Puyallup Nazarene Church
Jesus gives us power to break free from our bondage to sin and ‘soul suffocating’ life patterns. We must persist in allowing the Holy Spirit to penetrate our thought patterns and help us think and act differently. The Spirit of Jesus can renew our thinking. Let’s learn to put into practice the power of Jesus. Let’s allow God’s Spirit and God’s word to reshape us with healthy patterns of thinking and living.
Jesus gives us power to break free from our bondage to sin and ‘soul suffocating’ life patterns.
Philippians 4:8-9 NIV
There are so-called “truths” that we pass on to the next generation. Our thinking and living is shaped by false views that do not come from God.
Steps to Freedom -
1. Identify the lie(s) we inherited
The Holy Spirit will help you 'see' the truth.
2. Believe that Freedom in Available to You
3. Let the Truth from Jesus replace your false thinking.
Romans 12:1-2 MSG
4. Let the Blessing of Jesus Sink in!
Discussion and Application Questions for Group Life Communities and Personal Study- Philippians 4:8-9
Observe-
- Which virtue from the list in verse way of thinking expressed in the verse are you most drawn to? Why?
- What had the first readers heard or seen about Paul? What aspects of his life would you want to copy?
- What does Paul’s description God of peace mean to you?
Interpret-
- How can the resurrection of Jesus help believers think differently about themselves?
- Where do negative thoughts come from? How can these verses change with way you think?
- What is the difference between the ‘peace of God’ and the ‘God of peace?’….see Philippians 4:7 as well.
Apply-
- What negative thoughts or lies about you do you carry in your inner thought process?
- What is one truth about Christ in you that you want to pass on to others- friends, family?
- Practice implies repetition and intention. How can you practice new ways of thinking and living this week?
- What part of this good news would you like to share with someone else?
Follow up
What conversations can you have with believers and nonbelievers about the work of Jesus in your life and in the world?
As we live into the Four Principles for Living the Missio Dei:
*Share in life with people who do not yet know Jesus.
*Inspire others to know and follow Jesus by living your faith attractively.
*Grow with others in your faith and obedience.
*Serve others with sacrificial love.
