Thought Life
Matthew 22:37, Eph. 4:20-32, 5:3-5
Many people are familiar with the saying, “You are what you eat”; yet how many people apply that principle to their thought lives? What goes into the mind literally shapes who we are as individuals. Therefore, it is mandatory for believers to develop godly thought patterns.
Just as healthy eating habits lead to a healthier lifestyle, good thinking leads to good living. But where does good thinking begin? In order to develop correct thinking, a person must understand where thought patterns begin.
There are FOUR basic ways to gain knowledge: rational thinking, experience, intuition, teaching, and all four ways can also be flawed or can’t be trusted.
The only way our thinking can become godly and pure is to be shaped by the truth: God’s Word!
Biblical Overview of Thought Life
Unreliable Knowledge: Eph. 4:17-18
This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of[a] the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, 18 having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart;
Many people are praised for their great knowledge. However in Eph. 4:17-18 we are given great insight into the human heart and mind. Paul tells us that our minds are filled with “vanity” and our “understanding is darkened” along with our hearts that are blind. All knowledge apart from God’s revelation is unreliable; it is a lie either because it is from Satan, who is the father of lies, or it is worldly wisdom, which is opposed to true wisdom.
Reliable Knowledge: I Cor. 2:11-15
For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.
13 These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy[a] Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15 But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one.
The only dependable solution can be a source of knowledge that is in and of itself dependable and true. True knowledge is found in God’s Word. In order to understand God’s Word, a person must enter into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. Corinthians tells us that we are illumined by the Spirit of God in our understanding.
Application of Knowledge: Eph. 4:20-24
As believers seek to mature spiritually, must follow God’s plan for spiritual growth for Christians, and the thought life is KEY! Look at what Paul says in Eph. 4:20-24.
But you have not so learned they Christ, 21 if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: 22 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.
Once a person accepts Christ as his or her savior, that person must take on the challenge of becoming like HIM. Everything from his or her past that goes against God’s Word must be abandoned; sinful habits, inappropriate friendships. While this is not an easy step, a believer who seeks to grow spiritually must be willing to turn from all past sin.
The second step is to be renewed by putting on the new man. As the new believer breaks away from his or her old way of life and allows the Holy Spirit to work, he or she must seek to develop a new way of thinking. This new mind-set will develop as the new Christian studies God’s Word and surrounds themselves with the things of God.
Believers Response:
Any believer who takes their relationship with God seriously is aware of the intense struggle to apply these principles. But there is hope. By applying four simple steps to their daily spiritual walk, a believer can live our the principles described earlier.
Step One: Fill the mind with God’s Word
Ps. 19:7-8 says, The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul;
The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple;
8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes;
The first step to Godly thinking is to fill your mind with God’s Word. In Psalm 19 there is listed for you benefits for this. Every Christian needs to develop a plan to read and study God’s Word. This is why we are trying to get these study booklets into your hands. It is also important to choose a time and a place to study God’s Word. If you set aside a specific time, your most likely going to do it. Example: While your eating lunch, breakfast….
Step Two: Guard your mind from unhealthy influences
In Ephesians Paul is constantly challenging the believers there to flee evil. This simple command is often difficult for believers. In today’s society evil abounds everywhere. Television, movies, and music, expose us to sexual temptation, and dillusionment. The world’s influence can be very detrimental to the Christian life.
Step Three: Prepare the mind for Spiritual Warfare
Eph. 6:11-12 says, Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age,[a] against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Believers have a real enemy who has a strategy to defeat us. We have a sinful nature that is prone to sinful desires. Every Christian must be ready for the daily battles in their thought life in order to avoid being controlled by their feelings and desires.
Step Four: Renew the mind daily
Paul applied a three step process of spiritual growth in Ephesians with his “put off, put on, and renew” teachings. By putting off sin and replacing it with godly actions and attitudes changes believers’ thinking and helps believers to renew their minds.
Always remember that – Godly thinking leads to Godly Living!
