Deny The Lie

ILLUSTRATION: Tell a story of a time when you were fixated on the worst-case scenario and let your mind spiral into thinking the worst.

TENSION

• Some of us are really bad over-thinkers. Our minds can quickly jump to crazy conclusions at the drop of a hat.

• So much of our stress and anxiety exists in fictional scenarios in our heads.

• Many of these are simply lies. They are a work of fiction.

• It is amazing how much mental energy we can give to our negative thoughts. It is such a waste of imagination.

• When you focus on your fear, it will always fail you.

• We give so much mental energy to lies, don’t we?

• We believe that popularity will make us happier.

• We believe that we are alone in our struggles.

• We believe the awful things that person said about us.

• However, God is calling you to live a different way!

• He doesn’t want negative thoughts to overtake you. Let’s look at some powerful advice from the Apostle Paul as he addresses poisonous thoughts.

• Paul paints a picture of a military invasion in enemy territory.

• We are at war and our thoughts are the enemies.

• Thoughts, ideas, speculations, reasonings, and foolish philosophies can act like barricades within our brain. They mentally separate the truth from our experience.

• Our poisonous thoughts are like enemies that we must take captive. Don’t just run from them, capture them.

• I am sure you can relate to that. How often has a dangerous thought derailed your entire day or ruined your entire mood? There is power in poisonous thoughts. That’s why we are called to wage war against them.

• This is a warfare passion. Look at how Paul approaches it. When discussing spiritual warfare, Paul doesn’t discuss holy water, salt circles, and burning sage. Rather, he discusses our minds.

• We need to train our brain to focus on God.

• Contrary to what movies may suggest, the mind is the primary battlefield for spiritual warfare on the personal level.

• If you want to win the war, you need to transform the battleground within your mind.

• The answer lies in the lies you believe.

— TRANSITION —

What kind of lies have you fallen for? Have you thought you were worthless? Have you questioned your purpose on earth? Have you assumed that you were forever stuck in a rut?

Whatever lie you have chosen to believe, you must take the advice of Paul. Capture it. You must put those poisonous thoughts in prison.

Then, we are called to replace the poisonous perspective with the promises of God.

• The Bible is calling us to deny the lies that live in our minds. It doesn’t just say deny them; it says to throw them in prison and get rid of the key.

• Negative thoughts are inevitable, but you must realize them and replace them with something more powerful.

• Replace those poisonous perspectives with the promises of God.

• You may think that you have to struggle in silence, but God has promised to heal your broken heart.

• You may think that you are alone, but God has placed a caring community around you.

• You may think that you will never get through this, but God has promised to give you strength and rest.

• You may think that your mental chaos is unavoidable,

• You may think that your life is worthless, but God’s got some amazing stuff planned for you.

ILLUSTRATION: Discuss a time when you believed a lie about yourself — either that you were unloved, directionless, or just average. Then discuss the moment you realized that wasn’t true.

LANDING

• Deny the lie. Proclaim the promise.

• The lies in our lives can make us feel overwhelmed.

• I feel overwhelmed with sorrow...

• I feel overwhelmed  with pain....

• I feel overwhelmed with addiction...

• Here is a powerful promise in scripture.

• Do not be overwhelmed, because Jesus overcame.

• There is so much power in each promise within scripture.

• Deny the lie — proclaim the promise.

TALK IT OUT 

Go through these questions with your circle. Be honest. Be open. Talk through the tough stuff.

Share a time when you ended up worrying yourself into a panic for no reason.

What lies are commonly running through the minds of teens your age? 

What are the most important truths people need to hear to combat those lies?

How can your words or actions reveal that you’re battling negative thoughts in your mind?

What can you do to commit to denying the lies and proclaiming God’s promises this week?

READ THESE PASSAGES IN ORDER EVERY DAY

Philippians 4:6-7

Philippians 4:12-13

Matthew 6:9-13

Matthew 6:25-27

Exodus 16:1-3

Esther 4:14 1

Timothy 6:7

Do the following with each passage: 

ASK– God to connect with you here. In prayer, start by slowing down and inviting God to be present. Begin with focus and openness to see what God has for you today.

READ– the selected section of Scripture slowly. Take note of the words and phrases that intrigue you, reading them a second time if necessary.

REFLECT– on what grabs you. How does this passage personally relate to your own life and experiences?

RESPOND– to the Scripture. Speak directly to God about what’s on your mind and heart. Look for ways to live out what you’ve uncovered.