about being spacey, head in the clouds,
hyper-spirituality, where we never see the hard realities
of life; of an economy in trouble, or when we’re facing a
health issue, or our kids have problems
Setting our minds on things above means we are determined to have and keep God’s perspective in the midst of the hard realities in life
If the economy tanks, we set our minds on things above,
“My God shall supply all my need according to His riches in glory.” Phil. 4:19
If the doctor gives us a negative report, we set our minds, “by His stripes I am healed.” Isa.53:5
If our kids are in trouble, we set our minds, “God is faithful to keep what I’ve committed to Him.” 2Tim. 1:12
2. This isn’t always easy
a. I think that’s why the Bible says we have to bring our
thoughts captive
b. Because our thoughts will try to run away toward fear,
despair, and hopelessness
3. We’ve got to act and capture our thoughts to the
obedience of Christ
We need to demand something of our thoughts. “I demand that my thoughts line up with the truth of God’s word!”
quote: Francis Frangipane, “Every battle we face in life is over the Word and whether or not we can build our lives upon the faithfulness and integrity of God.”
4. We must capture our thoughts with the truth
John 14:6 (NKJV)
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life…
a. Jesus is the truth
Romans 3:4 (NKJV)
…let God be true but every man a liar.
Our thoughts will lie to us, “You’ll never amount to anything, you’ll never measure up as a Christian, you’re all alone…”
“Let God be true but every man a liar.”
We can trust Him to be true to His word
We should be quick to brand the lies we hear!
ex. “You’ll never amount to anything,” (“That’s a lie!”), “you’ll never measure up as a Christian,” (“That’s a lie!”), you’re all alone…” (“That’s a lie!”),
If we’re going to have sound minds, we’ve got to capture our thoughts with truth
Here’s some truth we’re going to close with…
Psalm 46:1-2 & 10-11 (NKJV)
1 God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
10 Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!
11 The LORD of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah (Think about it!)
PRAYER AND CONFESSION: Thank You Jesus, for giving me the ability to think safely, to have a sound mind. I ask You to help me think right thoughts. Help me to react to wrong thoughts and cast them down. Help me to capture my thoughts with the truth of Your word. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Intro. One of our biggest areas of conflict is in our minds.
All of us are subject to various attacks in our minds that can have very serious consequences
1. One of the greatest blessings of Christianity is a return
to sanity
a. The Bible tells us we can be sane!
Mark 5:15 (NKJV)
Then they came to Jesus and saw the one who had been demon-possessed and had the legion, sitting and clothed and in his right mind. And they were afraid.
2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
Ephesians 4:23 (NKJV)
and be renewed in the spirit of your mind.
Mark 5:15 uses the phrase “right mind” / 2 Timothy 1:7 talks about having a “sound mind” / and Ephesians 4:23 says we have a “renewed mind”
b. I think all of us want to be in our right minds, have a
sound mind, and a renewed mind
When 2 Timothy 1:7 uses the phrase, “sound mind,” it could literally be translated, “safe thinking.”
Tonight, we’re going to look at how to put a stop to some of the mind hassles we face
2 Corinthians 10:5 (KJV)
Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.
I. IT MATTERS WHAT WE THINK
A. WE ARE WHAT WE THINK
Proverbs 23:7 (NKJV)
For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.
1. Some of us really don’t get this, I don’t know that I
ALWAYS consider this
a. If we did get this, we would be a lot more careful to
guard the kind of thoughts we dwell on
We are what we think
quote: Psychologist Archibald Hart writes, “Research has shown that one’s thought life influences every aspect of one’s being.”
Whether we are filled with confidence or fear, depends on the kind of thoughts that occupy our mind on a regular basis
illus.Over the last 30 years or so, the most dominant movement in
American psychology has been what is known as cognitive psychology. Cognitive psychology is built around the truth that the
way we think determines so much about us.
2. The way we think creates attitudes, it shapes our
emotions, and governs our behavior
a. The way we think, even effects our immune system and
our vulnerability to illness
It matters what we think!
Everything about us flows out of the way we think
3. The way we think, determines how we feel, and the
way we feel, determines how we act
ex.Job experienced this…
Job 21:6 (NCV)
When I think about this, I am terribly afraid and my body shakes.
Jobs thoughts were so troubling they made his whole body tremble
a. All of us know from experience that our thoughts
influence how we act (our behavior)
When we think angry thoughts, we can work ourselves into a rage. (It can be over something as stupid as a place in line at the grocery store.)
Or, if we start thinking depressing thoughts, “Nobody cares, I’m all alone, it will never get any better, I can’t do anything right, etc.” We can think ourselves into a state of absolute misery!
B. GENERALLY SPEAKING, OUR NEGATIVE THOUGHTS COME
FROM 3 AREAS
1. What we think is influenced by the world
a. Societal influences: family, friends, people we work
with, the media, etc.
