Mind Games: Part 3 - Fear or Faith
Speaker: Pastor Pierre du Plessis
Read: Matthew 12:34b; Mark 8:15-19; 2 Corinthians 10:3-5; Ephesians 6:10-17
We all have times when opposing thoughts enter our minds. These thoughts are often based on our imagination starting from a place of lack. When focused on what we don’t have fear is automatically invited. Such fear will paralyze our faith unless faith rises up and conquers the fear. Fear focuses on what could happen, but Faith focuses on who we trust and what He is able to do. Jesus admonishes us to watch out for “the leaven,” or small, seemingly insignificant amounts of opposing views or misplaced ideas that are contrary to the purposes of God that seek to infiltrate our minds.
We are reminded that we are in a spiritual war and that our mind is a battlefield. When opposing thoughts come, we will either entertain them or arrest them. Thoughts entertained become incubators for more arguments, claims or reasons to support the original thought and over time can become strongholds, such that the lie may become the basis for our identity. Strongholds can stifle our potential and hold us in bondage as we act or fail to act because of the infiltrated thought. Only the mighty weapons of God can pull down strongholds. It is better that we immediately arrest opposing thoughts when they come by taking them captive using the truth of the Word of God. Since the enemy will do everything in his power to keep us from using the Word against him, we must be intentional about reading, memorizing and internalizing Scripture.
Discussion Questions:
What resonated with you as you listened to this sermon and reviewed it?
It was said that when we consider the future, often our imagination paints a picture of lack. Why do you think this happens? How can we counter this?
What negative thoughts were placed in your mind at a certain age that have since affected your choices or decisions or that continue to bother you?
It was said that we should not allow the absence of an immediate breakthrough change our revelation of God’s nature. What does this mean to you?
Why is it important to remember our stories and the nature of God’s goodness?
It was said that the graveyard is filled with people who failed to accomplish their dreams or accomplish their purposes. What does this mean to you?
Read 2 Corinthians 10:3-5. In your own words explain the meaning of this Scripture.