Intro

Have you ever caught yourself thinking something and wondered, “Where did that come from?”

Maybe it was a flash of insecurity, a quiet judgment, or even a subtle lie that’s been looping in your head for years.

Here’s the truth: what happens in your mind doesn’t stay in your mind—it shapes everything else.

Welcome back to Sunday Ripple. I’m Rob, and I’m so glad you’re here.

Today we’re talking about something we often overlook in our walk with God: our thought life.

The big idea for this episode is this: our thoughts shape our actions, our beliefs, and even our view of God. Scripture doesn’t just call us to behave better—it calls us to think differently. God consistently emphasizes the renewal of the mind, and when our thoughts are transformed, our lives follow.

You’ve probably heard Romans 12:2 before, but I want to start us there today:

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

That verse isn’t about willpower or behavior modification—it’s about inner transformation that starts with how we think.

In this episode, we’re going to walk through four key areas:

1. Why your mind matters to God
2. What shapes our thinking
3. How to take your thoughts captive
4. And the role of Scripture in renewing your mind

Each section builds on the next, and by the end, I think you’ll see why God cares so much about your thought life—and how He wants to partner with you in transforming it.

Let’s dive in.

🎙️ Section 1 – Your Mind Matters to God

Let’s start with this simple truth: your mind matters deeply to God.

We tend to talk a lot in the church about our hearts and our actions. We’re told to love God with all our heart, soul, and strength. But Jesus also said to love Him with all our mind. That wasn’t just a throwaway line—it was part of the greatest commandment (Matthew 22:37). So if Jesus emphasized the mind, then we should too.

God created us with minds capable of thinking, reasoning, imagining, reflecting, remembering, and learning. Our thought life isn’t some side effect of being human—it’s central to how we bear the image of God. He’s a thinking God, a communicating God, a revealing God—and He designed us to interact with Him not only emotionally or physically, but mentally and spiritually through our thoughts.

But here’s where it gets real: what goes on in our mind doesn’t stay there.

The book of Proverbs says, “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.” (Proverbs 23:7).

In other words, what you think about—what you dwell on, rehearse, believe—becomes part of who you are.

Think about your day-to-day:

What kinds of thoughts dominate your commute, your chores, your scrolling time?

Are they filled with peace and truth—or anxiety, comparison, fear, distraction, resentment?

And let’s be honest: our minds are where some of our deepest battles happen.

Before we ever act in a sinful or selfish way, there’s often a thought that came first.

That small internal permission slip: “This isn’t a big deal. I deserve this. God won’t care.”

Or sometimes it’s the opposite: “I’m not good enough. God couldn’t use me. I’ll never change.”

These thoughts may feel harmless in the moment, but over time they shape our beliefs—about ourselves, about God, and about others. And belief drives behavior.

This is why God cares so much about your thought life—because it is the foundation of your spiritual formation.

Jesus didn’t just come to forgive your sins—He came to renew your mind.

That’s why His teaching constantly challenged people’s internal narratives.

• “You have heard it said… but I say to you…”
• “Out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks…”
• “Do not worry about your life…”
• “If you look at someone with lust in your heart…”

He wasn’t just interested in whether people followed the rules—He wanted their inner world to be transformed.

You can do all the right things on the outside—attend church, serve on Sundays, even lead worship or preach a sermon—and still be stuck in toxic thinking patterns that distance you from the heart of God.

[OPTIONAL PERSONAL STORY PROMPT:]Have you ever found yourself in that place? Where your mind was out of sync with your faith?Maybe you were leading or serving or showing up, but your thoughts were marked by fear, pride, shame, or bitterness.Share a short story of a time you noticed your thought life was shaping your spiritual life—for better or worse.

The good news is this: God doesn’t just diagnose the problem—He offers the solution.

He wants to transform your thought life. Not through quick fixes or surface-level positivity, but by forming you into someone who thinks with the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16).

And that process starts with recognizing that your thoughts are not neutral—and they’re not always true.

Just because you think something doesn’t make it reality.

And just because a thought is loud doesn’t mean it’s from God.

So today, I want to encourage you: take your thought life seriously—because God does.

He sees the battlefield in your mind. He knows the narratives you’ve absorbed from the world, from your past, even from your own inner critic.

And He wants to renew your mind—not to control you, but to free you.

