Living the Spirit -Led Life - Bel Air Church 1... · Living the Spirit -Led Life: Wk 1 . 45 . There is a war being waged against us! • A spiritual battle is happening . Ephesians

Living the Spirit-Led Life WEEK 1: BECOMING AWARE OF OUR THOUGHTS

2 Living the Spirit-Led Life: Wk 1

Weekly Materials

• Weekly Study Topic

• Class Presentation

• Six Daily Devotionals


Weekly Materials





Weekly Materials





Weekly Materials



• Six Daily Devotionals (on Bel Air website)


Weekly Materials


Weekly Materials


Weekly Materials


Does Growth Matter?


Does Growth Matter?

Growth really matters!


• Spiritual growth is how I take hold of the “rich and satisfying” life that Jesus offers us

Does Growth Matter?



• Spiritual growth is how I take hold of the “rich and satisfying” life that Jesus offers us

“God is said to be our helper. But no one can be helped unless he does something.”

Augustine (Second Helvetic Confession, 5.048)

Does Growth Matter?



Can we expect to grow if we apply ourselves?

Does Growth Matter?



Ephesians 4:14-15 NLT …growing in every way more and more like Christ…

Does Growth Matter?



Ephesians 4:14-15 NLT …growing in every way more and more like Christ… Ephesians 1:16-17 NLT …so that you might grow in your knowledge of God.

Does Growth Matter?



Ephesians 4:14-15 NLT …growing in every way more and more like Christ… Ephesians 1:16-17 NLT …so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. Colossians 1:10 NLT …you will grow as you learn to know God better and better.

Does Growth Matter?


What Do We Make of This?



Believers and Non-Believers Behave Almost Identically



Indicator

Christians

Non-Christians

You consider yourself to be loving 99% 95%

You consider yourself to be happy 97% 93%

You consider yourself to be compassionate 94% 95%

You went out of your way to encourage or compliment someone in the past week

86%

77%

You volunteered to help a non-profit within the past week 29% 27%

You gave money to a homeless/poor person you saw on the street within the past week

13%

12%


Growing True Disciples, George Barna, 2001 (1997 data)



Indicator

Christians

Non-Christians





86%

77%



13%

12%





Indicator

Christians

Non-Christians





86%

77%



13%

12%





Indicator

Christians

Non-Christians





86%

77%



13%

12%





• Head/logic-led “It seemed reasonable to me”



• Head/logic-led “It seemed reasonable to me”

Proverbs 3:5 NIV …do not depend on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:7 NLT …Don't be impressed with your own wisdom.



• Head/logic-led

• Culture-led “Everybody does it this way”



• Head/logic-led

• Culture-led “Everybody does it this way”

Romans 12:2 NIV Do not conform to the pattern of this world…



• Head/logic-led

• Culture-led

• Pride-led/Offense-led “You should feel sorry for yourself…”



• Head/logic-led

• Culture-led

• Pride-led/Offense-led “You should feel sorry for yourself…”

Obadiah 1:3 NIV The pride of your heart has deceived you…



• Head/logic-led

• Culture-led

• Pride-led/Offense-led “You should feel sorry for yourself…” “I was offended, so I…”



• Head/logic-led

• Culture-led

• Pride-led/Offense-led “You should feel sorry for yourself…” “I was offended, so I…”

James 1:19 NLT …You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.



• Head/logic-led

• Culture-led

• Pride-led/Offense-led

• Money-led



• Head/logic-led

• Culture-led


• Money-led

Luke 12:15 NLT …Life is not measured by how much you own."



• Head/logic-led

• Culture-led


• Money-led

• Spirit-led



• Head/logic-led

• Culture-led


• Money-led

• Spirit-led

Romans 8:14 NIV For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.



• Head/logic-led

• Culture-led


• Money-led

• Spirit-led

Romans 8:14 NIV For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. Ephesians 5:17 NLT Don't act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.



• Spirit-led =



• Spirit-led = “Surrendered”



Ephesians 3:20 NIV Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine,




Ephesians 3:20 NIV Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,



This Week:

• Becoming Aware of Our Thoughts

o Importance of Heart and Mind


This Week:

John 10:27 NIV My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.


This Week:



This Week:


We Have an Adversary


There is a war being waged against us!



There is a war being waged against us! • A spiritual battle is happening

Ephesians 6:12 NLT For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.












1 John 5:19 NLT We know that we are children of God and that the world around us is under the control of the evil one.




Ephesians 2:2 NLT You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God.



There is a war being waged against us! • Do I need to pay close attention to this? YES!




