Resetting Our Mindset: Embracing Tithing and Spiritual Growth
Summary
### Summary
Today, we celebrated Miss Darlene's birthday and acknowledged her invaluable contributions to Harvest Church. We also introduced the 90-day tithe challenge, encouraging those who haven't tithed before to test God's promise in Malachi 3:10. The essence of tithing is not just about receiving blessings but becoming a conduit for God's blessings to others. We aspire to be so blessed that we can meet the needs of others effortlessly.
The main focus of today's message was on the importance of a "mindset reset." Drawing from Galatians 5 and Romans 8, we explored the battle between the flesh and the spirit. The flesh is driven by worldly desires, while the spirit seeks to align with God's will. To walk in the Spirit, we must habitually live in a way that is responsive to and guided by the Holy Spirit. This involves reorienting our minds away from fleshly desires and towards spiritual truths.
We also discussed the importance of pausing and resetting, much like how we reset electronics. This reset is crucial for maintaining a healthy, God-honoring mindset. The Apostle Paul’s teachings in Galatians and Romans emphasize that our thoughts and environment significantly influence our spiritual walk. Combatting negative thoughts, controlling our environment, confessing our faith, and considering the spiritual sources of our struggles are essential steps in this process.
To put this into practice, we are embarking on a 30-day journey through the book of Proverbs. Each day, we will read one chapter and use the SOAP method (Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer) to journal our reflections. This exercise aims to reset our minds and align our thoughts with God's wisdom before engaging with the world each day.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Essence of Tithing: Tithing is not merely about receiving blessings but about becoming a vessel through which God can bless others. When we tithe, we align ourselves with God's principle of generosity, allowing Him to use us to meet the needs of those around us. This transforms our financial giving into a spiritual act of worship and service. [27:05]
2. Mindset Reset: A mindset reset involves reorienting our thoughts from fleshly desires to spiritual truths. This requires habitual living in the Holy Spirit, making it a daily practice to be responsive to and guided by Him. By doing so, we can overcome the constant pull of the flesh and live a life that honors God. [38:07]
3. Combat Your Thoughts: Our lives follow our thoughts, and left unattended, our thoughts will drift towards the flesh. Psalm 1:1-2 emphasizes the importance of meditating on God's Word day and night. By continually bringing God's Word to mind, we can combat negative thoughts and align our minds with His truth. [53:18]
4. Control Your Environment: The environment we surround ourselves with significantly impacts our spiritual walk. David's experience in the cave of Adullam teaches us the importance of controlling our environment to foster a positive and God-honoring atmosphere. By doing so, we can transform our surroundings and those around us. [01:04:45]
5. Confess Your Faith: The words we speak have the power to shape our reality. By confessing our faith and speaking life-giving words, we align ourselves with God's promises and create an atmosphere of faith and unity. This practice helps us focus on God's truth rather than the negativity around us. [01:05:26]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[25:39] - 90-Day Tithe Challenge
[27:05] - The Essence of Tithing
[28:35] - The Blessing of Generosity
[33:23] - Personal Stories and Humor
[36:24] - The Need for a Reset
[38:07] - Mindset Reset
[39:31] - Walking in the Spirit
[42:07] - The Battle Between Flesh and Spirit
[50:02] - Setting Your Mind on the Spirit
[53:18] - Combat Your Thoughts
[57:01] - Control Your Environment
[01:05:26] - Confess Your Faith
[01:10:13] - Consider the Source
[01:14:17] - Mindset Reset Challenge
[01:21:56] - Closing and Worship
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Galatians 5:16-25 - "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit."
2. Romans 8:5-8 - "Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God."
3. Psalm 1:1-2 - "Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Galatians 5:16-25 say about the conflict between the flesh and the Spirit?
2. According to Romans 8:5-8, what are the consequences of having a mind governed by the flesh versus a mind governed by the Spirit?