🎙️ Section 2 – What Shapes Our Thinking?

Now that we’ve established that your mind matters to God, let’s ask the next important question: What shapes our thinking in the first place?

Because here’s the truth: most of our thoughts aren’t original.

They’re shaped by something—or someone. Our minds are constantly being formed, whether we realize it or not.

Let me name a few of the major influencers that shape how we think:

• Family of origin – The way you were raised, how emotions and beliefs were handled, even what was left unsaid.
• Culture and media – What we consume daily online, in music, movies, podcasts, and news.
• Church and spiritual community – The teaching we sit under, the examples we follow, the habits we develop.
• Personal experiences – Especially pain, trauma, or moments of deep impact—these often leave mental “imprints.”
• The enemy – Scripture is clear that we’re in a spiritual battle, and the mind is one of the enemy’s favorite battlegrounds. Lies are his weapon of choice.

Most of us don’t sit down and consciously decide what to believe about God, ourselves, or others. Those beliefs are formed over time—sometimes by truth, sometimes by falsehood.

This is where I want to share a personal story that really shaped the way I thought for years—especially in how I viewed other parts of the Church.

Early in my ministry, I served as a worship pastor under a senior pastor who was extremely conservative—not just theologically, but in how he talked about other churches.

If another church didn’t align with his specific beliefs or practices, he would often speak negatively about them, as if they were “less than” or not truly faithful to the gospel.

And over time, that mindset started to shape me—not so much in how I treated people, but in how I thought about them. Especially my brother, who’s Catholic.

I never saw him as “less than,” because deep down, I knew that wasn’t right. But I did find myself regularly questioning the legitimacy of his faith in my own mind.

I’d wonder things like, “Does he really know Jesus?” or “Can someone with that theology be truly saved?”

I wouldn’t say those things out loud—but they were there, quietly influencing how I viewed him and his relationship with God.

Later, I served under a new senior pastor—someone who regularly challenged the idea of “throwing rocks at the Church.”

He’d remind us that public division among Christians damages our witness to a watching world—and that Jesus prayed for unity, not uniformity.

That perspective deeply challenged me. It made me realize how much my thinking had been shaped—not by Scripture—but by someone else’s bias.

As my thoughts shifted, so did my heart. I began to see my brother’s faith not as something to question, but as something to respect. I have yet to find a theological issue that we don’t see eye to eye on.

That mental shift has helped me appreciate the broader Body of Christ in ways I never did before.

That shift didn’t just change how I saw my brother—it changed how I saw the Church.

And it all started with a change in thinking.

[STORY PROMPT FOR LISTENERS:]Think about someone who shaped your perspective—positively or negatively.What kind of mental scripts did you adopt from that person? And have you ever questioned whether those scripts were truly biblical or helpful?

This is why it’s so important to evaluate the source of our thoughts.

Sometimes we’re living out mental patterns that were handed to us—not by God—but by wounded people, toxic environments, or broken systems.

The good news is: your thought life isn’t set in stone.

The same way it was shaped, it can be reshaped. God wants to untangle the lies you’ve absorbed and replace them with truth.

But first, we have to recognize that our minds are always being formed.

The question is: formed by what? And are we willing to let God reshape them?

We’ll talk more about how that reshaping happens in the next section—by learning to take every thought captive.

🎙️ Section 3 – Taking Thoughts Captive

So once we realize our thinking is constantly being shaped—by people, experiences, even spiritual influences—the next step is learning how to respond. And Scripture gives us a powerful, active way to do that: taking our thoughts captive.

In 2 Corinthians 10:5, Paul writes:

“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ.”

That’s a strong image, isn’t it? It’s not passive. It’s not gentle. It’s warfare language.

Demolish. Take captive. Make obedient.

Paul isn’t just saying, “Try to think nice things.” He’s saying, “Your thoughts are a battlefield—so fight.”

This is where spiritual formation becomes spiritual warfare.

Because not every thought that enters your mind belongs there.

Not every mental loop deserves your attention or agreement.

And definitely not every internal voice is speaking truth.

But here’s the problem: most of us don’t challenge our thoughts.

We just accept them.

If a thought shows up in our head, we assume it’s ours—and if it’s ours, it must be true.

