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Titus 2 series

Lesson 3 How We Think

Years ago my daughter was asked by a friend to go out for the evening.  She responded to that friend by saying that she wanted to check with the family first to see if she was needed for anything there before she accepted.  Her friend got a bit indignant and said it was ridiculous that she had to check with “mommy and daddy” first since she was old enough to make her own decisions.  

My daughter was annoyed by this.  It was hard for her to understand that someone would be so inconsiderate and just do whatever they wanted without checking first with the ones she had a responsibility to. 

This encounter represented two very different mindsets.  My daughter knew she was under our authority even though she was a teenager.  In her mind it mattered what her family may have needed or wanted before she decided to just go out.  Her friend on the other hand did not even give a thought to his family’s needs or desires or feelings.

In the example above we see two different ways of thinking.  Our scripture in Titus 2:3-5 states that older women are to teach the younger women to be self- controlled and pure.   In order to do this we need to be able to control the way we think.  Just as my daughter knew that she was under our authority as parents, we are under the authority of Jesus Christ if indeed we are christians.  The Bible calls us “Bond servants” of Christ.  Our allegiance is to God through Christ Jesus and therefore our first thoughts should be to please Him.

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Proverbs 4:3

“Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life.”

 

Another version says it this way:

 

“Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts.”

 

 

Romans 12:2

“Do not be conformed to the pattern of this world, 

but be transformed by the renewing of your mind”

 

 

Romans 8:6

“The mind governed by flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.”

 

The mind is where the battle is.

How do we win this battle?

 

2 Corinthians 10:3-06 (Message)

 

“The world is unprincipled.  It’s dog-eat-dog out there! The world doesn’t fight fair.  But we don’t live or fight our battles that way-never have and never will.  The tools of our trade aren’t for marketing or manipulation, but they are for demolishing that entire massively corrupt culture.  We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ.  Our tools are ready at hand for clearing the ground of every obstruction and building lives of obedience into maturity.”

 

"We take every thought to make it obedient to christ"

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Ephesians 4:17-24 (Message)

“And so I insist-and God backs me up on this-that there be no going along with the crowd, the empty-headed, mindless crowd.  They’ve refused for so long to deal with God that they’ve lost touch not only with God but with reality itself.  They can’t think straight anymore.  Feeling no pain, they let themselves go in sexual obsession, addicted to every sort of perversion.

But that’s no life for you.  You learned Christ!  My assumption is that you have paid careful attention to Him, been well instructed in the truth precisely as we have it in Jesus.  Since, then, we do not have the excuse of ignorance, everything-and I do mean everything- connected with that old way of life has to go.  It’s rotten through and through.  Get rid of it!  And then take on an entirely new way of life-a God-fashioned life, a life renewed from the inside and working itself into your conduct as God accurately reproduces His character in you.”

 

The NASB says in verse 23 “Be renewed in the spirit of your mind”

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What are our tools?

Knowledge, God’s Word, Prayer, Body of Christ

 

  1. Know that the battle is a daily one.

       We must be vigilant.  The moment that we think we have it under control is the 

       moment Satan will attack.

 

2)   Diligently learn the word of God.

      To have a God-Fashioned life we have to know God’s will.

 

3)   Consult God in every decision.

       WWJD  It may be a cliche but constantly asking if what we are thinking or doing   

       would please God is a valuable mind practice. Pray in every situation for wisdom.

 

James 1:5

“If any of you lack wisdom, you should ask God who gives generously to all without finding fault and it will be given to you.”

 

4)   When unsure, consult a trusted Christian mentor.

       Wise, Godly counsel is priceless.  The body of Christ is there to encourage,

       and help us in our spiritual walk.

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STUDY QUESTIONS

 

  1. What have I found helpful in winning this battle of the mind?

  2. What areas are especially challenging for me?

  3. Am I willing to share struggles with others?

  4. Is it a constant thought of mine to please my Savior Jesus Christ?

  5. What may distract me from being mindful of this battle?

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