February 19^th – February 25^th, 2023

Sermon Summary

In the pursuit of joy, believers must actively cultivate patterns of healthy thinking and then put those thoughts into practice by imitating godly examples of fellow believers as they also follow Christ. God’s peace resides in those who have ordered their lives in accordance with God’s will.

Verse of the Week

Philippians 4:8 (ESV)
⁸ Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Going Deeper

Review Philippians 4:8 – 9

1) Philippians 4:8 provides a list of positive areas where Christians should focus their thought life, but the list is not exhaustive. What other scripture references guide your understanding of how a Christian should think and act?

2) Despite what the world would have us think, God alone sets the “tuning fork” against which believers should define excellence and praiseworthiness. In what ways do you find yourself craving the commendations and accolades of the people around you?

3a) What are the risks associated with those who are young in the faith imitating Christians who are older in the faith?

3b) How might a young believer guard his/her heart and mind against those risks as they seek to practice biblical virtues?

4) What are the dangers of spending a disproportionate amount of time thinking about the regular ups and downs of life to the exclusion of meditating on God’s word?

5) What are some practical ways in which you can cultivate a habit of thinking in ways that align with God’s will?

Assess Your Life

1) How would you rate your ability to cultivate patterns of healthy thinking?

a) I am unable & unwilling to ponder on godly virtues.

b) I am unsure how to avoid life’s distractions & tune into godly virtues.

c) I occasionally try to focus my thoughts on godly virtues but struggle with practicing them.

d) I am gradually getting better at meditating on godly virtues & practicing them.

e) I dwell on godly virtues on a daily basis & regularly put them into practice.

2) What factors hinder your ability & willingness to meditate on biblical virtues and how they should affect your life choices?

Application

1) What actions are you taking to improve your ability to meditate on Christian virtues, especially in the face of the difficulties and distractions of life?

a)

b)

c)

2 Of the list above, which one(s) will you be intentional about working on this week?

I will ask

to hold me accountable to this.

Sermon Main Points

In the pursuit of joy, believers should:

1. Cultivate patterns of healthy thoughts.
   Give careful thought, consider, ponder or let your mind dwell on God’s word and the leading of the Holy Spirit. When believers make time to ponder things that are true, honorable, just, lovely, commendable, excellent, and praiseworthy, they are cultivating patterns of healthy thinking.

2. Imitate Godly examples.
   Most learning takes place when we apply the tools and techniques we discovered in the learning event. We should note that imitating Godly people is not the same as elevating them to some pinnacle that equated them with God.

Sermon Reflection

What stood out for me in this sermon?

What is something I can do to remember this?

Noteworthy Points

1. Meditation is a biblical mandate that we should adhere to. It does not solely belong to Eastern religions like Hinduism or Buddhism.
2. The good qualities recited in the scripture are not merely things that are good for the head, but things that need to be transformed into action.
3. Teaching is the teacher’s responsibility; learning is the student’s.
4. Imitating Godly people is only seeing in them an example to follow, it is not the same as elevating them to a pinnacle that equates them with God.
5. When life is disorderly, the cure is mental and practical discipline.

5 Day Study Plan

Use the Inductive Bible Study method to study these scriptures this week and remember to share with someone else.

Follow these steps
1. Observe the text. (What does the text say?)
2. Interpret the text. (What does the text mean?)
3. Apply the text. (What can I do as a result of what I have learnt?)

Day 1 - 1 Timothy 4:12 - 15

Day 2 - Psalm 19:14

Day 3 - Romans 10:17

Day 4 - 1 Corinthians 11:1

Day 5 - 2 Timothy 1:13

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_{For best results, this content should be read and prepared privately and then discussed in your small group or with family / friends. We were not created to do life alone - get connected with a small group and grow together.}

_{Harvest Bible Chapel Barbados - 2023}