3. How does Psalm 1:1-2 describe the person who is blessed?
4. In the sermon, what analogy was used to describe the need for a "mindset reset"? ([36:24])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of walking in the Spirit, as described in Galatians 5, apply to our daily lives? ([38:52])
2. What practical steps can we take to reorient our minds from fleshly desires to spiritual truths, as suggested in Romans 8? ([50:02])
3. How can meditating on God's Word, as mentioned in Psalm 1, help us combat negative thoughts? ([53:18])
4. Why is it important to control our environment, and how did David's experience in the cave of Adullam illustrate this? ([57:01])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current mindset. Are there specific areas where you feel the pull of the flesh more strongly than the guidance of the Spirit? How can you address these areas? ([42:07])
2. The sermon mentioned the importance of pausing and resetting, much like resetting electronics. What practical steps can you take this week to "reset" your mindset? ([36:24])
3. How can you incorporate the SOAP method (Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer) into your daily routine to help reset your mind? ([01:17:18])
4. Think about your environment. Are there influences or settings that are hindering your spiritual growth? What changes can you make to create a more God-honoring atmosphere? ([57:01])
5. The sermon emphasized the power of confessing your faith. What are some life-giving words or affirmations you can start speaking over yourself and others this week? ([01:05:26])
6. Consider the sources of your struggles. Are there spiritual battles you need to address with prayer and intercession? How can you seek God's help in these areas? ([01:10:13])
7. The 30-day journey through Proverbs was introduced as a way to reset our minds. How will you commit to this challenge, and what do you hope to gain from it? ([01:15:01])
Devotional
Day 1: Becoming a Vessel of Blessing
Tithing is not merely about receiving blessings but about becoming a vessel through which God can bless others. When we tithe, we align ourselves with God's principle of generosity, allowing Him to use us to meet the needs of those around us. This transforms our financial giving into a spiritual act of worship and service. By embracing this mindset, we shift our focus from what we can get to how we can serve, embodying the heart of Christ in our daily lives. [27:05]
Malachi 3:10 (ESV): "Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need."
Reflection: Think of a specific need in your community or church. How can you use your resources to meet that need and become a vessel of God's blessing today?
Day 2: Reorienting Our Minds
A mindset reset involves reorienting our thoughts from fleshly desires to spiritual truths. This requires habitual living in the Holy Spirit, making it a daily practice to be responsive to and guided by Him. By doing so, we can overcome the constant pull of the flesh and live a life that honors God. This transformation is not a one-time event but a continuous process of aligning our minds with God's will and purpose. [38:07]
Romans 8:5-6 (ESV): "For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace."
Reflection: Identify one thought pattern that pulls you away from God. How can you intentionally replace it with a thought that aligns with the Holy Spirit's guidance?
Day 3: Meditating on God's Word
Our lives follow our thoughts, and left unattended, our thoughts will drift towards the flesh. Psalm 1:1-2 emphasizes the importance of meditating on God's Word day and night. By continually bringing God's Word to mind, we can combat negative thoughts and align our minds with His truth. This practice helps us stay grounded in God's promises and resist the distractions and temptations of the world. [53:18]
Psalm 1:1-2 (ESV): "Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night."
Reflection: Choose a specific verse from the Bible to meditate on today. How can this verse help you combat a negative thought or challenge you are facing?
Day 4: Transforming Our Environment
The environment we surround ourselves with significantly impacts our spiritual walk. David's experience in the cave of Adullam teaches us the importance of controlling our environment to foster a positive and God-honoring atmosphere. By doing so, we can transform our surroundings and those around us. Creating a space that reflects God's presence can help us stay focused on Him and encourage others to do the same. [01:04:45]
1 Samuel 22:1-2 (ESV): "David departed from there and escaped to the cave of Adullam. And when his brothers and all his father's house heard it, they went down there to him. And everyone who was in distress, and everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was bitter in soul, gathered to him. And he became commander over them. And there were with him about four hundred men."
Reflection: Look at your immediate environment. What changes can you make to create a more God-honoring atmosphere in your home or workplace?
