Imagine a 3-year-old girl named Ashley standing in her bathroom, singing confidently, “I like my whole house, I can do anything good and better than anyone!” Her mother captured the moment, and 22 million people watched the video. Some commented, “She’s too young to know what she’s saying.” But does she have a sound mind? What do you think?
The Bible tells us in 2 Timothy 1:7, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” So what is a sound mind? It is a mind that has been delivered, rescued, revived, and made secure through Jesus Christ. Our minds are redeemed by the blood of Jesus and sanctified by the power of His Spirit.
A Sound Mind Takes Time
While many Christians expect an immediate transformation after being baptized, sometimes the sound mind doesn’t come instantly. God’s promise is true, but He may allow the process of developing a sound mind to be part of our walk with Christ. It is a journey where we share in Christ’s suffering and redemption. Jesus said, “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5:48). It’s a redeeming process, and part of that process is battling and overcoming negative thoughts.
Real-Life Scenario: Carl’s Negative Thoughts
Let’s take a real-life example. Carl is a student who got a C on his homework. Immediately, he starts thinking, “I’m going to fail everything,” or “I’m not a good test taker. I’m stupid. I’ll avoid taking tests altogether.” This thought grows over time, and when Carl goes for his first job interview or tries to ask a girl out, the same thoughts hold him back: “I’ll fail anyway.”
Carl is struggling with what we call negative self-labeling—a tendency to overgeneralize, assuming that failures in one area mean failures in every area. Biblically, this is called self-condemnation through guilt and shame. Guilt comes from inside us, while shame often comes from external pressures—society, culture, or family. Both can lead to performance-driven lives, making us feel that we have to be perfect to be accepted.
The Seeds of Overgeneralization
Negative self-labeling is like a seed. Once planted, it grows and can overtake our minds. It makes us draw broad, harmful conclusions about our worth or abilities based on a single failure. For example:
Filtering: You focus only on the negative aspects of a situation, ignoring any positive outcomes.
Personalizing: When something bad happens, you automatically blame yourself, even if it’s not entirely your fault.
Overcoming Negative Thoughts Through Jesus
So how do we overcome these negative thoughts through God’s redeeming power? One powerful example comes from Shammah Gara, a Christian girl and pastor’s daughter. In her book “Neither Do I,” she shares her experience of becoming pregnant out of wedlock. Despite choosing not to have an abortion, she carried deep shame and sorrow for months while putting on a brave face for the world. Inside, she was broken. But this story is not just about her fall—it’s about how Jesus restored her, healed her, and brought her salvation and strength.
Just like the woman caught in adultery in John 8:11, Jesus stood up for Shammah. When everyone wanted to condemn the woman, Jesus bent down and quietly wrote in the dirt. He didn’t engage in the accusations of guilt and shame. He fought against the negative self-labeling that others were trying to impose on her.
Jesus Fights for Our Sound Mind
When we bring our negative thoughts to Jesus and claim Him as our sound mind, He does something powerful. Not only did Jesus die for our sins, but He also battled the negative thoughts that come from guilt and shame. Jesus took a stand for you and me, choosing to be silent in the face of accusations so that we might be free. “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).
The enemy works overtime to keep us in shame because he knows that shame separates us from God’s love. But when we come to Jesus, He fights for our intimacy with God. In worship, we practice surrendering our negative thoughts, allowing the Holy Spirit to lead us to a place where nothing can separate us from the love of Christ (Romans 8:38-39).
Steps to Overcoming Negative Thoughts:
Recognize the Lie: Just like Carl, we must recognize when we are overgeneralizing or labeling ourselves negatively. Identify the root of the thought and bring it to Jesus.
Claim a Sound Mind in Christ: Remember that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind. In moments of doubt or guilt, declare this truth over your life.
Silence the Voices of Guilt and Shame: Just as Jesus silenced the crowd when they tried to shame the woman, we can silence the voices of guilt and shame by focusing on Jesus’ love and forgiveness.
Worship Through the Battle: In worship, we acknowledge that Jesus is closer than ever, fighting for our minds and our peace. Lay down every negative thought at His feet.
