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  THE RENEWED MIND
  by Theodore Epp
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Summary: The sermon emphasizes the importance of controlling our
thoughts to shape our character and renew our minds according to God's
will.

Topics: "Character Development", "Renewed Mind"
Scripture References: Philippians 4:8

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DESCRIPTION
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Theodore Epp emphasizes the significance of a renewed mind in his
sermon, urging listeners to analyze their thoughts and recognize the
impact of both good and bad thinking on their character. He explains
that our thoughts shape who we are, as the heart reveals itself through
our words and actions. Epp encourages the congregation to focus on
spiritual and positive thoughts to build a strong character, while
warning against the dangers of negative thinking that leads to
deterioration. He highlights the transformative power of renewing the
mind as a means to align with God's will.

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CONTENT
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Philippians 4:8,9; 2 Peter 1: 1-9

A good exercise is to analyze the kind of thoughts you have been
thinking. Some will be spiritual thoughts that make a positive
contribution to life, others will be thoughts about things that are not
necessarily good or bad, and there will be thoughts that are definitely
bad--and you realize this without anyone's telling you so. The quickest
way to deteriorate or to degenerate is to allow your mind to be occupied
with unworthy thoughts. We soon become what we think. Thinking good
thoughts contributes to building character; thinking bad thoughts leads
downward.

Jesus explained that the mouth really reveals what is in the heart: "The
good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is
good; and the evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth what is
evil; for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart" (Luke 6:45,
NASB). What the conscious mind thinks on gradually sinks into the
subconscious mind and becomes the building blocks, or material, for
one's character. "For as he thinks within himself, so he is" (Prov.
23:7, NASB).

We can make a positive contribution to our subconscious mind by
controlling the thoughts of our conscious mind. But when we think
selfishly, covetously, jealously and lustfully, these characteristics
will become evident in our character.

"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the
renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and
acceptable, and perfect will of God" (Rom. 12:2).

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/theodore-epp/the-renewed-mind/
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