PRACTICAL CHRISTIAN LIVING

LESSON I...................................................................................................OUR THOUGHT LIFELESSON II. ............................................................................................................OUR SERVICELESSON III. .............................................................................................................OUR SPEECHLESSON IV. ..............................................................................................................OUR GOALSLESSON V. ..............................................................................................................OUR HABITS149

Lesson 1

PRACTICAL CHRISTIAN LIVINGOUR THOUGHT LIFE

Philippians 2:5This week's lesson deals with our thought life. One of the most important principlesconcerning our thought life is stated by Solomon in Proverbs 23:7. Solomon is saying that whatwe think about today is what we will become tomorrow.But we seldom pause to consider who or what controls our thinking. Our text tells usthat, as Christians, we are to “let” -- that is, allow or give way to the “mind of Christ”. In other words, let Christ think for you. Paul expressed a similar thought in I Corinthians 2:16. Whenthe mind of Christ controls our thoughts, our thinking will be right.

I. WE NEED RIGHT THINKING IN OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE LORD.

A. We are to think of him as Almighty God.1. He is the source of all power and authority. See Psalms 115:3.2. Our honor is due unto Him. Read Isaiah 25:1.3. We are to worship no one or no thing but God. Study Exodus 20:2-6.B. We are to think of Him as our Heavenly Father.1. He is the source of our salvation. See Psalms 27:1.2. He is the source of all our blessings. Study Matthew 7:11 and James 1:17.3. He is the source of our being. Read Isaiah 64:8.C. We are to think of Him as our strength.1. When we are weary. Study Isaiah 40:31.2. When we are tempted. See I Corinthians 10:13.3. When we are exhausted by our own efforts. Read II Corinthians 12:9.

II.

WE NEED RIGHT THINKING ABOUT OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE WORLD.

Although we live in the world, we are not to be of the world. Read Colossians 3:2.A. Worldliness destroys the influence of truth that is in us. See Matthew 13:22.B. Worldliness gives men a false sense of security. Read Matthew 24:38-39.C. Worldliness affects our relationship with God. See I John 2:15.

III.WE NEED RIGHT THINKING ABOUT OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHERS.

A. Christ set the standard of our love for others. See John 15:12.B. Our love for others is proof of our discipleship. See John 13:34-35.C. When we serve others, we serve Christ. Read Matthew 25:34-40.

CONCLUSION:

The thinking of every Christian should be controlled by Christ. His presence inour hearts and minds should affect what we think about God, what we think about the world, andwhat we think about others.150

Lesson 1 (cont’d)Answer the following questions:1. If Christ controls our minds, our thoughts will be what?2. Name the three ways of thinking right in our relationship with the Lord.a. b.c.3. Thinking right that “God is the Almighty, our Father, and strength”, does this helpyou and how?4. Although we live in the world, we are not to be of the world. What does this mean toyou?5. Worldliness is wrong thinking, list what it will do.a. b.c.6. Who in right thinking of others set the standard of love for others?7. What is the proof of our discipleship?8. When do we serve Christ?9. If Christ controls our minds it will affect our thinking of whom?151