Day 5: Speaking Life-Giving Words
The words we speak have the power to shape our reality. By confessing our faith and speaking life-giving words, we align ourselves with God's promises and create an atmosphere of faith and unity. This practice helps us focus on God's truth rather than the negativity around us. Our words can either build up or tear down, and choosing to speak words of faith can transform our lives and the lives of those around us. [01:05:26]
Proverbs 18:21 (ESV): "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits."
Reflection: Think about the words you have spoken today. How can you intentionally speak life-giving words to someone in your life right now?
Quotes
1. "See, it's not that we're tithing so that God can bless us. We tithe so that we can in turn be the blessing that God pours out into this world. And so I don't know if you understand that or not, but God wants to bless you to such an extent that he can get through you to every person that he wants to bless, what he wants to get through you to them." [27:05] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "How many of you would love if all of a sudden someone in your neighborhood had a need and you could just cut a check and meet that need and they would never have to worry about it another day in their life? Come on. I want to be there. Not there yet, but I'm going to follow the principles of God's word in regards to the tithe. And I'm going to follow him because I believe that is his intent. That is his desire to get us to that place." [28:35] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Sometimes you just need a reset. Everybody say reset. Come on, y'all said that like, I need y'all to say it like charismatic Pentecostals, right? Somebody say reset. Sometimes you just need a reset. And so I started thinking about while I was at this retreat, the majority of the pastors went and played golf, but if you know me, on Monday, I don't play golf. And so I was like, you know what, I'm going to stay here and I'm going to knock out Sunday's message and get it out of the way while everybody else is gone." [37:22] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I found out that's what I needed this week. I just needed a mindset reset. I needed to go and unplug so that I could plug back in and be good for the journey a little while longer. Amen? And I thought, man, if I'm like that, surely there are other people who just need a reset. Everybody say reset. And so I wanted to go back and look at what it would take for us to have, a mindset reset." [38:07] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "So what he's saying is he's saying if you make it a habit to live your life in such a way that you are responsive to and guided by the Spirit. Now, I think most of us in this room we know what it's like to feel the Spirit. We've, many of us have been in church long enough we've experienced revival services or we've experienced moves of God where we walked in and man, the Spirit of God was so strong it just drew us and we were able to feel the Spirit of God. We know what it's like to feel the Spirit of God but to be guided by Him on a daily basis has to be through making the right." [41:26] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Our life follows our thoughts. And when left unattended, our thoughts will drift toward the flesh. That's why Psalm 1, 1 through 2 says this, Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked, or stand in the way that sinners take, or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates, everybody shout meditates, on his law day, and night." [54:08] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "If you can't listen to country music headed down the road or you end up depressed, then you need to put on some worship music. If you can't watch that sitcom because it makes you angry, then you need to change the channel or open up the Word of God. You have to control your environment. We live in a society where everybody wants to blame everybody else for what's going on in their life. Sometimes we need to step back and we need to take control of our own environment." [01:05:26] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "If we could just begin to promote Jesus as much as we promote all the other things that we enjoy or like or dislike, what if we, every time we went to make, we went, is this a God-honoring post or is this a divisive post? Is this, is this a God-honoring, is this, is this going to make Jesus famous or is it going, that's all right. It's a Labor Day weekend. Y'all got a day off tomorrow to sit out at the lake and meditate and not talk about your pastor." [01:09:33] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "For years, I heard the phrase, you are so heavenly-minded that you're no earthly good. But I believe that this generation has flipped the script and we've become so naturally-minded that we don't consider the spiritual sources. But if we look back through the scripture, we find Adam and Eve in the garden contending with a serpent called Satan. If we look into the New Testament, we find, we find Jesus on the Mount of Temptation dealing with the enemy." [01:10:46] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "If we're going to have a mindset reset, we need to do the natural things up front, and then we need to come up on the back of that thing, and go, but God, I'm doing everything on my end, but I'm going to need your help. Holy Spirit, fill me, so that every time anything that's not of you shows its face in my mind, immediately, I can cast that thought down, and make it bow down and obey Christ, according to Corinthians." [01:13:38] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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