Sermon by Neil Earle, 3/19/2005
2 Timothy 1:7: "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."
Acts 28:13-15: "From there we circled round and reached Rhegium. And after one day the south wind blew; and the next day we came to Puteoli, where we found brethren, and were invited to stay with them seven days. And so we went toward Rome. And from there, when the brethren heard about us, they came to meet us as far as Appii Forum and Three Inns. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage."
Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
1 Corinthians 10:13: "No temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God [is] faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear [it]."
2 Timothy 1:7: "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."
Good mental health is contagious. We should stay sane in a world of confusion. Life is worth learning and living. We need good mental health to cope with this world's problems. When you dwell on negative thoughts your body experiences negative responses. Depending on the intensity of these emotions the physical reaction can result in everything from a lump in the throat to something far more severe. We should be good Christians interacting with the world.
2 Timothy 1:6-7: "Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."
We have Jesus and Paul who are two of the greatest examples because they could handle pressure. We all have the Holy Spirit by the laying on of hands to help us with our daily pressures.
There are 6 traits of mentally healthy people:
Mentally healthy people enjoy life in spite of all that is going on around them. We should live a balanced life. Through Jesus we can enjoy life.
John 10:10-11: "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep."
Acts 26:28-29: "Then Agrippa said to Paul, 'You almost persuade me to become a Christian.' And Paul said, 'I would to God that not only you, but also all who hear me today, might become both almost and altogether such as I am, except for these chains.'"
A mentally healthy person feels worthwhile and respects himself. He loves himself properly and not too little and not too much and accepts what he is and feels significant to his loved ones and to other important people in his life. It matters that he is alive and people are depending on him.
The mentally healthy person looks at himself and others and has a solid grip on reality. He recognizes his strengths and weaknesses accordingly. He sees others for what they are. He knows the world in which he lives well enough to avoid its dangers and to use and enjoy its resources and opportunities.
1 Corinthians 15:9-10: "For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me."
A mentally healthy person faces life's demands and is not too big to ask for help and accepts the responsibilities he can handle with all of the resources of his command including others' help when necessary.
Luke 22:39-46: "Coming out, He went to the Mount of Olives, as He was accustomed, and His disciples also followed Him. When He came to the place, He said to them, 'Pray that you may not enter into temptation.' And He was withdrawn from them about a stone's throw, and He knelt down and prayed, saying, 'Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.' Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him. And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. When He rose up from prayer, and had come to His disciples, He found them sleeping from sorrow. Then He said to them, 'Why do you sleep? Rise and pray, lest you enter into temptation.'"
1 Corinthians 10:13: "No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it."
Mentally healthy people handle their feeling effectively. They recognize their feelings honestly including the bad ones.
Mentally healthy people are socially sensitive and respect the rights of others.
Romans 12:18: "If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men."
Philippians 2:12-15: "Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world."
Sermon summary prepared by local Glendora church member Charlie Schreiner.