(Read Matthew 15:1-20)
This morning we continue our series, “Grace that is Simply Amazing” by continuing our mini-series entitled, “Grace Based Success (Prosperity)”. We have been studying the life of the Apostle Peter and our study has brought us to Matthew chapter 15. For about a week now we have been looking at a passage where Jesus had a ‘run in’ with a group of Pharisees and teachers of the Law. They were upset because Jesus and His disciples ate something without washing their hands first. Jesus was upset because they were hypocrites. Jesus scolded the religious group and when Peter asked for clarification of what Jesus said, the Son of God replied:
“Do you still have trouble understanding? Surely you know that all the food that enters the mouth goes into the stomach. Then it goes out of the body. But the bad things people say with their mouth come from the way they think. And that’s what can make people wrong. All these bad things begin in the mind: evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual sins, stealing, lying, and insulting people. These are the things that make people wrong. Eating without washing their hands will never make people unacceptable to God.”
Today we go back to this passage to focus on our thinking. Good and bad actions begin in the mind. Paul said it this way, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” (Rom 12:2). You won’t change until you change the way you think.
So what does this mean to you today? A few things:
1. God’s best is experienced when His plans for your life and your plans for your life are in alignment. When they are not aligned someone has to make a shift. Let me help you out and tell you that God is not going to change. Therefore, you must change, and it starts with changing the way you think.
2. Why does God require you to change the way you think? Because when you first come to God:
a) You think too small for God. You see limits where God sees opportunities to manifest His power.
b) You are far too quick to allow yourself to fall into condemnation, guilt and shame. This is why you must receive the gift of righteousness, provided to you through Christ Jesus.
c) You would have spent years being been too selfish. God’s plans are rooted in love and love is always looking to BE a blessing to others.
3. God is always looking to upgrade your thinking. Divine change starts in your mind.
a) You don’t change your behavior until you change your mentality.
b) You will never BE what you cannot SEE.
c) Your legs will never take you where your mind have never been.
4. The limitless power of God’s grace can only be fully received from a renewed mind.
a) To maximize your purpose and potential by grace you must renew your mind.
b) Your heart will never release faith until your mind has accepted God’s grace.
c) A renewed mind keeps its focus on God, on His will and His power. This is how God’s grace is able to freely flow.
d) A renewed mind says “Yes” to God and His will, regardless of how humanly impossible it seems.
Before I close, let me ask you a few questions:
1. Has your thinking been hindering God from operating in your life?
2. Have you said, “No” to God, because you don’t feel worthy of the assignment?
3. Have you dismissed the BIG plans God planted in your heart, because you can’t see how they will come to pass?
If you answered “Yes” to any of these questions, the Father wants you to renew your mind and to die to self, so that He can accomplish His Kingdom plans and purposes in, with and through you. Factor in less of you and more of God.
Closing Confession: Father, I thank You for teaching me about Your grace and my requirement to live by faith. Your grace is amazing, immeasurable and inexhaustible. You made great plans for me before the world began and I now realize I have hindered those plans, because my mind was not renewed to accept them. I will never maximize the purpose and potential You planted inside of me until I renew my mind. Therefore, by faith, I declare that I do. I get into Your Word daily. I am open to attempt and experience Your plans. As I do, my mind is renewed day by day. I see myself the way You see me. I see every challenge through the lens of heaven. I live my life by faith, rooted and grounded in Your grace and Your love towards me. I stop putting “NOs” where You have put “YESs”. I open my heart and my mind to the humanly impossible. Many things are impossible with me, but nothing is impossible with You. I submit to Your Word, Your will and Your way. I die to self. I live for You! I open my heart and my mind to accept Your best by Your grace. This year shall be the best year of my life. Not because I will earn it or deserve it, but because I will die to self to the point where You can freely flow through me. I declare this by faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper.