But Scripture says otherwise. Paul tells us to test everything (1 Thessalonians 5:21). John says to test the spirits (1 John 4:1). And here in 2 Corinthians, we’re told to capture and confront every thought that sets itself up against what we know about God.

So what does that look like practically?

Let’s say you have a recurring thought like, “I’m not good enough.”

That thought might stem from a past failure, something someone said to you in childhood, or a constant stream of comparison.

Step one is recognize the thought. Don’t let it sit in the background unchallenged.

Step two is name it—bring it into the light. “I keep thinking I’m not good enough.”

Step three is test it. Is this thought in line with what God says about me?

And step four is replace it—with truth. “In Christ, I am fully loved, accepted, and called. My worth doesn’t come from performance but from grace.”

It’s not about positive self-talk. It’s about truthful self-talk—truth grounded in Scripture and the heart of God.

[PERSONAL STORY PROMPT:]Can you think of a specific thought you’ve struggled with—fear, shame, comparison, doubt—and what it looked like to challenge it with truth?Was there a moment where you caught yourself believing something false and had to intentionally redirect that thought toward Christ?

This practice of taking thoughts captive is not a one-and-done process.

It’s a discipline. It’s daily. It takes time and repetition. You’re literally retraining your brain to think differently.

And sometimes, it’s not just about one big lie—it’s about small, subtle ones that slip into our daily thoughts.

• “I can’t change.”
• “God’s disappointed in me.”
• “Nothing I do matters.”
• “I’ll always be stuck here.”

These aren’t just pessimistic thoughts—they’re spiritual attacks meant to wear you down.

But God has given you the authority and the tools to fight back.

That’s why Paul says in Ephesians 6 that we’re to put on the armor of God. And the only offensive weapon in that list? The sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.

We’ll talk more about the role of Scripture in the next section, but for now, remember this:

Taking thoughts captive means becoming aware, discerning, and intentional with what you allow to settle in your mind.

You have more agency over your thoughts than you think.

And when you choose to align your thinking with Christ, freedom follows.

🎙️ Section 4 – The Role of Scripture in Mental Renewal

(~800 words)

We’ve talked about the importance of taking thoughts captive. But that’s only half the equation. Capturing a thought is one thing—replacing it with truth is what leads to transformation.

And the truth we need isn’t just found in good advice or self-help books. It’s found in God’s Word.

This is where mental renewal really begins.

Romans 12:2 says it plainly:

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

Notice that Paul doesn’t say, “Behave better,” or “Try harder.”

He says, “Be transformed.”

And how does that transformation happen? Not by fixing our actions—but by renewing our minds.

That word “renewing” in the Greek carries the idea of renovation—tearing down what’s broken, rebuilding what’s true. And God’s Word is the tool that renovates our thinking.

Because Scripture doesn’t just inform us—it forms us.

It realigns our perspective, corrects our assumptions, and teaches us how to think in ways that reflect the mind of Christ.

This is where I want to share a spiritual habit that’s been deeply impactful in my own life.

361 days ago, I made a commitment: no matter what, I would spend time with God every single day—in His Word, in prayer, and just being with Him.

Even when I didn’t feel like it. Even on vacation. Even when it was inconvenient or I was distracted.

And here’s what I’ve found: not every morning is a mountaintop experience.

There’s an ebb and flow. Some days my heart is tender, and other days I’m foggy or distracted.

But the rhythm—the faithfulness—has changed me.

I’m more sensitive to the Spirit’s leading. I hear His voice more clearly. I’ve grown in peace, clarity, and purpose—not because I’m checking a box, but because I’m making space for God to shape my mind every day.

Someone once shared a picture with me that’s stuck with me ever since:

Imagine a friend or neighbor came over to your house early in the morning for coffee. They’re sitting at your dining room table, waiting to see you. Would you stay in bed because it was inconvenient? Or would you get up—groggy, maybe—but eager to meet them and enjoy that time together?That’s what your time with God is like. He’s already at the table, waiting for you. He’s eager to meet with you—and He is quick to forgive you when you sleep in or skip a day. But He’s there. Every morning. Faithful. Ready to shape your heart and renew your mind.[LISTENER REFLECTION PROMPT:]What would change in your life if you approached Scripture not as a task, but as a daily meeting with a Friend who loves you and wants to speak truth into your life?

