Renewing the Mind: Embracing God's Peace and Truth

 

Summary

This morning, we gathered to remember and exalt the name of Jesus, acknowledging that He alone is worthy of all our praise. We reflected on how God has delivered us from hopelessness, worry, and fear, and how He continues to hold us in the palm of His hand. As we journey through our fast, we focused on the peace Jesus promised—a peace not given as the world gives, but one that surpasses all understanding and guards our hearts and minds. We declared this peace over our families, our marriages, our children, our finances, and every circumstance we face, choosing to keep our minds steadfast on God.

We explored the profound power of our thoughts. Just as our words carry weight, so do our thoughts—they shape our reality, influence our actions, and can either lead us into worry, anxiety, sin, or doubt, or into the fullness of God’s promises. The enemy knows this and wages war in our minds, often disguising his lies in the first person so that we begin to believe them as our own. But God calls us to renew our minds, to intentionally shift our thinking from the patterns shaped by our past and the world, to the truth of His Word.

Renewal of the mind is not a passive process; it requires intentionality. Just as relationships require effort and time, so does our relationship with God. We must set aside time for Him—through worship, prayer, and reading Scripture—allowing His truth to transform us. We must also guard what we allow into our minds through our eyes and ears, filtering every thought through the standard of God’s Word. Philippians 4:8 gives us this filter: whatever is true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous, and praiseworthy—these are the things we are to meditate on.

When we fail and find ourselves overwhelmed by negative thoughts, we are invited to return to God, to be “watered” by His presence, and to allow Him to restore us. Community is vital in this journey; we need each other for encouragement and accountability. Ultimately, we have the choice each day to think on what God says and what pleases Him, trusting that as we do, His peace will reign in our hearts and minds.

Key Takeaways

- The Power of Remembering God’s Faithfulness
Recalling God’s past deliverance—like David remembering the lion and the bear—fuels our faith for present battles. When we intentionally remember how God has brought us through hopelessness and worry, we are strengthened to face new challenges with confidence in His character. This practice shifts our focus from fear to worship, anchoring us in gratitude and trust. [36:16]

- Our Thoughts Shape Our Reality
Our thoughts are not passive; they actively lead us toward faith or fear, hope or despair. The enemy’s primary battleground is our mind, often planting lies in the first person to make them feel like our own. Recognizing this strategy is crucial, as unchecked thoughts can lead us into worry, anxiety, sin, or doubt, but intentional, God-centered thinking leads to life and peace. [48:36]

- The Necessity of Mind Renewal
Transformation in Christ requires the continual renewal of our minds. Our thought patterns are shaped by upbringing, culture, and past experiences, but God calls us to a new way of thinking rooted in His truth. This renewal happens as we spend intentional time with God, allowing His Word and presence to reshape our understanding and expectations. [56:14]

- Guarding and Filtering What We Allow In
We must be vigilant about what we allow into our minds through our eyes and ears. Just as filters protect our homes and cars from impurities, God’s Word provides a filter for our thoughts—only what is true, noble, pure, and praiseworthy should be allowed to take root. What we feed our minds will ultimately shape our beliefs, attitudes, and actions, so we must choose wisely and guard our spiritual “gates.” [01:03:09]

- The Role of Community and Grace in the Battle of the Mind
No one is immune to moments of doubt, worry, or failure in their thought life. When we recognize we’ve allowed the wrong thoughts to take root, we are called to repentance and to seek support from our community. Humility and authenticity—admitting our need for help—open the door for God’s grace and for others to stand with us, reminding us of truth and helping us return to a place of peace and spiritual vitality. [01:19:30]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[36:16] - Remembering God’s Deliverance
[37:00] - Declaring God’s Worthiness
[39:23] - Praying for Peace
[40:46] - Standing Firm in God’s Peace
[41:40] - Blessing and Priestly Benediction
[43:05] - Walking in Daily Relationship with God
[45:31] - The Power of Our Thoughts
[46:22] - Self-Fulfilling Prophecies and Mindset
[48:36] - The Enemy’s Attack on Our Thoughts
[49:36] - Worry, Anxiety, and the Mind
[51:05] - Thoughts Leading to Sin and Doubt
[55:17] - The Call to Renew Our Minds
[56:14] - How Life Shapes Our Thinking
[59:02] - Renewing the Mind Through Time with God
[01:03:09] - Guarding Our Eyes and Ears
[01:06:13] - Filtering Our Thoughts with God’s Word
[01:09:10] - Replacing Lies with God’s Promises
[01:12:46] - Facing Struggles with a Renewed Mind
[01:15:46] - Resetting After Failure
[01:17:02] - Discerning God’s Voice in Our Thoughts
[01:19:30] - The Importance of Community
[01:21:28] - The Power of Spiritual Refreshing
[01:24:01] - Responding to God and Announcements
[01:36:24] - Youth Retreat and Closing

