Transforming Beliefs: Aligning Thoughts with God's Truth
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone! Today, we delved into understanding why we do what we do by exploring a model from the book "You Are What You Believe" by Hiram Smith. This model helps us understand the connection between our thoughts, beliefs, actions, and results. We began by identifying our basic human needs: survival, love, significance, and variety. These needs drive our behavior, but our actions are filtered through a "belief window" filled with principles we hold to be true about ourselves and the world.
We discussed how these principles lead to subconscious rules, which then dictate our actions and ultimately produce results. For example, if you believe that European-made products are superior, you will likely buy European cars. This belief system is invisible and often subconscious, but it significantly impacts our behavior and the results we see in our lives.
We also explored the importance of feedback in this process. Feedback allows us to evaluate whether our actions are meeting our needs. If not, we have the opportunity to change our principles and rules to achieve better results. This is where the concept of the "filter" from Philippians 4:8 comes into play. By focusing on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and admirable, we can align our beliefs with God's truth, leading to actions that glorify Him.
We examined various examples to illustrate how our belief systems affect our behavior, from personal relationships to professional decisions. We also discussed the dangers of addiction, which often stems from unmet needs and faulty belief systems. The key takeaway is that our self-worth should be rooted in Jesus, not in external factors like job titles or material possessions.
In conclusion, we are called to control our thoughts because our thoughts control us. By aligning our thinking with God's truth, we can transform our lives and meet our needs in a way that honors Him.
### Key Takeaways
1. Human Needs and Belief Systems: Our actions are driven by basic human needs such as survival, love, significance, and variety. These needs are filtered through a belief window filled with principles we hold to be true. Understanding this can help us identify why we behave the way we do and how to change it for the better. [32:39]
2. The Power of Feedback: Feedback is crucial for evaluating whether our actions are meeting our needs. If the results are unsatisfactory, we have the opportunity to change our principles and rules. This process requires time and introspection but is essential for personal growth and alignment with God's will. [36:55]
3. The Role of the Filter: Philippians 4:8 serves as a filter for our thoughts, helping us focus on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. By aligning our thinking with these virtues, we can transform our belief systems and actions to glorify God. [39:39]
4. Addiction and Unmet Needs: Addiction often stems from unmet needs and faulty belief systems. It provides short-term relief but leads to long-term destruction. Understanding this can help us seek healthier ways to meet our needs, primarily through a relationship with Jesus. [38:02]
5. Rooting Self-Worth in Jesus: Our self-worth should be rooted in Jesus, not in external factors like job titles, material possessions, or social status. By focusing on our identity in Christ, we can meet our needs in a way that honors God and leads to lasting fulfillment. [57:02]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[30:12] - Introduction to the Series
[30:38] - Why Do You Do What You Do?
[31:08] - The Model: Human Needs and Beliefs
[32:10] - Props and Their Meanings
[32:39] - Human Needs Explained
[33:38] - The Belief Window
[34:09] - Rules and Actions
[35:10] - Results and Feedback
[36:55] - Importance of Feedback
[39:39] - The Filter: Philippians 4:8
[40:13] - Examples of Belief Systems
[42:03] - Real-Life Applications
[44:01] - Sabotaging Relationships
[45:10] - Fear of Failure
[46:21] - Good and Bad Principles
[47:13] - Common Belief Systems
[48:36] - Evaluating Results
[49:41] - Changing Principles
[50:16] - Working with Youth
[51:36] - Early Influences
[52:31] - The Role of the Church
[53:04] - Growth and Addiction
[54:13] - External Self-Worth
[55:08] - Historical Examples
[56:44] - Parenting and Influence
[57:02] - Jesus Meets Our Needs
[57:45] - Applying the Filter
[58:42] - True and Honorable Thinking
[59:54] - Lovely and Admirable
[01:02:00] - Throne Room Scenes
[01:03:12] - Practical Applications
[01:04:36] - Transformation Starts in the Mind
[01:05:53] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
[01:07:02] - Finding Self-Worth in Jesus
[01:07:59] - Viktor Frankl's Insight
[01:09:01] - Controlling Your Thoughts
[01:10:12] - Final Thoughts and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. 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."
