THINKING STRAIGHT!

"God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of love and power and a sound mind." - 2 Tim 1:7
"Don't think of yourself as the first priority, but think soberly, according to your God-given faith." - Rom 12:3 (paraphrased).
"A bishop must be (among other things) sober. Deacons and even their wives must be serious-thinking, sober." -1 Tim 3: 2,8,11 (paraphrased)
"Older men must be sober. Older women must teach younger women to be sober. Exhort young men to be sober-minded. Deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, and live soberly, righteously." - Titus 2:2, 4, 6, 12.
"Since you know the times and seasons, and that the Lord is coming quickly, pay attention and be sober, putting on putting on faith, love and the hope of salvation." - 1 Thes 5:6,8 (paraphrased.)
"(Having received God's adoption and promises), gird up the loins of your mind and be sober."
"Times are changing and the end will come. Be sober."
"Be sober and vigilant. Your adversary the devil wants to devour you."
- 1 Peter 1:13, 4:7, 5:8

"SOPHRON" - Sound-minded. Self-controlled.	"NEPHO" - Free from intoxicants & distrations.
1.) God-fearing. (Prov 1:7, Prov 3:4-6) 2.) Eternal perspective (1 Pet 4:7, 2 Cor 4:18) 3.) Bible-based perspective (2 Tim 3:15-17) 4.) Awareness of facts (Prov 18:17) 5.) Good counselors (Prov 11:14, 15:22) 6.) Take time & think. Look. (1 Thes 5:6) 7.) Count the cost (Luke 14:28-32) 8.) Consider benefits and effects on others, not just self (Rom 12:3-5)	1.) Alcohol, drugs. (Prov 31:4-5) 2.) Personal hang-ups and agendas (Phil 2:2-8) 3.) Lust (2 Sam 11:2) 4.) Teen Transitional Years (Ps 25:7) 5.) Personal trauma (2 Cor 5:17) 6.) Idols (eg 2 Tim 3:6-7) 7.) Fear of men/women. (Prov 29:25) 8.) Emotional persuasion. (Isaiah 1:18, 1 Pet 3:15)

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