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Disclaimer - This blog and its content are provided only as information and are intended for visitors 18 and older. No content on the website should be taken as advice or recommendation to any personal or institutional situation. The views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily either shared or endorsed by Teleios. Both the blog and the contents are subject to change at any time without notice. Although I endeavor to ensure that the blog and the content are current and accurate, it may contain errors. I do not represent that the blog or the content is current, accurate or complete, or appropriate for your specific requirements. I do not accept any liability from any person for the blog, the content or any other information (or the use of such information) I provide. I do not have a seminary degree, but I have trained myself in the scriptures to teach and provide this information. For any specific question, I suggest you contact experts in that field and or do your own research into the scriptures.

Wednesday, January 24, 2024

The Power of Godly Thinking: Part 3

As we have discussed in past blogs, Christians have been regenerated through the power of the Holy Spirit into new individuals with the capacity to change ourselves to take positive and biblical actions.

However, to behave in a scriptural manner we first must know how to think correctly. Unfortunately, non-biblical thinking may incite destructive speech and actions which can hurt and adversely influence others.

In the past several blogs we began to address in sequence: basis of biblical thinking and attitude in our thinking. Now let’s try to put our thinking into action by covering principles of biblical thinking.

Principles

A key verse regarding this process is:

Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

The word ‘prove’ in Greek (the original language of the Bible) is δοκιμάζω (dokimazo), meaning to examine or prove, denoting a positive inference. It was used to describe a tested warrior in battle. Otherwise, God’s word is truth and so we can depend on it to work in our lives. As we lean on the Bible and see it function, we grow in confidence to trust it and enjoy the good fruits from living obedient and faithful lives.

What is biblical thinking?

Use the acronym ‘4 P’s’:

· Pondering the word – As stated in Romans 12:1 we should transform our thinking based on biblical knowledge. We should ponder these things not just to correct our thinking but also to cause ourselves to know God better in transforming how we communicate with others. This is an active, prospective process, not just when we have problems and need to correct ourselves; it is a daily habit of healthy thinking (1 Timothy 4:16, Colossians 3:1-4; Hebrews 3:1).

· Praise – Keep a habit of commending and thanking God. He deserves it (Hebrews 13:15)! Also, praise keeps us from having unreasonable expectations of others and thinking too highly of ourselves. We should remember God’s goals are above our own (Romans 12:1-2).

· Prayer – We should have a mindset of going to God for all our needs (Hebrews 4:14-16). Instead of complaining or ruminating over situations we should turn instantly to prayer and have a faithful attitude that God will help us (1 Peter 4:12).

· Positive subjects – This perspective is imperative to force our minds to think about things that are positive, true, just, lovely pure, full of praise and wholesome (Philippians 4:8). Remembering healthy thoughts will keep us from becoming discouraged and help us to see the good and the potential in all situations and people. Further, the things we think are ultimately what we speak and thus help us encourage other people.

Renewing our minds to change how we think is a constant challenge as we battle to drive our thoughts to be consistent with the Bible. This process will change how we look at life and others and ultimately how we speak to others. It also provides an opportunity to see God’s Spirit working in our lives to bear fruit as we allow Him to transform us while we seek God through His word. Give it a try!

Summary – Indeed, our thinking processes are the basis of a healthy mindset as well as a fruitful relationship with others and with God.

Thank you for visiting my blog! Join us again next time as we continue our vital discussion on developing a biblical mindset. Share this important blog with your friends and family!

William C. Stewart, MD

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Wednesday, January 17, 2024

The Power of Godly Thinking: Part 2

As we have discussed in past blogs Christians have been regenerated through the power of the Holy Spirit into new people, providing believers with the capacity to change into those who carry out positive and biblical actions. However, to behave in a scriptural manner we first must know how to think correctly. Even Christians can fall into unhealthy thinking habits such as lust, envy, jealousy and anxiety. Further, even within the church people may regard others and situations in less than biblical ways. Unfortunately, such non-biblical thinking may incite destructive speech and actions which can hurt and adversely influence others.