2. Romans 12:2 - "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."
3. Ephesians 4:22-24 - "You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."
### Observation Questions
1. What are the basic human needs identified in the sermon that drive our behavior? ([32:10])
2. How does the "belief window" influence our actions according to the sermon? ([33:06])
3. What role does feedback play in evaluating whether our actions meet our needs? ([36:55])
4. How does Philippians 4:8 serve as a filter for our thoughts and beliefs? ([39:39])
### Interpretation Questions
1. How can aligning our thoughts with Philippians 4:8 transform our belief systems and actions? ([40:13])
2. What are some examples given in the sermon of how faulty belief systems can lead to addiction? ([38:02])
3. How does rooting our self-worth in Jesus, rather than external factors, impact our behavior and fulfillment? ([57:02])
4. How does Romans 12:2 relate to the concept of renewing our minds and changing our belief systems?
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own "belief window." What principles do you hold that might need reevaluation to better align with God's truth? ([33:06])
2. Think about a recent decision you made. How did your belief system influence that decision, and what was the outcome? ([35:10])
3. How can you incorporate the filter of Philippians 4:8 into your daily thought life to ensure your actions glorify God? ([39:39])
4. Identify an area in your life where you feel your needs are not being met. How can you seek healthier ways to meet these needs through your relationship with Jesus? ([38:02])
5. Consider a time when you received feedback that your actions were not meeting your needs. How did you respond, and what changes did you make, if any? ([36:55])
6. How can you practically root your self-worth in Jesus this week, especially in situations where you might be tempted to seek validation from external factors? ([57:02])
7. What specific steps can you take to renew your mind and transform your belief system according to Romans 12:2 and Ephesians 4:22-24?
Devotional
Day 1: Understanding Our Human Needs and Belief Systems
Our actions are driven by basic human needs such as survival, love, significance, and variety. These needs are filtered through a belief window filled with principles we hold to be true. Understanding this can help us identify why we behave the way we do and how to change it for the better. [32:39]
Our basic human needs—survival, love, significance, and variety—are the driving forces behind our actions. These needs are filtered through a "belief window," a set of principles we hold to be true about ourselves and the world. This belief window shapes our subconscious rules, which then dictate our actions and ultimately produce the results we see in our lives. For instance, if you believe that European-made products are superior, you will likely buy European cars. This belief system is often invisible and subconscious, yet it significantly impacts our behavior and the outcomes we experience.
By understanding this model, we can begin to identify the underlying beliefs that drive our actions. This awareness allows us to make conscious changes to our belief systems, aligning them more closely with God's truth. When our beliefs are rooted in biblical principles, our actions will naturally follow suit, leading to results that glorify God and fulfill our deepest needs.
Jeremiah 17:9-10 (ESV): "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? 'I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.'"
Reflection: What are some core beliefs you hold that might be influencing your actions? How can you align these beliefs with God's truth?
Day 2: The Power of Feedback
Feedback is crucial for evaluating whether our actions are meeting our needs. If the results are unsatisfactory, we have the opportunity to change our principles and rules. This process requires time and introspection but is essential for personal growth and alignment with God's will. [36:55]
Feedback serves as a vital tool for assessing whether our actions are effectively meeting our needs. When we receive feedback, it provides us with the opportunity to evaluate the outcomes of our actions. If the results are not satisfactory, we can take a step back and examine the underlying principles and rules that guided our behavior. This process of introspection and adjustment is essential for personal growth and alignment with God's will.
Taking the time to reflect on feedback allows us to make necessary changes to our belief systems. By doing so, we can ensure that our actions are more in line with God's truth and better meet our needs in a way that honors Him. This ongoing cycle of action, feedback, and adjustment helps us grow spiritually and become more effective in living out our faith.
Proverbs 27:17 (ESV): "Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another."
Reflection: Think of a recent piece of feedback you received. How can you use this feedback to align your actions more closely with God's will?
Day 3: The Role of the Filter
Philippians 4:8 serves as a filter for our thoughts, helping us focus on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. By aligning our thinking with these virtues, we can transform our belief systems and actions to glorify God. [39:39]
Philippians 4:8 provides a powerful filter for our thoughts, encouraging us to focus on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. By using this filter, we can align our thinking with God's virtues, which in turn transforms our belief systems and actions. When our thoughts are centered on these positive and godly attributes, our behavior will naturally reflect these values, leading to actions that glorify God.
This process of filtering our thoughts requires intentionality and discipline. It involves actively choosing to focus on the virtues outlined in Philippians 4:8 and rejecting thoughts that do not align with these principles. By doing so, we can renew our minds and ensure that our actions are rooted in God's truth, ultimately leading to a life that honors Him.
Colossians 3:2 (ESV): "Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth."
Reflection: What thoughts do you need to filter out of your mind to focus more on what is true, honorable, and pure? How can you practice this daily?
