The Mindset of a Super Conqueror: The Battle for the Mind
Do you ever wish you could turn off your mind? How about: do you ever struggle to get control of your thoughts and start thinking godly about something? We are all in a battle for the mind, with powerful forces at work from without and within that try to direct our thoughts (some for good and some for bad). In our The Mindset of a Super Conqueror series we are going to explore how to win the battle for the mind!
Introduction: “Mindset”
Symptoms: “Attitude is Everything”…change a mindset changes so much
Wish we could “turn our minds off”
We find we are our own worst enemies
Culture: we are helpless victims….must passively endure
Solution: Have a Proper Biblical Perspective
A. The Place of the Mind in Redemption:
1. Christ came to save, redeem, renew…includes the mind
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
2. The renewing for the mind is a very prominent part of the process
Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Ephesians 4:22-24 that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, 23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.
Philippians 2:5
1 Corinthians. 2:12-16
B. The Mind is Marvelous and a Battle Field
1. Psalm 139:14 I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
2. Place where Satan and our remaining sin and the world attacks
3. Certainly a place where the principle of “sowing and reaping” functions
Galatians 6:7-8 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.
C. Back to the Prison Cell Philippians 4:8-9
True….”unconcealed”, real, genuine, trustworthy, reliable, honest
Noble….”worthy of special esteem and respect…serious, dignified, worthwhile, honorable”
Just….”in accord with standards for acceptable or anticipated behavior…upright, just, fair, equitable.”
Pure…an inward purity and holiness
Lovely…displaying a friendly manner or approach…pleasing, amiable
Good Report….praiseworthy, commendable
“If there is any Virtue”….” A fundamental term in Greek society relating to intrinsic worth exhibited in character traits or civil performances meriting praise and affirmation...excellence, virtue”
Praiseworthy…expression of high approval…”praise, commendation”
Meditate…Greek: logizomai…numerical calculation, calculate (meaning found in all uses)…focusing on cerebral activity….”reckon, think about”
Application: Renewing the mind is a reprogramming of the mind and maintaining it from viruses!
D. This assumes a self mastery of the mind
Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness,goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
1. Spiritual maturity…a man or woman has self mastery
James 3:2 For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body.
2. Examples of self mastery over the mind:
Mark 5:36 As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, He said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not be afraid; only believe.”
Mark 4:40 But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?”
Philippians 4:6
Application:
1. Recognize our responsibility to master our minds…not have our minds master us
2. Take charge of your mind
A. Fill it with good things…not trash
Romans 12:2 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
1 Corinthians 15:33 Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.”
B. Keep close watch over your mind
1. Reflect on where it has been
2. Find it in a bad place…?...
3. Daily devotions
Psalm 1 Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. 3 He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper. 4 The ungodly are not so, But are like the chaff which the wind drives away. 5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. 6 For the LORD knows the way of the righteous, But the way of the ungodly shall perish.
4. Sabbath Rest for the mind
5. Pray for active and powerful ministry of the Holy Spirit
Encouragement: The joy of a reprogrammed (properly programmed) mind!!!
