Thinking God’s Thoughts – Pastor Steve Blayer

Thinking God’s thoughts leads to living Gods way

When we judge our lives purely based on what we think in our own minds. we subject ourselves to the limited, carnal thinking we would be capable of without God’s wisdom. Seeing things God’s way enables us to continue on, even when we are faced with what seems impossible.

1 Sam 30:1-25 David at Ziklag

vv.1-6

Ø  The menwept until there was no strength in them to weep

Ø  All the people were embittered––

Ø  Looked for a scapegoat – threatened to stonehim

Ø  Stoning– “throw stones” – devil’s name “dia-bolos” – one who “casts through”

When our thoughts are consumed by the words of our adversary, difficult situations become intolerable, and molehills look more like mountains. if victory is to occur, it will always begin in our thought life

2 Cor 10:3-5

Ø  Fortresses: [ochuroma] — A stronghold, fortification, fortress; metaphorically of any strong points or arguments in which one trusts

Ø  Speculations:[logismós] — A reckoning, calculation, consideration, reflection:  the consideration and reflection preceding and determining conduct

Ø  Every lofty thing:[húpsōma] — Something made high, elevated, a high place: Figuratively of a proud adversary, a lofty tower or fortress built up proudly by the enemy

Ø  Against the knowledge of God= God’s way of thinking

The heart of true spiritual warfare has far less to do with the demons on the outside, and much more to do with how we entertain their thoughts on the inside.

taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ:

David: encouraged himself in the Lord His God…

vv.7-20

…bring me the ephod

Ø  What to do when surrounded by the accuser? Inquire of the Lord!

Ø  200 men remained – too weary to keep fighting

Ø  David brought back everything stolen

vv.21-25The men at Besor

Besor: “Glad tidings” “Incarnation”

Ø  The judgment: “they abandoned us, hey did not earn this victory, so they get nothing”

David’s mercy:  as his share is who goes down to the battle, so shall his share be who stays by the baggage; they shall share alike.

When we overcome by the Word and Strength of God, we are not embittered against those who we feel abandoned us in our hour of need, and can share Good News to them with the spoils of our victory.

Romans 5:6  For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.