The difference between the defeat of the old life and the victory of the new life is found in the renewal of our thinking.

Ephesians 4:22–24 (ESV) to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, 23and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.

1.   I must identify unhealthy patterns of thinking that keep me from becoming like Jesus.

Ephesians 4:22 (ESV)to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires,

-I let Gods word and Spirit identify areas of my life that need to change.

           -I must agree with God and commit to change.

           -I should be specific and call it out.

2.   I must establish a new way of thinking based on Gods Word. 

Eph 4:23  and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds,

A-  In the Bible – Psalm 1; Josh 1:8;

B -In knowing God   Colossians 3:9–11

C – By the power of the Holy Spirit. John 16:13

3.   I must determine to Live out What God has put in me.

Ephesians 4:24 (ESV) and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.

A-  Jesus is the true pattern for my new life. Romans 8:29

B-  LIVING THE NEW LIFE IS INTENTIONAL. James 1:22

Romans 12:1-2

Summary: If I am going to live successfully, I must allow God to replace old though habits with new biblical patterns. I’m learning to think for life!  

Intro:  When we think about habits, we normally consider the things that we do. Today we are going to talk about habits in the way we think. If we think about it, we can identify habits in our way of thinking or mindsets that can be either good or bad, helpful or hurtful. The Bible teaches us to replace the unbiblical though patterns with new godly ways of thinking. When I refuse this, I end up wandering like Israel in the dessert.

1.     I continue to wander when I live with an entitlement mindset.

Numbers 11:4–6 (ESV) Now the rabble that was among them had a strong craving. And the people of Israel also wept again and said, “Oh that we had meat to eat!

5We remember the fish we ate in Egypt that cost nothing, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic.

6But now our strength is dried up, and there is nothing at all but this manna to look at.”

The answer : A Grace mentality.  I move forward by  trusting the Gods grace.

2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV) But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

2.    I continue to wander when I live with a victim mindset.

Exodus 14:10–14 (ESV) When Pharaoh drew near, the people of Israel lifted up their eyes, and behold, the Egyptians were marching after them, and they feared greatly. And the people of Israel cried out to the Lord. 11They said to Moses, “Is it because there are no graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness? What have you done to us in bringing us out of Egypt?

12Is not this what we said to you in Egypt: ‘Leave us alone that we may serve the Egyptians’? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness.”

13And Moses said to the people, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again.

14The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.”

           The answer – A Victor Mentality.  I learn to trust Gods power and promise. 

1 Corinthians 15:57–58 (ESV) But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

3.    I continue to wander when I live with a self-centered mindset.

Exodus 32:1 (ESV) When the people saw that Moses delayed to come down from the mountain, the people gathered themselves together to Aaron and said to him, “Up, make us gods who shall go before us. As for this Moses, the man who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.”

The answer: A Christ centered mentality

Colossians 2:10 (NLT) So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.

4.    I continue to wander when I live with a divisive mindset.

Numbers 12:1–2 (ESV)1Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Cushite woman whom he had married, for he had married a Cushite woman.  2And they said, “Has the Lord indeed spoken only through Moses? Has he not spoken through us also?” And the Lord heard it.

           The answer: A uniter mentality.                   

Matthew 5:9 (ESV) “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

Ephesians 4:1–3 (ESV) I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

5.    I continue to wander when I have a faithless mindset.

Numbers 13:27–33 (ESV)  And they told him, “We came to the land to which you sent us. It flows with milk and honey, and this is its fruit. 28However, the people who dwell in the land are strong, and the cities are fortified and very large. And besides, we saw the descendants of Anak there. 29The Amalekites dwell in the land of the Negeb. The Hittites, the Jebusites, and the Amorites dwell in the hill country. And the Canaanites dwell by the sea, and along the Jordan.”  30But Caleb quieted the people before Moses and said, “Let us go up at once and occupy it, for we are well able to overcome it.” 31Then the men who had gone up with him said, “We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we are.” 32So they brought to the people of Israel a bad report of the land that they had spied out, saying, “The land, through which we have gone to spy it out, is a land that devours its inhabitants, and all the people that we saw in it are of great height. 33And there we saw the Nephilim (the sons of Anak, who come from the Nephilim), and we seemed to ourselves like grasshoppers, and so we seemed to them.”

                       The answer :  A faith-filled mindset.

2 Corinthians 5:7 (ESV) for we walk by faith, not by sight.

Hebrews 11:6 (ESV)And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

Action Steps:

·     Allow God to change these mindsets in you.

·     Ask God to show you where you have other wilderness mindsets.

·     Seek Gods answer to each in the scripture.

