Keith Daniel passionately teaches that believers must control their thoughts by focusing on what is pure and true, bringing every thought into obedience to Christ to live a holy life.
This sermon emphasizes the importance of controlling our thoughts and focusing on what is true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report, as outlined in Philippians 4:8. It warns against allowing corrupt thoughts to lead to wicked actions, highlighting the need to bring every thought into obedience to Christ and renew our minds. The message urges believers to forsake sinful ways and unrighteous thoughts, bringing them into captivity to align with God's standards.
Full Transcript
Men of corrupt minds, men of corrupt minds, Thutmose III, verse 8, and even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind to do those things which are not convenient. Romans 1, verse 28, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and mind, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and mind, Ephesians 2, verse 3, for as he thinketh, as he thinketh in his heart, so is he. As he thinketh in his heart, so is he.
Proverbs 23, verse 7, For out of the heart, out of the heart proceed evil thoughts. Matthew 15, verse 19, And heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief. Listen, the order, As he thinketh in his heart, so is he.
What you think you are. You are in heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief. Proverbs 6, verse 18, The feet run to evil.
Their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity. Isaiah 59, verse 7, You see, as he thinketh in his heart, so is he. God says, what are you filling up in the reservoir of your heart? Their feet run, run to evil.
Why? Their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity. Isaiah 59, verse 7, Woe to them that devise iniquity and work evil upon their beds. When the morning is light, they practice it.
You see, as he thinketh in his heart, so is he. Don't forget that. God tells you, you think these and you let this in your mind.
You do it. What you think you are. Woe to them that devise iniquity and work evil upon their beds.
When the morning is light, they practice it. They practice it because it is in the power of their hands. Micah 2, verse 1, Let the wicked forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts.
Isaiah 55, verse 7, Do you know how that goes? It's not two men forsake his way and another man. It's the same man. It's literally like this in the Hebrew.
Let the wicked forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts. You see, as he thinketh in his heart, so is he. You want to forsake that way? You want God to deal with it? Deal with it, yeah.
Let the wicked forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts. Isaiah 55, verse 7, And bringing, bringing into captivity, bringing into captivity every thought, every thought to the obedience of Christ. 2 Corinthians 10, verse 5, Bringing into captivity every thought.
You can. You can. You're as holy as you want to be.
And any theologian that tells you different is a liar. Don't you blame God that you live in sin while you name His name. Bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.
2 Corinthians 10, verse 5, And be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind. Romans 12, verse 2, By the renewing of your mind. Finally, brethren, finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true.
Whatsoever things are true. Whatsoever things are honest. Whatsoever things are just.
Whatsoever things are pure. Whatsoever things are lovely. Whatsoever things are of good report.
If there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4, verse 8, I dare you, young people, to put that on a little plaque, boldly, and put it over the music, before you select a CD, that you hope your mother and father won't have any hatred against you. I dare you, who have televisions, to put that on top of your television.
Do me a favor, give it a chance, a fair chance, the same size as the screen, put it on top. That whole verse, in bold black letters, As you sit listening, you know you are saying to God, you're as good as putting your fist up to heaven in His face, knowing what He says. How easy it is to throw a shout at any other conscience, Put it on top of your television.
If you haven't got the strength to put it off, throw it out. Tell me something, young man, The videos, the music, the DVDs, the programs, the books, Is being entertained worth being defiled? Answer God, or why are you here tonight? Does it offend you that someone speaks like this? Someone has to. Someone has to.
Don't you judge me. Judge me if I don't, before there's nothing left of the standard of... The world will be the standard of the churches. Nothing left.
Be careful. Be careful, church of Christ. If you name the name of Jesus, Whatsoever things are true.
That's why I get scared of novels. Whatsoever things are honest. Whatsoever things are just.
Whatsoever things are pure. Music included. Books, magazines.
Whatsoever things are lovely. Lovely. Put it off, child of God, if it's ugly.
Use it. If it's filthy words. If it's drowning out decency.
Throw it out. Whatsoever things are good, report. If there be any virtue.
Child of God. If there's anything that can build you up morally. To the standard of God.
To the life of holiness. If there's anything that can do anything like that to keep you. Anything.
If it's the music you listen to and it can build you up. Music that's godly and lovely and pure. It can keep you from negativeness.
God the Holy Ghost can use even music. But the devil will destroy anything you would ever know but through work with Jesus Christ. Through music.
If it's not. If it's even got a question mark. You're finished.
As far as attending work with God. When a Christian continually fails God. When a Christian continually fails God.
Firstly, with his eyes. With his eyes. Secondly, with his thoughts.
With his thoughts. And thirdly, with his lips. When a Christian continually fails God.
Sermon Outline
-
I
- The power of thoughts in shaping character and actions
- Biblical warnings about corrupt minds and wicked imaginations
- The connection between heart thoughts and outward behavior
-
II
- The call to forsake sinful ways and unrighteous thoughts
- The necessity of bringing every thought into captivity to Christ
- The role of mind renewal in spiritual transformation
-
III
- Practical application of Philippians 4:8 in daily life
- Guarding what we watch, listen to, and read
- The importance of holiness in thought, word, and deed
-
IV
- The consequences of failing to control thoughts
- Encouragement to live a victorious Christian life
- The responsibility of believers to maintain godly standards
Key Quotes
“As he thinketh in his heart, so is he.” — Keith Daniel
“Bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” — Keith Daniel
“Whatsoever things are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report, think on these things.” — Keith Daniel
Application Points
- Regularly evaluate and filter what you watch, listen to, and read to ensure it aligns with godly standards.
- Practice bringing every thought into obedience to Christ through prayer and scripture meditation.
- Renew your mind daily by focusing on virtues listed in Philippians 4:8 to cultivate holiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Keith Daniel emphasize controlling our thoughts?
Because our thoughts shape our character and actions, and controlling them aligns us with God's holiness.
What does it mean to bring every thought into captivity to Christ?
It means actively submitting and aligning all our thoughts to obey Christ's teachings and standards.
How can believers renew their minds according to the sermon?
By focusing on what is true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and praiseworthy as outlined in Philippians 4:8.
What practical steps does the sermon suggest for guarding our minds?
Removing impure media, setting godly standards for entertainment, and consciously choosing uplifting content.
Is holiness achievable for every believer according to Keith Daniel?
Yes, he asserts that believers can be as holy as they desire by controlling their thoughts and obeying Christ.
