THEME: EXAMINE YOUR THOUGHTS.
MEMORISE:
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17
READ: Philippians 4:8
Finally, brethren, 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.
MESSAGE:
When Jesus says that by their fruits you shall know them, I want you to consider that passage carefully.
What produces fruit on a tree is inside it, not outside. It is what is inside the tree that will ultimately produce the fruition its outside. That is why Matthew 12:34 says:
O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.
Jesus also said it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles. a man but what comes out of it (Matthew 15:11). This is because what comes out is a reflection of what is inside. When the tree is full inside then it will begin to produce fruits. Ask yourself “What kind of thoughts do I think? Are they still similar to the thoughts I had before I became born again? Are my thoughts now more focused on heavenly things or still fixed on earthly concerns?”
“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” Colossians 3:1-2
If you are truly born again, your thoughts will be focused on things above, not on earthly things. Ask yourself “Am I constantly thinking about how to please God or am I thinking of how to please men and myself?”
For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. 1 Corinthians 11:31
Be honest with yourself so that you can start bearing fruits of repentance before it is too late. Do you still allow immoral thoughts to fill your heart? The Pastor cannot discover the thoughts of your mind, but God sees them. David said in Psalm51 :6:
“Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts:…”
When it was clear to him that his mind had been corrupted, David cried :
“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm51:10
The kind of thoughts you permit in your heart shows who you really are (Proverbs 23:7).
What fills your heart?
PRAYER POINT:
Pray the same prayer that David prayed In Psalm 51: 10. Ask God to create in you a clean heart.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Acts 23-25
AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE
HYMN 29: WHAT CAN WASH AWAY MY STAIN?
1. What can wash away my sin?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
What can make me whole again?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
o Refrain:
Oh! precious is the flow
That makes me white as snow;
No other fount I know,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
2. For my pardon, this I see,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
For my cleansing this my plea,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
3. Nothing can for sin atone,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
Naught of good that I have done,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
4. This is all my hope and peace,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
This is all my righteousness,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
5. Now by this I’ll overcome—
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
Now by this I’ll reach my home—
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
6. Glory! Glory! This I sing—
Nothing but the blood of Jesus,
All my praise for this I bring—
Nothing but the blood of Jesus. Thanks