1 Peter 5:8 NLT Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.



GOOD NEWS #1:

SATAN CANNOT DEVOUR ANYONE HE WANTS!


1 Peter 5:8 NLT Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.




1 Peter 5:8 MSG Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping.




• Satan is crafty and has specific strategies Ephesians 6:11 NLT Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.




• Satan is crafty and has specific strategies Ephesians 6:11 NLT Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.

GOOD NEWS #2: THERE ARE WAYS TO STAND FIRM!



There is a war being waged against us! • Do I need to worry? NO!




1 John 5:5 NLT And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.



GOOD NEWS #3: BELIEVERS CAN WIN THE BATTLE!


1 John 5:5 NLT And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.




1 John 5:18 NLT We know that God's children do not make a practice of sinning, for God's Son holds them securely, and the evil one cannot touch them.




James 4:7 NIV Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.



GOOD NEWS #4:

WHAT KIND OF ENEMY FLEES WHEN YOU RESIST HIM?


James 4:7 NIV Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.



What do we know about Satan? • A liar and the father of lies John 8:44 NIV



What do we know about Satan?

• There is no truth in him John 8:44 NIV




• Was a murderer from the beginning John 8:44 NIV




• Comes only to steal and kill and destroy John 10:10 NIV

• Has blinded the minds of those who don't believe 2 Corinth 4:4 NLT







• No power or authority over believers 1 John 5:18 NLT; James 4:7 NIV




• Sets traps 2 Timothy 2:26 NLT




• Has specific strategies/schemes Ephesians 6:11 NLT/NIV




• Disguises himself as an angel of light 2 Corinthians 11:14 NLT




• Relies on deception Romans 7:11 NLT




• Will flee if we resist him James 4:7 NIV



Key Takeaway #1:

• We have an adversary who is trying to derail us o He has no direct power or authority over believers



Key Takeaway #1:


o Satan relies on deceiving us Hebrews 3:13 NLT You must warn each other every day, while it is still "today," so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God.



Key Takeaway #1:


o Satan relies on deceiving us Hebrews 3:13 NLT You must warn each other every day, while it is still "today," so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God.

o If we can spot Satan’s deceptions and don’t yield to them, Satan can’t get a foothold in our lives



Satan’s goal is to influence our heart.







BUT WHY A BATTLE FOR MY HEART?



Our Heart is the “Prize”


My spiritual “heart” is the secret vault where I hold my conscious and subconscious beliefs.



Proverbs 4:23 NIV Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.





James 4:8 NLT Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.




Luke 6:45 NIV A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.




Luke 6:45 NIV A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.


So my heart is the prize of this war, but…

HOW DOES THE BATTLE GET PLAYED OUT?



The battle for my heart plays out in my mind.

The Battlefield is My Mind



The battle for my heart plays out in my mind. Romans 7:22 NLT I love God's law with all my heart. 23 But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me.




Romans 8:6 NLT So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.




CONTROL YOUR MIND = CONTROL YOUR THOUGHTS









GOOD NEWS #5:

IT’S OUR CHOICE WHICH THOUGHTS WE YIELD TO!





Romans 12:2 NLT Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.




2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV …we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.




GOOD NEWS #6: WE CAN REGULATE OUR THOUGHTS!

2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV …we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.


Ideas

Beliefs

How does this actually work?


Ideas

Beliefs

How does this actually work? Over 70,000 thoughts per

day

Ideas

Beliefs


• Whatever my mind accepts as truth takes root in my heart

Over 70,000 thoughts per

day


Ideas

Beliefs



• Ideas turn into beliefs, and beliefs start to impact my choices


day

Ideas

Beliefs




• The beliefs in my heart shape my thoughts and influence my actions


day

Ideas

Beliefs


1 Samuel 16:7 NIV People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."





Ideas

Beliefs


1 Samuel 16:7 NIV People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." Romans 10:10 NLT For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved.





Ideas

Beliefs


1 Samuel 16:7 NIV People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." Romans 10:10 NLT For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved. Different Conditions of the Heart: PURE IN HEART Matthew 5:8 NIV Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.





Ideas

Beliefs


1 Samuel 16:7 NIV People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." Romans 10:10 NLT For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved. Different Conditions of the Heart: PURE IN HEART Matthew 5:8 NIV Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. HARDENED HEART Ephesians 4:18 NLT Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against Him.





