THINKINGWhy we think and act as we do – what makes us tick?

Or ‘Presuppositions’

• Who are we?• Why are we like we are?• Why do we act like we act?• Where does it all come from?• What if it isn’t correct?• When should we check what we think?• Well, the Bible says it, doesn’t it?

So who are we?

• Very complicated question.

• Our culture persuades us to think in a certain way.

• Culture is, of course, subject to change.

• Some of the ways in which we think are far older than many of us know.

Proverbs 23:7  For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.

So where does our thinking come from?

• I have said that it is much older than we often think

• Often I hear people say things that they think are Biblical but are not

• Often we have assumed wisdom which we think is Biblical but is not

• Some of our understanding of Biblical things seems to have come from Harry Potter or the Da Vinci Code or the latest film or conspiracy theory book or even soap opera non-wisdom.

• Actually much of our thinking comes from our occupation history – The Romans who brought with them Greek Culture which has remained in our thinking!

So how do we think- Greek or Hebrew?

Greek

Nature is a self-generating force operating according to closed system of laws independently of any authority but itself. Law of nature.

Hebrew

Creation is generated by God who made it for HIS purpose operating according to laws designed and sustained by Him subject to His authority.

Law over nature.

Greek

Nature is God and God is Nature. All that is, is natural. The Supernatural does not exist.

Hebrew

Creation is God’s Handiwork. God is not to be confused with what He has made. He existed prior to and is distinct from that which He created. He is supernatural, inhabiting the supernatural as well as the natural created world.

Greek

Their gods are personal but limited; nature is unlimited yet impersonal.

Hebrew

The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is unlimited, yet personal.

Man is classified as an animal. The difference: man is a rational animal. (Aristotle)

Man is differentiated from animals and unique from all other living thing in that he is the only creature made in the likeness of God.

Greek

Man’s value isdetermined by the society into which he is born.

Truth is measured by man’s intellect and reason.

Hebrew

Man has intrinsic value because he is created in the image and likeness of God. He has a God-determined worth, independent of society’s opinion.

Truth is measured by God, independently of man.

Greek

Religion is a personal choice; a private matter.There are many gods to worship and creeds to choose.

Hebrew

God and His Word (Jesus) are not dependent upon human acceptance or rejection. His reality and man’s accountability to this reality stand, regardless of human consent.

Greek

Moral conduct is relative to public opinion and / or individual conscience; values are relative to the social environment

Hebrew

Moral conduct is relative only to God’s word. Public opinion and individual conscience have no power to alter what God has declared true or morally right

Greeks

Asked, “Why must I do it?”

Education is the imparting of knowledge from one person to another mouth to ear.

Manual labour is viewed as vulgar and beneath one’s dignity

Old age is feared

Hebrews

Asked, “What must I do?”

Education is the imparting of life, passing all you are one to another; mentoring

Manual labour is respected so much so that Rabbis are expected to be proficient in a trade as well as the law

Old age is honoured

Greek

Religious expression is centred around rituals. Correct ritual receives more emphasis than conduct. The gods do not speak to such issues as business, law, relationships, labour or family

Hebrew

Religious expression is a commitment to a way of life. God is as relevant to what is done during the rest of the week as He is to behaviour on the Sabbath. He speaks to all areas of life be it business, law, relationships, labour or family.

Greek

To show yourself the rightful lord and owner of your own person in all aspects of life is an exalted right. (Pericles)

Hebrew

To show yourself the rightful and obedient servant of God, your maker and owner is joyful blessing, a privilege and an obligation

Human Freedom is self-determined

Human freedom is God-determined

Greek

Wisdom is found from within.

Know yourself (Socrates)

Learn to comprehend

Hebrew

Wisdom is foundfrom without (i.e. in God); foolishness is found within.

Know God

Learn in order to revere (Abraham Heschel)

Greek

History is viewedas a cycle. Aimless repetition: the same basic pattern of lifeand death with no particular end or destination in sight.

Hebrew

History is viewed as going somewhere; like an arrow to its target. A straight line concept of history with God working His purposes in the earth, culminating in the messianic reign of the redeemer.

Greek

The gods are created in the image and likeness of man

Man has no mandate from any source above man himself.

Hebrew

Man is created in the image and likeness of God

Man’s divine mandate is to care for creation and to rule responsibly over the earth

• All action begins in the mind

• All thought does not equal action

• If the thinking is wrong, however, the action is bound to be wrong

LOOK…

GODISNOWHERE

Well what do you see?

So how can we change our thinking?

• First of all we have to examine it - our thinking, that is - and not just live according to our presuppositions

• The whole tenor of change from scripture is about mind change. God wants us to change our mind He says:

• Romans 12:2 Don't be conformed to this world (allow the world to squeeze you into its mould), but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God.

And we need to continue the process

Philippians 2:5 Have this in your mind, which was also in Christ Jesus

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honourable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think about these things.

Proverbs 19:27 Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge.

• Put on the mind of Christ• Think about what is good• Be changed by the renewing of your mind

Change the world by changing its thinking

Adrian Hawkes14th May 2009

For Rainbow Churches open mic