Preparation of our Mind

1. Preparation of our Mind Orphan, Slave or Son

2. Romans 12:1,2 • (NASB) 12Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice,acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

3. Preparation of Our Mind • Romans 12:1-2 (AMP) • I appeal to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of [all] the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship. • 2 Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you].

4. The Battle for our Mind!!! • You remember that the location where Jesus was crucified was called “Golgotha,” which meant “place of the skull.” If we will be effective in spiritual warfare, the first field of conflict where we must learn warfare is in the battleground of the mind; ie, the “place of the skull.” For the territory of the uncrucified thought-life is the beachhead of Satanic assault in our lives. To defeat the devil, we must be crucified in the place of the skull. We must be renewed in the spirit of our minds” Francis Frangipane – Three Battle Grounds

5. Source of Knowledge…..Gen.2:9 Tree of Life Tree of Knowledge of Good & Evil

6. Two Trees in the Garden • Genesis 2:7-9 (AMP) • Then the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath or spirit of life, and man became a living being.8 And the Lord God planted a garden toward the east, in Eden [delight]; and there He put the man whom He had formed (framed, constituted) • 9. And out of the ground the Lord God made to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight or to be desired—good (suitable, pleasant) for food; the tree of life also in the center of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of [the difference between] good and evil and blessing and calamity.

7. Mind of the Spirit • Romans 8:2-6Amplified Bible (AMP) • Therefore, [there is] now no condemnation (no adjudging guilty of wrong) for those who are in Christ Jesus, who live [and] walk not after the dictates of the flesh, but after the dictates of the Spirit. • 2 For the law of the Spirit of life [which is] in Christ Jesus [the law of our new being] has freed me from the law of sin and of death • 3 For God has done what the Law could not do, [its power] being weakened by the flesh [the entire nature of man without the Holy Spirit]. Sending His own Son in the guise of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, [God] condemned sin in the flesh [subdued, overcame, deprived it of its power over all who accept that sacrifice]

8. 4 So that the righteous and just requirement of the Law might be fully met in us who live and move not in the ways of the flesh but in the ways of the Spirit [our lives governed not by the standards and according to the dictates of the flesh, but controlled by the Holy Spirit] • 5 For those who are according to the flesh and are controlled by its unholy desires set their minds on and pursue those things which gratify the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit and are controlled by the desires of the Spirit set their minds on and [seek those things which gratify the [Holy] Spirit. • 6 Now the mind of the flesh [which is sense and reason without the Holy Spirit] is death [death that comprises all the miseries arising from sin, both here and hereafter]. But the mind of the [Holy] Spirit is life and [soul] peace [both now and forever].

9. Mind Vs The Spirit • 1 Corinthians 2:9-16 (AMP) • But, on the contrary, as the Scripture says, What eye has not seen and ear has not heard and has not entered into the heart of man, [all that] God has prepared (made and keeps ready) for those who love Him [[a]who hold Him in affectionate reverence, promptly obeying Him and gratefully recognizing the benefits He has bestowed]. • 10 Yet to us God has unveiled and revealed them by and through His Spirit, for the [Holy] Spirit searches diligently, exploring and examining everything, even sounding the profound and bottomless things of God [the [divine counsels and things hidden and beyond man’s scrutiny]. • 11 For what person perceives (knows and understands) what passes through a man’s thoughts except the man’s own spirit within him? Just so no one discerns (comes to know and comprehend) the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.

10. 12 Now we have not received the spirit [that belongs to] the world, but the [Holy] Spirit Who is from God, [given to us] that we might realize and comprehend and appreciate the gifts [of divine favor and blessing so freely and lavishly] bestowed on us by God • 13 And we are setting these truths forth in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the [Holy] Spirit, combining and interpreting spiritual truths with spiritual language [to those who possess the Holy Spirit]. • 14 But the natural, nonspiritual man does not accept or welcome or admit into his heart the gifts and teachings and revelations of the Spirit of God, for they are folly (meaningless nonsense) to him; and he is incapable of knowing them [of progressively recognizing, understanding, and becoming better acquainted with them] because they are spiritually discerned and estimated and appreciated.

