Session Two: A Pure Mind
Bottom Line: You can’t stop every thought from showing up, but you can choose which ones stay.
Day 1: The Battleground of the Mind
Scripture: Philippians 4:4-8 (NIV)
"4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.."
The mind is one of the most critical battlegrounds in your physical and spiritual life. How you think is how you behave. What you think about is what you will eventually want. If your mind is unguarded, your life will eventually feel chaotic. But if you are losing the battle in your mind, there is hope. The Bible shows us how to develop a pure mind.
Philippians 4 wasn’t written from comfort—it was written from prison. Paul lays out a clear progression:
Prayer:
Jesus, help me recognize that my mind matters. Teach me to direct my thoughts toward You.
Day 2: You Can Steward Your Attention
Yesterday's Reflection:
Directing your thoughts towards Jesus helps guard your mind. Today reminds us that we play a role in guarding our mind.
Scripture: Philippians 4:8 (ESV)
"8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."
When Paul says, “think about these things,” he isn’t saying:
You can steward your attention. Not every thought deserves your focus. Some thoughts are like junk food for your brain.. they taste tempting, but they don’t build you up. Other thoughts are like nutritious food.. they strengthen your mind, your faith, and your peace.
Practical ways to steward your attention:
Reflection Question:
What thoughts do you find yourself replaying over and over?
Prayer:
God, give me wisdom to recognize which thoughts deserve my attention and which ones need to go.
Day 3 – What Is Worthy Of Our Attention?
Yesterday’s Reflection:
You can choose what you replay in your mind. Today gives you the filter.
Scripture: Philippians 4:8-9 (NIV)
"8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."
Paul gives us a checklist to help you decide what is worthy of your attention
Are the things that have your attention:
Who in your life models this well? Watch how they think. Ask how they handle stress, drama, or insecurity.
Reflection Question:
Is what you’re focusing on worth your attention?
Prayer:
God, align my thinking with what is true and excellent in Your sight.
Day 4 – Truth vs. Falsehood
Yesterday’s Reflection:
You have a filter for your thoughts. Today reminds you to apply it to what you claim to believe.
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 10:3-4
"3 For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds."
This passage reminds us that our real battle isn’t physical, it’s spiritual. It’s a battle of truth vs. lies.
Can something be both true and false?
Of course not. And yet we say Jesus is the truth—while still allowing lies to shape the way we think.
We say we believe:
God is in control.
God is good.
God defines who we are.
But when mental pressure hits us, we feel insecure, stressed, left out, or afraid. We often live like those truths (God is in control, God is good, God defines..) aren’t actually true.
Here’s the reality: we always live out what we truly believe.
If we’re controlled by fear, insecurity, comparison, or pride, it usually reveals that something other than God’s truth has been shaping our thoughts.
The battle for purity starts in the mind. What you believe determines how you live.
Reflection Question:
Is there a part of your mind where you believe Jesus is true—but your thoughts still tell a different story?
Prayer:
Jesus, help me not just believe truth, but live from it.
Day 5 – Capturing Thoughts Under God’s Worldview
Yesterday’s Reflection:
You can’t live in truth while believing lies. Today calls you to align your worldview with God’s.
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 10:5
"5 We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ."
In this verse, Paul is talking about thoughts and opinions that try to put themselves above God’s truth. Some opinions seem convincing, but they actually oppose what God has revealed about who He is, who you are, and how you should live.
God has revealed what is true about:
Every day, thoughts show up in your head, some are from God, some are from the world, and some are just lies.
These thoughts might be about:
Reflection Question:
Are your thoughts about yourself based on God’s truth, or something else?
Prayer:
God, reshape how I see myself and the world. Help me think under Your worldview.
Day 6 – Who Is Discipling Your Mind?
Yesterday’s Reflection:
You must submit your worldview to God. Today reminds you that something is shaping you, choose wisely.
Scripture: Romans 12:2
"2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
Your mind is being discipled every single day.
The world is constantly saying things like:
“Do what feels right for you.”
“Cut out anyone who challenges you.”
“You deserve better.”
But the Bible says: Do NOT be shaped by the world.
And that “not” is serious, it means don’t do it at all.
So what do you do instead?
