Thinking Process
Thinking before hand will help us to speak and act wisely (Proverbs 15:28) “the godly
think before speaking, the wicked spout evil words”. It is vital to think also before
acting, to consider the effects of our choices. Think of your plans for today and
consider what their long range results will be.
We should discipline our thoughts to be pure because actions begin with thoughts. An
evil action begins with a single thought. Allowing your mind to dwell on lust, envy,
hatred, or revenge will lead to sin. Don’t defile yourself by focusing on evil. We are to
think on things above (Colossians 3:1-2) “if you then be risen with Christ, seek those
things which are above, where Christ sits on the right hand of God. Set your affection
on things above, not on things on the earth”. Jesus said “you shall love the Lord your
God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind” (Matthew 22:37).
Proverbs 23:7 says “as he thinks in his heart, so is he”.
Are you still singing songs like “Oh, if I could”, “When we all get to heaven”, or thinking
that you are unworthy? If so you are keeping yourself there. The Bible says in
Ephesians 3:20 “Now to Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we
ask or think, according to the power that works in us”. What you think is very
important, in what happens in your life. Isaiah 53:1 “who has believed our report? And
to whom is the arm of the Lord Yahweh revealed?” The Bible tells us that “all things
are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ, and has given to us the
ministry of reconciliation. To say that God was in Christ reconciling the world to
Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of
reconciliation”. Reconciliation means, restored back to the originate static. If you want
to know what that was, look at how Adam was before the fall, or how it is in heaven.
We are to rule and reign in this life (Romans 5:17) “for if by one man’s offense (Adam)
death reigned by one, much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the
gift of righteousness shall reign in life by One, Jesus Christ”. Psalms 82:6-8 confirms
this “I have said, you are gods, and all of you are children of the Most High. But you
shall die like men, and fall like one of the princes. Arise, o god, judge the earth, for
you shall inherit all nations”.
Renewing your mind is not just a suggestion, it actually brings your world into focus
(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. And be not conformed to this world, but be you transformed by
the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable and
perfect, will of God”. When you start thinking as the Bible tells you, you are (Ephesians
1:3) “blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with
all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ”; it said “we are blessed with all
spiritual blessings”. Wrap your mind around that, and look at the fact that there is no
sickness, poverty or tears in heaven.
Jesus said “take no thought saying” (Matthew 6:31), when you speak you activate what
you believe (Mark 11:23-24) “for verily, I say to you, that whosoever shall say to this
mountain, be you removed, and be you cast into the sea, and shall not doubt in his
heart, but shall believe that those things which he says shall come to pass, he shall
have whatsoever he says. Therefore I say to you, what things so ever you desire,
when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you shall have them”. Romans 4:17
“even God, who makes alive the dead, and calls those things which be not as though
they were”. We are told to be “imitators of God as dear children” (Ephesians 5:1).
Your thinking is putting limits on God and grieving Him. The Bible says “Beloved, I wish
above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers”.
Our part is to let our soul prosper. Philippians 4:8 tells us what to think “finally,
brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things
are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things
are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these
things”. We should think about good things so our words and actions will be positive
and wise. Examine what you are putting into your mind through television, books,
conversations, movies, and magazines. Replace harmful input with wholesome
material. Above all, read God’s Word, and pray. Test yourself to see what you are
thinking, and then “cast down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself
against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the
obedience of Christ”. Did you hear that, it says bring every thought to the obedience
of Christ.
When you focus on the fact, that “it is finished”; you can be joyful and as the Bible says
“it shall come to pass”. In the world you have to see it to believe it, but in God’s
kingdom you have to believe it to see it. Don’t be like the 10 spies that came back with
an evil report, and caused all over 20 years old to die in the wilderness, but be like
Joshua and Caleb who went in. The 10 saw themselves as grasshoppers, but Joshua
and Caleb believed God, knowing He would make a way for them. See yourself like
God sees you, “the head and not the tail, above only and not beneath”, “more than
conquerors”. Remember that “for God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power,
and of love, and of a sound mind” (II Timothy 1:7). I John 4:4 says “you are of God
little children, and have overcome them; because greater if He that is in you, than he
that is in the world”. We have the mind of Christ (I Corinthians 2:16).
Sermon by: Harriet Bond
Date: April 20, 2007