Dwell on These Things

Series: N/A

Service: Sun AM Worship

Type: Sermon

Speaker: Bill Sanchez

Summary Renewing the Mind through Joy and Meditation

Instructor: Bill Sanchez

Date: 2025-08-24 Sunday AM Worship

Chapter/Topic: Renewing the Mind through Joy and Meditation on Godly Things

🧠 Key Learnings

The Power of Thought and Its Impact on Life

Our thoughts shape our actions, character, and what we share with others. The Bible teaches in Proverbs that "as a man thinks, so he is," highlighting the importance of controlling what we dwell on. Negative and repetitive thoughts dominate many people's minds, but changing our focus can transform our lives.

The Battle of the Mind and the Role of Christ

Temptation, anxiety, and bitterness begin in the mind. The spiritual battle is internal, and victory comes by taking thoughts captive and filtering them through Christ and eternal truths, not merely by replacing negativity with positivity.

Renewing the Mind through Rejoicing and Relationship with God

Paul’s letter to the Philippians emphasizes rejoicing in the Lord regardless of circumstances, showing that joy is a choice rooted in relationship with God, not external situations. Even in prison, Paul rejoiced because of his faith and hope.

The Importance of Gratitude, Supplication, and Meditation

Gratitude looks back at God's faithfulness, supplication looks forward with trust in God’s provision, and meditation involves dwelling on things that are true, honorable, pure, lovely, and praiseworthy. These practices renew the mind and bring peace.

The Peace of God Guards Hearts and Minds

God’s peace surpasses human understanding and guards believers’ hearts and minds when they dwell on godly things and maintain a close relationship with Him. This peace is unshakable because it is grounded in God’s presence.

Contentment and Strength through Christ

Paul learned to be content in all circumstances, whether in abundance or need, because his strength came from Christ. This secret of contentment and strength is available to all who trust in God.

Invitation to Faith and Transformation

The message concludes with an invitation to embrace Christ, renounce self, and be baptized, emphasizing that though this step may be fearful, it leads to new life and relationship with God.

✏️ Key Concepts

Concept 1: The Influence of Thoughts on Life

Definition: Thoughts shape identity, behavior, and influence what we share with others.

Key Points:

• Proverbs 23:7: "For as a man thinks, so he is."
• 6,000 to 12,000 thoughts daily, with 80% negative and 95% repetitive.
• Thoughts affect subconscious decisions and actions.

Example / Analogy: Advertisements repeatedly influence buying habits by embedding ideas into the subconscious.

Concept 2: Spiritual Battle in the Mind

Definition: The primary spiritual struggle occurs internally through thoughts.

Key Points:

• Temptation, anxiety, and bitterness start in the mind.
• Changing thought patterns requires focusing on Christ and eternal truths.

Example / Analogy: Filtering life’s experiences through Christ is like using a water filter to cleanse impurities.

Concept 3: Joy as a Choice Rooted in Relationship with God

Definition: Joy is a deliberate mindset independent of external circumstances.

Key Points:

• Paul rejoiced while imprisoned.
• Joy comes from knowing God is near and trusting His sovereignty.
• Relationship with God colors all perceptions.

Example / Analogy: Like a sports fan who enjoys the game more knowing the final outcome, believers rejoice knowing God’s ultimate victory.

Concept 4: Gratitude, Supplication, and Meditation

Definition: Practices that renew the mind by focusing on God's past faithfulness, future provision, and present truths.

Key Points:

• Gratitude reflects on God's past works.
• Supplication looks forward with trust.
• Meditation dwells on what is true, honorable, pure, lovely, and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8).

Example / Analogy: Meditation is like tuning a radio to hear clear, uplifting music instead of static.

Concept 5: The Peace of God

Definition: A supernatural peace that guards hearts and minds through God’s presence.

Key Points:

• Peace surpasses human understanding.
• It guards believers’ hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
• Comes from knowing God is unshakable.

Example / Analogy: God’s peace is like a fortress protecting a city from attack.

Concept 6: Contentment and Strength in Christ

Definition: Learning to be content in all circumstances through reliance on Christ’s strength.

Key Points:

• Paul’s secret: "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."
• Contentment is independent of external conditions.
• Strength is found in God, not self.

Example / Analogy: Like a well-rooted tree that withstands storms, believers stand firm through Christ’s strength.

🔄 Q&A/Discussion

Question 1: How can we change our negative thought patterns?

Answer 1: By choosing to dwell on godly things, rejoicing in the Lord, practicing gratitude and supplication, and filtering thoughts through Christ and eternal truths.

Question 2: What is the source of true peace and contentment?

Answer 2: True peace and contentment come from a close relationship with God and relying on His strength, not on circumstances or self.

📚 Assignments

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