Thinking About what you’re thinking about

God’s intent with Jesus is to change you. This is not a superficial change. It is radical change. It occurs by: revamping our thinking. God helps us learn a new way to think. Scripture has much to say about our minds, attitude, and the way we think. What do we think about our past? The future? Do we look at things with the proper perspective? Are we conscious of our need to grow & reach others? How confident and optimistic are we about our future? It is very important to be optimistic - we’ve been so richly blessed & have a God who loves us!

I. The need for optimism.

A. Optimism is an important thing.

B. Many Christians don’t grow more than they do because they don’t have enough confidence in themselves OR in God.

1. Settle for mediocrity or complacency.

2. Lives governed by I can’t.

C. Christians have ample reasons to be optimistic.

1. Col. 3:1-2 – we have received spiritual blessings.

2. Rom. 8:31, 37; Phil. 4:13 – God is on our side.

3. Pessimism is never commended in scripture. Deut. 30:15, 19

D. Not talking about false optimism.

1. some optimism is born out of ignorance – Mt. 7:21-23

2. see also – Josh. 7:3-4; Lk. 18:11-12; 1 Cor. 10:12

II. Optimism is seen throughout scripture.

A. Assurance.

1. Consider these scriptures: 2 Thess. 2:16-17; Phil. 1:3-6; Heb. 10:22; 1 John 5:13; 3:19

2. There is a certain peace that can come by practicing righteousness – Isa 32:17

B. Confidence.

1. Confidence implies a “present trust.”

2. Romans 12:3 – not to be filled with arrogant pride. But... need to have self confidence & be conscious that we are of great value as a person.

3. Look for opportunities to grow – John 4:35.

4. 2 Cor. 5:6-7 – always confident.

5. 2 Tim. 1:12 – look at Paul’s confidence.

C. Faith. Might define faith by this acronym:

1. F orsaking A ll I Trust H im.

2. Numerous passages demonstrate faith in how it relates to being optimistic.

a) Mt. 17:20; 9:27, 31

3. Faith is seen in the life of David – Psa. 6:8.

Heb. 11:6; Js. 1:6-8

Conclusion:

A. You have infinite potential through Jesus Christ.

1. Don’t hold yourself back by pessimistic thinking.

B. We should be the happiest people of earth.

C. Do you have a relationship with Him?