Who we listen to, what we watch on TV, the things we read, the sites we go to on the internet, are all shaping our minds and will determine the kind of people we become
2. Our thoughts come from the flesh
a. Our thoughts come from us!
b. Some of our thoughts are out of our own carnality
Matthew 15:19-20 (NLT)
19 For from the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, all sexual immorality, theft, lying, and slander.
20 These are what defile you…
3. Some of our thoughts come from the devil
2 Corinthians 11:3 (NIV)
But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.
a. The word minds that’s used here is the Greek word,
noema, and it’s the same Greek word that’s used for
thoughts
2 Cor 11:3 could read just as accurately, “…just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your thoughts may somehow be led astray…”
b. Satan tries to plant thoughts of fear, doubt, uncertainty,
anger, hatred, impurity, and on and on and on…
Whatever the origin, the world, the flesh, or the devil, we’ve got to learn to control our thoughts
II.HOW TO HAVE A SOUND MIND
A. IT REQUIRES A REACTION
2 Corinthians 10:5 (KJV)
Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God…
When we catch ourselves thinking the wrong way, we can’t just let it go
We’ve got to react, do something about it
Our wrong thinking requires a reaction
Casting down imaginations
1. This isn’t just warning us about having an overactive
imagination
a. When 2 Corinthians says, casting down
imaginations, it isn’t just talking about overactive
imaginations
b. The word imaginations that’s used here actually
means reasoning
2. We’re to react and cast down reasoning that is against
or contrary to the knowledge of God
This happens to us all the time
We all have thoughts that bombard us that are against the knowledge of God (or what’s true of God and His will)
ex. “God’s not there, or if He is there He’s not listening, or if He is
listening He must not care!”
Or, “I’ll never change, stuff in my life won’t get any better…”
We have to cast down those thoughts
They are contrary to what’s true of God
3. Notice the wording in 2 Corinthians 10:5, casting down
a. It means to demolish, pull down, destroy
b. We’ve got to react against those thoughts
We can’t just let those thoughts go
It’s incredible what we sometimes allow ourselves to think about
ex.Sinful thoughts, self accusing thoughts, God accusing thoughts.
We may think it doesn’t really matter because they’re only thoughts.
They do matter. Our thoughts shape our lives.
Cast down, demolish, destroy…react!
ex.“I’m not going to let this go. I refuse to think this way.”
Wrong thinking requires a reaction
We can’t just let it go
B. IF WE’RE GOING TO HAVE A SOUND MIND IT REQUIRES A
DELIBERATE ACTION
2 Corinthians 10:5 (KJV)
…and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.
1. What he’s saying is we’ve got to become more God-
minded
Colossians 3:2 (NKJV)
Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.
a. This isn’t talking about being spacey, head in the clouds,
hyper-spirituality, where we never see the hard realities
of life; of an economy in trouble, or when we’re facing a
health issue, or our kids have problems
Setting our minds on things above means we are determined to have and keep God’s perspective in the midst of the hard realities in life
If the economy tanks, we set our minds on things above,
“My God shall supply all my need according to His riches in glory.” Phil. 4:19
If the doctor gives us a negative report, we set our minds, “by His stripes I am healed.” Isa.53:5
If our kids are in trouble, we set our minds, “God is faithful to keep what I’ve committed to Him.” 2Tim. 1:12
2. This isn’t always easy
a. I think that’s why the Bible says we have to bring our
thoughts captive
b. Because our thoughts will try to run away toward fear,
despair, and hopelessness
3. We’ve got to act and capture our thoughts to the
obedience of Christ
We need to demand something of our thoughts. “I demand that my thoughts line up with the truth of God’s word!”
quote: Francis Frangipane, “Every battle we face in life is over the Word and whether or not we can build our lives upon the faithfulness and integrity of God.”
4. We must capture our thoughts with the truth
John 14:6 (NKJV)
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life…
a. Jesus is the truth
Romans 3:4 (NKJV)
…let God be true but every man a liar.
Our thoughts will lie to us, “You’ll never amount to anything, you’ll never measure up as a Christian, you’re all alone…”
“Let God be true but every man a liar.”
We can trust Him to be true to His word
We should be quick to brand the lies we hear!
ex. “You’ll never amount to anything,” (“That’s a lie!”), “you’ll never measure up as a Christian,” (“That’s a lie!”), you’re all alone…” (“That’s a lie!”),
If we’re going to have sound minds, we’ve got to capture our thoughts with truth
Here’s some truth we’re going to close with…
Psalm 46:1-2 & 10-11 (NKJV)
1 God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
10 Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!
11 The LORD of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah (Think about it!)
PRAYER AND CONFESSION: Thank You Jesus, for giving me the ability to think safely, to have a sound mind. I ask You to help me think right thoughts. Help me to react to wrong thoughts and cast them down. Help me to capture my thoughts with the truth of Your word. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Recent
Archive
Categories
no categories
No Comments