1. These verses contain several important instructions that will help us to live in a way that pleases God. 2. In our lesson we are emphasizing the admonition given in vs.3b "to think soberly." 3. The first point is an observation from these verses. Discussion:
I. THE EFFECTS OF SOBER THINKING ARE FAR REACHING
A. According to vs.1, presenting ourselves as living sacrifices to God is our "reasonable service" [service based on reason] -- this involves sober thinking. B. Vs.2 teaches us to be transformed instead of being conformed to the world. 1. The key to doing this is "renewing our minds." 2. This involves sober thinking. C. Vs.3 teaches us to avoid thinking too highly of ourselves -- the key to overcoming this problem is thinking soberly. II. ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURES EXPLAIN WHY WE MUST THINK SOBERLY
A. We must think soberly because God knows our thoughts. 1. David made this point in Psalm 139:1-2 as he showed how well God knew him. 2. Let us follow David's example in Psalm 139:23-24. B. We must think soberly because our thoughts affect the things we do and say, as well as our attitudes (Proverbs 23:7; Matthew 12:35). C. In addition to explaining why we must think soberly, . . . III. THE SCRIPTURES PROVIDE GUIDELINES THAT WILL HELP US TO THINK SOBERLY
A. Let us examine 3 negative guidelines. 1. We must avoid thinking too highly of ourselves, as we showed earlier in Romans 12:3. a. Nebuchadnezzar suffered from this problem (Daniel 4:30, 33). b. He teaches us to listen to 1 Corinthians 10:12 and Galatians 6:3. 2. We must avoid thinking that our ways are better than God's ways. a. Naaman suffered from this problem (2 Kings 5:10-12). b. He teaches us to listen to Colossians 3:17; 16a. 3. We must avoid dwelling on the past (Philippians 3:13-16). B. Let us examine 2 positive guidelines. 1. We must think on the right kinds of things (Philippians 4:8). 2. We must strive to carry out the instruction given in 2 Corinthians 10:5b. Conclusion:
1. The Bible: a. teaches us to think soberly b. shows that the effects of sober thinking are far reaching c. explains why we must think soberly d. provides guidelines that will help us to think soberly. 2. This evening we will consider passages that teach us to "be sober." 3. Let us conclude with David's request in Psalm 139:23-24.
