Lesson 1: Week 3: Becoming Spiritually Whole Through God’s Word

Week 3:  God’s Blessing of Spiritual
Wholeness for Grandparents
Scripture for the week:
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation, the old has gone, the new has come.  2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV


Today’s Scripture Focus:  Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is
a new creation. . . 2 Corinthians 5: 17 NIV

*Remember to pause and ask the Holy Spirit to teach you as you read God’s Word and seek His meaning.

No matter what age we are when we come to the Lord, most of us have seen and heard things that we wish we hadn’t.  Our minds are filled with individual graffiti; those memories that are etched deeply and refuse to be forgotten.  Today’s Scripture tells us that we are made new, but how can that be?  Are our minds chalkboards that can be erased?  Are they computers that have delete keys?

We choose to accept Christ as our Savior, and it is by choice that we follow His precepts for the renewal of our minds.  John 5: 1-9 tell of Jesus healing the invalid at the pool of Bethesda.  One of the questions Jesus asked the invalid is, “Do you want to get well?”  The fact that he had laid by the pool for years was evidence that he did.  No doubt he had lost heart in the waiting and the disappointments.  But Jesus’ question quickened his faith and he knew that he desired not only physical wholeness, but spiritual wholeness as well.  Perhaps, that is where you are today—desiring spiritual wholeness, but not quite sure how to be healed.  Today, the Lord is asking you the question, “Do you want to get well?”  If your answer is yes, then choose to begin your journey by letting God’s Word renew your mind.

Think on These Things

Paul writes in his letter to the Philippians, “Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”  (Philippians 4:8 NIV)  Why did he admonish them to fix their thoughts on such a high plane? 

I believe it is because the Holy Spirit had revealed His truth to Paul.  Our thoughts produce the words we speak and our actions follow suit.  If we think as the world thinks, then we will act accordingly.  In addition, if our thoughts are fixed on God, we cannot be focusing on bad memories or worldly things. 


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.  Romans 12:2 NIV

Filling our minds with God’s Word and thinking on noble things will enable our minds to be renewed.

As children of the Living God we are advised to Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.  (2 Timothy 2:15 NIV

We, the ALIVE generation enjoy fellowshipping with one another.  At long last, we finally have time to get together with family and friends.  We may choose to get together for a cookout where we prepare the meat and everyone brings a covered dish, making it easier on everyone.   In preparation for this meal, we may marinate the meat we plan to grill, letting the herbs and spices flavor and tenderize it.

Our minds need to marinate in the Scriptures.  We need to let God’s teachings flavor our attitude and tenderize our hearts.  Jesus, in His beautiful prayer for believers (John 17:14) tell His Father that He has given us His Word.  He also petitions the Father on the believer’s behalf, asking Sanctify (make pure and holy) them by the truth; your word is truth.  (John 17:17 NIV)

Take a few moments and read aloud Psalm 119.  Let your mind soak in these Scriptures.

What Did I Learn?
What eight things are Christians to think about? (Philippians 4:8 NIV)
1.                                                                       2.
3.                                                                       4.
5.                                                                       6.
7.                                                                       8.
Highlighting Psalm 119

Verse 1—Who are the blameless?

Verse 11—What can keep us from sin?

Verse 25—What counsels us?

Verse 37—Turning our eyes from worthless things will do what to our lives?

Verse 45—When we seek God’s laws, we will find __________.

Verse 71—What can difficult times do for us?

Verse 89—God’s Word is ____________.

Verse 90—God’s faithfulness endures how long?

Verse 93—God’s laws will ___________ _________ __________.

Verse 98-100—God’s laws (commands) make us _________, give us__________ and ____________.

Verse 105—What lights our way?

Verse 111—God’s statues are our ______________.

Verse 114—God is our __________and __________.

Verse 130—What gives us understanding and light?

What particular verse in Psalm 119 spoke to your heart?

Truly, God renews our minds and leads us into spiritual wholeness by His Word.  All of us who have lived to be 50+ have encountered things which have damaged our thinking or emotions.  Paul encourages us to put on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:14).  One of the things he mentions is the girdle of truth.  Let us choose to live by God’s truth (His Word) and not by our damaged emotions.  

I Will Apply What I’ve Learned

  1. I will guard what I put in my mind—TV shows, movies, reading material, and conversations.
  2. I will make Bible Study and quiet time a priority in my life and renew my mind with God’s Word. 
(Hint:  Select the same time and place each day to read and meditate on God’s Word.)
  1. I will encourage my family by being a living witness of how God renews us through His Word.

I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes:  first for the Jews, then for the Gentiles. (Romans 1:16 NIV)

Gracious Father,
            Thank you for Your Word and the power of Your Word.  I pray that I may be disciplined in study and that I will allow my mind to soak in your Word.  May Your Word permeate my every thought, and may I become more like You with each passing day.  Lead me into spiritual wholeness through Your Holy Word.  In Jesus Name, Amen.
           




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