The Disciplined Mind

The Disciplined Mind

Introduction:

Every sinner who believes he alone rules his life is deceived – Jhn 8:34 Outside of Christ? You are a slave to sin. Your master is Satan. Become a Christian? Your life changes ownership. Rom. 14:7-8 – both alive & dead – we belong to the Lord. The Christian must forget about “I”. In everything we must do what God wants. Rom. 12:1-2 – are we willing to sacrifice our life each day by letting God own us? We can stop living the lifestyle of the world by completely changing our thinking. 12:2 – be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

II. A Disciple is disciplined.

A. We’re disciples! A disciple is just that: one who is disciplined!

1. Lk. 6:40 – be like Jesus

2. The disciplined mind is where it all begins. Mk. 7:21-23 – control what goes in!

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

1. Pro. 4:23

a) watch – “to keep” involves discipline; shielding & protecting.

III. How can we develop a more disciplined mind?

A. Aim Higher! Col. 3:1-2

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

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

B. Dwell longer! Phil. 4:8 – dwell on these things.

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

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

C. Dig Deeper Phil. 4:9 – meditation is followed by application.

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

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

A. 2 Peter 1:2-4 - Expected to become partakers of the divine nature.

B. Eph. 4:20-24 - These verses are about transformation.

C. Rom 12:1-2 - Metamorphosis – word used here in Greek. Complete & total change.

1. This change occurs by changing our thinking.

Conclusion:

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



The Disciplined Mind Introduction: Every sinner who believes he alone rules his life is deceived – Jhn 8:34 Outside of Christ? You are a slave to sin. Your master is Satan. Become a Christian? Your life changes ownership. Rom. 14:7-8 – both alive & dead – we belong to the Lord. The Christian must forget about “I”. In everything we must do what God wants. Rom. 12:1-2 – are we willing to sacrifice our life each day by letting God own us? We can stop living the lifestyle of the world by completely changing our thinking. 12:2 – be transformed by the renewing of your mind. I. We are in the midst of a war for our minds. A. War going on for our minds; thought processes; values; standards; and for the way we interact with others. 1. Change a person’s thinking – you change the person! 2. Between age 6-18 – average American child spends 15-16K hours watching TV. B. So what’s happened? Our society has become mentally lazy. 1. Many indifferent to reflection; thinking; & stretching their spiritual & intellectual capabilities. 2. Could it be because those on the other side of the culture war have gotten into our minds? 3. Change a person’s thinking – you change the person! II. A Disciple is disciplined. A. We’re disciples! A disciple is just that: one who is disciplined! 1. Lk. 6:40 – be like Jesus 2. The disciplined mind is where it all begins. Mk. 7:21-23 – control what goes in! B. One reason why Christians get caught up in immorality & worldliness is because they meditate on that which defiles the mind & heart. 1. Pro. 4:23 a) watch – “to keep” involves discipline; shielding & protecting. III. How can we develop a more disciplined mind? A. Aim Higher! Col. 3:1-2 1. In order to seek them – you must first set your mind on them. 2. Romans 8:6 – look up & aim higher! Make Jesus the pattern of your conduct! B. Dwell longer! Phil. 4:8 – dwell on these things. 1. If you’re not thinking it, you’re probably not doing it. 2. Get your head in THE book & stay a little longer. C. Dig Deeper Phil. 4:9 – meditation is followed by application. 1. Put to work what you learn. Practice what you comprehend. IV. it’s only when we discipline our minds – that the transformation process begins. A. 2 Peter 1:2-4 - Expected to become partakers of the divine nature. B. Eph. 4:20-24 - These verses are about transformation. C. Rom 12:1-2 - Metamorphosis – word used here in Greek. Complete & total change. 1. This change occurs by changing our thinking. Conclusion: A. 2 Cor. 10:3, 5 – are you taking every thought captive?