Transformation doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when you renew your mind and intentionally posture yourself toward God. When you do that, you begin to see clearly what is good, acceptable, and pure in His eyes.
Reflection Question:
Who or what influences your thinking the most right now?
Prayer:
God, renew my mind daily. Help me be transformed, not conformed.
Day 7 – Who Gets a Seat at the Table?
Week Recap:
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 10:5-6 & Titus 3:3-6
2 Corinthians 10:5-6 "5 We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, 6 being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete."
Titus 3:3-6 "3 At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior,"
You can’t stop thoughts from showing up. But you can decide which ones get a seat at the table.
A pure mind takes every thought captive. It questions it. Filters it. Gives it to Jesus.
Today, pick one thought you’ve been replaying in your mind and take it captive, replace it with truth from God’s Word and watch how it shapes the way you think and feel.
Tonight, we’re going to talk about this:
Titus 3:3 reminds us that before Christ, we were led by passions and desires. Physical actions don’t start with the body, they start in the mind. What you entertain mentally eventually shapes what you pursue physically.
Tonight we’ll talk about Physical Purity—because what happens with our body is deeply connected to what happens in your mind.
Reflection Question:
What thoughts dominate your mind right now, and are they leading you toward purity?
Prayer:
Jesus, guard my mind and shape my thinking. Help me give space only to thoughts that honor You. Amen.
Bottom Line: You can’t stop every thought from showing up, but you can choose which ones stay.
Day 1: The Battleground of the Mind
Scripture: Philippians 4:4-8 (NIV)
"4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.."
The mind is one of the most critical battlegrounds in your physical and spiritual life. How you think is how you behave. What you think about is what you will eventually want. If your mind is unguarded, your life will eventually feel chaotic. But if you are losing the battle in your mind, there is hope. The Bible shows us how to develop a pure mind.
Philippians 4 wasn’t written from comfort—it was written from prison. Paul lays out a clear progression:
- Rejoice in the Lord (4:4)
- Don’t be anxious (4:6)
- Pray with thanksgiving (4:6)
- God’s peace guards your heart and mind (4:7)
- Then… think on these things (4:8)
Prayer:
Jesus, help me recognize that my mind matters. Teach me to direct my thoughts toward You.
Day 2: You Can Steward Your Attention
Yesterday's Reflection:
Directing your thoughts towards Jesus helps guard your mind. Today reminds us that we play a role in guarding our mind.
Scripture: Philippians 4:8 (ESV)
"8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."
When Paul says, “think about these things,” he isn’t saying:
- Pretend you’re fine.
- Ignore your pain.
- Suppress your emotions.
You can steward your attention. Not every thought deserves your focus. Some thoughts are like junk food for your brain.. they taste tempting, but they don’t build you up. Other thoughts are like nutritious food.. they strengthen your mind, your faith, and your peace.
Practical ways to steward your attention:
- Notice your thoughts. Pay attention to what you keep replaying in your head.
- Name it. When a thought is negative, name it: “That’s a lie about me,” or “That’s not from God.”
- Redirect it. Replace lies, fears, or worries with something true, honorable, pure, or praiseworthy. Read a favorite verse, sing a worship song, or remember a God-story from your life.
- Guard your mind. Limit things that constantly feed harmful thoughts—social media, gossip, comparisons—and fill your mind with truth.
Reflection Question:
What thoughts do you find yourself replaying over and over?
Prayer:
God, give me wisdom to recognize which thoughts deserve my attention and which ones need to go.
Day 3 – What Is Worthy Of Our Attention?
Yesterday’s Reflection:
You can choose what you replay in your mind. Today gives you the filter.
Scripture: Philippians 4:8-9 (NIV)
"8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."
Paul gives us a checklist to help you decide what is worthy of your attention
Are the things that have your attention:
- True?
- Honorable?
- Just?
- Pure?
- Lovely?
- Worthy of praise?
- Excellent?
Who in your life models this well? Watch how they think. Ask how they handle stress, drama, or insecurity.
Reflection Question:
Is what you’re focusing on worth your attention?
Prayer:
God, align my thinking with what is true and excellent in Your sight.
Day 4 – Truth vs. Falsehood
Yesterday’s Reflection:
You have a filter for your thoughts. Today reminds you to apply it to what you claim to believe.
