What Do I Think About Myself?
Jan 26, 2025
Pastor Payton Horne
Pastor Payton Horne
Summary
This sermon explores the importance of how we think about ourselves as Christians, based on Paul's teachings in Romans 12:3. The pastor emphasizes the need to think humbly, soberly, and faithfully, aligning our thoughts with God's perspective rather than worldly or prideful views. He stresses the power of faith and the importance of capturing our thoughts to make them obedient to Christ, ultimately leading to a transformed mind and life.
Key Points:
Scripture Reference:
Key Points:
- Think humbly: Avoid thinking too highly of yourself and comparing yourself to others
- Think soberly: Maintain self-control and a sound mind, regardless of circumstances
- Think faithfully: View yourself in light of the faith God has given you for extraordinary things
- Capture your thoughts and make them obedient to Christ
- Our thoughts significantly impact our emotions, actions, and spiritual life
- God thinks innumerable good thoughts about us, contrasting with our often negative self-thoughts
Scripture Reference:
- Romans 12:3
5 Day Devotional
Day 1: Thinking Humbly
Philippians 2:3-11
As we begin this journey, let's focus on the importance of humility in our spiritual walk. Paul's words in Romans 12:3 remind us "not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think." This echoes Christ's own example of humility. As you read today's passage, reflect on areas in your life where pride may be hindering your relationship with God and others. How can you cultivate a more humble perspective? Remember, true humility isn't thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less. Ask God to help you see yourself and others through His eyes, recognizing that every good gift comes from Him.
As we begin this journey, let's focus on the importance of humility in our spiritual walk. Paul's words in Romans 12:3 remind us "not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think." This echoes Christ's own example of humility. As you read today's passage, reflect on areas in your life where pride may be hindering your relationship with God and others. How can you cultivate a more humble perspective? Remember, true humility isn't thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less. Ask God to help you see yourself and others through His eyes, recognizing that every good gift comes from Him.
Day 2: Renewing Our Minds Reading
Romans 12:1-2
Today's passage challenges us to be "transformed by the renewal of your mind." This transformation is key to discerning God's will and living out our faith. Consider the statistic mentioned in the sermon: around 80% of our daily thoughts are negative. How might this affect your spiritual life? Take time to identify recurring negative thought patterns and bring them before God. Ask Him to help you "take every thought captive to obey Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5). Practice replacing these thoughts with truths from Scripture. Remember, renewing our minds is an ongoing process that requires intentionality and reliance on the Holy Spirit.
Today's passage challenges us to be "transformed by the renewal of your mind." This transformation is key to discerning God's will and living out our faith. Consider the statistic mentioned in the sermon: around 80% of our daily thoughts are negative. How might this affect your spiritual life? Take time to identify recurring negative thought patterns and bring them before God. Ask Him to help you "take every thought captive to obey Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5). Practice replacing these thoughts with truths from Scripture. Remember, renewing our minds is an ongoing process that requires intentionality and reliance on the Holy Spirit.
Day 3: Living by Faith
Hebrews 11:1-6
The sermon emphasized thinking faithfully, "according to the measure of faith that God has assigned." Today's reading reminds us of the power of faith and its importance in pleasing God. Reflect on your own faith journey. Are there areas where you're struggling to trust God? Remember the examples given in the sermon - Noah building the ark, Abraham offering Isaac, David facing Goliath. These were acts of extraordinary faith. What "mountains" in your life need faith to move them? Ask God to increase your faith and help you see situations through the lens of His promises rather than your limitations.
The sermon emphasized thinking faithfully, "according to the measure of faith that God has assigned." Today's reading reminds us of the power of faith and its importance in pleasing God. Reflect on your own faith journey. Are there areas where you're struggling to trust God? Remember the examples given in the sermon - Noah building the ark, Abraham offering Isaac, David facing Goliath. These were acts of extraordinary faith. What "mountains" in your life need faith to move them? Ask God to increase your faith and help you see situations through the lens of His promises rather than your limitations.
Day 4: The Power of the Holy Spirit
Acts 1:8, Acts 2:1-4
The sermon highlighted that the same Holy Spirit who empowered the early church dwells in believers today. As you read about the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, consider how this power is available to you. Are you living in the fullness of what God has given you? Reflect on areas of your life where you need the Holy Spirit's power - perhaps in witnessing to others, overcoming sin, or facing difficult circumstances. Spend time in prayer, asking God to fill you afresh with His Spirit and to manifest His power in and through your life.
The sermon highlighted that the same Holy Spirit who empowered the early church dwells in believers today. As you read about the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, consider how this power is available to you. Are you living in the fullness of what God has given you? Reflect on areas of your life where you need the Holy Spirit's power - perhaps in witnessing to others, overcoming sin, or facing difficult circumstances. Spend time in prayer, asking God to fill you afresh with His Spirit and to manifest His power in and through your life.
Day 5: Renewing Our Self-Image Reading
Psalm 139:13-18
We end our week focusing on how God sees us. The sermon mentioned that 95% of our daily thoughts are about ourselves, with many being negative. Today's passage reminds us of how precious we are to God. As you read, let these words sink deep into your heart. God's thoughts toward you are innumerable and good. How does this truth contrast with how you often think about yourself? Take time to write down negative self-perceptions you struggle with, then counter each one with a truth from Scripture about your identity in Christ. Ask God to help you see yourself as He sees you, and to base your self-worth on His love rather than your own accomplishments or failures.
We end our week focusing on how God sees us. The sermon mentioned that 95% of our daily thoughts are about ourselves, with many being negative. Today's passage reminds us of how precious we are to God. As you read, let these words sink deep into your heart. God's thoughts toward you are innumerable and good. How does this truth contrast with how you often think about yourself? Take time to write down negative self-perceptions you struggle with, then counter each one with a truth from Scripture about your identity in Christ. Ask God to help you see yourself as He sees you, and to base your self-worth on His love rather than your own accomplishments or failures.