Conclusion:
Jesus is your sound mind. When negative thoughts arise, remember that He has already fought and won the battle for your mind. Come to Him, stand with Him, and let His Spirit guide you into the fullness of a sound, redeemed, and restored mind. When you are weak, He is strong, and His perfect power works for you.
Small Group Activity: "Renewing Our Minds with Jesus"
Objective:
To help participants recognize and overcome negative thoughts by renewing their minds with the truth of God’s Word, fostering a sound mind through fellowship, prayer, and practical application.
Scripture Focus:
2 Timothy 1:7 - “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
Materials Needed:
Index cards or pieces of paper
Pens
Bible or Bible app
A large poster board or whiteboard
Activity Breakdown:
1. Opening Discussion (10 minutes):
Question to Start: Ask the group, "What is a negative thought that you often struggle with?"
Encourage everyone to share briefly.
Explain that we all face negative thoughts, but Jesus gives us the power to overcome them and live with a sound mind.
2. Identifying Negative Thoughts (10 minutes):
Step 1: Hand out index cards or pieces of paper and pens to everyone.
Step 2: Ask each person to write down one recurring negative thought that they struggle with (e.g., “I’m not good enough,” “I always fail,” “Nobody cares about me”).
Step 3: Let participants keep this thought private (if they choose) or share it with the group, depending on their comfort level.
3. Scripture Truth Swap (15 minutes):
Step 1: Pair people up or divide them into small groups of 3-4.
Step 2: As a group, look up Bible verses that speak directly to the negative thoughts written down. Some examples could be:
“I’m not good enough” → Ephesians 2:10 - “For we are God’s masterpiece.”
“I always fail” → Philippians 4:13 - “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
“Nobody cares about me” → Romans 8:38-39 - “Nothing can separate us from the love of God.”
Step 3: Have each participant write down the scripture that directly counters their negative thought. Encourage them to speak the truth over themselves: “Instead of believing [negative thought], I will hold onto [scripture truth].”
4. Renewing Our Minds Together (15 minutes):
Step 1: Bring everyone together and ask them to read their positive scripture aloud (without needing to share their negative thought if they prefer).
Step 2: As a group, use the poster board or whiteboard to create a list of “Truths We Hold Onto.” Write down everyone’s scriptures as a declaration of God’s truth.
Step 3: Spend a few moments in quiet prayer, asking Jesus to renew your minds, replace negativity with His truth, and guide you into a sound mind.
5. Prayer and Encouragement (10 minutes):
Step 1: Gather in a circle and invite anyone who feels led to pray, thanking God for His truth and asking for strength to overcome negative thoughts.
Step 2: Close with a prayer of blessing, declaring 2 Timothy 1:7 over the group and asking God to give each person the power, love, and sound mind promised in His Word.
6. Take-Home Challenge:
Encourage each participant to post their chosen scripture somewhere visible during the week (e.g., on a mirror, in a phone reminder, or on a journal) and reflect on it daily.
Next week, ask the group to share how focusing on that scripture helped them counter negative thoughts and experience Jesus' peace.
Conclusion:
This activity helps us practice bringing every negative thought captive to the truth of God’s Word (2 Corinthians 10:5). By focusing on scripture and renewing our minds together as a small group, we learn to live with a sound mind, anchored in the love and power of Jesus Christ.
Jesus is My Sound Mind
Agape House Fellowship
Jesus Is Series #9
"Jesus is My Sound Mind"
How to Overcome Negative Thoughts
by Coach K
Scripture:
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
2 Timothy 1:7
Coach K’s Message Video:
https://youtu.be/FdEd5pmIyp8?feature=shared
Video play time: 00:00 -33:09
Imagine a 3-year-old girl named Ashley standing in her bathroom, singing confidently, “I like my whole house, I can do anything good and better than anyone!” Her mother captured the moment, and 22 million people watched the video. Some commented, “She’s too young to know what she’s saying.” But does she have a sound mind? What do you think?