11. 15 But the spiritual man tries all things [he examines, investigates, inquires into, questions, and discerns all things], yet is himself to be put on trial and judged by no one [he can read the meaning of everything, but no one can properly discern or appraise or get an insight into him] • 16 For who has known or understood the mind (the counsels and purposes) of the Lord so as to guide and instruct Him and give Him knowledge? But we have the mind of Christ (the Messiah) and do hold the thoughts (feelings and purposes) of His heart.

12. Battle Defined Orphan - Slave - Son

13. Relationship to God • John 15:15(AMP) • I do not call you servants (slaves) any longer, for the servant does not know what his master is doing (working out). But I have called you My friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from My Father. [I have revealed to you everything that I have learned from Him.]

14. Ungodly Beliefs • Once we started walking through the cleansing of and renewing of our mind, the biggest challenge is to destroy the mental strongholds (ungodly beliefs) that have kept bound for so many years. • Where do we get our beliefs? • Life’s experiences: • both good & bad • Family heritage (politics, religion, prejudices) • Generational curses: all the way to Adam • Repetition reinforces beliefs: • “You’ll never amount to anything” • We teach (pass on) that which we are taught • …80% of a person’s thinking is negative. • The power of words (see quantum physics) • The natural mind & world’s standards

15. Belief Expectation Cycle • Experience • Leads to formation of our beliefs • Belief • Our beliefs cause us to have certain expectations • Expectation • Govern our actions & behaviors & effect others • Behavior • Behavior results in experiences that form new beliefs or reinforce old beliefs

16. Promises From Scripture • John 14:18(AMP) • I will not leave you as orphans [comfortless, desolate, bereaved, forlorn, helpless]; I will come [back] to you. • Galatians 4:7(AMP) • 7 Therefore, you are no longer a slave (bond servant) but a son; and if a son, then [it follows that you are] an heir by the aid of God, through Christ.

17. Orphan, Slave or Son Defined • Orphan: • One who has no guardian caring for them so they are totally on their own.There main focus is survival. They are totally focused on their lack and have a poverty spirit. This results from either abandonment or a volitional rejection of authority. Looks at others only through the eyes of “what can I get out of this person”. They are forever immature emotionally & spiritually.

18. Slave: • One who has a guardian or caretaker over them but well being is only based upon performance. Their main focus is acceptance through performance. As long as I do things well, I’m cared for but the love is all conditional. Under this mindset, I become a human “doing” and not a human “being”. • Different than a “bond-slave”… Being a bond-slave is the result of a relationship that has grown into one of deep love and benevolence. One becomes a “bond-slave” through the choice of the slave, not the demand of the benefactor.

19. Son: (Uios; mature) • Is loved and appreciated for who he is, not just for what he does. The son’s desire is to please his father in all he does, not to gain affection but because he already has it. The focus is on security because the son knows that before he is already accepted & well pleasing to his father. The son desire is to become emotionally and spiritually mature so that he can gain full use of his inheritance. No maturity, no inheritance. Does not operate in entitlement but under authority that is given by the father.

20. Key Verse • Malachi 4:5-6 (NASB) • “Behold, I am going to send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and terrible day of the Lord. 6 He will restore the hearts of the fathers to their children and the hearts of the children to their fathers, so that I will not come and smite the land with a curse.”

21. Origins of Orphan & Slavery Mindset • Comes From Within- • Rejection • Love and acceptance are basic needs for a child to develop self-worth • If a child has no self-worth, then he will “do something” to be “worth something” • If a person doesn’t perform, than he’s worth nothing. • Religion becomes law, working your way into God’s favor. If I do enough, God will love and accept me. • Pride –try to perform perfectly • Performance, perfectionism, a critical spirit, unforgiving spirit, self-centeredness trying to be perfect (the basis for a religious spirit)

22. Guilt & Condemnation • Driven by guilt and condemnation to perform • Summary • The spirit of orphan & slavery is driving, striving, working, & performing • Produces burnout in natural & spiritual • Produces poor relationships because your only accepted if you perform to expectations