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: The Battle of the Mind & The Peace of God

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### Bible Reading

- Philippians 4:8
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

- Romans 12:1-2
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

- John 14:27
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

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### Observation Questions

1. According to Philippians 4:8, what kinds of things does Paul tell us to focus our thoughts on?
2. In Romans 12:2, what does Paul say is the result of renewing our minds?
3. What is the difference between the peace Jesus gives and the peace the world offers, according to John 14:27?
4. In the sermon, what are some examples given of how our thoughts can lead us into worry, anxiety, or even sin? [[49:36]]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Paul emphasizes the need to “renew” our minds, rather than just changing our behavior? How does this connect to lasting transformation? [[55:17]]
2. The sermon says the enemy often attacks us in our thoughts, sometimes making his lies sound like our own voice. Why is it important to recognize this strategy, and how can it affect our daily life? [[48:36]]
3. The pastor mentioned that remembering God’s past faithfulness (like David remembering the lion and the bear) helps us face new challenges. How does recalling God’s work in our lives shift our focus from fear to faith? [[36:16]]
4. What does it look like to “filter” our thoughts through God’s Word in practical, everyday situations? [[01:06:13]]

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon talked about intentionally setting aside time for God, just like you would for any important relationship. What is one specific way you can make time for God this week? (For example, putting it on your calendar, setting a reminder, etc.) [[43:53]]
2. Think about a recent situation where your thoughts led you into worry or anxiety. What could you have done differently to “filter” those thoughts through God’s Word? [[49:36]]
3. Are there certain things you regularly watch, listen to, or read that fill your mind with negativity or fear? What is one thing you could “guard” your eyes or ears from this week? [[01:03:09]]
4. The pastor said that when we mess up and let negative thoughts take over, we can always return to God and be “watered” by His presence. What does it look like for you to come back to God after a tough day or a mental battle? [[01:22:18]]
5. Community is vital in the battle for our minds. Is there someone in your life you can reach out to for encouragement or accountability when you’re struggling with your thoughts? How can you take a step toward deeper community this week? [[01:19:30]]
6. The enemy often tries to make us doubt God’s promises by planting thoughts like “I’m not good enough” or “God won’t come through for me.” What is one promise from God’s Word you need to remind yourself of right now? [[01:09:10]]
7. When you catch yourself thinking something that doesn’t line up with Philippians 4:8, what is a practical step you can take to replace that thought with truth? (For example, praying, reading a specific verse, or talking to a friend.) [[01:07:24]]

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Close in prayer, asking God to help each person renew their mind, guard their thoughts, and walk in His peace this week.

Devotional

Day 1: The Power of Our Thoughts Shapes Our Lives
Our thoughts have the power to direct the course of our lives, influencing our actions, emotions, and even our faith. When we allow negative or anxious thoughts to take root, they can lead us into worry, doubt, or even sin. The enemy often attacks us in our minds, planting lies that sound like our own voice, but God calls us to recognize these patterns and to take every thought captive. By being aware of the power of our thinking, we can begin to align our minds with God’s truth and experience the freedom and peace He desires for us. [48:36]

Proverbs 23:7 (ESV)
"For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. 'Eat and drink!' he says to you, but his heart is not with you."

Reflection: What is one recurring negative thought you’ve been believing about yourself or your circumstances? How can you begin to challenge it with God’s truth today?


Day 2: Renewing Our Minds Through God’s Word
Our minds and thoughts are shaped by our experiences and the world around us, but God calls us to a continual process of renewal. This renewal happens as we spend intentional time with God—through worship, prayer, and especially reading His Word. As we immerse ourselves in Scripture, the Holy Spirit transforms our thinking, helping us to break free from old patterns and to see ourselves and our situations through God’s perspective. This daily renewal is essential for living out God’s will and walking in victory. [56:14]

Romans 12:1-2 (ESV)
"I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."

Reflection: When can you set aside intentional time this week to read God’s Word and invite Him to renew your mind? What specific area of your thinking do you want Him to transform?


Day 3: Guarding What We Allow Into Our Minds
What we see and hear has a profound impact on our thoughts and, ultimately, our lives. The Bible urges us to guard our eyes and ears, being mindful of what we allow into our hearts and minds. Just as a filter keeps impurities out of our homes and cars, we must filter what we consume—whether it’s media, conversations, or influences—so that we are feeding our spirit and not our flesh. By choosing to focus on what is true, noble, and praiseworthy, we protect our minds from the enemy’s lies and cultivate a mindset that honors God. [01:03:09]

Philippians 4:8 (ESV)
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."