Christianity is a religion based on facts and understanding (Colossians 1:9-10; Ephesians 1:17). Scriptural thinking is productive and healing. How then do we do it? Let’s consider a biblically based process to help us change how we think, and ultimately how we act.

In the prior blog we discussed using the Bible as a way to correct our thinking, to make ourselves holy and more consistent with God’s goals and desires. What is the next step?

Attitude

Once we begin to use the Bible to correct our thinking, what attitudes do we cultivate as Christians? There are many important attitudes in the Bible but here are some vital ones to help you start.

· Servant (Romans 6:10-23; Romans 12:1-2; Romans 13:8-14) – We ought to have the perspective of being servants of God and those who love and serve other Christians.

· Humility – A humble person is modest, without thinking too highly of themselves and without excessive expectations for others. Generally, our only expectation for ourselves and others should be seeking God. This applies not only to ourselves, but also to our marriage partners, family members, and Christian friends. Everything else is up for discussion! We serve God and do good to all men (Galatians 6:1-3,10; Romans 12:3; Romans 14:4).

· Faith – This is the foundation for a believer’s lifestyle. Romans 14:23 says what is not done in faith is sin. Therefore, we can have peace and joy in the decisions we make done in faith, not condemning ourselves. God is our help!

· Obedience – Adhering to God’s word and His wise precepts is critical. As Christ said, His commands are not burdensome (Matthew 11:28-30). Obedience produces the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), and ultimately causes a rich love for God’s word because of its wisdom and actions in promoting healthy thinking and lifestyle (Romans 12:1-2).

· Thankfulness – We should be people constantly thanking God for all the blessings He has given us, from our salvation to the smallest elements of our lives. This is key to healthy thinking. We should not have expectations, but work to achieve our goals, created in faith, and trust in God for the results. When we expect certain results, whether from God, ourselves, spouses, family, friends, or work, we will never be satisfied (1 Thessalonians 5:18; Colossians 3:15).

· Hope – This attitude is essential because it protects our mind, not only from fear of death but even when we are young, from fear of failure. When we know our future is secure, we can possess confidence as our identity derives from God and not whether we succeed or fail. This attitude assists us in avoiding despondency and developing a healthy perspective towards life that allows us to prosper (Ephesians 6:17; 3 John 1:2).

Developing routine mental habits consistent with the Bible will create in us a godly mindset to view life and people the way God desires and help the Holy Spirit bear fruit in your life and others.

Join us again next time as we complete this important section on practical tips for developing a productive godly mindset. Thank you for visiting my blog.

Share this important blog with your friends and family!

William C. Stewart, MD

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Share this blog with your friends and family, and return next week as we continue this topic.

Thursday, January 11, 2024

The Power of Godly Thinking: Part 1

As we have discussed in past blogs, Christians have been regenerated through the power of the Holy Spirit into new people, providing the capacity to change ourselves to conduct positive and biblical actions.

However, before we can behave in a scriptural manner we first must learn to think correctly. Even Christians can fall into unhealthy thinking habits, such as lust, envy, jealousy and anxiety. Further, even within the church people sometimes may regard other people in less than biblical ways. Unfortunately, such non-biblical thinking may incite destructive speech and actions which can hurt and adversely influence others.

Further, some Christians may mistakenly depend on their emotions or conscience, thinking this is God’s way of directing their lives. However, scripture does not indicate He leads in this manner (please see ‘Gods Leading and Freedom’ chapter in our Know the Bible e-book).

Christianity is a religion based on facts and understanding (Colossians 1:9-10; Ephesians 1:17). Scriptural thinking is productive and healing.

Goal – Be holy as God is holy (1 Peter 1:16)

Our objective on earth is to change our behavior to act and think as God. Today we will look at the basis of biblical thinking and an approach to developing it. In the next several blogs we will discuss our attitude in developing biblical thinking as well as the principles and the practical development to Biblical thinking.