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 10:3-4
"3 For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds."
This passage reminds us that our real battle isn’t physical, it’s spiritual. It’s a battle of truth vs. lies.
Can something be both true and false?
Of course not. And yet we say Jesus is the truth—while still allowing lies to shape the way we think.
We say we believe:
God is in control.
God is good.
God defines who we are.
But when mental pressure hits us, we feel insecure, stressed, left out, or afraid. We often live like those truths (God is in control, God is good, God defines..) aren’t actually true.
Here’s the reality: we always live out what we truly believe.
If we’re controlled by fear, insecurity, comparison, or pride, it usually reveals that something other than God’s truth has been shaping our thoughts.
The battle for purity starts in the mind. What you believe determines how you live.
Reflection Question:
Is there a part of your mind where you believe Jesus is true—but your thoughts still tell a different story?
Prayer:
Jesus, help me not just believe truth, but live from it.
Day 5 – Capturing Thoughts Under God’s Worldview
Yesterday’s Reflection:
You can’t live in truth while believing lies. Today calls you to align your worldview with God’s.
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 10:5
"5 We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ."
In this verse, Paul is talking about thoughts and opinions that try to put themselves above God’s truth. Some opinions seem convincing, but they actually oppose what God has revealed about who He is, who you are, and how you should live.
God has revealed what is true about:
- Identity
- Relationships
- Sexuality
- Success
- Worth
Every day, thoughts show up in your head, some are from God, some are from the world, and some are just lies.
These thoughts might be about:
- How you see yourself
- Your friends or people around you
- Dating, sexuality, or relationships
- What you want or how you measure success
- Does this thought help me love and treat others the way God wants?
- Does this thought help me see God’s design for dating, sex, and relationships?
- Does this thought help me see God’s view of success and how He values me?
Reflection Question:
Are your thoughts about yourself based on God’s truth, or something else?
Prayer:
God, reshape how I see myself and the world. Help me think under Your worldview.
Day 6 – Who Is Discipling Your Mind?
Yesterday’s Reflection:
You must submit your worldview to God. Today reminds you that something is shaping you, choose wisely.
Scripture: Romans 12:2
"2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
Your mind is being discipled every single day.
The world is constantly saying things like:
“Do what feels right for you.”
“Cut out anyone who challenges you.”
“You deserve better.”
But the Bible says: Do NOT be shaped by the world.
And that “not” is serious, it means don’t do it at all.
So what do you do instead?
- Look to God, not the world. Let His Word guide your decisions and your thoughts.
- Renew your mind. Fill your mind with truth instead of lies or shortcuts.
- Ask for God's help daily. Pray, read Scripture, and let the Holy Spirit show you what is good and right.
Transformation doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when you renew your mind and intentionally posture yourself toward God. When you do that, you begin to see clearly what is good, acceptable, and pure in His eyes.
Reflection Question:
Who or what influences your thinking the most right now?
Prayer:
God, renew my mind daily. Help me be transformed, not conformed.
Day 7 – Who Gets a Seat at the Table?
Week Recap:
- Your mind is a battleground.
- You can steward your attention.
- Know what's worthy of your attention.
- Live what you believe is true.
- Submit your worldview to God.
- Be transformed by renewing your mind.
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 10:5-6 & Titus 3:3-6
2 Corinthians 10:5-6 "5 We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, 6 being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete."
Titus 3:3-6 "3 At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior,"
You can’t stop thoughts from showing up. But you can decide which ones get a seat at the table.
A pure mind takes every thought captive. It questions it. Filters it. Gives it to Jesus.
Today, pick one thought you’ve been replaying in your mind and take it captive, replace it with truth from God’s Word and watch how it shapes the way you think and feel.
Tonight, we’re going to talk about this:
Titus 3:3 reminds us that before Christ, we were led by passions and desires. Physical actions don’t start with the body, they start in the mind. What you entertain mentally eventually shapes what you pursue physically.
Tonight we’ll talk about Physical Purity—because what happens with our body is deeply connected to what happens in your mind.
Reflection Question:
What thoughts dominate your mind right now, and are they leading you toward purity?
Prayer:
Jesus, guard my mind and shape my thinking. Help me give space only to thoughts that honor You. Amen.