1. My Thoughts control my life but I can control my thoughts.

Be careful what you think, because your thoughts run your life. —Proverbs 4:23 (NCV)

2. Any change I want in my life must start in my mind.

Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be able to know the will of God—what is good and is pleasing to him and is perfect. —Romans 12:2 (GNT)

“You’re blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.” —Matthew 5:8 (Msg)

3. I can change how I feel by changing how I think.

…my heart is breaking, and so I turn my thoughts to him. —Psalm 42:6 (GNT)

“When I had lost all hope, I turned my thoughts once more to the Lord.” —Jonah 2:7 (TLB)

4. An unseen war is going on in and for my mind.

Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. —1 Peter 5:8 (NLT)

5. I can win the battle in and for my mind with God’s Spirit and Word.

We are human, but we don’t wage war as humans do. We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ. —2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (NLT)

…letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. —Romans 8:6 (NLT)

“If you continue in My word, then you are truly My disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” —John 8:31-32 (NASB)

Discussion Questions

1. Read Proverbs 4:23. How do you “be careful” about what you think? What does it mean when it says, “your thoughts run your life.”?

2. Read Romans 12:2. What has to happen in order for us to know God’s plan for our lives? How does this happen?

3. Feelings are powerful, but thoughts can be more powerful if we’ll let them. What are some things you do to help you control your feelings?

4. Read 2 Corinthians 10:3-5. What are some common strongholds of the mind in culture today? What are some personal mental strongholds Christ has help you overcome?

5. Read John 8:31-32. What does it mean to continue in Jesus’ word? Why does that produce freedom?