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Holiness In Our Thoughts Series
Contributed by Samuel Arimoro on Jan 26, 2025 (message contributor)
Summary: Holiness is not only about our actions but also about our thoughts. Our minds are the battleground where many spiritual victories or defeats are decided. The Bible calls us to bring every thought into captivity and make it obedient to Christ.
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Title: HOLINESS IN OUR THOUGHTS
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Philippians 4:8
Supporting Texts: 2 Corinthians 10:5, Matthew 5:28, Romans 12:2, Isaiah 26:3
INTRODUCTION:
Holiness is not only about our actions but also about our thoughts. Our minds are the battleground where many spiritual victories or defeats are decided. The Bible calls us to bring every thought into captivity and make it obedient to Christ. Holiness in our thoughts means thinking thoughts that are pure, righteous, and aligned with God's will. When we focus our minds on God's truth, we are able to live in a way that reflects His holiness.
1. THINKING ON PURE AND RIGHTEOUS THOUGHTS
a) Setting Our Minds on God’s Word
Philippians 4:8 encourages us to think on things that are pure, lovely, and of good report.
b) Rejecting Negative and Impure Thoughts
We must resist thoughts that lead to sin and embrace thoughts that reflect God’s nature.
c) Meditating on God’s Holiness
By meditating on God's Word, we align our thoughts with His holiness (Psalm 119:15).
d) Developing a Christlike Mindset
Having the mind of Christ means thinking as He did—pure, selfless, and focused on God's will (1 Corinthians 2:16).
e) Biblical Example: Jesus resisted temptations in His mind, remaining pure and focused on the will of the Father (Matthew 4:1-11).
2. TAKING EVERY THOUGHT CAPTIVE
a) Identifying Wrong Thoughts
2 Corinthians 10:5 calls us to bring every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.
b) Rejecting the Lies of the Enemy
Satan often tries to plant negative and destructive thoughts in our minds. We must reject them and replace them with truth (John 8:44).
c) Disciplined Thinking
By renewing our minds, we can resist negative thoughts and replace them with thoughts that align with God’s Word (Romans 12:2).
d) The Battle of the Mind
The mind is a spiritual battlefield. We must guard our thoughts from worldly influences (Ephesians 6:11-17).
e) Biblical Example: Joseph’s resistance to Potiphar’s wife began with his determination to keep his thoughts pure (Genesis 39:7-9).
3. THINKING WITH THE MIND OF CHRIST
a) Seeking God’s Will in Our Thoughts
Romans 12:2 teaches that the renewing of our mind enables us to discern God’s good, acceptable, and perfect will.
b) Aligning Our Desires with God’s Will
A renewed mind leads us to desire what God desires, forsaking our own selfish ambitions (Matthew 6:33).
c) Understanding the Importance of Thoughts
Our thoughts shape our actions. Therefore, keeping our thoughts holy ensures that our actions align with God’s Word.
d) Practising Godly Meditation
Meditating on God’s Word day and night helps us keep our thoughts pure and aligned with His will (Psalm 1:2).
e) Biblical Example: David’s heart and mind were aligned with God’s will as he meditated on God’s Word (Psalm 19:14).
4. AVOIDING UNGODLY INFLUENCES IN OUR THOUGHTS
a) Guarding Our Hearts and Minds
Proverbs 4:23 tells us to guard our hearts, for from it flow the issues of life.
b) Rejecting Worldly Ideals
We must avoid adopting the world’s values and ideologies that promote impurity and sin (Romans 12:2).
c) Choosing What We Allow to Enter Our Minds
We must be careful about the content we consume, whether through media, books, or conversations (Psalm 101:3).
d) The Power of Positive Thinking
Thinking positively in alignment with God’s truth helps us overcome negative and sinful thoughts.
e) Biblical Example: Daniel refused to be defiled by the king's food, even though it was considered a privilege (Daniel 1:8).
5. THE BLESSINGS OF HOLINESS IN OUR THOUGHTS
a) Peace of Mind
Isaiah 26:3 promises that God will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are stayed on Him.
b) Spiritual Growth
A pure and holy mind is essential for spiritual maturity and transformation (2 Peter 3:18).
c) Victory Over Sin
When we keep our thoughts holy, we are better equipped to resist sin and temptation (James 4:7).
d) Closer Walk with God
A holy mind allows us to hear God’s voice more clearly and experience a deeper relationship with Him (John 10:27).
e) Biblical Example: The apostle Paul instructed believers to think on things that are pure, lovely, and of good report to experience peace and joy (Philippians 4:8-9).
CONCLUSION:
Holiness in our thoughts is an essential part of living a holy life. By choosing to think on things that are pure, noble, and in line with God’s Word, we align ourselves with His will and experience His peace and blessings. Let us continually renew our minds through the Word of God and keep our thoughts captive to Christ, ensuring that they reflect His holiness in every way.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, help me to think on things that are pure, lovely, and praiseworthy, in Jesus' name.
2. Father, I reject every negative and impure thought that tries to take root in my mind, in Jesus' name.