Scripture References: Ephesians 6, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12, John 3:19, 2 Timothy 3:1-5, Proverbs 16:32, Romans 12:2
Intro:
- The challenge of living a Christ-like life.
- The reality of spiritual warfare and the enemies we face: the world, the flesh, and the devil.
- Focus on the mindset of worldliness and its opposition to Christ.
Key Points:
- Worldliness as a Mindset:
- A focus on the here and now, the material, and appearances.
- Neglecting the spiritual and eternal perspective.
- A mindset that opposes spiritual growth and Christ-likeness.
- The Influence of the World:
- Commercials, media, and cultural messages shape our desires and longings.
- They often promote self-absorption, pleasure-seeking, and consumerism.
- This influence can be subtle and pervasive.
- The Battle for Our Affections:
- Our desires, longings, and loves drive our behavior.
- The world seeks to capture our affections and turn them away from Christ.
- Discipleship involves shaping our affections toward Christ.
- Taking Thoughts Captive:
- 2 Corinthians 10:3-5: We must demolish arguments and take captive every thought.
- This is a battle for our minds, and we must be vigilant.
- We have authority through Christ to fight against these influences.
- The Nature of Deception:
- 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12: Satan uses deception and wickedness to lead people astray.
- People perish because they refuse to love the truth.
- The world often celebrates evil and hates what is good.
- The Call to Transformation:
- We are called to be transformed into the image of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18).
- This involves a change in our thinking, our desires, and our behavior.
- True discipleship is more than just intellectual assent; it's a transformation of our whole being.
- The Importance of the Word of God:
- The Bible reveals Jesus and shapes our understanding of God.
- It is a source of truth and guidance for living a Christ-like life.
- We must approach the Word with humility and a hunger to know Jesus.
- The Need for the Holy Spirit:
- The Holy Spirit empowers us to live a Christ-like life.
- He helps us to discern truth from error and to resist the world's influence.
- We need the Holy Spirit to transform our desires and affections.
Conclusion:
- We are in a battle for our thoughts, our affections, and our lives.
- The world, the flesh, and the devil are constantly trying to lead us astray.
- We must resist these influences and set our minds on Christ.
- Discipleship is a call to transformation, not just information.
Call to Action:
- Be aware of the world's influence on your thinking and desires.
- Actively engage in spiritual warfare, taking captive every thought.
- Set your mind on things above (Colossians 3:1-4).
- Pursue a deeper relationship with Christ and allow Him to shape your affections.
- Rely on the power of the Holy Spirit to live a Christ-like life.
- Make the Word of God the foundation of your life.
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