Guarding Our Minds: Living in God's Truth
Summary
This morning, we gathered to lay our burdens at the feet of Jesus, expressing our gratitude for the forgiveness and freedom He provides. We began by greeting one another, fostering a sense of community and warmth. I shared an observation from our Wednesday night Bible study, where it became evident that many had forgotten the previous week's sermon. This led me to emphasize the importance of remembering and internalizing God's Word.
We delved into the concept that the mind is a spiritual battlefield. Wrong beliefs and opinions can become strongholds in our lives, affecting our actions and ultimately our destiny. Thoughts lead to opinions, opinions to beliefs, beliefs to actions, actions to character, and character to destiny. Therefore, it is crucial to guard our minds and align our thoughts with God's truth.
The Word of God is alive and active, revealing our innermost thoughts and desires. It helps us discern whether the voice we hear is from God or ourselves. This discernment is essential in our spiritual journey, as it guides us to live according to God's will. I encouraged everyone to become students of God's Word, as it not only saves us but also helps us live victorious lives.
We discussed the importance of living in God's reality rather than our own. Many of us are miserable because we have created our own agendas and boundaries, missing out on the abundant life God offers. I shared a passage from 1 John 3, emphasizing that living in God's reality shuts down debilitating self-criticism and condemnation. God is greater than our worried hearts and knows more about us than we do.
I also touched on the concept of fool's gold, using it as a metaphor for the trials and tribulations we face. Just as acid can distinguish real gold from pyrite, trials reveal the true nature of our faith and character. When our lives are built on God's principles, they withstand trials and become even more refined and valuable.
We explored the story of Adam and Eve, focusing on the question, "Who told you that you were naked?" This question highlights the internal voice that often leads us astray. Satan doesn't need to destroy us; he just gives us an avenue to become our own worst enemies. We must be vigilant about the voices we listen to and ensure they align with God's truth.
I shared a personal story about a young man who believed he was gay at a very young age. This led to a broader discussion about the voices that influence our beliefs and actions, whether it's about sexuality, living together outside of marriage, or other cultural norms. The key is to discern whether these voices are from God or from our own desires and the world around us.
In conclusion, I emphasized three main points: learning the deep things about God, learning deep things about ourselves, and living in God's reality. These principles help us obey the right voice and live a victorious Christian life. I prayed for everyone, especially those struggling with internal battles, to find freedom and victory in Christ.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Mind as a Spiritual Battlefield: Our thoughts are powerful and can lead to strongholds if not aligned with God's truth. Wrong beliefs and opinions can shape our destiny negatively. Therefore, it is crucial to guard our minds and ensure our thoughts are rooted in God's Word. This alignment helps us live a life that reflects God's will and purpose. [32:21]
2. The Power of God's Word: The Word of God is alive and active, revealing our innermost thoughts and desires. It helps us discern whether the voice we hear is from God or ourselves. This discernment is essential for living a victorious Christian life. Regular engagement with Scripture equips us to recognize and follow God's voice. [53:01]
3. Living in God's Reality: Many of us are miserable because we live in our own reality, missing out on the abundant life God offers. By understanding and living in God's reality, we can shut down self-criticism and condemnation. God is greater than our worried hearts and knows more about us than we do. Embracing His reality brings freedom and peace. [57:41]
4. Trials Reveal True Faith: Just as acid distinguishes real gold from pyrite, trials reveal the true nature of our faith and character. When our lives are built on God's principles, they withstand trials and become even more refined and valuable. This process helps us grow spiritually and strengthens our relationship with God. [46:26]
5. Discern the Right Voice: The story of Adam and Eve teaches us the importance of discerning the voices we listen to. Satan often uses our internal voice to lead us astray. We must ensure that the voices influencing our beliefs and actions align with God's truth. This discernment is crucial for living a life that honors God and reflects His will. [35:08]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[30:44] - Greeting and Community
[31:43] - Importance of Remembering God's Word
[32:21] - The Mind as a Spiritual Battlefield
[53:01] - The Power of God's Word
[57:41] - Living in God's Reality
[46:26] - Trials Reveal True Faith
[35:08] - Discern the Right Voice
[01:02:04] - Prayer and Invitation
[01:03:41] - Closing and Benediction
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Genesis 3:9-11 (NIV)
> But the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?” He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.” And he said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?”
2. Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)
> For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
3. 1 John 3:19-20 (The Message)
> This is the only way we’ll know we’re living truly, living in God’s reality: It’s also the way to shut down debilitating self-criticism, even when there is something to it. For God is greater than our worried hearts and knows more about us than we do ourselves.
### Observation Questions
1. In Genesis 3:9-11, what question does God ask Adam, and what is Adam's response?
2. According to Hebrews 4:12, what are the characteristics of the Word of God? How does it function in our lives?
3. In 1 John 3:19-20, what does living in God's reality help us overcome, and why is this significant? [57:41]
4. What metaphor did the pastor use to describe trials and tribulations, and how do they reveal the true nature of our faith? [46:26]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think God asked Adam, "Who told you that you were naked?" What does this question reveal about the source of our internal voices? [35:08]
2. How does the Word of God help us discern between God's voice and our own thoughts or the world's influences? [53:01]
3. What does it mean to live in God's reality versus our own reality, and how can this shift impact our daily lives? [57:41]
4. How can trials and tribulations serve as a "spiritual acid test" to reveal the authenticity of our faith and character? [46:26]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you believed something about yourself that wasn't true. How did you come to realize the truth, and what role did God's Word play in that process? [35:08]
2. What are some practical ways you can take your thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ this week? Consider specific thoughts or beliefs that need to be aligned with God's truth. [33:25]
3. Identify a current trial or challenge you are facing. How can you use this experience to strengthen your faith and character, ensuring it is built on God's principles? [46:26]
4. Think about the voices that influence your beliefs and actions. How can you better discern whether these voices are from God or from your own desires and the world around you? [35:08]
5. How can you make a habit of engaging with Scripture regularly to help you live a victorious Christian life? What specific steps will you take to become a student of God's Word? [53:45]
6. In what areas of your life are you currently living in your own reality rather than God's reality? What changes can you make to embrace God's abundant life and shut down self-criticism and condemnation? [57:41]
7. How can you support others in your small group or community who are struggling with internal battles and need to find freedom and victory in Christ? What practical steps can you take to encourage and uplift them? [01:02:04]
Devotional
Day 1: Guarding Your Mind
Our thoughts are powerful and can lead to strongholds if not aligned with God's truth. Wrong beliefs and opinions can shape our destiny negatively. Therefore, it is crucial to guard our minds and ensure our thoughts are rooted in God's Word. This alignment helps us live a life that reflects God's will and purpose. The mind is a spiritual battlefield where thoughts lead to opinions, opinions to beliefs, beliefs to actions, actions to character, and character to destiny. By guarding our minds, we can prevent wrong beliefs from taking root and leading us astray.
The importance of this cannot be overstated. When we allow our thoughts to be influenced by the world rather than God's truth, we risk building our lives on shaky foundations. Instead, we must be vigilant, constantly aligning our thoughts with Scripture and seeking God's guidance in all things. This practice not only protects us from spiritual strongholds but also helps us live a life that honors God and fulfills His purpose for us. [32:21]
2 Corinthians 10:4-5 (ESV): "For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ."
Reflection: What are some thoughts or beliefs you hold that may not align with God's truth? How can you begin to take those thoughts captive and align them with Scripture today?
Day 2: The Power of God's Word
The Word of God is alive and active, revealing our innermost thoughts and desires. It helps us discern whether the voice we hear is from God or ourselves. This discernment is essential for living a victorious Christian life. Regular engagement with Scripture equips us to recognize and follow God's voice. The Bible is not just a historical document; it is a living, breathing guide that speaks to our hearts and minds, helping us navigate the complexities of life.
