This is episode 2 of the highlights from the book entitled “The Lies We Believe – Renewing Your Mind and Transforming Your Life” by Dr. Chris Thurman. In today's episode, we look at the 5 most common lies we believe about ourselves (from chapter 4 of the book), and the corresponding biblical truths that dispel those lies.
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TThis is episode 2 of the highlights from the book entitled “The Lies We Believe – Renewing Your Mind and Transforming Your Life” by Dr. Chris Thurman.
The premise of the book is amazingly simple: Our faulty beliefs (the lies we believe) keep us from discovering and living in the freedom that God has designed for us. After all, Jesus said:
John 8:32 HCSB You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
The key is to identify those lies that we believe, and then identify the corresponding biblical truths that displace the lies and lead to freedom.
Today, let’s look at the 5 most common lies we believe about ourselves (from chapter 4 of the book). These lies can often enter our thoughts. Let’s look at these 5 lies, and see how we can use the truth from the Bible to dispel each lie.
1) Lie #1: It’s not OK to be human and make mistakes. But here are 4 truths to dispel this lie:
· Truth: I can confidently ask God for help. (Hebrews 4:16 NIV Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.)
· Truth: God does not condemn me for my mistakes. (Romans 8:1 NASB Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.)
· Truth: As humans, we all make mistakes. (James 3:2a AMP For we all often stumble and fall and offend in many things.)
· Truth: When I fail, I am to remember that I am God's son, and then get up. (Proverbs 24:16 HCSB Though a righteous man falls seven times, he will get up, but the wicked will stumble into ruin.)
2) Lie #2: My worth is determined by how I perform. But here are 2 truths to dispel this lie:
· Truth: I am remarkably and wonderfully made. (Psalm 139:13-14 HCSB For it was You who created my inward parts; You knit me together in my mother's womb. (14) I will praise You because I have been remarkably and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful, and I know this very well.)
· Truth: I am of infinite value to God. (Luke 12:6-7 NASB "Are not five sparrows sold for two cents? Yet not one of them is forgotten before God. (7) "Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows.) and (1 Timothy 2:6 HCSB [Jesus Christ] gave Himself—a ransom for all, a testimony at the proper time.)
3) Lie #3: I must have everyone’s love and approval. But the truth is:
· Truth: I will never be condemned by God. (Romans 8:1-2 NASB Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. (2) For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.)
4) Lie #4: It is easier to avoid my problems than to face them. But here are two truths to dispel this lie:
· Truth: Boldly run toward the devil's roar, in the power of Christ. (1 Peter 5:8 NASB Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.)
· Truth: God has given me power, love, and discipline, instead of fear. (2 Timothy 1:7 NASB For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.)
5) Lie #5: My unhappiness is externally caused. But the truth is:
· Truth: My happiness is based on the condition of my soul. (Psalm 42:5 NASB Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him For the help of His presence.) [Application: speak hope in God to your soul.]
In addition to these 5 common lies about ourselves from the book, the workbook lists 10 more lies about ourselves. The workbook is a good resource to dive deeper into the topics of the book.
This episode highlighted just a few of the lies about ourselves that are listed in the book. I encourage you to get a copy of the book, read it, and then reference it whenever you find yourself saying or thinking one of these lies about yourself.
But what about lies about others? About life? About God? And what are the corresponding biblical truths to displace those lies and allow us to walk in freedom? The answer, of course, is in future episodes. 😊
Today, I encourage you to “Reflect on This.”