If you want to see change in your thought life, Scripture isn’t optional—it’s essential.

It’s not just a defense against lies—it’s a blueprint for living. It tells you who you are, who God is, and what’s ultimately true about the world around you.

Philippians 4:8 says this:

“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.”

This isn’t just a list of nice ideas. It’s a filter. A way to test every thought you entertain.

• Is it true?
• Is it pure?
• Is it consistent with what God says?
• Does it point me toward Jesus?

If not, it doesn’t deserve space in your mind.

And the more time you spend in Scripture, the more natural that filtering becomes. You begin to recognize lies faster, resist temptation earlier, and recover from setbacks more quickly—because your mind has been renewed.

So if you’re struggling with negative thoughts, shame, anxiety, or just a scattered mind—start here:

Open the Word. Sit at the table. Let God speak. Let His truth take root.

You don’t need a perfect morning routine. You just need a willing heart and a quiet place.

🎙️ Section 5 – A Life Transformed

We’ve spent a lot of time talking about your thoughts—how they’re shaped, how to take them captive, and how Scripture renews your mind. But where does all of this lead?

It leads to transformation.

Romans 12:2 doesn’t say, “Be informed by the renewing of your mind.”

It says, “Be transformed.”

Because when our thoughts begin to change, so do we.

Not overnight. Not without setbacks. But steadily, deeply, from the inside out.

Let me be really clear: God is not interested in surface-level behavior modification.

He’s not after perfect attendance, spiritual performance, or putting on a good face.

He wants your heart—and that means He wants your thought life, too.

Because your thoughts are where your deepest beliefs live. And your beliefs drive everything else.

You start to live differently when you think differently.

• When you believe you are loved by God, you stop striving for approval.
• When you believe God is faithful, you stop panicking when plans fall apart.
• When you believe your identity is secure in Christ, you stop comparing yourself to everyone else.

That’s what transformation looks like. And it’s available to you.

Not because you’re strong enough to rewire your mind, but because the Holy Spirit lives in you and is actively forming the mind of Christ in you (1 Corinthians 2:16).

[PERSONAL STORY PROMPT:]Is there a before-and-after moment you’ve experienced—where God shifted a thought pattern and it began to change how you lived, prayed, or interacted with others?Maybe something you used to believe that held you back—and the freedom that came when your mind was renewed?

Even small shifts can make a big difference.

Maybe you’re still in the middle of the fight. Maybe your thoughts are noisy, scattered, heavy.

Can I encourage you? You’re not alone. And you’re not without help.

God isn’t asking you to fix everything in your mind all at once. He’s inviting you to walk with Him, daily, into truth.

So let me ask you:

• What’s one thought you’ve been carrying that needs to be replaced with God’s truth?
• What’s one lie you’ve believed—about yourself, about others, about God—that needs to be taken captive today?
• And what’s one verse you could cling to this week as a reminder of what’s true?

Maybe for you it’s Romans 8:1 — “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

Or Isaiah 26:3 — “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You.”

Or Psalm 139 — reminding you that you are seen, known, and loved.

Whatever it is, write it down. Speak it out loud. Return to it often. Let God’s truth fill your mental space.

And give yourself grace in the process. You won’t do this perfectly. I don’t either.

But transformation doesn’t come from perfection—it comes from faithfulness.

You don’t need to clean up your thoughts to come to God.

You come to God so He can clean up your thoughts.

And He’s more than willing. He’s already at the table, waiting.

Let’s wrap up this episode where we began:

God cares about your thought life—because your thoughts shape your entire life.

Let Him shape your thoughts, and you’ll begin to see your heart, your habits, your relationships, and your faith transformed in ways you never imagined.

Outro

So much of the Christian life begins not in what we do, but in how we think.

Because before we ever act, speak, or choose—we think.

And if our thoughts are off course, our lives eventually will be too.

But here’s the hope: you’re not stuck with the thoughts you’ve always had.

God offers something better.

He invites you into a life of renewal—where old patterns are broken, lies are exposed, and truth takes root.

A life where your mind isn’t a battlefield, but a place of peace.

A life where you begin to think like Jesus—and slowly but surely, live like Him too.

So take the first step.

Start small.

But start.

Because when you renew your mind, you don’t just change your thoughts—you change your future.

Small ripples can make a big impact—go make yours.