It is week two of our series, Level-Up. Our focus today in this study is the mind. You see, our minds are extremely influential. They impact the things we believe, say, and do. Because of how impactful the human mind is, we must guard carefully what we allow into our minds, as well as learn how to train our brains to focus on Christ and His kingdom instead of the rest of the world.
What kinds of things influence our minds or thought patterns in our world today?
1. What evidence do you see that our thought patterns and mindsets have a significant impact?
2. Read Ephesians 4:17-24. Contrast how the world lives versus how Christ followers are called to live.
Ephesians 4:17-24
With the Lord’s authority I say this: Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused. 18 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. 19 They have no sense of shame. They live for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity. 20 But that isn’t what you learned about Christ. 21 Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, 22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.
3. What evidence do you see in this passage of Scripture that we have help as we seek to change how we think to become more like Christ?
4. Read Romans 12:2. How do we “change the way we think,” as Paul instructed us to do in this passage of Scripture?
Romans 12:2
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.
1. How have your own thought patterns and mindsets impacted your life?
2. What are ways that we can focus our thoughts and minds on God and His kingdom every day?
3. What is one specific step you can implement to guard your mind against the things of this world?
Philippians 4:8 gives us a list of things we can focus on in order to protect our minds. On a notecard, piece of paper, or the Notes App on your phone, write down the list of things that Christ-followers can set their minds on. Commit to reviewing that list three times a day and focusing on thinking about the things on the list you made. When everyone has finished making their list, share what you wrote and then pray together. Ask God to help you all as you seek to set your mind on Him and His kingdom.
When it comes to the battle going on for our minds, there are many mindsets that often sneak up and keep us from focusing on God and His kingdom. Today, we will look at three of these mindsets: worry, anger, and fear. These mindsets distract us and derail us from focusing on Christ. As we study these mindsets, we will learn how to fight against them.
Perhaps the most prevalent thought-pattern that arises that keeps us from focusing on the things of God is worry. Worry leads us down a path where we are so concerned about future events and future outcomes that we miss the work that God is doing in our lives right here and now. When we begin to feel flooded with worry, we have to fight against those thoughts that keep us from leaning on God.
1. Read Matthew 6:28-34.
Matthew 6:28-34
28 “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, 29 yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 30 And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? 31 “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. 34 “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.
2. What things do people worry about today?
3. Why are followers of Christ called to not worry?
4. After reading this passage of Scripture, how can we combat worry?
The second thought pattern we are going to look at is anger. When anger floods our minds, we become so overcome by our anger that we are unable to think rationally. There is a better way than anger, Scripture teaches. We can turn over our anger to God and let Him take care of us.
1. Read James 1:19-20 and Romans 12:18-19
James 1:19-20
19 Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. 20 Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.
Romans 12:18-19
18 Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. 19 Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord.
2. How does the mindset of anger impact us and the people we interact with?
3. How are we to respond to others, according to James 1:19?
4. Based on both of these passages of Scripture, why do we not need to be angry?
5. After reading these passages of Scripture, how can we combat anger?
The final mindset we are going to look at that keeps us from focusing on God and His kingdom is fear. When fear creeps in, it consumes us. Fear causes us to become singularly focused and holds us back from living boldly and confidently. In times of fear, we must turn to God, who gives us all the reason to let go of fear and have faith in Him instead.
1. Read Isaiah 41:10.
Isaiah 41:10
Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
2. What things bring about fear in our world today?
3. What is the impact of having a mindset of fear?
4. According to Isaiah 41:10, why do Christ followers not need to fear?
5. After reading this passage of Scripture, how can we combat fear?
After studying these three mindsets and how to combat them, take a moment to discuss what you learned. Answer these two questions:
1. Which of the mindsets that we looked at are you struggling with the most currently?
2. How did the Scripture you studied today encourage you in the struggle you are facing against the mindset of worry, anger, or fear?
After everyone has shared, pray together and ask God to give each of you the faith to let go of worry, anger, and fear and to trust Him instead. Over the next week, commit to memorizing one of the verses we studied today to help you combat fear, anger, and worry.
CLICK HERE FOR THE MONTHLY MEMORY VERSE
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