The Bible tells us in 2 Timothy 1:7, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” So what is a sound mind? It is a mind that has been delivered, rescued, revived, and made secure through Jesus Christ. Our minds are redeemed by the blood of Jesus and sanctified by the power of His Spirit.
A Sound Mind Takes Time
While many Christians expect an immediate transformation after being baptized, sometimes the sound mind doesn’t come instantly. God’s promise is true, but He may allow the process of developing a sound mind to be part of our walk with Christ. It is a journey where we share in Christ’s suffering and redemption. Jesus said, “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5:48). It’s a redeeming process, and part of that process is battling and overcoming negative thoughts.
Real-Life Scenario: Carl’s Negative Thoughts
Let’s take a real-life example. Carl is a student who got a C on his homework. Immediately, he starts thinking, “I’m going to fail everything,” or “I’m not a good test taker. I’m stupid. I’ll avoid taking tests altogether.” This thought grows over time, and when Carl goes for his first job interview or tries to ask a girl out, the same thoughts hold him back: “I’ll fail anyway.”
Carl is struggling with what we call negative self-labeling—a tendency to overgeneralize, assuming that failures in one area mean failures in every area. Biblically, this is called self-condemnation through guilt and shame. Guilt comes from inside us, while shame often comes from external pressures—society, culture, or family. Both can lead to performance-driven lives, making us feel that we have to be perfect to be accepted.
The Seeds of Overgeneralization
Negative self-labeling is like a seed. Once planted, it grows and can overtake our minds. It makes us draw broad, harmful conclusions about our worth or abilities based on a single failure. For example:
Overcoming Negative Thoughts Through Jesus
So how do we overcome these negative thoughts through God’s redeeming power? One powerful example comes from Shammah Gara, a Christian girl and pastor’s daughter. In her book “Neither Do I,” she shares her experience of becoming pregnant out of wedlock. Despite choosing not to have an abortion, she carried deep shame and sorrow for months while putting on a brave face for the world. Inside, she was broken. But this story is not just about her fall—it’s about how Jesus restored her, healed her, and brought her salvation and strength.
Just like the woman caught in adultery in John 8:11, Jesus stood up for Shammah. When everyone wanted to condemn the woman, Jesus bent down and quietly wrote in the dirt. He didn’t engage in the accusations of guilt and shame. He fought against the negative self-labeling that others were trying to impose on her.
Jesus Fights for Our Sound Mind
When we bring our negative thoughts to Jesus and claim Him as our sound mind, He does something powerful. Not only did Jesus die for our sins, but He also battled the negative thoughts that come from guilt and shame. Jesus took a stand for you and me, choosing to be silent in the face of accusations so that we might be free. “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).
The enemy works overtime to keep us in shame because he knows that shame separates us from God’s love. But when we come to Jesus, He fights for our intimacy with God. In worship, we practice surrendering our negative thoughts, allowing the Holy Spirit to lead us to a place where nothing can separate us from the love of Christ (Romans 8:38-39).
Steps to Overcoming Negative Thoughts:
Conclusion:
Jesus is your sound mind. When negative thoughts arise, remember that He has already fought and won the battle for your mind. Come to Him, stand with Him, and let His Spirit guide you into the fullness of a sound, redeemed, and restored mind. When you are weak, He is strong, and His perfect power works for you.
Small Group Activity: "Renewing Our Minds with Jesus"
Objective:
To help participants recognize and overcome negative thoughts by renewing their minds with the truth of God’s Word, fostering a sound mind through fellowship, prayer, and practical application.
Scripture Focus:
2 Timothy 1:7 - “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
Materials Needed:
Activity Breakdown:
1. Opening Discussion (10 minutes):
2. Identifying Negative Thoughts (10 minutes):
3. Scripture Truth Swap (15 minutes):
4. Renewing Our Minds Together (15 minutes):
5. Prayer and Encouragement (10 minutes):
6. Take-Home Challenge:
Conclusion:
This activity helps us practice bringing every negative thought captive to the truth of God’s Word (2 Corinthians 10:5). By focusing on scripture and renewing our minds together as a small group, we learn to live with a sound mind, anchored in the love and power of Jesus Christ.