The Disciplined Mind

The Disciplined Mind

2004033

Topic # 1494

Introduction:

A. Many sinners brag that they belong only to themselves.

1. I’m my own man – I answer to no one.

2. Every sinner who believes he alone rules his life is deceived – Jhn 8:34

B. Outside of Christ? You are a slave to sin. Your master is Satan.

1. Become a Christian? Life changes ownership.

2. Satan no longer controls your life b/c you have been redeemed w/the precious blood of Jesus – 1 Pet. 1:18-19

C. It is urgent that the Christian never forgets that he belongs to God. Minute we forget we’re in grave danger!

1. Rom. 14:7-8 – both alive & dead – we belong to the Lord.

2. Gal. 2:20

3. The Christian must forget about “I”. He does not do what “I” wants. He does not act as “I” wants.

a) He does not seek the pleasures that “I” hungers for.

4. In everything we must do what God wants.

5. God’s will must become the most important thing.

6. This is what enables us to become God’s kind of :

a) husband; father; wife; mother; friend; worker

D. Mt. 6:33 – you can see God in everything a mature Christian does.

1. This is because the Christian puts God first always.

2. But…how do we make that complete change?

E. Rom. 12:1-2 – are we willing to sacrifice our life each day by letting God own us?

1. We can stop living the lifestyle of the world by completely changing our thinking.

2. 12:2 – be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

3. This is the secret! We must change our mind & feelings.

4. If our thoughts belong to God – then our bodies will belong to God.

I. We are in the midst of a war for our minds.

A. Basically – there are two separate worldviews in collision w/one another.

1. War going on for our minds; thought processes; values; standards; and for the way we interact with others.

2. Change a person’s thinking – you change the person!

3. Change a people’s thinking – you change a nation!

B. Easy to be influenced by worldly, godless mindset.

1. Movies/TV shows consistent in the values they portray.

2. Constant barrage of immorality; illicit sex; violence; & ungodliness.

C. Listen to these statistics:

1. Neil Postman: “Amusing Ourselves to Death”

2. Between age 6-18 – average American child spends 15-16K hours watching TV.

a) Only spend 13K hours in school!

3. Average American child will be subjected to 1 million adverts (1000/wk) by age 20.

a) only things Americans do more than eat/sleep is watch TV

4. What could one do w/this amount of time?

a) 5K hours earns you a bachelor’s degree.

b) 10K hours to become an engineer or astronomer.

c) Could learn several foreign languages

D. So what’s happened? Our society has become mentally lazy.

1. Many indifferent to reflection; thinking; & stretching their spiritual & intellectual capabilities.

2. Average attention span: 1-5 min. Complex subjects are simplified & summarized for quick consumption. It’s tragic.

3. Lines on right/wrong/morality once clearly drawn are now being erased.

4. Could it be because those on the other side of the culture war have gotten into our minds?

5. Change a person’s thinking – you change the person!

II. A Disciple is disciplined.

A. Brethren: we’re disciples!

1. A disciple is just that: one who is disciplined!

2. We are those who have brought our thoughts/behavior/emotions under the control of Jesus!

3. We are to be dedicated & devoted followers!

4. Must be willing to submit to His will & be trained & instructed in His righteousness!

5. Lk. 6:40 – be like Jesus

B. The disciplined mind is where it all begins. How can I:

1. Tame my tongue? Manage my temper? Change my attitudes for the better?

2. Mk. 7:21-23 – control what goes in!

C. One reason why Christians get caught up in immorality & worldliness is because they meditate on that which defiles the mind & heart.

1. How many of us are LOSING the war for control of our minds?

D. NAACP – a mind is a terrible thing to waste.

1. Lot to waste on which the mind can be squandered.

2. Pro. 4:23

a) watch – “to keep”

b) Involves discipline; involves carefully shielding & protecting.

3. Bubba Garner: How ironic that we live in a health conscious age when the same people who watch what they eat, examine food labels, and take the recommended vitamins to care for their bodies allow all kinds of pollutants and impurities to contaminate their minds.

III. How can we develop a more disciplined mind?

A. Aim Higher!

1. Col. 3:1-2

2. Christians should be seeking heavenly things.

a) How many here desire & want to secure the things above?

b) How many realize this will not happen by accident?

4. In order to seek them – you must first set your mind on them.

5. sometimes we wonder why we see little/no progress in our spiritual lives

a) Marvel at how fast some grow while other struggle.

b) Some: throw hands up & blame God.

6. We will NOT see improvement in tending to spiritual needs until we make the decision to do better & set our minds to the task!

7. Romans 8:6 – look up & aim higher! Make Jesus the pattern of your conduct!

B. Dwell longer!

1. Phil. 4:8 – dwell on these things.

a) Dwell = “contemplate” or “to give thoughtful consideration.”

b) Cannot be done in a hurry/half heartedly.

2. Society expects fast.

a) Postal service is too slow. Prefer instant contact of email.

b) Delivery in a week? 10 days? Prefer overnight delivery.

c) Forget electric/gas stove – prefer microwave cooks in 5 min.

d) NOW – instantly – not sometime in near future:

1) TV? Picture & sound NOW

2) AC – noticeable results NOW

3) Purchase something: get it NOW

e) recover from sickness NOW – take a pill

f) Investments? Instant return NOW. Instant success.

g) We EXPECT these things. Immediate results. Instant gratification.