23. Comes From Without • Expectations of men • Church structures (value given for what you can do) • Marriage • Family • Orphan and Slavery comes from a wrong view of God • Unlovable, untouchable, untrustworthy, task master, punishing, uncaring

24. Orphan, Slave & Son Mindsets: Information • Orphans: • Thrives on information, Are knowledge driven cause knowledge is power. • Slave: • Want information to gain approval from his father. An A+ is better than an F! • Sons • Thrives on revelation from the Father through intimacy. Revelation is life giving and provides wisdom • Matthew 16:18 (NASB)…I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock ( rock of revelation) I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.

25. Relating to the Supernatural • Orphans: • Orphans are afraid of mysteries or the unknown. • Slaves: • Use mysteries and gifts as status, I’m more valuable because of my experience • Sons: • Pursue their Father for understanding of mysteries

26. Needs Vs Birth • Orphan • Is not needed and therefore has no real value to anyone but themselves, therefore I rob, kill, steal and destroy to get what I need. Robin Hood mentality. I take from the rich and give to the poor (ME) • Slave • Accepted and appreciated on the basis of what he does • Son • Is accepted and appreciated on the basis of who he is

27. Needs Vs Birth II • Orphan • Has no sense of ever being at home • Slave • In the home because there is a job to be done • Son • In the home because he was born, He is a member of the family.

28. Need Vs Birth III • Orphan • To meet his own need. • Slave • To meet someone else’s need • Son • Purpose is to grow up, find God’s purpose in his life and fulfill it. • 1 John 3:8Amplified Bible (AMP)8 [But] he who commits sin [who practices evildoing] is of the devil [takes his character from the evil one], for the devil has sinned (violated the divine law) from the beginning. The reason the Son of God was made manifest (visible) was to undo (destroy, loosen, and dissolve) the works the devil [has done].

29. Value Vs Relationship • Orphan • Only relationship he has are with fellow orphans because greater opportunity to meet needs • Slave • Accepted because of His workmanship& Productivity. Is disposable if incurs loss. To maintain position, must remain profitable • Son • Accepted because of relationship, his position is a son and doesn’t change. He’s expected to mature

30. Loyalty to those in Authority • Orphans: • Are loyal to whoever meets their need, or protects or promotes them. Will steal to get needs met and is lawless. Is his own authority and instigates problems to get needs met • Slaves: • Are loyal to get their needs met. He works to get fruit and lives under authority, is directed by commands, followers of other and is governed by letter of the law • Sons: • Are just loyal to the Father regardless. They trust in his benevolence and timing. They live under love and are directed by love. They initiate and lead and are governed by grace.

31. How Motivated • Orphans: • Are driven out of fear of not having needs met • Slaves: • Are driven out of the need for acceptance. • Sons: • Are led by the Spirit and faith • Romans 8:14(AMP) • For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.

32. Material Possessions • Orphans: • Defines blessing by material means because of lack. • Slaves: • If I have material means, than I’m being blessed. I must’ve performed well enough to get • Sons: • Is content in what he has because of his intimacy with the Father, his Father will provide what he needs.

33. Dealing With Performance • Orphans: • Never stops looking for an opportunity to perform • Slaves: • Never are able to stop performing because their well being or esteem is connected to it. • Sons: • Never perform but only rests in the secure love of and responds out of obedience to the Father voice.

34. Being Provided For… • Orphans: • Orphan spirit cause us to ask; will I have enough, will I be protected and what is my purpose (why am I here?) When “my” needs are my focus, I will often look to illegitimate sources for legitimate needs. • Slaves: • Slave’s spirit, I will only have enough if I work hard enough. I must earn everything! Martyr complex • Sons: • A son walks in the revelation that his Father is able to provide, give protection and reveal His purpose through intimacy.

35. Response to lack… • Orphans: • Greed, poverty and hording are manifestations of the Orphan spirit. Need becomes the idol. • Slaves: • Worry and anxiety are the manifestations of the spirit of slavery. Did I perform well enough to get what I need? • Sons: • Generous and sacrificial giving is the manifestation of Sons because their daddy has more than enough.

