Session 8: Renewing the Mind

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FOCUS VERSE: Romans 12:2: Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is — his good, pleasing and perfect will.

OBJECTIVE: To understand that taking hold of — and living in — your freedom in Christ is not a one-off experience but needs to become a way of life, and to provide you with a strategy to continually renew your mind.

FOCUS TRUTH: All of us have mental strongholds, ways of thinking that are not in line with God’s truth. Our success in continuing to walk in freedom and grow in maturity depends on the extent to which we continue to renew our minds and train ourselves to distinguish good from evil.

• “My entire personality has been formed around the wrong information.” What do you think about the idea that for much of our lives, our belief system and how we think have been influenced and shaped by many lies and half-truths said over us?
• “No child of God is inferior or inadequate.” Discuss
• What practical ways can we consider to make us more aware of strongholds, and how they affect our lives?

• Spend some time discussing the ways that strongholds are established. In what ways can you identify with the story of the alcoholic father and his three sons? Can you see any strongholds that have been established in your own life?
• Look at this list of common lies that people come to believe about themselves: unloved, rejected, inadequate, hopeless, stupid. For each one, find a Bible verse to show that it cannot be true of any Christian.
• “No Christian, no matter how bad their past experiences, has to remain a victim. God doesn’t change our past, He sets us free from it!” Discuss

• Note: This will primarily be an individual activity but leaders can provide help for group members as needed.
• Initial question to consider:
  Have you become aware of lies that you are prone to believe? What is the most significant one?
• Activity:
  Use this time to create — or start to create — your very own stronghold-buster so that you can go on to demolish it. Use the guidelines on page 155 of your Participant’s Guide and take note of the sample stronghold-busters on pages 159–161. There is space to create your own stronghold-busters on pages 162–167. You can also use the app.