Lesson 1 - Thinking on the Truth

What meant the most to you from this chapter or helped you think more accurately about God’s character and the truth of His Word?

What offered you the greatest challenge or blessing, and why?

Overcoming Depression
What have you been struggling with in your personal life, either currently or at some time in the past?

God has the power to change us and the way we think. What “remarkable” progress have you made in gaining victory this week or at a previous time?

Turning to God’s Word
The author shared three practices God used to turn her life and daily struggles around. These disciplines centered around Philipians 4:8.

Your problem is probably different from hers, but the methods for turning to and applying God’s Word that follow can help you as well.

Memorizing God’s Word - Write out Philippians 4:8 from your Bible here. Then write out your plan for memorizing it.

Meditating on God’s Word - Meditating on Scripture involves asking questions about its meaning. Think about how each of the 8 “virtues” fits into the meaning of Philippians 4:8.

Why is each one important? Which one is your favorite and why?

Which do you admire most in others?

Applying God’s Word - Regarding the application of God’s Word, what is the message of James 1:22?

As you think about these three practices, what steps do you need to take?

Thinking on “These Things”
Look again at Philippians 4:8. What is the command in this verse? What boundaries does it place on your thoughts?

Breaking Through
Of the 10,000 thoughts that flow through our minds every day, how can thinking on the truth help with our thought life?

What is a blessed result of following the advice of Philippians 4:8, according to verse 9?

Making Progress
“Whatsoever things are true…think on these things.” Give an example from this past week of how the practice of these 8 words corrected your “unhealthy thinking.”

Realizing Strength for Daily Life
Hopefully the benefits of thinking on what is true and real are beginning to be evident. Share one instance when you realized God’s strength for your daily life or for a trial because you chose to think on the truth.

What does Philippians 4:6-7 also advise for handling any problems?

Loving God…Even more….what can you do this week, in obedience to Christ…to think on the truth?
To train your thoughts? To love God with all your mind? Think on these things.