36. Dealing with Acceptance… • Orphan: • Never feels accepted and never is able to trust • Slaves: • Accepted on the basis of what he does (workmanship) • Sons: • Accepted and appreciated for who he is (relationship with the family)

37. Outlook on Life… • Orphans: • Meet their own need through whatever means. • Slave • Purpose is to meet someone else need. • Sons: • Purpose is to mature, find God’s purpose and fulfill it.

38. Purpose for Living… • Orphans: • Is always in survival mode, just to get through the day. Starts in anxiety wondering if his needs will be met • Slaves: • Seek comfort and happiness. Lives in anxiety wondering if his work will be pleasing to his master. Peace at the end of the day if master is happy. Anxiety starts over in the nest morning. Failure brings separation • Sons: • Seek fulfillment and is secure all day and won’t change tomorrow, regardless. Failure brings grief but will receive correction and discipline because knows he won’t be thrown out

39. Outlook on Success… • Orphans: • Success is not even on the scale, Successful if he hasn’t gone to bed hungry. • Slaves: • Expected to be successful. (Success is tangible, measureable) • Sons: • Expected to be faithful

40. Outlook on Challenges & Pain… • Orphans: • Lives with constant problems and in constant pain & of abandonment and becomes callous to the pain. • Slaves: • Runs from problems & pain. Pain has no use and proves I haven’t performed well enough • Sons: • Embraces problems & pain strategically because He knows he has a good Father and is using pain for his benefit.

41. Outlook on Favor… • Orphans: • Does not recognize any favor upon his life and in fact feels most often that he is cursed. • Slaves: • Gives favors at a price: “you owe me” • Sons: • Shows favor because he has favor

42. Outlook on Self vs Team • Orphans: • Talk about needs and lack…”poor Me” • Slaves: • Talks about self • Sons: • Talk about team – sees the bigger picture

43. Expectation out of Life • Orphans: • Has no expectations other than just is exist • Slaves: • Expects more from others than self • Sons • Personally raises the bar on self and leads by example

44. Outlook on Self-worth • Orphan • Is brazen and is obnoxious to get need met • Slaves • Easily intimidated and often manipulates to get recognition • Sons: • Walks in confidence and rests in his position as son

45. Perspective on Future Planning • Orphans: • Caught up in the momentary need • Slaves: • Caught up in the present • Sons: • Sows into the future (perseverance to go the long term)

46. Serving Others • Orphans: • Obeys commands only if it serves the purpose of meeting the need. • Slaves: • Follows the commands to the letter; no more, no less • Son: • Is directed by love and wants to be pleasing to His Father

47. Worship • Orphans: • Worship serves no real purpose because God is never there for me and besides, don’t want to lost control of situation. • Worships hoping to get God’s attention. • Slaves: • Worships out of duty to earn God’s favor, and has to be structured. Focus is what God has done • Sons: • Worships out of love, he has God’s favor and it is more spontaneous, and focus is who God is

48. Spirit of Orphan & Slavery • They are both about driving, striving, working, and performing. One to get tangible needs met and the other for recognition. They produce exhaustion both in the natural & spiritual. Driven by need or guilt to perform, not out of love. • They come from a wrong view of who you think God is and a life built on lies. Orphans and slaves are spiritually bound up, emotionally hung up and relationally tied. Be free, walk in Sonship

49. Why is it so important to deal with ? • Because if you don’t mature as a son, you will never receive your full inheritance… • Galatians 4:4(AMP) • Now what I mean is that as long as the inheritor (heir) is a child and under age, he does not differ from a slave, although he is the master of all the estate; 2 But he is under guardians and administrators or trustees until the date fixed by his father.

50. Revelation of the Father’s Heart • God is a God of intentionally. Everything He does with intentionality • God said…”let there be light & there was…” • Romans 8:29(AMP)  • For those whom He foreknew [of whom He was aware and [loved beforehand], He also destined from the beginning [foreordaining them] to be molded into the image of His Son [and share inwardly His likeness], that He might become the firstborn among many brethren.