Enemies of the Mind

Enemies of the Mind – Part 2

We are studying what the Bible has to say on an issue that affects us all – mental illness. More to the point, we are really speaking of how to keep our mind healthy, since the Bible says that transformation begins by renewing our mind:

Ro 12:2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-- his good, pleasing and perfect will.

In addition the Bible warns us:

Ro 1:28 Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done.

A mind that is full of sin, that has decided to not retain God’s revelation, is a very unhealthy and sick mind, belonging to the devil himself.

We are systematically study what the enemies of the mind are.

These enemies effectively prevent:

1- Renewal of the mind

2- Transformation of ourselves by the Holy Spirit

3- Discernment of God’s will for you, which is your ability to make the right choice for yourself and those around you so that you can make it to Heaven

These enemies will accomplish in you:

1- Conformity to the world and its standards

2- Depravity of the mind – moral corruption; not being able to reason (discern) correctly

3- Thorough searing of your conscience, which will result in apathy and condemnation of your soul forever in the eternal lake of fire

Let’s take a look at some more enemies of the mind…

1Tim 6:9-10

9 People who want to get rich (lit., materially minded) fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction.

10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

II – Materialism – The Path of Sorrow – 1 Tim 6:9-10

A warning for those who’s mind is constantly on the material things of life
Minded – continually obsessed with obtaining riches (sustained prosperity) for his own use
Those who are preoccupied with making money (sustaining their lifestyle, fulfilling their material desires) are dragged down (drowned) by their covetousness, as if they were caught in a trap, and will end up being destroyed.
This is called by Paul foolish (irrational) and harmful.

Romantic infatuation with money leads to multiple problems
Your lifestyle will eventually be pierced with grief

“Materialism robs the mind of tranquility” – Wayne Jackson

Matthew 13:22 The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful.

Riches are described as “deceitful”. They appear to have value and appear to give something to you. This is why materialism wreaks havoc with your mind.
Economic insecurity and preoccupation with making more money is our national illness.
We too closely associate wealth with “status”, privilege and personal value. What’s your “net worth”? How do you appear on your credit report? What numbers do you have in your bank account?

Luke 12:19-21

19 And I'll say to myself, "You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry." '

20 "But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. (Lit., this night they [the good things] require your soul) Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?'

21 "This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God."

This man was materialistic to the core!
God showed him what had more value
His possessions did him in

1. People who work very hard to obtain never get to really enjoy what they get because they’re always looking to get more.

2. There is no security in material things.

3. If you trust in these things and then loose them, you will be emotionally stressed and in the wrong mind

III – Worry – The thief of Tranquility

Jesus addressed the problem of worrying in the sermon of the mount:

Mt 6:25-34

25 "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?

26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?

27 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

28 "And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin.

29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.

30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?

31 So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?'

32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.

33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

A. Don’t worry about the material things of life!

i. Life is more important than food and the body more important than clothes. How so?

ii. You should eat to live, not live to eat; and clothes were made for the body, not the body for clothes.

iii. In other words, your life and body are to be used as instruments for righteousness, not just for taking up space and resources here on this Earth.

B. Only two things are really worth worrying for, but God gives them to you anyway so you have no excuse to worry!

i. Food

ii. Clothes

C. You are more valuable than those whom God feeds and clothes in nature!

D. Worrying will not help your life, if anything; it stresses you out and can make you sick!

i. Worrying distracts you from the main purpose of your life: works of service in God’s Kingdom

ii. Worrying is a tool the enemy uses to paralyze you

E. Worrying is a sign of weak or little faith

i. When you worry you do not trust God is in control of your life, same as when you complain.

ii. Worrying is the result of a mind that has made a habit to try to control things as opposed to surrendering things to God.

F. Worrying and running after material things is the result of an ungodly mind.

i. The need to have enough food or clothes in your house is in keeping with worldly principles.

ii. A house full of stuff is a sign of where your reassures are as opposed to a life full of satisfaction in Jesus.

G. Prime directive: Seek first the Kingdom!

i. Your attention should be on the matters of the church first!

ii. Make sure you are active (participating) in the Kingdom!

iii. Attend all Kingdom meetings

iv. Be involved in a work of service (ministry)

H. If you are yielding to the effect the church is supposed to have on you: transformation that you may conform to Christ, then all these things will be given to you.

Worrying is an enemy of the mind!