Transformed Through Truth

In 2 Corinthians 10 we are commanded to take our thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ by applying truth to lies and false beliefs—in doing so we destroy arguments and every arrogant attitude raised against the knowledge of God.

What I want to look at today is emotions—how do we take our emotions captive to the obedience of Christ?

Our emotions are rooted in our beliefs.  My emotions—the feelings I experience—are deeply rooted in my beliefs, and accordingly, they are revealed, manifested, and released in and through my thought-life.

For example, if I believed direct exposure to moonlight would instantaneously melt my skin I would experience the emotion of fear just thinking about going outside at night.  I would experience a feeling of anger directed at anyone who would try to convince me to go outside at night.  Do you see how your emotions are attached to your beliefs?

Look, it is fair to say that my thoughts trigger my emotions, because my thoughts wrap around the axle of my beliefs.  Emotions, once manifested through my thoughts, drive my will and determine my attitudes and actions—my behaviors.  If my emotions are grounded in false beliefs they will produce corrupt and destructive attitudes and actions. Now, if you see people walking around fearful and angry there is a very good chance it has nothing to do with moonlight.

But let me ask you this; what false beliefs are currently holding your emotions hostage?  Are all of your beliefs perfectly aligned with the mind of Christ?  One of my top five guys says, “I am so free from me that I am free from you.”  What does that mean?  He is saying that the love and truth of God has so overwhelmed his heart, touched his spirit, and renewed his mind that he no longer desires to react in the flesh to people and circumstances that previously taxed and offended him.

Here is the Good News—the truth shall make you free.  In the gospel of John, Jesus said “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”  Amen?  It is truth, replacing lies and false beliefs, that sets us free from unhealthy emotions and the corresponding destructive choices.  Do you believe?  Do you believe who God says He is?  Do you believe who God says you are? Do you believe that Jesus came to set you free from the past?

In Colossians 3:10 God commands us to replace false beliefs with truth, by “putting on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its Creator.”

God’s knowledge is higher than our knowledge because God is truth.  Isaiah 55:8 says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

Proverbs 3:5‐6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

I’ve heard someone say that men and women who have never trusted Christ alone for salvation live in a fortress of ideas and perceptions, which become their prisons, and ultimately, their graves.

Romans 12:2 says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

We can change the way we feel by replacing lies and false beliefs with the perfect truth of God. Before our lives can change, our minds have to. God commands us to unclench our fists and let go of the lies and false beliefs that are destructive and limit the peace, joy, and love in our lives. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life—if the Son sets you free you are free indeed.  Amen?

What lies are binding you from truth and healthy emotions?  What erroneous beliefs about yourself, others, or God keep you from experiencing freedom and walking in the fruit of the Spirit?  Let’s Pray.

Heavenly Father, I thank You for the health I have today and praise You for this new life in Christ–I thank You that perfect love casts out fear and that my identity–my acceptance, love, security, value, and purpose all come from You. I lift up my brothers and sisters in Christ to You; I pray that You bless them, each one individually, with a deeper revelation of who You are and who they are in relation to You.  I pray that You bind the enemy–the unclean and demonic spirits from taking ground in their lives, in the name of Jesus.  I pray for godly sorry and radical repentance in each of our lives.  Examine our hearts, Father.  Reveal the false beliefs in our lives that allow lies to operate, and lead us to the truth that sets free in Christ Jesus.  Give us boldness and courage to come alongside others to speak truth in love; to speak life into souls.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 “Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.“