WEEK 7 PART N/A VICTORY WITH YOUR MIND

SCRIPTURE:

Genesis 6:5-6 5 When the LORD saw that man’s wickedness was widespread on the earth and that every scheme his mind thought of was nothing but evil all the time, 6 the LORD regretted that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart.

Deuteronomy 4:39 39 Today, recognize and keep in mind that the LORD is God in heaven above and on earth below; there is no other.

Romans 12:2 2 Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.

1 Peter 1:13-16 13 Therefore, with your minds ready for action, be serious and set your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 14As obedient children, do not be conformed to the desires of your former ignorance. 15But as the One who called you is holy, you also are to be holy in all your conduct; 16for it is written, Be holy, because I am holy. (Leviticus 19:2)

Philippians 4:8 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 moral excellence and if there is any praise dwell on these things.

Proverbs 11:20 20 Those with twisted minds are detestable to the LORD, but those with blameless conduct are His delight.

FROM THE TEXT:

The great news is that the defense perimeter of the eyes works with you to build the perimeter of the mind. The mind needs an object for its lust, so when the eyes view sexual images, the mind has plenty to dance with. Without those images, the mind has an empty dance card. By starving the eyes, you starve the mind as well. –from chapter 14 in the text

Your mind is orderly, and your worldview colors what comes through it. The mind will allow impure thoughts only if they “fit” the way you look at the world. As you set up the perimeter of defense for your mind, your brain’s worldview will be transformed by a new matrix of allowed thoughts or “allowables.” –from the workbook pg 81.

The one thing I want to make clear as we near the end of this study is that … this is not intended to suggest that sex is evil, that having carnal thoughts is abnormal, or that God is intent on punishing us for our interest in pursuing sexual satisfaction. The issue is one of distortion, obsession, unfettered lust, and acting out in ways that create consequences which damage ourselves and those around us. I would recommend that this series does not get sidetracked by conversations regarding judging, or condemning, those whose behaviors have been legalized or normalized in the recent past.

The best commentary I have heard was brought to the table by a young man who “wanted to maintain his perspective so that the culture around him did not suck him into its version of normal.” I have obviously paraphrased this, but I think the point is well made. If we do not remain vigilant, and focused on Jesus Christ as our role model, we run a very real risk of being slaves to our desires, and victims of our culture. The mind, which is the second level of defense after the eyes, is clearly a significant secondary perimeter … one that has a huge impact when it is in gear. I would say that eyes and the heart are like slices of bread, and the mind is the meat.

Think of it as a brain sandwich:

The mind is where we make decisions and calculate risks. This is where we formulate our values and think through what we say really matters. It is also where we can rationalize and justify what we want. In psychological terms it houses the id, the ego and the super ego. This mind thing can also be conveniently set aside when we use drugs and alcohol because it is organic and resides in the brain. This “disconnect” is a short circuit that allows a direct connection from the eyes to the heart. If the heart is treasuring the carnal, and the eyes are feasting on it, and the mind is disengaged the results can be horrific. Ever wondered what you did when you were drunk or high? Your heart knows and your eyes know, but you cannot remember what happened.

Note: the spirit is set apart from the brain (or mind) in this dialogue, but it is never far from all of these defenses we call perimeters. The soul or spiritual nature might be said to reside in the heart. However, the soul (or spirit) is our Godly identity, and is truly who we are. It is separate from our bodies, but is clearly affected by our physical nature. The mind is filter number 2.

I do not want anyone to hate himself because of being impure … we all are impure because our human nature colors our desires and our needs. Sex ranks right up there with food and shelter in most psychological lists or hierarchy of needs. Sex, however, is a means and not an end. Having sex does not conclude anything, or solve any problems, on a permanent basis. It motivates us to reproduce. In ancient Hebrew theology, the primary reason for sex was a succession of male heirs, not pleasure. Pleasure was the motivator.

Just what is the mind and how is it different from the brain or the heart? Is it truly different or just different names for the same thing? What are your thoughts on this, and why do you believe your way of thinking makes sense? Is it opinion or fact?

Have you ever convinced yourself that you actually deserve to be happy and to feel good regardless of whom it hurts? Is this how a guy begins to rationalize doing whatever it takes? Isn’t this the real beginning of addiction and obsession? What is the downside of hedonism?

If it feels good should you do it? Why is this not a wise idea both Biblically and practically?

Is masturbation sinful? Is it wrong? Is it evil? Why do you agree or disagree?

How can masturbation become a problem, and how can it take the place of a relationship with a spouse or with God? Is a fantasy life really better than no life at all?

What are we supposed to do about the sexual desires we have if we are not married? What does our culture tell us and what does God have to say? (No need to quote Scripture here)

In our minds and our hearts don’t we know what’s right and what’s wrong? Why then do we feel guilty or shameful if meeting our needs is ok and natural? What is natural to you?