Freedom House Church and Healing Centre

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

(2 Ti 1:7 NKJV)

I hope you have been able to spend some time with the word and scriptures from my last blog.  If you are, I am believing that God is giving you more of those things you are asking for and seeking, especially more revelation of who He is!

One thing I have been realizing more and more is the need to exercise the sound mind I have been given.  With everything going on in the world and all around us, more than ever before there is a need to know about, believe in and use the sound mind we have been given.  Yes, we have been given a sound mind! 

Last April while reading 2 Ti 1:7, a passage very familiar to many, I got a deeper revelation of this scripture.  We have NOT been given a spirit of fear BUT have been given power, love and a sound mind.  Wow!  We have been given a sound mind!  At that time I studied from the scriptures what a sound mind is and would like to share with you what I discovered and have been putting into practice ever since.  I pray that it will help you too.

Definition of a sound mind (sophronismos)

• self-control
• self-discipline (careful, rational, sensible thinking, disciplined thought patterns)
• good judgement
• sound judgement (the ability to understand & make right decisions)

The following are a couple of scriptures that have been helpful to me in learning to exercise the sound mind I have been given:

1. By your patience possess your souls. (Lk 21:19)

The soul is the mind, will and emotions.  It is the seat of the affections, will, desires, emotions, reason and understanding.  Possess means to master or have ownership.

With patience that comes from Holy Spirit, we can master, take ownership, of our mind and respond to what comes our way with a mind under the power and influence of Holy Spirit (Who is the Spirit of truth) and be known as a person who is self-controlled, careful, rational and sensible in our thinking.  A person with disciplined thought patterns.  A person who has the ability to understand and make right decisions.

I used to be a person who was led too much by emotions and not by the sound mind that I have been given.  Holy Spirit has helped me tremendously in this area and I know that I am making progress.

       2. You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You. (Isa 26:3 NKJV)

I am learning to keep my mind focused on Jesus.  On who He is, His truth, His promises and who I am in Him.

As the days are evil and there is more darkness, we need more wisdom, revelation and discernment.  We need more boldness, steadfastness and perseverance to carry on the responsibility of our calling as the church to spread the gospel.  Remember we have Holy Spirit indwelling in us.

But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. (Ro 8:11 NKJV)

Let’s not neglect the rest of 2 Ti 1:7.  Holy Spirit empowers us with boldness, not fear/timidity, love and a sound mind.

And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness. (Acts 4:31 NKJV)

Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. (Ro 5:5 NKJV)

We must rely on Holy Spirit to enable us to do whatever God requires.  Being filled with God’s Spirit, Holy Spirit, who is love, we will be capable of loving God and loving others.

Fear is a driving force in the world and it is running rampant right now.  Fear drives the news headlines, motivates advertising campaigns and stirs up social media hysteria.  Fear is one of satan’s schemes to confuse our minds, cause irrational thoughts, misunderstandings and derail us from the will of God.  Fear is one of the greatest obstacles to completing God’s work.  I would say that it is the greatest.  If allowed, it will stop the work the Lord has commissioned His church to do.

However, we are the church of Jesus Christ.  A people of faith.  Overcomers.  More than conquerors in Christ Jesus.  We are not unaware of the enemy’s schemes.  We will continue to be watchful, sober and vigilant.  We will continue to do the work that God has called us to do!

Here are some characteristics of a sound mind that will help you to know how you are coming along with using the sound mind you have been given: 

1. A sound mind is a stable, healthy mind. A healthy mind is linked to our attitude and outlook as believers.  A sound mind is not overly concerned with the cares and problems of this life but is set on God and His Kingdom. (Mt 6:33; Col 3:1-2; 1 Peter 5:7)
2. A sound mind is alert and sober, focused on the eternal hope we have in Jesus Christ.

(1 Peter 1:13; 5:8-10)

1. A sound mind recognizes who God is, His promises in His Word, who we are in Christ and does not depend on human wisdom and strength. It is not driven by lies, feelings or circumstances. (Pro 3:5-6; Zech 4:6; 2 Co 10:3-6)
2. A sound mind is guarded with the peace of God through prayer, praise and thanksgiving and purity. (Phil 4:6-8; 1 Jn 3:3)

We have been given a sound mind.  We need to believe, receive and practice using what we have already been given.  I encourage you to develop your relationship with Holy Spirit and be in the Word of God!  Holy Spirit transforms our heart and thinking so that we can live a life that glorifies God and look like we belong to God so that others will want Who we have-JESUS! 

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” (Rev 2:7 NKJV)