Beliefs

Ideas






Ideas

Beliefs






DARKENED MIND & HARDENED HEART

WRONG CHOICES

Ideas

Beliefs







WRONG CHOICES UNINTENDED

CONSEQUENCES

Ideas

Beliefs








CONSEQUENCES

CONFUSED & HURT

Ideas

Beliefs








CONSEQUENCES

CONFUSED & HURT

HARDENED HEART

Ideas

Beliefs








CONSEQUENCES

CONFUSED & HURT

HARDENED HEART

Proverbs 28:14 NLT …whoever hardens their heart falls into trouble.

Ideas

Beliefs








CONSEQUENCES

CONFUSED & HURT

HARDENED HEART

Proverbs 28:14 NLT …whoever hardens their heart falls into trouble.

Proverbs 4:18-19 NLT …the way of the wicked is like total darkness. They have no idea what they are stumbling over.

Ideas

Beliefs






POWER, LOVE & SOUND MIND 2 Timothy 1:7 KJV

GOOD CHOICES

Ideas

Beliefs







GOOD CHOICES GROWTH WITH NO

SORROW ATTACHED

Proverbs 10:22 NLT The blessing of the LORD makes a person rich, and He adds no sorrow with it.

Ideas

Beliefs







GOOD CHOICES

CLARITY & CONFIDENCE

GROWTH WITH NO SORROW ATTACHED

Psalm 18:28 NLT You, LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.

Ideas

Beliefs







GOOD CHOICES

CLARITY & CONFIDENCE

POWER, LOVE & SOUND MIND

2 Timothy 1:7 NIV For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7 KJV …power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

GROWTH WITH NO SORROW ATTACHED

Ideas

Beliefs


• My mind is the entry point

My mind acts as the gatekeeper to my heart.

Ideas

Beliefs



• My mind acts as the gatekeeper to my heart


I believe this.

• Takes root in my heart • Starts to influence what I do

Ideas

Ideas

Beliefs



• My mind acts as the gatekeeper to my heart


That’s an interesting idea, but I’m not sure I believe it.

• Doesn’t take root in my heart • Doesn’t impact my thinking or

my behavior

Ideas


Becoming Aware of Our Thoughts

Key Takeaway #2:

• We have an adversary who is trying to derail us

• We can control what we let into our heart o Our mind acts as the gatekeeper o Taking control of our mind = taking control of our life!

Ideas

Beliefs


It’s important because we’re inundated with viewpoints

• We are barraged with success formulas that can influence us

Ideas

Beliefs


It’s important because we’re inundated with viewpoints Worldly “Wisdom” for Happiness


Ideas

Beliefs


• Each message promises “My Way Is Right!”

Worldly “Wisdom” for Happiness



Ideas

Beliefs



• We’re not sure who to trust or what we should believe in




Ideas

Beliefs




• We naturally distrust because people are profiting from what they are promoting




Ideas

Beliefs




• We naturally distrust because people are profiting from what they are promoting

• IT’S VERY CONFUSING!




Ideas

Beliefs

124

The Bible says our life confusion is not an accident!

Matthew 13:22 NLT The seed that fell among the thorns represents those who hear God's word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life and the lure of wealth, so no fruit is produced.


Living the Spirit-Led Life: Wk 1

Ideas

Beliefs

125

The Bible says our life confusion is not an accident! Worldly “Wisdom” for Happiness



Ideas

Beliefs




James 1:27 NIV Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.


Ideas

Beliefs




James 1:27 NIV Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. James 1:27 NLT …refusing to let the world corrupt you.


Ideas

Beliefs




James 1:27 NIV Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. James 1:27 NLT …refusing to let the world corrupt you. James 1:27 MSG …guard against corruption from the godless world.



So we need to become aware of the activity in our mind.


As a believer, I have 3 “authors” contributing to my 70,000 daily thoughts:



ME




THE ADVERSARY ME



A steady diet of: • FALSE PROMISES • BAD SUGGESTIONS • CONDEMNATION


THE HOLY SPIRIT

THE ADVERSARY ME





THE HOLY SPIRIT

THE ADVERSARY ME • They all sound like my voice,

because they are happening within my mind





THE HOLY SPIRIT



• If I give equal weight to every thought, I’m giving equal loyalty to every “author”





THE HOLY SPIRIT



• If I give equal weight to every thought, I’m giving equal loyalty to every “author”

James 1:6/8 NLT …be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind… 8 Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do.





THE HOLY SPIRIT






IF IT ALL SOUNDS LIKE MY VOICE, HOW DO I IDENTIFY THE TRUE AUTHOR?


THE ADVERSARY ME

A non-believer only has 2 “authors” of their thoughts:

• The Holy Spirit doesn’t dwell in them yet because they haven’t accepted Christ




THE ADVERSARY ME


• The Holy Spirit doesn’t dwell in them yet because they haven’t accepted Christ 1 Corinthians 2:14 NIV The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.




