Choosing Right Thoughts - The Mind of Christ - Study Notes

1. Read 1 Corinthians 2:16 - According to the Scripture why is it possible for
us to think as Jesus did? We have his mind and a new heart and spirit.

2. Read Ezekiel 36: 26,27; Romans 8:6; Amos 3:3

a. Why did God give us His Spirit--a new nature, a new heart and mind--with the New Birth? He knew we would need them to heed His ordinances and His statutes.

b. What is the result of following the mind of the flesh? Death What is the result of following the mind of the Spirit? Life

c. What is the first thing we must do in order to flow in the mind of Christ? Think positive thoughts

d. What type of outlook and attitude did Jesus display? A positive outlook and attitude

e. The mind of Christ in us is positive; therefore, anytime we get negative, we are Not operating in the mind of Christ - this is Satan taking our joy!

f. What is the dictionary definition of the word "depress"? "To lower the spirits SADDEN" How does this word apply to us? We regularly have the opportunity to think negative thoughts, but they will only press us down further.

3. Read Psalm 143 3-10

a. What are the eight steps we can take to overcome depression?

1. Identify the nature and cause of the problem.

2. Recognize that depression steals life and light.

3. Remember the good times.

4. Praise the Lord in the midst of problem.

5. Ask God's help.

6. Listen to the Lord.

7. Pray for deliverance.

8. Seek God's wisdom, knowledge and leadership.

b. Give a description of someone who is depressed. "Dwelling in dark places as one is long dead."

4. Read 2 Corinthians 10:4,5; Isaiah 26:3

a. Why does Satan use depression? To drag millions into the pit of darkness and despair.

b. Where do negative feelings come from? From negative thoughts.

c. What is the second thing we must do in order to flow in the mind of Christ? Be God-Minded

5. Read Psalm 64:5,6; 77:12; 119:15; 143:5; 17:15

a. If you want to experience victory, what will need to to be a regular part of your thought life? Meditating on God and His ways and works

b. What is the advantage of fellowshipping with God early each morning?It is the one sure way to begin enjoying life.

6. Read John 16:7; Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:5; 1 John 4:16

a. Nothing is closer to us than our own thoughts.b. Since God is always with us, how do we become conscious of His presence? By thinking about him

c. What is the third thing we must do in order to flow in the mind of Christ?
Be God-Loves-Me Minded

7. Review 1 John 4:16, and read Romans 8:35,37

a. How can we experience God's Love for us? The "conscious knowing" of God's love.

b. What is the result of meditating on and confessing Romans 8:35, 37? A "conscious knowing" of God's Love.

8. Read 1 John 4:18 KJV, Romans 5:8 KJV
What is the result of righteousness-based thoughts? a Righteousness-consciousness

9. Read 2 Corinthians 5:21; Romans 12:8

a. Why should thinking about guilt and condemnation be avoided? Thoughts of
guild and condemnation are a waste of time and turn into action.

b. What must we do instead of feeling guilt and condemnation? Rebuke the devil and start going forward and thinking right thoughts

c. What is the fourth thing we must do in order to flow in the mind of Christ?Have an exhortative mind

10. Review Romans 12:8 and read Ephesians 4:29; 1 Corinthians 13:7; Psalm 100:4

a. Based on the ministry gift of exhortation spoken of in Romans 12:8 what is exhortation? Saying something encouraging or uplifting--something that makes others feel better and encourages them to press on.

b. What happens when you begin thinking loving thoughts about others?You
will find them behaving in a more lovable manner.

c. Why do many people never see the answer to their prayers? They negate what they have asked for with their own thoughts and words before God ever gets a chance to work in their behalf.

d. What is the fifth think we must do in order to flow in the mind of Christ. Develop a thankful mind.

11. Review Psalm 100:4 What is a sign that a person is flowing in the mind of Christ? He will find his thoughts filled with praise and thanksgiving.

12. Read Hebrews 13:15; Psalm 34:1

a. How can we be a blessing to the Lord? By letting His praise continually be in our thoughts and mouths.

b. Why is expressing appreciation so beneficial? It is not only good for the other person, but it is good for us, because it releases JOY!

13. Read Ephesians 5:18-20; John 5:38

a. How can we let the Holy Spirit ever fill and stimulate us?By speaking to ourselves (through our thoughts) or to others (through our words) in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs. In other words, by keeping our thoughts and words on and full of the Word of God; by offering praise at all times and for everything, giving thanks.

b. What is the sixth thing we must do in order to flow in the mind of
Christ? Be Word-minded

14. Review John 5:38

a. According to the verse, what is God's Word?A written expression of His
thoughts, how HE thinks about every situation and subject.

b. Why was it given? So people could believe and experience all the good
results of it.

c. How is this accomplished? By meditating on it

15. Read Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1:2,3 How do we put the Word of God into practice physically? By first practicing it mentally.

16. Read Proverbs 4:20-22 The words of the Lord are a source of health and healing to the flesh.

17. Read Mark 4:24 How does the principle of sowing and reaping apply to this verse? The greater the amount of time we put into thinking about and studying the Word of God the more we get out of it.

18. Read Mark 4:22 Where does the power to do the Word of God come from? The practice of meditation on it.

19. Read James 1:21 How does the implanting and rooting of the Word of God take place in our hearts?Through attending to it--by having it on our mind more than anything else.

20. Read Romans 8:6; Philippians 4:8; 2 Corinthians 10:5 KJV
What do you achieve by continually "watching over" your thoughts? You begin to take every thought captive unto the obedience of Jesus Christ