Basis of biblical thinking

The ground rules for how we can improve our thinking are based in scripture and understanding its message. Further, we cannot begin to serve as God desires unless we do it according to the guidebook which is the Bible (Colossians 1:9-10; Ephesians 3:4; Ephesians 5:17).

Know the Bible

Indeed, scripture indicates godliness is based in the knowledge and understanding of scripture. This is our guide to a holy life! Further, we should develop a sober and alert mindset being careful what we do and say. These thought patterns pay dividends in creating spiritual maturity (Ephesians 1:16-17; Ephesians 5:15-20; Hebrews 5:13-14; Colossians 1:9-10).

So what is the process? Learn the word! The key is proactively learning and understanding God’s word. This means learning beyond even a great Sunday sermon or beloved devotional to examine carefully the Bible yourself, so you fully comprehend and know it. The knowledge gained is freeing and transformative. However, no one can do it for you. Here are some simple suggestions that you can easily implement in your life.

o Download an incredible Bible software program like eSword on your computer, or MySword on your smart phone, to help you do efficient and knowledgeable scripture study.

Use a valuable, but simple, Bible study method such as found on the Teleios website.
Arrange your life to free up time to start reading, asking questions, and applying verses from an efficient New Testament epistle, such as Ephesians or Colossians, that will most quickly teach you the fundamentals of Christ and the Christian life.
Don’t be legalistic. Learning the Bible is fun! The goal to grasp God’s word is long-term. It is not meant to be studied by predetermined 5, 15 or 30-minute intervals of time, but approached in love with joyous anticipation to how it will assist you!
Be patient and the knowledge and the fruit will come over time.
Use a trusted generally commentary like Barnes or Darby on eSword, or a good theology such as from Ryrie, to help assure yourself you’re not off base. Your pastor, church elder or mature believer, educated in the scriptures, might also help you.
Discuss what you learn with others to enrich them and to practice articulating what you have learned from scripture.

Developing routine mental habits consistent with the Bible will create in us a godly mindset to view life and people the way God desires and allow the Holy Spirit bear fruit in your life and others.

In summary, the first step in developing a godly mindset is to learn God's word.

Thanks for visiting my blog. Join me next time as we continue this exciting discussion of how to develop a godly mindset.

William C. Stewart, MD

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Wednesday, January 3, 2024

Defeating Sin

You can do it (with the Spirit’s help)

The Christian life is an exciting process of being obedient to God’s word, while using biblical tools to build a more God-like character. This process was outlined in the blogs just prior to this one (1 Thessalonians 1:5-7).

However, there are a number of additional issues in the Christian life that are quite important in scripture and to Christians. This blog deals with one of several of these important topics: dealing with sin.

How do we handle sin as a born-again believer?

This is a big question and plagues each of us some time in our lives. The understanding of a proper answer, based in scripture, is so important to our mental health and relationship with God.

Recurrent sin - How then does a Christian conquer, in a biblical manner, the issue of sin, real or perceived? Not only is the sin itself a problem but it often produces guilt which might further reduce the quality of relationship with God. Here are some tips from scripture and what is not in scripture. The New Testament epistles indicate the following:

· Perceived sin – Make sure your sin is actually viewed by God as sin and you’re not responding to:

o A self-imposed expectation

Social Christian expectations from family or friends
Legalism derived from other believers

For example, watching a movie is not a biblical sin but you may feel guilty based on self-imposed restrictions, your reasons for watching the film (careful: might include sin), or the perceived expectations of your church or Christian colleagues. As 1 Timothy 4:4-5 states, everything we do and use in this world should be filtered through prayer and God’s word.

Remember if you do see the movie (or do anything), do so out of faith, because anything we do without faith itself is sin (Romans 14:23). Further, only see it if you do not make fellow Christians stumble (Romans 14:13-21).