THE ADVERSARY ME

• The Holy Spirit doesn’t dwell in them yet because they haven’t accepted Christ 1 Corinthians 2:14 NIV The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit. Romans 5:6 NLT says that before Christ, the situation was utterly helpless





But God has given us a way out through Christ.

The Holy Spirit is a total game changer! John 16:13 NLT When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth.



The Holy Spirit is a total game changer! John 16:13 NLT When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. Romans 8:2 NLT And because you belong to Him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.



The Holy Spirit is a total game changer! John 16:13 NLT When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. Romans 8:2 NLT And because you belong to Him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. Romans 8:16 NLT The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children.


THE ADVERSARY


THE HOLY SPIRIT ME


1 Kings 19:12

…a still small voice (KJV)

…a gentle whisper (NIV/NLT)

“Inner Witness” of the Holy Spirit

We have access to truth, help, love and correction


THE ADVERSARY


THE HOLY SPIRIT ME


1 Kings 19:12

…a still small voice (KJV)

…a gentle whisper (NIV/NLT)

“Inner Witness” of the Holy Spirit

Nehemiah 7:5

…God put it into my heart (NIV)

…God gave me the idea (NLT)



THE ADVERSARY


THE HOLY SPIRIT ME


1 John 5:4 NLT For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith.



THE ADVERSARY


THE HOLY SPIRIT ME


1 John 5:4 NLT For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith.


BUT HOW DO I DO IT?


How do I take hold of the “rich and satisfying” life?


How do I take hold of the “rich and satisfying” life? o I learn God’s word



o I guard my heart by managing my thoughts



o I guard my heart by managing my thoughts

o I get closer to God by following His instruction


I need to learn God’s word.

• My mind becomes a POWERFUL gatekeeper 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 NLT

3 We are human, but we don't wage war as humans do.

4 We use God's mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. 5 We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.



• God’s Word (the sword of the Spirit)

• The Holy Spirit



4 We use God's mighty weapons, not worldly weapons,



Destroy the lies and false promises that lead us to make bad decisions



4 We use God's mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments.



4 We use God's mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. 5 We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.







4 We use God's mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. 5 We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ. their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.

Beliefs

Ideas


How do I capture rebellious thoughts?

1) I constantly evaluate my thoughts against God’s word and character

Beliefs

Ideas



1) I constantly evaluate my thoughts against God’s word and character • We can’t control our thoughts, but we can

decide whether we’ll embrace or quickly discard them

Beliefs

Ideas



1) I constantly evaluate my thoughts against God’s word and character • We can’t control our thoughts, but we can

decide whether we’ll embrace or quickly discard them

• Whatever I “chew on” for long enough in my mind, I’ll eventually “swallow” in my heart

Beliefs

Ideas


1) I constantly evaluate my thoughts against God’s word and character • I use God’s word to spot the incoming lies


Beliefs

Ideas


Hebrews 4:12 NLT For the word of God is alive and powerful… It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.



Beliefs

Ideas




Beliefs

Ideas




• I use God’s word to spot the incoming lies

Beliefs

Ideas




• I use God’s word to spot the incoming lies


Ideas

Beliefs

2) I pay attention to my “rogue” thoughts that are inconsistent with scripture and/or God’s character



Ideas

Beliefs

HOW CAN I TELL? Clues: • Inner turmoil and anxiety




Ideas

Beliefs


Chief Culprits: • Fearful thoughts




Ideas

Beliefs


Chief Culprits: • Fearful thoughts • Condemning thoughts




Ideas

Beliefs


Chief Culprits: • Fearful thoughts • Condemning thoughts • Angry thoughts




Ideas

Beliefs


Chief Culprits: • Fearful thoughts • Condemning thoughts • Angry thoughts • Entitlement or Self Pity thoughts

o “I deserve better” o “They owe it to me”




Ideas

Beliefs

Ideas



WHAT DO I DO? • I resist the thought and quickly

discard it


Ideas

Beliefs

Ideas




discard it Romans 6:12 NLT Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires.


Ideas

Beliefs

Ideas




discard it Romans 6:12 NLT Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires. James 4:7 NIV Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.


Ideas

Beliefs

Ideas




discard it

• I stand on scripture for strength

Beliefs

Ideas


3) I put great weight on anything that sounds like God’s voice

• I test it against scripture


Beliefs

Ideas




• I test it with time


Beliefs

Ideas





• I test it with mature believers


Beliefs

Ideas





• I test it with mature believers

• I let it pass into my heart, even if I don’t understand it, because I trust the Source

Proverbs 3:5 NLT Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.



