Truth: Beyond Behavior
Paul was a very disciplined man. He worked hard on this throughout his life. Paul was incarcerated more than once during his ministry and missions. He mentions his imprisonment in his letters to the churches in Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and his letter to Philemon. The book of Acts confirms that Paul was in a Roman prison, believed to be around the years AD 60-62. Sitting, chained in a cell, allows time for one’s mind to drift. Paul undoubtedly had to learn to control his mind. The way he renewed and controlled his mind was through truth.
Paul wrote in Ephesians 4:23, “And to be renewed in the spirit of your minds.” As Christians, we need to control our minds. Especially living in our day and time, because we are under a constant barrage of information. Modern technology has not only made it possible for just about anyone, anywhere to create “informative” content, but it has also made it accessible twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. If we do not control our minds, we will be led amok, guaranteed.
The brain is the center of everything, where it all begins. It is what’s behind the action, driving us forward in everything we do. So, if my mind wants what my flesh wants… knowing my body doesn't want difficulty, I will give in to sin. Our thoughts lead to actions. Repeated actions over time develop habits, and habits help shape our character. So, as a Christian, knowing we strive for Christlikeness, these thoughts leading to actions that build character need to be based on truth. The only real truth comes from the word of God.
It was through truth that Paul learned, “in whatever situation I am, to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:11-13) Paul learned something about the nature of God. He understood that through the work of the Holy Spirit is his life, he could be content in every single situation. God works in us, and He will accomplish His work, regardless of where we are, regardless of our situation, if we are willing to discipline ourselves and walk rightly before Him.
This walk will not be easy, but we rejoice in our sufferings because that means growth. So, we must prepare our minds for action. We are no longer of this world. We are being transformed by the renewal of our minds through the truth of God’s word. This new way of thinking, now seeing the world through a biblical lens, defines our actions, changes our habits, and transforms our character. We are disciples of Christ, the salt and light to the world, focused on Jesus and praying every day that we become more like our Master.
In Christ,
Pastor John
(Adapted from the sermon series No Other Gospel; sermon title Be Disciplined)
Paul wrote in Ephesians 4:23, “And to be renewed in the spirit of your minds.” As Christians, we need to control our minds. Especially living in our day and time, because we are under a constant barrage of information. Modern technology has not only made it possible for just about anyone, anywhere to create “informative” content, but it has also made it accessible twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. If we do not control our minds, we will be led amok, guaranteed.
The brain is the center of everything, where it all begins. It is what’s behind the action, driving us forward in everything we do. So, if my mind wants what my flesh wants… knowing my body doesn't want difficulty, I will give in to sin. Our thoughts lead to actions. Repeated actions over time develop habits, and habits help shape our character. So, as a Christian, knowing we strive for Christlikeness, these thoughts leading to actions that build character need to be based on truth. The only real truth comes from the word of God.
It was through truth that Paul learned, “in whatever situation I am, to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:11-13) Paul learned something about the nature of God. He understood that through the work of the Holy Spirit is his life, he could be content in every single situation. God works in us, and He will accomplish His work, regardless of where we are, regardless of our situation, if we are willing to discipline ourselves and walk rightly before Him.
This walk will not be easy, but we rejoice in our sufferings because that means growth. So, we must prepare our minds for action. We are no longer of this world. We are being transformed by the renewal of our minds through the truth of God’s word. This new way of thinking, now seeing the world through a biblical lens, defines our actions, changes our habits, and transforms our character. We are disciples of Christ, the salt and light to the world, focused on Jesus and praying every day that we become more like our Master.
In Christ,
Pastor John
(Adapted from the sermon series No Other Gospel; sermon title Be Disciplined)
Posted in Beyond Behavior
Posted in Apostle Paul, Truth, Discipline, Bible, Biblical, Texoma Cowboy Church, Behavior
Posted in Apostle Paul, Truth, Discipline, Bible, Biblical, Texoma Cowboy Church, Behavior