Back to Basics: Our Thoughts
We have the mind of Christ within us and can take control of our thoughts by acknowledging our capacity to think correctly and seeking spiritual issues.
Charles Stanley emphasizes the importance of having the mind of Christ, highlighting that although we are finite in mental perception, as God's children, we have the ability to think on godly things. Satan seeks to influence our thoughts with negativity and impurity, but we can combat this by surrendering our thought life to God's control and renewing our minds with His truth.
Text
1 Corinthians 2:16
This may come as a surprise to some, but the apostle Paul writes that we have the mind of Christ within us. This does not mean that we are like God in the omnipotent sense. We have a finite ability when it comes to mental perception. God is infinite in His ability and knows all things. He is omniscient.
However, we are His children. We belong to His family, and we have the ability to think on the things of God. But Satan does not enjoy taking a backseat, especially in the area of our thoughts. He knows if he can get our minds focused on negative, self-defeating, and impure thoughts, then most of the battle for our minds will be fought and won by him.
Learn to say no to his foolishness and demeaning suggestions by giving God full control of your thought life. You can reprogram your thoughts with His truth when you:
Acknowledge that you have the capacity to think correctly. (1 Corinthians 2:16)
Seek spiritual issues instead of focusing on negative suggestions. (Colossians 3:1-2)
Sift thoughts through God's grid-His Word and will for your life. (2 Corinthians 10:5)
Choose to refuse dark, negative thoughts that do not edify Christ's presence in your life.
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Renew your mind by feasting on the Word of God. (Colossians 3:16)
Sermon Outline
- The Mind of Christ Within Us
- Satan's Influence on Our Thoughts
- Taking Control of Our Thoughts
- Renewing Our Mind
- Acknowledge our capacity to think correctly
- Seek spiritual issues instead of negative suggestions
- Sift thoughts through God's grid (His Word and will for our life)
- Choose to refuse dark, negative thoughts
- Renew our mind by feasting on the Word of God
Key Quotes
“We have the mind of Christ within us.” — Charles Stanley
“Satan tries to get our minds focused on negative thoughts.” — Charles Stanley
“Renew our mind by feasting on the Word of God.” — Charles Stanley
Application Points
- We must learn to say no to Satan's foolishness and negative suggestions.
- We can renew our mind by feasting on the Word of God and choosing to refuse dark, negative thoughts.
- We have the ability to think on the things of God and take control of our thought life.