05/13/2026
Speaker: Pastors Allen and Torri Rogers
Series: A Great Work
Title: Guard the Gate of Your Mind 2
Scripture:
2 Corinthians 10:3–5; Nehemiah 6:1–9; Proverbs 4:23; Philippians 4:8–9; James 1:14–15; 1 Peter 1:13; 1 Timothy 5:8; Ephesians 5:25; 1 Peter 3:7; Ephesians 6:4; Colossians 3:21; Hebrews 12:15; Ephesians 4:26–27; Galatians 1:10; John 12:43; Luke 10:38–42
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Principle
The real battle of a “great work” is often in our thoughts.
Strongholds are built from repeated lies we believe. Guarding what we allow to live in our minds protects the work God is doing in us, our families, and our church—how we provide, love, lead, forgive, and choose Jesus over distraction.
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Looks Like
- Seeing spiritual warfare as arguments, pretensions, and thoughts that rise against the knowledge of God (2 Cor 10:3–5; Jas 1:14–15).
- Guarding the inner life because it determines the course of your life (Prov 4:23); preparing your mind for action instead of being mentally passive (1 Pet 1:13).
- Following Nehemiah’s example:
- Naming lies for what they are.
- Refusing distractions, accusations, and intimidation that pull you off the wall (Neh 6:1–9).
- Turning to God for strength instead of fear.
- Letting God’s truth shape how you treat your household:
- Providing responsibly for your family (1 Tim 5:8).
- Loving your spouse sacrificially like Christ (Eph 5:25); honoring your spouse with understanding (1 Pet 3:7).
- Raising children in the Lord without harshness or provocation (Eph 6:4; Col 3:21).
- Guarding your heart from bitterness and unresolved anger that defile many and give the enemy a foothold (Heb 12:15; Eph 4:26–27).
- Living for God’s approval rather than people’s (Gal 1:10; John 12:43).
- Choosing intimacy with Jesus over anxiety and overactivity, like Mary sitting at His feet instead of Martha’s distraction (Luke 10:38–42; Phil 4:8–9).
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Warnings
- Misordered priorities—when work or ministry consistently come before spouse and children—leave people feeling unloved, even when intentions are good (1 Tim 5:8; Eph 5:25; Eph 6:4).
- Unchallenged thoughts quietly become strongholds and eventually shape behavior in the home and in ministry.
- Bitterness and stored anger spread and poison relationships; they keep old wounds open and give the devil room to work (Heb 12:15; Eph 4:26–27).
- People‑pleasing competes with faithful obedience; seeking human praise makes us slow to obey God (Gal 1:10; John 12:43).
- Busyness and distraction can pull us away from the “one necessary thing” of being with Jesus, like Martha in Luke 10:38–42.
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Practices (How to Take Thoughts Captive)
1. Watch – Notice your thoughts.
- “What am I telling myself right now about God, myself, my spouse, my children, my calling?”
2. Test – Measure each thought against God’s Word and character.
- Does this thought agree with Scripture (about love, forgiveness, priorities, identity)?
- Does it lead me toward obedience in my home and walk with Jesus, or away from it?
3. Arrest – Reject what doesn’t belong.
- Treat destructive, bitter, fearful, or people‑pleasing thoughts like intruders, not roommates.
- Pray: “In Jesus’ name, I refuse this lie and this attitude. You cannot live here.”
4. Replace – Fill your mind with truth.
- Meditate on Philippians 4:8–9 and the specific passages about your role (spouse, parent, follower of Christ).
- Speak and pray Scripture over your mind, your home, and your schedule.
5. Act – Take a small step that agrees with God’s truth.
- A conversation of repentance or forgiveness, a change in schedule, a choice to sit at Jesus’ feet instead of staying in constant motion—staying on the “wall” God assigned you.
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Reflection
- Where have my thoughts been quietly pulling me off the wall God put me on—in my home, my relationships, or my walk with Jesus?
- What lie about myself, God, or others have I been rehearsing (about my worth, my family, my calling)?
- What is one specific thought I need to arrest and one Scripture I will use to replace it this week?
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Declaration
I am doing a great work and I will not come down.
By God’s power, I will guard the gate of my mind,
refuse every lie that rises against the knowledge of God,
and think on what is true, pure, and praiseworthy.
My thoughts will agree with God’s Word so I can love my family well,
serve Christ faithfully, and finish the work He has given me.
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Rehoboth Lighthouse Full Gospel Church
409 Washington Street, Haverhill, MA 01832
rlfgc.com | Sunday 11 AM · Wednesday 7 PM