By immersing ourselves in God's Word, we gain the wisdom and insight needed to make decisions that honor Him. The Scriptures provide clarity and direction, enabling us to discern God's voice amidst the noise of the world. This practice of regular Bible study and meditation strengthens our faith and equips us to live in accordance with God's will. [53:01]
Hebrews 4:12 (ESV): "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart."
Reflection: How often do you engage with God's Word? What steps can you take to make regular Bible study a more integral part of your daily routine?
Day 3: Living in God's Reality
Many of us are miserable because we live in our own reality, missing out on the abundant life God offers. By understanding and living in God's reality, we can shut down self-criticism and condemnation. God is greater than our worried hearts and knows more about us than we do. Embracing His reality brings freedom and peace. When we align our lives with God's truth, we experience the fullness of His love and grace, which transforms our perspective and brings joy.
Living in God's reality means surrendering our own agendas and trusting in His plan for our lives. It requires us to let go of our fears and anxieties, knowing that God is in control and has our best interests at heart. This shift in perspective allows us to experience the abundant life that Jesus promised, free from the burdens of self-condemnation and worry. [57:41]
1 John 3:20 (ESV): "For whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything."
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you living in your own reality rather than God's? How can you begin to trust and embrace God's reality today?
Day 4: Trials Reveal True Faith
Just as acid distinguishes real gold from pyrite, trials reveal the true nature of our faith and character. When our lives are built on God's principles, they withstand trials and become even more refined and valuable. This process helps us grow spiritually and strengthens our relationship with God. Trials are not meant to break us but to build us up, revealing the depth and authenticity of our faith.
When we face challenges, it is an opportunity to lean on God and trust in His promises. These experiences refine our character and deepen our dependence on Him. By enduring trials with faith and perseverance, we emerge stronger and more resilient, equipped to face future challenges with confidence. [46:26]
James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Reflection: Think of a recent trial you faced. How did it reveal the nature of your faith? What did you learn about yourself and your relationship with God through that experience?
Day 5: Discern the Right Voice
The story of Adam and Eve teaches us the importance of discerning the voices we listen to. Satan often uses our internal voice to lead us astray. We must ensure that the voices influencing our beliefs and actions align with God's truth. This discernment is crucial for living a life that honors God and reflects His will. By being vigilant and discerning, we can avoid the pitfalls of deception and stay true to God's path.
Listening to the right voice requires us to be in tune with God's Word and the Holy Spirit. It involves regular prayer, meditation, and seeking godly counsel. By doing so, we can distinguish between the voices that lead us toward God's will and those that lead us away from it. This practice helps us make wise decisions and live a life that glorifies God. [35:08]
John 10:27 (ESV): "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me."
Reflection: What voices are currently influencing your beliefs and actions? How can you better discern and follow God's voice in your daily life?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "The mind is a spiritual battlefield. A defended wrong belief or opinion is a stronghold. So we get these opinions. We get these beliefs in our life. And they're wrong. Well, they become a stronghold in us. And they could be. It could be a religious belief. Just a cultural belief. Something. Something. Your family did. You know, it's passed down from one generation to the next. And it becomes a stronghold in our life. And we said this. Thoughts lead to an opinion. An opinion leads to a belief. A belief leads to an action. Action leads to character. And character leads to a destiny." [32:21]
2. "You know, you got to figure out if it's fool's gold or real gold. You got to figure out if it is something that's valuable or it's just not valuable. You don't want to give your whole life, you know, for things that don't matter. I've told this story before that there was this up and coming couple. And they become friends with this lady that was very wealthy. And so they were, you know, trying to fit in in the community. You know, they were starting a business. And wanted to fit in the neighborhood. An upper class neighborhood. And so they were visiting with this lady. And this lady offered, she had a famous diamond necklace that she offered to them for her to wear. And so she, they took it. But something happened as they went through like the season of entertaining. They lost that diamond necklace. They don't know if it was stolen or whatever. But they lost it. They didn't have the guts to tell her. So they had the thing