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 _______________.

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

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

2.      Between age 6-18 – average American child spends ______ to _____ 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 _____________ – you change the _____________!

II. A Disciple is ___________________.

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

1.      Lk. 6:40 – be like ____________

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

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

1.      Pro. 4:23

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

III. How can we develop a more disciplined mind?

A.      _______ ___________! 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.     ________ __________! Phil. 4:8 – dwell on these things.

1.      If you’re not __________ it, you’re probably not ___________ it.

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

C.     ________ __________! Phil. 4:9 – meditation is followed by application.

1.      Put to work what you _________. __________ what you comprehend.

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

A.      2 Peter 1:2-4 - Expected to become partakers of the ________ __________.

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

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

1.      This change occurs by changing our thinking.

Conclusion:

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