How to become a Healthy Believer

Three Seasons Community Church– 8-10-08

Developing healthy Christ centered people...

The Inward Journey is the journey toward emotional wholeness

How is it defined?

Why is Emotional Health important?

Does the Bible have anything to say about this?

If someone asked you to define emotional wholeness or emotional health– how would you define it?

Emotional Health =

Seeing yourself realistically through God’s eyes of Grace! You’re painfully aware of who you are, and who you aren’t. You appreciate your strengths and accept your limitations.

Why is Emotional Health important?

Of all the emotions that were named:

Which ones do believers experience?

Which ones do unbelievers experience?

Why is Emotional Health important?

1– God created us as emotional beings

2– It is through our emotions that we connect with God and others

How is _____________ helping you grow closer to Christ?

Ephesians 4:22-5:2 (NIV)

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; [23] to be made new in the attitude of your minds; [24] and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

[25] Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. [26] "In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, [27] and do not give the devil a foothold. [28] He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.

[29] Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. [30] And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. [31] Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. [32] Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

[5:1] Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children [2] and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

You MUST EXHALE, be honest with yourself and EXPRESS your Pain

So what do you need to "Get Rid Of"?

So what do you need to "Get Rid Of" so you have room for the Holy Spirit to work in your life?

You must INHALE God to fill the void left by those newly expressed negative emotions

Philippians 4:8-9 (NIV)

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. [9] Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me--put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Romans 12:1-2 (NIV)

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. [2] Do not conform any longer 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.

Colossians 3:2 (NIV)

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

2 Corinthians 10:5 (NIV)

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

Joshua 1:6-8; Psalm 19:14, 48:9, 119:99; Isaiah 26:3-4, 46:8-11; Ephesians 4:22-5:2; Colossians 3:2; Romans 8:5-8; 1 Corinthians 2:16; 2 Corinthians 3:13-18, 5:17, 10:5; Philippians 2:5-16; Hebrews 10:23-25, 12:1-3; 1 Peter 1:13; 1 Peter 4:1-2.