Main Scripture Reference - Ephesians 4:17-24

Other Scripture References: Matthew 9:27-29; II Corinthians 4:4-7; James 1:8; II Timothy 3:5; I Corinthians 2:14-16; II Corinthians 10:4-5; Philippians 3:13-14

INTRO–‘The Battle is in your Head’Read Ephesians 4:17-24

Life can certainly be tough and happiness seemingly fleeting, but when you go through tough or uncertain circumstances you really have a choice as to how you will live through it. The choice you have is between being unhappy or continuing to be satisfied despite challenging life circumstances. It really comes down to your mind and your thoughts because it is in the mind that the battle of life is won, not in your circumstances. Basically you receive what you expect because the mind is the door to your soul.

• What is your happiness factor right now? What is having the greatest affect on that happiness level?

THE ISSUE–‘Closed Minds’Re-read Ephesians 4:19; James 1:8 & II Timothy 3:5

Major studies have concluded that the mind has great effect of the health of the body and that those with positive and upbeat attitudes heal quicker and stay healthier longer. In the story of the two blind men, Jesus says distinctively that ‘according to your faith let it be done to you.’ Thoughts become the pattern of your behavior and affect your actions. So in essence whoever or whatever has your thoughts has you! Your attitude is more important than your aptitude because attitude affects expectations, expectations heighten your faith, and it’s your faith that energizes your actions to achieve your expectations.

• Can you describe a time that you attitude strongly affected your physical health? What happened?


• Have you ever bought something strictly because you saw an advertisement on TV or in a magazine?


• If it is true that you live out what you expect, what expectation/s is influencing your life greatly at this moment? Do you need to make a change or refocus?

THE PROBLEM–‘Closed Minds’Re-read Ephesians 4:19; James 1:8 & II Timothy 3:5

One of the main problems of the western culture is the loss of spiritual sensitivity and belief in the spiritual realm. The influence of Darwin, Freud, and even Marx, who totally dismissed the spiritual and relied solely on the physical, has caused a totally disregard for anything beyond the physical and placed all value and truth on human thoughts and actions. This humanistic worldview has influenced you even if you didn’t realize it, and without the spiritual you neutralize faith and nullify miracles in your life. It is because of this loss of spiritual sensitivity that most people seek happiness and fulfillment in material sensuality instead of God where true fulfillment is found.

• What are some of the worldly influences that determine what you value in life? How do these hinder you in making positive daily choices?


• Do you think you have ever ‘used’ God to try and get personal or material desires?

THE ANSWER–‘The Mind of Christ’Read I Corinthians 2:14-16 & II Corinthians 10:4-5

The good news is that if you have a relationship with Christ, Jesus has set you free from those harmful and false thoughts and perspectives in your mind. You can now see through Jesus’ eyes and perspectives and can take every evil and untruthful thought captive and live by the truth and power of the Spirit. However, you must let go of the past, picture the future goal, and then depend on God. Read Philippians 3:13-14

• How has Christ freed you from harmful thoughts and perspectives about yourself and others?


• What do you think it means to have the mind of Jesus Christ? How often do you allow Jesus’ perspective to determine how you live each day?


• Of the actions steps: letting go of the past, picturing future goals, or depending upon God, which is your challenge point at this time? What will you do about it?