Day 4: Addiction and Unmet Needs
Addiction often stems from unmet needs and faulty belief systems. It provides short-term relief but leads to long-term destruction. Understanding this can help us seek healthier ways to meet our needs, primarily through a relationship with Jesus. [38:02]
Addiction is often a result of unmet needs and faulty belief systems. When our basic human needs are not adequately met, we may turn to addictive behaviors as a way to find temporary relief. However, these behaviors ultimately lead to long-term destruction and further distance us from true fulfillment. Recognizing the root causes of addiction can help us seek healthier ways to meet our needs, primarily through a relationship with Jesus.
By addressing the underlying beliefs and unmet needs that drive addictive behaviors, we can begin to find lasting solutions. A relationship with Jesus offers the ultimate fulfillment and healing that no addictive behavior can provide. Through His love and grace, we can find the strength to overcome addiction and meet our needs in a way that honors God.
1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV): "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it."
Reflection: Are there any areas in your life where you are seeking short-term relief through unhealthy behaviors? How can you turn to Jesus to meet these needs instead?
Day 5: Rooting Self-Worth in Jesus
Our self-worth should be rooted in Jesus, not in external factors like job titles, material possessions, or social status. By focusing on our identity in Christ, we can meet our needs in a way that honors God and leads to lasting fulfillment. [57:02]
Our self-worth should be firmly rooted in Jesus rather than in external factors such as job titles, material possessions, or social status. When we base our self-worth on these external elements, we set ourselves up for disappointment and instability. These factors are temporary and can change, leaving us feeling unfulfilled and insecure. In contrast, our identity in Christ is unchanging and provides a solid foundation for our self-worth.
By focusing on our identity in Christ, we can meet our needs in a way that honors God and leads to lasting fulfillment. Jesus offers us unconditional love, acceptance, and significance that no external factor can provide. When we root our self-worth in Him, we can experience true peace and contentment, knowing that we are valued and loved by our Creator.
Ephesians 2:10 (ESV): "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you seeking self-worth from external factors? How can you shift your focus to find your identity and worth in Jesus?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "You do what you believe, you believe what you think. Basically head first, then heart, then hands. I do what I believe, I believe what I think. So if there's a problem in my behavior, somewhere there is likely a problem in my thinking." (13 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Addiction is usually simply a compulsive behavior with short-term benefit but long-term destruction. That's usually what addiction is. It meets the need right now. The porn hit meets the need right now. Does it actually meet my needs? No, it actually is self-destructing in the long run." (15 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "If my self-worth is dependent on anything external, I am in trouble. If my self-worth, my value, my importance, my significance is based on anything external, if my self-worth is dependent on how I look, so maybe that's, you know, I'm jacked or I'm skinny or I'm tall or whatever and you're not that or enough, if that's your self-worth, well then, all these things make perfect sense because your worth is dependent on it so you gotta fix it." (31 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Our goal as Christians is to meet our needs, our human needs, in Jesus. We look to him to meet our needs. We begin to look to him which results in us living like him. Why? Because Paul tells us that we understand these things for we have the mind of Christ." (16 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Control your thoughts because your thoughts control you. Control your thoughts because your thoughts control you. So again I just want you to know because you are human you have human needs. I just don't have that's open for debate but this is real." (17 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "If the filter is functioning properly, things are going to work right. If I'm thinking about what is true and honorable and right and pure and lovely and admirable and excellent and worthy of praise, that's going to determine what I believe, because I do what I believe, I believe what I think." (-535 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Addiction is the result of deep and unmet needs and why do we end up in addiction? Usually because we're trying to meet needs, powerful and compelling basic needs in the wrong place. It's important to know that if my self-worth is dependent on anything external, I am in trouble." (19 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Transformation starts in the mind not in the actions. Ephesians 4:21 to 24 says since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him throw off your old sinful nature by lust and deception. Instead let the spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature created by or created to be like God truly righteous and holy." (23 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "If you go straight from verse 22 to 24 you're going to live like most people and you're going to be frustrated. If you go straight from put off your old nature and go straight to put on the new you're going to stop lying and start telling the truth. You're going to stop stealing and start giving. You're going to stop fighting and start being nice. Whatever it is. But the problem is it most likely won't last." (20 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Viktor Frankl taught us the one thing no one else can control is how I think about what's happening to me. Viktor Frankl was the Jewish psychologist who was in four different Nazi concentration camps. Everything was taken from him. His life work his possessions his family his health his freedom the one thing they couldn't take was how he thought about everything where he found his significance in all this." (32 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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