· Obey – This is the predominant response to sin for Christians in the epistles: simply obey (Romans 6:12-16; Romans 12:1-2). We are to be God’s worthy servant! Importantly, we love God and others by obeying Him (1 John 5:1-3).

· Hate sin – God hates sin as it is contrary to His righteousness (Hebrews 1:9). Sin ultimately hurts us and potentially others. Part of maturity as a person of God is understanding the ill effects of sin and to hate it as God does (Proverbs 8:13).

· Defeat sin – We are to destroy sin in our lives. We can do this for two amazing reasons:

The Holy Spirit – God gave us His powerful Spirit to help us defeat sin (Romans 8:13).

Regeneration – The Holy Spirit regenerated us (Titus 3:5) when we believed at salvation to a new person who is not bound by sin (Ephesians 2:1-3) but it’s free to serve God (Romans 6:2-16).

· We are forgiven (Romans 3:23-26; Colossians 2:13) – We do not need to ask for forgiveness because Christ covers our sins by our faith in His sacrifice on the cross for us .

Some view 1 John 1:9 as saying we should ask for forgiveness; if so, it’s the only such passage in the epistles. In context, this passage presents a foundation for fellowship among believers through our salvation in Christ, before the author proceeds to discuss in Chapters 2 through 4 how a believer acts and believes. John assumes a concept of sin (1 John 3:4-10), and of not obeying the commandments (1 John 2:2-6), as a continual action that, if it defines a person’s life, they probably are an unbeliever. Therefore, John is not using the term ‘sin’ in 1 John 1:9 as a daily sin of a believer that must ask routinely for forgiveness. The verse relates to unbelievers who need forgiveness to salvation.

Nonetheless, it is healthy to recognize our sin (Romans 8:13) before our holy Father and change our life (please see next point), but forgiveness is not in view.

· Spiritual warfare – Remember our fight is against Satan and not merely against institutions and people in this world. Our tools to defeat Satan, beyond our salvation, are:

o Be alert – Satan wishes to devour you (1 Peter 5:8).

o Remember his methods – Keep from giving him a place and ability to snare you (Ephesians 4:27), caused by:

Ø Not knowing biblical truth or being mature in Christ (Hebrews 5:14; 1 T imothy 3:7).

Ø Incorrect emotions such as anger, lack of forgiveness or temptation! (Ephesians 4:27; 1 Timothy 3:7; 2 Corinthians 2:7).

o Resist him – James 4:7; Ephesians 6:11

Ø Put on the whole armor of God – This is vital and was discussed in the blog about the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 6:10-17).

o Flee sin – 2 Timothy 2:22 tells us to run away from temptation. We are not to surround ourselves with tempting situations to try to measure our spiritual strength. God tells us to put on our running shoes and escape!

· What not to do – There is no need to feel guilty, kick yourself, and act defeated. Instead get up on your feet and obey the word of God! Get over it and get busy allowing God to use your good service to Him.

Bonus section, the unpardonable sin

This important passage is in Matthew 12:31-32. These verses are often misunderstood, and Christians apply them to themselves.

Remember, you should interpret the gospels through Jewish eyes! In this passage Christ was addressing the Pharisees, who were Jewish leaders. They had the witness from the Holy Spirit, descending upon Christ at His baptism (Matthew 3), which was a testimony He was the promised king bringing salvation as prophesied in the Old Testament (Isaiah 59:20-21; 2 Samuel 7:12-16).

The Pharisees rejected the testimony of the Holy Spirit and so rejected the message of the kingdom and the gospel. Of course, this was unpardonable (rejecting the gospel).

For true believing Christians, we have not rejected the gospel but are saved and secure through faith in Christ for the forgiveness of our sins. Accordingly. the passage does not apply to Christians.

These mental disciplines regarding handling of sin are critical to a healthy mindset. God has graciously given us a provision of unimpeded access to Him in prayer through our forgiveness in Christ.

Thanks for joining me, please return next week for another important topic.

William C. Stewart, MD

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