Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Lesson 6 - Taking Every Thought Captive

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?

Step 1: Recognizing the Command
What is the command given to you in Philippians 4:8?

According to the verses below, what “resources” do you have to help you determine if some of the thoughts you are thinking are based on what is true and real?

Romans 9:1 --

Hebrews 10:15-16 --

2 Timothy 3:16-17 --

Proverbs 12:15 --

Step 2: Responding in Obedience
Consider Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 10:5. Share how each of the “resources” in the Scriptures that follow help you bring every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.

Romans 9:1 --

Hebrews 10:15-16 --

2 Timothy 3:16-17 --

Proverbs 12:15 --

Step 3: Reaping the Benefits
We have now completed the chapters about “thinking on the truth.”

Look again at the short list of benefits in your book. What benefits have you experienced thus far as you have been thinking on what is true and real?

Where have you seen the greatest growth in your Christian life? How has your life been more focused since thinking on what is true and real?

How has the reality of a “leaky bucket” affected your energy level in the past? Have you noticed any changes since you have been learning to think on what is true and real?

Loving God…Even More
Read this section in your book again. As you consider the contents of this chapter and God’s amazing love for you, 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.

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Lesson 5 - Thinking the Truth About...The Past and The Present

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?

Thinking About the Past
What “if only” thought do you think most often?

How are your “if only” thoughts robbing you of a quality life in the present?

How has “if only” thinking been counterproductive in your life or the life of someone you know?

Remembering to Think on What is True
According to the book, what two exceptions about your past are you to remember?
1.

2.

How does Psalm 77:11 remind you of how God brought you through a difficult time in your life?

What does Psalm 73:23-24 teach about God’s presence in your past, in your present, and in your future?

Looking Back Through Eyes of Faith
What do the following Scriptures teach about your past?

Psalm 139:
     Verse 13
     Verse 15
     Verse 16

2 Corinthians 5:17

Ephesians 1:4

Ephesians 2:10

2 Timothy 1:9

What does Romans 8:28-29 state about your past?

What perspective on your personal history do Paul’s words in Romans 8:28-29 give you?

Thinking About the Present
What disappointing, “but this isn’t the way it was supposed to be” issue are you facing in your life today?

What does Philippians 4:8 teach you about your present situation?

Now, list several things you are going to do about “the way it really is”.

Loving God…Even More
Read this section in your book again. As you consider the contents of this chapter and God’s amazing love for you, 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
Phillipians 4:8  are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things