3. So we apply this kind of thinking to our spiritual lives.

a) Not grow fast as I think I should – lose interest & move to something else.

4. Why is it that we make plenty of time for dishonorable & impure things, but consistently have none left for the things that matter most?

5. Why is it that we know all the lyrics to popular songs but cannot commit to remember a simple bible verse to help in time of need?

6. If you’re not thinking it, you’re probably not doing it.

7. Get your head in THE book & stay a little longer.

C. Dig Deeper

1. Phil. 4:9 – meditation is followed by application.

2. Put to work what you learn. Practice what you comprehend.

3. When we lay the foundation of a disciplined mind – it is time to start building & turning good intentions into good deeds!

a) Bubba Garner: It does no good to purify the fountain if you do not allow the water to flow and carve its course in the springs of life.

IV. it’s only when we discipline our minds – that the transformation process begins.

A. 2 Peter 1:2-4

1. Much we like in these verses: grace/truth; everything that pertains to life/godliness; precious & magnificent promises.

2. But. Expected to become partakers of the divine nature.

3. God expects us to escape the rottenness produced through ungodly desire

B. Eph. 4:20-24

1. These verses are about transformation.

2. A before & after because God, with your permission, changed you. Your reason for coming to Jesus was to put off old self & put on new self.

3. We have committed ourselves to becoming people created in the likeness of God; created in righteousness & holiness of truth.

C. Rom. 12:1-2

1. Metamorphosis – word used here in Greek. Complete & total change.

a) Caterpillar & butterfly. Complete change. They neither look or function alike.

2. God’s intent with Jesus is to change you.

a) Not superficial. Change a few habits/behaviors that allows us to do the “go to church” thing.

b) A radical change. A change of who we are as people!

3. This change occurs because:

a) By changing our thinking. God can teach us a new way to think.

b) We can live in such a way that we can understand God’s purposes & priorities.

c) We can adopt God’s concept & definition of what is good.

d) We can change our understanding of what is acceptable.

Conclusion:

