Renewing Your Mind (Victory Series Book #4): Become More Like Christ by Neil T. Anderson Page B
Authors: Neil T. Anderson
Tags: REL012120
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disorderly and will decay. If rust doesn’t destroy them, then moths or termites will. Earthly treasures temptother people to covet and steal, which will pose a concern for their security. It is hard to be anxiety-free when we are worried about our possessions.
It is important to note that there is nothing inherently wrong with having material possessions. It is the love of money—not money itself—that is the root of all sorts of evil (see 1 Timothy 6:10). Paul tells us, “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life” (verses 17–19). Personal security comes from relationships, not physical possessions. The critical question is what do we treasure in our hearts. There will be no peace trying to serve two masters. Whichever master we choose to serve, by that master we shall be controlled.
Jesus then addresses the matter of our provision. People are anxious about tomorrow because they don’t know what tomorrow brings. Trusting God for tomorrow is a question of our worth. Birds are not created in the image of God, but we are! Birds will not inherit the kingdom of God, but we will! If God takes care of the birds, how much more will He take care of us! “If . . . God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you?” (Matthew 6:30).
God lays His own reputation on the line. It is our responsibility to trust and obey. It is His responsibility to remain faithful. This is a question of God’s integrity. Does He care for you, and will He provide for your needs? Yes and yes! Your heavenly Father knows what you need. “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (verse 34).
Do you believe that the fruit of the Spirit will satisfy you more than earthly possessions? Do you believe that if you hunger and thirst after righteousness you will be satisfied? Do you believe that God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory? If you do, then you will “seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (verse 33).
What is the problem with being double-minded?
Why do people worry about their possessions?
What is the difference between the security people hope to gain with material possessions and the security Christians can have in righteous relationships with God and each other?
What are you worried about? Whose responsibility is it?
What do you treasure in your heart? Which master are you serving?
Do you see how Jesus clarifies what has been obscure by comparing it to what is self-evident? Can you add one cubit, or even the slightest measure, to your bodily life span by worrying about it? Can you by being anxious about food add moments to your life? Hence it is clear that it is not our diligence but the providence of God, even where we seem to be active, that finally accompanies everything. In the light of God’s providence, none of our cares, anxieties, toils or any other such things will ever come to anything, but will utterly pass away.
John Chrysostom (AD 347–407)
2
Double-Minded Thinking
Joshua 24:14–28
Key Point
The mind that is focused on Christ is anxious-free.
Key Verses
You must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. . . . Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.
James 1:6, 8
I n the New Testament, the primary words for anxiety are the noun
It is important to note that there is nothing inherently wrong with having material possessions. It is the love of money—not money itself—that is the root of all sorts of evil (see 1 Timothy 6:10). Paul tells us, “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life” (verses 17–19). Personal security comes from relationships, not physical possessions. The critical question is what do we treasure in our hearts. There will be no peace trying to serve two masters. Whichever master we choose to serve, by that master we shall be controlled.
Jesus then addresses the matter of our provision. People are anxious about tomorrow because they don’t know what tomorrow brings. Trusting God for tomorrow is a question of our worth. Birds are not created in the image of God, but we are! Birds will not inherit the kingdom of God, but we will! If God takes care of the birds, how much more will He take care of us! “If . . . God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you?” (Matthew 6:30).
God lays His own reputation on the line. It is our responsibility to trust and obey. It is His responsibility to remain faithful. This is a question of God’s integrity. Does He care for you, and will He provide for your needs? Yes and yes! Your heavenly Father knows what you need. “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (verse 34).
Do you believe that the fruit of the Spirit will satisfy you more than earthly possessions? Do you believe that if you hunger and thirst after righteousness you will be satisfied? Do you believe that God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory? If you do, then you will “seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (verse 33).
What is the problem with being double-minded?
Why do people worry about their possessions?
What is the difference between the security people hope to gain with material possessions and the security Christians can have in righteous relationships with God and each other?
What are you worried about? Whose responsibility is it?
What do you treasure in your heart? Which master are you serving?
Do you see how Jesus clarifies what has been obscure by comparing it to what is self-evident? Can you add one cubit, or even the slightest measure, to your bodily life span by worrying about it? Can you by being anxious about food add moments to your life? Hence it is clear that it is not our diligence but the providence of God, even where we seem to be active, that finally accompanies everything. In the light of God’s providence, none of our cares, anxieties, toils or any other such things will ever come to anything, but will utterly pass away.
John Chrysostom (AD 347–407)
2
Double-Minded Thinking
Joshua 24:14–28
Key Point
The mind that is focused on Christ is anxious-free.
Key Verses
You must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. . . . Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.
James 1:6, 8
I n the New Testament, the primary words for anxiety are the noun
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