Reflection: What is one source of negativity or impurity you can limit or remove from your daily life this week to better guard your mind?


Day 4: Walking in God’s Peace Amid Life’s Battles
God promises a peace that surpasses all understanding, a peace that is not dependent on our circumstances but is rooted in His presence and faithfulness. When we keep our minds fixed on Him, even in the midst of trials, we can experience this supernatural peace. The world offers temporary solutions, but Jesus gives us lasting peace that guards our hearts and minds. As we declare His promises and remember His faithfulness, we can stand firm, knowing that He holds us and sustains us through every storm. [39:23]

John 14:27 (ESV)
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid."

Reflection: In what area of your life do you most need God’s peace right now? How can you intentionally fix your mind on Him and His promises today?


Day 5: Choosing Community and Accountability in the Battle for Our Minds
We are not meant to fight the battle for our minds alone. God has given us community—brothers and sisters in Christ—to support, encourage, and pray for one another. When we struggle with negative thoughts, worry, or doubt, it is vital to reach out, confess, and ask for help. Humbling ourselves and seeking accountability breaks the power of shame and isolation, allowing God’s truth and love to bring healing and strength. Together, we can keep our filters clean and our minds renewed, flourishing like well-watered plants in God’s presence. [01:18:39]

Galatians 6:2 (ESV)
"Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."

Reflection: Who is one person you can reach out to for prayer or encouragement this week when you’re struggling with your thoughts? How can you be that support for someone else?

Quotes



Our thoughts lead us. Our thoughts lead us. We may not think they do, but our thoughts lead us because as you think about it, you're going to go that route. And our thoughts can lead us to a lot of things that aren't what God wants. [00:48:44] (16 seconds)


Our life experiences, they shape our pattern of thinking. They shape the way we think. And because of that, when we come to Jesus, there must be a renewal of our mind, a renewal of our understanding, a thing that is made new. He takes us from death and brings us to life, from being a person full of negativity to being a person that is in faith, believing and expecting for good things to happen, to taking us from a place of brokenness to a place of wholeness. [00:58:18] (32 seconds)


As you and I, no matter if we've been a Christian for one day, one year, five years, 30 years, doesn't matter where you are, we will continually need the renewal. We need to continually spend time with God so that our relationship continues to grow and our mindset continues to be renewed. [01:01:51] (17 seconds)


It is imperative for every believer to read God's word. It is not only for the pastors. It's not only for leaders. It is for every believer. It is God's words to us. It's how he speaks to us. The Holy Spirit brings revelation as we read a verse. [01:02:17] (19 seconds)


We renew our mind and thoughts as we filter what we think about, as we filter what we think about. What's a filter, right? Think about that for a second. All of us here have a bunch of filters. Maybe you don't even know about it, right? [01:05:28] (15 seconds)


That is God's filter that needs to be in our heads, that needs to be in our minds. We get there and the thought comes and we pass it through the filter. Is this a pure thought? Is this a true thought? Is this a holy thought? Is this a praiseworthy thought? Is this a virtuous thought? Is there a good report in this? If the answer is yes, I think about it. If the answer is no, I flush it out and I say, God, remove this thought from me. [01:07:47] (32 seconds)


The enemy will bring these different thoughts. You're a failure. You cannot amount to anything. But God says what? I'm more than a conqueror in Christ Jesus. I will have success. It's what he told Joshua, be strong and courageous. I will be with you. And it says that everywhere that Joshua went, he had success. He prospered in all his way. He had success. [01:09:27] (30 seconds)


You're going to have issues and struggles. You're going to face obstacles. You're going to face days that are going to be difficult. That's not my word. It's what Jesus said. But he said, have peace. I've overcome the world. [01:13:04] (18 seconds)


You're going to have moments of doubt. You are going to have moments of worry. I'm going to have moments of doubt. I'm going to have moments of worry. I'm going to have moments of anxiety. I choose not to stay there because when the filter catches it and it's impure, it holds it. And then I say, I'm more than a conqueror. I'm the head and not the tail. I shall live and not die. I am blessed. My children are blessed. I am full of purpose. And I begin to think about what he wants me to think about, but we must choose what we think about. [01:16:06] (41 seconds)


So when you look and say, what if I messed up and I thought the wrong thought, just God, water me. Get in his presence and be watered. And immediately, you'll see the plant perk up again. You'll see your attitude shift. You'll see your joy return. So let's make the choice, church, what God wants us to think. Because our thoughts, they got power. [01:22:57] (37 seconds)


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