A. 2 Cor. 10:3, 5 – are you taking every thought captive?

B. God needs those who set their hearts in the higher plane of serving.

1. He needs those who turn stumbling blocks into stepping stones; weaknesses to strengths; defeats into victory!

2. He needs those who will submit to His discipline! Make up your mind to do just that!

C. Have you submitted to God? If not why not?

D. Make the change today!

E. I N V I T A T I O N



The Disciplined Mind 2004033 Topic # 1494 Introduction: A. Many sinners brag that they belong only to themselves. 1. I’m my own man – I answer to no one. 2. Every sinner who believes he alone rules his life is deceived – Jhn 8:34 B. Outside of Christ? You are a slave to sin. Your master is Satan. 1. Become a Christian? Life changes ownership. 2. Satan no longer controls your life b/c you have been redeemed w/the precious blood of Jesus – 1 Pet. 1:18-19 C. It is urgent that the Christian never forgets that he belongs to God. Minute we forget we’re in grave danger! 1. Rom. 14:7-8 – both alive & dead – we belong to the Lord. 2. Gal. 2:20 3. The Christian must forget about “I”. He does not do what “I” wants. He does not act as “I” wants. a) He does not seek the pleasures that “I” hungers for. 4. In everything we must do what God wants. 5. God’s will must become the most important thing. 6. This is what enables us to become God’s kind of : a) husband; father; wife; mother; friend; worker D. Mt. 6:33 – you can see God in everything a mature Christian does. 1. This is because the Christian puts God first always. 2. But…how do we make that complete change? E. Rom. 12:1-2 – are we willing to sacrifice our life each day by letting God own us? 1. We can stop living the lifestyle of the world by completely changing our thinking. 2. 12:2 – be transformed by the renewing of your mind. 3. This is the secret! We must change our mind & feelings. 4. If our thoughts belong to God – then our bodies will belong to God. I. We are in the midst of a war for our minds. A. Basically – there are two separate worldviews in collision w/one another. 1. War going on for our minds; thought processes; values; standards; and for the way we interact with others. 2. Change a person’s thinking – you change the person! 3. Change a people’s thinking – you change a nation! B. Easy to be influenced by worldly, godless mindset. 1. Movies/TV shows consistent in the values they portray. 2. Constant barrage of immorality; illicit sex; violence; & ungodliness. C. Listen to these statistics: 1. Neil Postman: “Amusing Ourselves to Death” 2. Between age 6-18 – average American child spends 15-16K hours watching TV. a) Only spend 13K hours in school! 3. Average American child will be subjected to 1 million adverts (1000/wk) by age 20. a) only things Americans do more than eat/sleep is watch TV 4. What could one do w/this amount of time? a) 5K hours earns you a bachelor’s degree. b) 10K hours to become an engineer or astronomer. c) Could learn several foreign languages D. So what’s happened? Our society has become mentally lazy. 1. Many indifferent to reflection; thinking; & stretching their spiritual & intellectual capabilities. 2. Average attention span: 1-5 min. Complex subjects are simplified & summarized for quick consumption. It’s tragic. 3. Lines on right/wrong/morality once clearly drawn are now being erased. 4. Could it be because those on the other side of the culture war have gotten into our minds? 5. Change a person’s thinking – you change the person! II. A Disciple is disciplined. A. Brethren: we’re disciples! 1. A disciple is just that: one who is disciplined! 2. We are those who have brought our thoughts/behavior/emotions under the control of Jesus! 3. We are to be dedicated & devoted followers! 4. Must be willing to submit to His will & be trained & instructed in His righteousness! 5. Lk. 6:40 – be like Jesus B. The disciplined mind is where it all begins. How can I: 1. Tame my tongue? Manage my temper? Change my attitudes for the better? 2. Mk. 7:21-23 – control what goes in! C. One reason why Christians get caught up in immorality & worldliness is because they meditate on that which defiles the mind & heart. 1. How many of us are LOSING the war for control of our minds? D. NAACP – a mind is a terrible thing to waste. 1. Lot to waste on which the mind can be squandered. 2. Pro. 4:23 a) watch – “to keep” b) Involves discipline; involves carefully shielding & protecting. 3. Bubba Garner: How ironic that we live in a health conscious age when the same people who watch what they eat, examine food labels, and take the recommended vitamins to care for their bodies allow all kinds of pollutants and impurities to contaminate their minds. III. How can we develop a more disciplined mind? A. Aim Higher! 1. Col. 3:1-2 2. Christians should be seeking heavenly things. a) How many here desire & want to secure the things above? b) How many realize this will not happen by accident? 4. In order to seek them – you must first set your mind on them. 5. sometimes we wonder why we see little/no progress in our spiritual lives a) Marvel at how fast some grow while other struggle. b) Some: throw hands up & blame God. 6. We will NOT see improvement in tending to spiritual needs until we make the decision to do better & set our minds to the task! 7. Romans 8:6 – look up & aim higher! Make Jesus the pattern of your conduct! B. Dwell longer! 1. Phil. 4:8 – dwell on these things. a) Dwell = “contemplate” or “to give thoughtful consideration.” b) Cannot be done in a hurry/half heartedly. 2. Society expects fast. a) Postal service is too slow. Prefer instant contact of email. b) Delivery in a week? 10 days? Prefer overnight delivery. c) Forget electric/gas stove – prefer microwave cooks in 5 min. d) NOW – instantly – not sometime in near future: 1) TV? Picture & sound NOW 2) AC – noticeable results NOW 3) Purchase something: get it NOW e) recover from sickness NOW – take a pill f) Investments? Instant return NOW. Instant success. g) We EXPECT these things. Immediate results. Instant gratification. 3. So we apply this kind of thinking to our spiritual lives. a) Not grow fast as I think I should – lose interest & move to something else. 4. Why is it that we make plenty of time for dishonorable & impure things, but consistently have none left for the things that matter most? 5. Why is it that we know all the lyrics to popular songs but cannot commit to remember a simple bible verse to help in time of need? 6. If you’re not thinking it, you’re probably not doing it. 7. Get your head in THE book & stay a little longer. C. Dig Deeper 1. Phil. 4:9 – meditation is followed by application. 2. Put to work what you learn. Practice what you comprehend. 3. When we lay the foundation of a disciplined mind – it is time to start building & turning good intentions into good deeds! a) Bubba Garner: It does no good to purify the fountain if you do not allow the water to flow and carve its course in the springs of life. IV. it’s only when we discipline our minds – that the transformation process begins. A. 2 Peter 1:2-4 1. Much we like in these verses: grace/truth; everything that pertains to life/godliness; precious & magnificent promises. 2. But. Expected to become partakers of the divine nature. 3. God expects us to escape the rottenness produced through ungodly desire B. Eph. 4:20-24 1. These verses are about transformation. 2. A before & after because God, with your permission, changed you. Your reason for coming to Jesus was to put off old self & put on new self. 3. We have committed ourselves to becoming people created in the likeness of God; created in righteousness & holiness of truth. C. Rom. 12:1-2 1. Metamorphosis – word used here in Greek. Complete & total change. a) Caterpillar & butterfly. Complete change. They neither look or function alike. 2. God’s intent with Jesus is to change you. a) Not superficial. Change a few habits/behaviors that allows us to do the “go to church” thing. b) A radical change. A change of who we are as people! 3. This change occurs because: a) By changing our thinking. God can teach us a new way to think. b) We can live in such a way that we can understand God’s purposes & priorities. c) We can adopt God’s concept & definition of what is good. d) We can change our understanding of what is acceptable. Conclusion: A. 2 Cor. 10:3, 5 – are you taking every thought captive? B. God needs those who set their hearts in the higher plane of serving. 1. He needs those who turn stumbling blocks into stepping stones; weaknesses to strengths; defeats into victory! 2. He needs those who will submit to His discipline! Make up your mind to do just that! C. Have you submitted to God? If not why not? D. Make the change today! E. I N V I T A T I O N