Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts. Proverbs 4:23 GNT

Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, Romans 8:5

A. It is centered on self

The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Jeremiah 17:9

So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. Romans 8:6

B. It leads to death

Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death. James 1:14-15

For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will. Romans 8:7

C. It is hostile toward God

That’s why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God. Romans 8:8

D. It cannot please God

Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. Ephesians 2:1,3

Those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. Romans 8:5

I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God. ...the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life. John 3:3,6

A. The Spirit gives us new life

Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 7:24- 25

B. The Spirit renews our thinking

Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Romans 12:2

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5

Letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. Romans 8:6

C. The Spirit produces life and peace

I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. John 14:27

• Examine what occupies your thoughts.

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. Psalm 139:23-24

• Surrender sinful thought patterns to Christ.

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5

• Fill your mind daily with God's Word.

Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105

• Ask the Holy Spirit daily to renew your mind.

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2

Here is a prayer you can pray daily starting today . . .

Lord, let my mind be governed by Your Spirit, my thoughts be shaped by Your Word, and my life reflect Your

Kingdom.