Lesson Guide
The last phase in a construction job is perhaps the most fun. In a home renovation, this is when we get to install the kitchen and bathroom cabinets, as well as pick out the fixtures, flooring, paint and wallpaper.
At this stage, we enjoy looking for new furniture and hanging our pictures. Our home is being used for its true purpose.
When we follow God’s blueprint to rebuild our thought life it not only protects our mind from the outside elements, it also gives us a great peace and joy on the inside.
Drilling Deeper
What part of home decoration do you enjoy most?
The Benefits: Joy
One of the greatest benefits of a mind renewed to God’s Word is the joy we find in our lives.
In Nehemiah chapter 8, after the wall was completed, the priest Ezra reads God’s Word to the people. They are overwhelmed with the power of the words, and it is at this point that Nehemiah gives this famous statement, “the joy of the LORD is your strength.” Joy is directly related to the many choices we make, choosing God’s thoughts over ours. Unlike happiness which is based on the external, joy is internal.
With our walls rebuilt and our minds renewed, we are no longer allowing the outside circumstances to control us.
It is a law in scripture that if you want to have a higher life you need to think higher thoughts.
Drilling Deeper
How would you describe the difference between happiness and joy?
The Benefits: Peace
Another great benefit of a renewed mind is the peace we enjoy. Peace is not the absence of problems, but a supernatural calm inside of us despite what is happening outside.
It is this peace that Jesus promised to us. In a world that is filled with fear and troubles, Jesus wants us to understand that by His Spirit He is there to keep us strong.
Drilling Deeper
Why is peace of mind a strength?
“Did you know humans have anywhere from 12,000 to 60,000 thoughts per day, and as many as 98 percent of them are exactly the same as we had the day before. Wow, that is a lot of thoughts to inspect, I am thankful we have the Holy Spirit to help us!”
FROM THE BLUEPRINT:
“Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, and He will have mercy on him, and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon. For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.” – Isaiah 55:7-9
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” – Philippians 4:6
“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”– John 14:27
Further Discussion
As a group, take some time to discuss what you just watched. Start the discussion by referring to the “Drilling Deeper” questions.
Read Nehemiah 8:8-12. Why did the people have great joy?
Why is joy a strength?
How would you describe the difference between the peace that Jesus gives and that world gives?
What has been the truth that stood out to you the most in the Under Construction series?
Take some time to pray together as a group. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you apply all that you have learned and discussed these past 6 weeks.
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