reproduced. You know, they saved a whole bunch of money. And they went through some time. Tried to have it cut just like it. And returned it to her. And then lived out their life. They got older. This lady was dying. And it was just killing them that this wasn't the true famous diamond. So their conscience was bothering them. So they decided to go to her and tell her that this is, you know, had a name for it. Told her this isn't the real diamond. And she looked at them and said, you fool. Don't you know that nobody ever lets somebody borrow the real diamond? That was fake. And, you know, you go through your whole life living it for something that's not valuable. It doesn't matter. It's fool's gold. Don't go through your life thinking that this matters. This stronghold, this thing in your life matters so much. And it may have come from a hurt. Learn the ways of God." [49:54]
3. "So why does strongholds matter? Because they get in your life. And they're going to control the outcome of your life and your destiny. And we said, if you want to get free of strongholds, you have to recognize. It's spiritual and fight the spiritual battle. You can't fight it in the flesh. You just can't do it. It has to be a spiritual thing. Number two, you have to take your thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ, because your thoughts become these opinions and they get deep in your life. So you have to get free of those strongholds. Now, I want to kind of concentrate on this. Take your thoughts captive. Why? You think. Think what you think. And I've entitled this morning's talk, Who Told You That? What voice is in your head and how did it get there and who told you that?" [33:25]
4. "You know, that's theology. You don't have to be a theologian where you're reading all these commentaries. And going through this deep study to really know the nature of God. Just walk with him. Study his word. Let his spirit guide you. You'll discover the nature. And the ways of God. Now there's nothing wrong with going and studying theology at Bible college. And becoming a theologian. And those things. That's cool. If you're a deep thinker. Think deep. But you don't have to be a deep thinker to learn the ways and the principles of God." [49:00]
### Quotes for Members
1. "The Word of God reveals to you, and I know nothing else like this, your innermost thoughts and desires. Who you really are. Of course the Word of God, through the Spirit of God, reveals to us who God is. But the Word of God also reveals to us, through the Spirit of God, who we are. Our innermost thoughts. The things about us. And it allows you to say, is that the voice of God? Or is that my voice? Who told you that? Who's speaking to you? Is it God? Or is it me? Yourself? Who is it? Who is it that's telling you that?" [53:01]
2. "Learn to live in God's reality. Figure out who God is and live in that reality. Don't live in your reality. Some of us are miserable from living in our own reality. We have made the agenda for our life. We have put up the parameters for our life. The boundaries for our life. And we live within that reality. But what if there's a whole other reality called the abundant life. The reality of God. Figure out the nature of God and live in His reality." [56:24]
3. "This is the only way we'll know we're living truly. Living in God's reality. Living in his world. It's also the way to shut down debilitating self-criticism. Even when there's something to it. That was one of my favorite parts. Because we have all this guilt. That's what the voice is coming from. Condemnation. Self-criticism. We get all this condemnation. All this self-criticism. And the problem is there's some truth to it. There's something to it. Because Satan loves to use what's bothering you. And there's something to it. So it's a way to shut down this debilitating self-criticism. For God is greater than our worried hearts. And knows more about us than we do." [58:20]
4. "When we go through the trials and the tribulations and the difficulty of life. When it is the ways of God, it will survive the trial, survive over time. It will become even brighter and even more pure. But when we go through that trial. And it completely eats away at the fabric of it. Maybe your marriage is not built on God's principles. Maybe your home hasn't been. Or your business hasn't been. Or that thing in your life. Because when it's built upon God and his principles, it survives time." [47:19]
5. "Who's telling you that? Have you eaten from the tree that I've commanded you not to eat from? And of course, he had. And, you know, who told you that? I want you to all ask yourself, who's telling you that? For years, I've been kind of using that question when people have come to me and said, you know, one of the big ones now is with this new generation, people, even my age, I don't have to go to church to serve God. Well, who told you that? I mean, is that just something you wanted so you don't have to go to church? I mean, what is it that told you that? Because God, like, built a building when they were in the wilderness to go to. Evidently, it was important to him because he said, don't forsake it. And it's just kind of God's, you know, pattern. So who's telling you that?" [36:45]
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