Ideas

Beliefs


4) I regulate what I put into my mind

• I manage what I ingest and spend my time thinking about


Ideas

Beliefs




Colossians 3:2 NLT Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.


Ideas

Beliefs




Colossians 3:2 NLT Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.

Philippians 4:8 NLT … Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.


Ideas

Beliefs




• I think about God and take in God’s word every day


Ideas

Beliefs





James 4:8 NIV Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.


Ideas

Beliefs





• I talk to God throughout the day

Philippians 4:6 NLT Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done.


Ideas

Beliefs





• I talk to God throughout the day

• I trust God’s voice and act on it!

1 Peter 1:22 NLT Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth…


David lived this way 3,000 years ago.


HOW CAN WE TELL?



HOW CAN WE TELL? Psalm 26:2 NIV Test me, LORD, and try me, examine my heart and my mind;



HOW CAN WE TELL? Psalm 26:2 NIV Test me, LORD, and try me, examine my heart and my mind; Psalm 51:10 NIV Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.



HOW CAN WE TELL? Psalm 26:2 NIV Test me, LORD, and try me, examine my heart and my mind; Psalm 51:10 NIV Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 17:3 NLT You have tested my thoughts and examined my heart in the night. You have scrutinized me and found nothing wrong. I am determined not to sin in what I say.



HOW CAN WE TELL? Psalm 26:2 NIV Test me, LORD, and try me, examine my heart and my mind; Psalm 51:10 NIV Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 17:3 NLT You have tested my thoughts and examined my heart in the night. You have scrutinized me and found nothing wrong. I am determined not to sin in what I say. Psalm 40:8 NLT I take joy in doing Your will, my God, for Your instructions are written on my heart."



Joshua 1:2-8 NLT

Case Study: Joshua


Joshua 1:2-8 NLT 2 "Moses My servant is dead. Therefore, the time has come for you to lead these people, the Israelites, across the Jordan River…

Case Study: Joshua



3 I promise you what I promised Moses: 'Wherever you set foot, you will be on land I have given you… 5 No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you.

Case Study: Joshua



3 I promise you what I promised Moses: 'Wherever you set foot, you will be on land I have given you… 5 No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you.

Case Study: Joshua

GOD MAKES A PROMISE TO JOSHUA!



3 I promise you what I promised Moses: 'Wherever you set foot, you will be on land I have given you… 5 No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you. 7 Be strong and very courageous.

Case Study: Joshua



3 I promise you what I promised Moses: 'Wherever you set foot, you will be on land I have given you… 5 No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you. 7 Be strong and very courageous.

Case Study: Joshua

A COMMAND & A WARNING!



3 I promise you what I promised Moses: 'Wherever you set foot, you will be on land I have given you… 5 No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you. 7 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left.

Case Study: Joshua



3 I promise you what I promised Moses: 'Wherever you set foot, you will be on land I have given you… 5 No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you. 7 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do.

Case Study: Joshua




Case Study: Joshua

A CONDITIONAL PROMISE!




Case Study: Joshua

SO WHAT’S JOSHUA’S PART?



3 I promise you what I promised Moses: 'Wherever you set foot, you will be on land I have given you… 5 No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you. 7 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. 8 Study this Book of Instruction continually.

Case Study: Joshua




3 I promise you what I promised Moses: 'Wherever you set foot, you will be on land I have given you… 5 No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you. 7 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. 8 Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it.

Case Study: Joshua




3 I promise you what I promised Moses: 'Wherever you set foot, you will be on land I have given you… 5 No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you. 7 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. 8 Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.

Case Study: Joshua



Becoming Aware of Our Thoughts

Key Takeaway #3:

• We have an adversary who is trying to derail us

• We can control what we let into our heart o My mind acts as the gatekeeper o Taking control of my mind = taking control of my life!

• We stand firm by managing our thought life o This is how we fight the good fight of faith 1 TIMOTHY 6:12 NLT

o We take hold of the “rich and satisfying” life JOHN 10:10 NLT

o Overwhelming victory is ours through Christ! ROMANS 8:37 NLT

206

1) Read the printed lesson

2) How well do you spot the “authors” of your thoughts?

3) What actions can you take to increase control over your thought life?

Homework For This Week:



Next Week:

• Opening Our Heart to God’s Ways

o When I know what to do, why don’t I do it?

Documents

Living the Spirit -Led Life - Bel Air Church 1... · Living the Spirit -Led Life: Wk 1 . 45 . There is a war being waged against us! • A spiritual battle is happening . Ephesians