WELCOME ICEBREAKER What is your favorite worship song and why? WORSHIP If possible sing some of the songs that were mentioned. WORD The same way that our bodies need a healthy diet and exercise to stay fit, so do our minds need a healthy diet of “mental food” and mental exercise to stay fit. Just like our bodies will revert back to a lazy behavior and get flabby, likewise our minds can become flabby. God never intended for our minds to be out of shape but rather we are to manage our thought life, which does require discipline. Read Philippians 4:8. Much like the software we run on our computers to filter out dangerous viruses, our minds need to constantly catch unclean thoughts. - According to these scriptures what should our minds be on?
- What would be an opposite thought to each one of the qualities Paul lists here? For example; what is the opposite of a “noble or just” thought?
Read Romans 12: 1,2. - How does transformation of our lives take place according to these verses?
Read Isaiah 55:7-9. - What specific thoughts from God’s word have caused your life to rise to a higher level?
- What are some old ways or thoughts you have had to forsake or should forsake?
Read 2 Corinthians 10:4,5. Strongholds (or a negative thought pattern you can’t shake that controls your life) don’t start off that way. A typical progression that leads to that point is: thought—consideration—attitude—action—habit—stronghold. The weapons God has given us are mighty to pull down thoughts or imaginations that can become a stronghold in our lives. - What do you think these weapons are?
- What problems do you have in your life that may be a stronghold?
Read Romans 8:5-7, Isaiah 26:3, Colossians 3:15. It is very difficult to see the opportunities God has for us if our minds are overrun with negative thinking. If we choose to keep our minds on the things of God there is a peace that comes which allows us to see the God ideas ahead of us. WORK Please take time to pray with those who may have shared a stronghold they are struggling with.
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