What other mindsets do I have that are keeping me form living the life you want for me?     

o  Lustful mindset

o  Anxious mindset

o  Hateful mindset

o  Fearful mindset

o  Unforgiving mindset

o  Critical mindset

o  Prideful mindset

o  Careless mindset

o  Foolish mindset

o  Lazy mindset

o  Negative mindset

·     Ask God to help you grow into your new identity in Jesus.  Eph 1-3

Introduction: Before God could allow the children of Israel to enter the promised land, He had to begin the process of changing their mind.

Gods Definitive Word to Joshua on Successful Thinking!

1. Learn to be strong and courageous

Joshua 1:6 (ESV) Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them.

2. Learn to trust Gods truth

Joshua 1:7 (ESV) Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. . .

3. Learn to keep moving straight ahead

Joshua 1:7 (ESV) Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go.

4. Learn to make Gods Word your point of reference.

Joshua 1:8 (ESV) This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

Text: Matthew 22:37

Summary: When I let God teach me a new way to think I will begin a new way to live.

What does it mean to think?

You will never have a truly changed life without letting God change the way you think.

Romans 12:1–2 (NLT)And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.

2Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

Isaiah 55:9 (ESV)For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

The goals of this series:

• Learn what it means to love God with your mind.

• Understand how your thinking influences your heart and what that means.

• Grow to identify sources of corrupt thinking that keep me from experiencing blessing.

• Understand the dangers of corrupt thinking.

• Build the skill of recognizing where I need to change or adjust thinking.

• To identify the areas where I am allowing the culture and values of the world to influence the way that I see and frame life.

• Learn how to change the way I think about things. Establish the skill of Unlearning!

• Overcoming mindsets that keep me defeated.

• Establish an eternal authority as the standard for how we think, feel and act as followers of Jesus.

• Learning to manage my emotions with my thinking.

Matthew 22:37 (ESV)And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.

Luke 8:35 KJV Then they went out to see what was done; and came to Jesus, and found the man, out of whom the devils were departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.

How Can I love God with All My Mind?

1. Commit to Allowing God to Change my Mind. Romans 12:1,2

A- You must let him change your mind in order to be saved.

Acts 20:21 (ESV). testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Mark 1:14–15 Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, 15And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

B – Changed thinking becomes the way we know God and grow in Christ.

2. Begin to Exercise your Mind for Good. Phil 4:8

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.

• Is it True and do I know it to be true?

• Is this honorable or dishonorable? Does it demonstrate dignity?

• Is it just? Is it correct, good, righteous?

• Is it pure? Is there a Holiness and innocence?

• It is lovely? Is it friendly, agreeable, pleasing, positive

• Commendable? Good report or reputation? Commendation!

• Excellence? Valor, virtue, excellent character

• Worthy of praise? Worthy of approval? Desired? Prized? Does it add value?

3. I must commit to Learn to Live!

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.

2Do 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.

Ephesians 4:1 (ESV)I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, (the rest of Ephesians ch 4,5, 6 tell us how to do this)

Ephesians 4:17–18 (ESV)Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. 18They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart.

Ephesians 4:20–24 (ESV)20But that is not the way you learned Christ!

21assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus,

22to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, 23and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds,

24and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.

• Listen to Jesus teaching.

• Observe Jesus life.

• Imitate the ways of Jesus.

Invitation:

“Lord, teach me to think the new way so that I can live the new life!”

• Will I open my heart to Jesus as my personal savior?

• Will I Commit to Loving God with all my thinking!

 Text: John 8:1-11

Summary: Living a life of grace is the only true way to reflect Jesus Christ in a broken world.

John 1:16–17 (ESV)For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.

17For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

John 8:11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.

1. God gives Grace by removing my burden.    

 Psalms 38:4 (ESV) For my iniquities have gone over my head; like a heavy burden, they are too heavy for me.

Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV) 28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

2. God gives Grace by showing me a new way. 

John 8:11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.

Psalms 25:4-5 (KJV) 4 Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths. 5 Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.

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.

3.        God gives Grace by giving me the power to change.

2 Peter 3:18 (ESV) But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

Romans 5:1-2 (KJV) 1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

2 Cor 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:

Text: Romans 8:31-39

Summary: God’s plan for our salvation is nothing short of total and complete victory!

Romans 8:31–39 (The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language)

31So, what do you think? With God on our side like this, how can we lose?

32If God didn’t hesitate to put everything on the line for us, embracing our condition and exposing himself to the worst by sending his own Son, is there anything else he wouldn’t gladly and freely do for us?

33And who would dare tangle with God by messing with one of God’s chosen?

34Who would dare even to point a finger? The One who died for us—who was raised to life for us!—is in the presence of God at this very moment sticking up for us.

35Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ’s love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins listed in Scripture:

36They kill us in cold blood because they hate you. We’re sitting ducks; they pick us off one by one.

37None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us.

38I’m absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow,

39high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us.

2 Corinthians 1:20 (NLT) For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding “Yes!” And through Christ, our “Amen” (which means “Yes”) ascends to God for his glory.

·     Gods Yes brings Gods righteousness in Christ so there is NO Condemnation because of sin.

·     Gods Yes gives the Spirit of God who empowers us to live so there is NO Obligation to the law.

·     Gods Yes delivers the blessed Hope of Jesus Christ so there is NO Fear in our sufferings.

·     Gods Yes ensures the fulness of the Love of Christ so there is NO Separation from God ever.

1)   God is for us. V31

31What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

“When you are confident in the One who is For You, you stop worrying about who is against you!”

Isaiah 41:10 (NLT). Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

2)   Christ has died for us. V32

32He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?

Romans 3:23–25 (NLT) For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.

24Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. 25For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin.

People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood.

3)   God has justified us. V 33

33Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies.

Romans 5:17 (NLT). For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ.

4)   Christ himself intercedes for us. V 34. He is Savior, Mediator 

34Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.

5)   Christ  loves us. V 35-39. 

A -We are confident through the Struggle.  

35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?

36As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”

B – We are confident of victory.  

37No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

C - Fully Convinced of Gods Promise! V 38-39.  

38For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Text: Rom 8:18-30

Summary: There is nothing that God cannot and will not use for your good and His glory!

Review:

Wk 1 Rom 8:1-5   The struggle is Real, BUT so is the Victory

Wk 2 Rom 8:6-17 We are free to Be. It’s not merely what I’m free from BUT it’s what I’m free to.

Romans 8:18-30

1.    God is doing something greater than we often see, feel and understand. V 18-25

A.   Life has sufferings (plural). V 18.  

Romans 8:18 (ESV) For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

Philippians 1:29 (ESV) For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake,

Philippians 3:8 (ESV) Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ

Philippians 3:10 (ESV)that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,

4 Sources of suffering:  

The brokenness of the world

The actions of others

Our adversary the devil 

My own sinfulness

B.   We answer suffering with godly hope! 

Romans 8:24–25 (ESV)For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? 25But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

Colossians 1:27 (ESV)To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

2 Corinthians 1:6 (ESV)6If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer.

2.    God will use all  things for my good right now.  V 26-30

Romans 8:28–29 (ESV)And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.   29For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.

So what do I do today?

1. Stay faithful to my walk with God.

1 Peter 4:19 (ESV)Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.

2. Live in faithful obedience to the revealed will of God.  

John 17:16–18 (ESV)They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. 18As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.

3. Go beyond the why!

Text: Rom 8:1-17

Summary: The biblical focus of Spirit led freedom is not what I have been set free from, but it is what I am set free to.  We are set free to become healthy and mature children of God and this is the work of the Spirit in us.

Free From means Free To!  Free to become Who God made you to be.  Free to be, to be healthy, growing, loving, joyful, peace-filled, powerful, meaningful, and holy. You are free to be In Christ!

1.    Spirit led freedom rest in Christ alone. V 1-4

Romans 8:2 (ESV)For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.

2.    Spirit led freedom changes my thinking. V 5-8

Romans 8:6 (ESV)For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.

Colossians 3:1–2 (ESV)1If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth

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.

3.    Spirit led Freedom results in a fruitful life. V 9-11

Romans 8:10 (ESV)But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 

Galatians 5:16–18 (ESV)But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.

17For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.

18But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

Galatians 5:22–25 (ESV)22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.    I’m not feeding it, I’m saying no to my flesh!  Godly disciplines.

4.    Spirit led Freedom is forged in my new identity as a child of God.   V 12-17

Romans 8:14–16 (ESV) For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,

Romans 7:24-25; 8:1-17

Summary: God has not merely redeemed us from our sin but so much more as He has provided for our victory in, through, and for Jesus Christ, so let’s learn to win.

The Struggle is Real but so is the Victory. “...So run to win” 1 Cor 9:24

Romans 7:24–25 (ESV) Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?

25Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!  So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.

1.   The Spirit gives us Freedom from Judgement!   8:1-4

Romans 8:1,2 (ESV) There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.

2.   The Spirit gives us Freedom from Defeat. 8:5-17

Romans 8:6 (ESV) For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.

3.   God gives us Freedom from Discouragement.  8:18-30

Romans 8:28 (ESV) And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

4.   Gods gives us Freedom from Fear.  8:31-39

Romans 8:31 (ESV) What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

What personal application will I make from todays message?