As He Thinks in His Heart, So Is He (Proverbs 23:6-7)
Introduction:
1. In these verses Solomon: a. showed how certain evil people are to be avoided b. showed why evil people behave as they do -- they are affected by the thoughts in their hearts. 2. The way we think in our hearts can affect us in a bad way, but it can also affect us in a good way. 3. In our lesson we are studying passages that will help us think properly. 4. We are showing: a. why we must think properly b. how to think properly.
Discussion:
I. 2 REASONS WHY WE MUST THINK PROPERLY
A. First, we must think properly because God knows our thoughts. 1. The Bible clearly teaches that God knows our thoughts (Psalm 139:1-2). 2. Since God knows our thoughts, it is essential for us to think properly. 3. David made a beautiful request in Psalm 139:23-24. B. Second, we must think properly because our actions, our words, and our attitudes are determined by our thoughts (Proverbs 23:7; Matthew 12:35). 1. To illustrate, Elijah was affected by his thinking (1 Kings 19:4, 9-10). 2. The person who says, "I think I can" and the person who says, "I think I can't" have something in common -- they are both right. 3. Since our conduct and attitudes are determined by our thoughts, it is essential for us to think properly. C. Now that we understand why we must think properly, let us consider . . .
II. HOW TO THINK PROPERLY (Negative and positive instructions)
A. Negative instructions: 1. We must avoid thinking too highly of ourselves (Romans 12:3). a. The Bible explains why in 1 Corinthians 10:12; Galatians 6:3. b. Nebuchadnezzar was affected by this kind of thinking (Daniel 4:30, 33). 2. We must not think that our ways are better than God's ways, as illustrated by Naaman (2 Kings 5:10-12). 3. We must avoid dwelling on the past (Philippians 3:13). B. Positive instructions: 1. 2 Corinthians 10:5 teaches us to bring "into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ." 2. We must think on the right kinds of things (Philippians 4:8).
Conclusion:
1. The Bible teaches us why we must think properly, and the Bible teaches us how to think properly. 2. Do you need to change the way you think? 3. Let us conclude by repeating David's request in Psalm 139:23-24.
