A Healthy Mind
Key Scriptures: Psalm 139:23-24
Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Lesson One: Having a healthy mind is our responsibility.

• The health of our minds, as a byproduct of the health of our hearts, must come under the subjection of the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

The Four “Is”

Consider your INTAKE

• Our peace is a by-product of our intake.

Philippians 4:6-9, Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

 

Improper intake leads to an IMBALANCE

• Imbalance causes us to give improper weight to the words and opinions of other people rather than giving proper weight to the Word of God.

Philippians 1:15-18, It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.

 

Improper intake leads to a lack of INTEGRITY

• Integrity—Being whole and undivided.
• We can’t have integrity when we are hiding sin in our hearts—an unhealthy heart leads to an unhealthy mind.

a. It’s hard to ask for blessing when we are leading lives of dishonesty.
b. It’s hard to have peace of mind when we are full of secrets.
c. It’s hard to have spiritual confidence when our lives are marked by compromise.

• Confidence requires confession.
Psalm 101:2-3, I will be careful to lead a blameless life—when will you come to me? I will conduct the affairs of my house with a blameless heart. I will not look with approval on anything that is vile. I hate what faithless people do. I will have no part in it.

Psalm 139:23-24, Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

 

Improper intake leads to INSECURITY

• A life of insecurity is marked by fear.
• Connecting to God is the way that we fix an anxious mind/soul.

John 14:27, Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.