I know I haven’t posted a blog in a while but I felt I needed to follow up on the series we just completed in Philippians. Now that we have completed the series we need to not lose what we have learned in this study. The essence of Bible study is living out what you learn, not just learning for learning’s sake. As we start a new year I encourage you follow a few steps so that in 2016 you can obtain and maintain your joy.
- Surrender you mind to the Lord at the beginning of each day. This is part of being dedicated to the Lord, presenting your bodies as a living sacrifice to the Lord. Striving to not be conformed to the world but daily renewing your mind so that you will know the will of God (Romans 12:1-2; sort of). Commit to giving your body, mind, and will to God by faith at at the start of each day.
- Let the Holy Spirit renew your mind through the Word. Make a commitment to read your Bible, it is necessary to have victory and joy.
- As you pray, ask God to give you that day a single mind, a submissive mind, a spiritual mind, and a secure mind. As you think about your daily schedule, be sure that nothing you have planned will rob you of your joy.
- During the day “mind your mind.” If you at any time find yourself losing your inner peace and joy, stop and take inventory. Ask yourself if you have the single mind. Did you miss an opportunity to be a blessing and failed to have the submissive mind? Go to God and confess any sin that may be there. Continually ask God for opportunities to be a blessing and then follow through on these opportunities as they come.
- Guard the gates of your mind. Remember what Paul says in Philippians 4:8: 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. When ever thinks pop into your mind that should not be there, deal with them immediately. If those thoughts are cultivated they will take root and grow and rob you of your joy.
- Remember that your joy is not meant to be a selfish thing; it is God’s way of glorifying Christ and helping others through you. Jesus first, others second, yourself last, and the result is Joy.
I truly enjoyed this study of Philippians. Pray for me as I strive to apply these principles in my own life.