You can learn to have the right way of thinking—a Spiritual attitude. The right mindset Is “I Can Do”! So, go from ‘trying’ to ‘doing’ with this motivating Bible study.

Spiritual Attitude; The Right Mindset Is “I Can Do”

STM Bible Study Summary: Your Spiritual attitude…

Your Spiritual attitude influences your natural/human mindset. If you are a born-again believer, you now have two lives, natural and spiritual. Often we have problems adjusting to the less-familiar spiritual part of us.

Paul spoke of this conflict in Romans 7. Your natural or human attitude differs from your spirit-led opinions and actions or reactions.

Focus

This Bible study focuses on your Spiritual feelings or opinions of a person, place, object, or event. As well as your ways of doing things.

God began to do a good work in you. And I am sure that he will keep on doing it until he has finished it. He will keep on until the day Jesus Christ comes again. Philippians 1:6 (WE)

My friends, we beg you to warn anyone who isn’t living right. Encourage anyone who feels left out, help all who are weak, and be patient with everyone.

15 Don’t be hateful to people, just because they are hateful to you. Rather, be good to each other and to everyone else. 16 Always be joyful 17 and never stop praying.

18 Whatever happens, keep thanking God because of Jesus Christ. This is what God wants you to do. 1 Thessalonians 5:14-18 (CEV)

Child of God you were called for a reason, to live up to His purpose for your life. Know that He is working in and through you to make it happen. Even in hard times, by faith, you can and will do it.

Key Points:

1. Faith

   Let faith in God be your foundation in all of the good things you do. 2 Thessalonians 1:11 That is why we always pray for you, asking our God to help you live the kind of life he called you to live. We pray that with his power God will help you do the good things you want and perform the works that come from your faith. (NCV)

2. Help others

   It is not all about you, your focus should be on helping others. Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. (RKJNT)

3. Stay positive

   Maintain a positive Spiritual attitude! Remember all the help you need, the Holy Spirit, is with you always. John 14:16 I will pray to the Father, and he will give you another helper, that he [the Father] may be with you forever.. (NSB)

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Spiritual Nature Attitude

Study 1 – by spiritual nature I mean the non-material order of causes and effects. The mindset that is influenced by the Holy Spirit.

Corrupt vs. Spiritual Nature

The corrupt nature is the flesh. Those who are led by the Spirit have a spiritual nature attitude.

Those who live by the corrupt nature have the corrupt nature’s attitude. But those who live by the spiritual nature have the spiritual nature’s attitude.

6 The corrupt nature’s attitude leads to death. But the spiritual nature’s attitude leads to life and peace.

7 This is so because the corrupt nature has a hostile attitude toward God. It refuses to place itself under the authority of God’s standards because it can’t.

8 Those who are under the control of the corrupt nature can’t please God.

9 But if God’s Spirit lives in you, you are under the control of your spiritual nature, not your corrupt nature. Romans 8:5-9 (GW)

Attitude definition

A person’s attitude is the state of mind or being that consists of our thoughts, beliefs, personality, and moods about someone or something that is shown in our actions. Hopefully, that definition helps in understanding the Spiritual attitude.

You as a Spiritual person should follow your Spiritual nature and not your corrupt (human) nature. After all our struggle, according to Galatians 5:16-17, is flesh versus Spirit; human (corrupt) versus Spiritual (righteous).

Don’t do anything only to get ahead. Don’t do it because you are proud. Instead, be humble. Value others more than yourselves. 4 None of you should look out just for your own good. Each of you should also look out for the good of others. Philippians 2:3-4 (NIRV)

Not about your prayer posture

God is looking at your heart not what physical position (attitude) you are in when you pray. He knows if you respect Him or not by the way you live. One thing to consider, we are to pray always*.

It is not possible to always kneel, bow, or lay prostrate when praying. Learn to communicate with your Lord in any position/activity.

Jesus (to the Pharisees): ¹⁵ You’ve made your choice. Your ambition is to look good in front of other people, not God. But God sees through to your hearts. He values things differently from you. The goals you and your peers are reaching for God detests. Luke 16:15 (The Voice)

[*Read Luke 18:1-8 (1); Luke 21:34-38 (36); 1 Thessalonians 5:12-21 (17)]. Note: Traditionally^[1], attitude relates to one’s posture when praying. Depending on the custom, place, and the person’s mindset there were/are as many as nine different positions/postures to show adoration, respect, and supplication. This is not covered in this study.

Obedience

If you have a spiritual attitude [way of being] you obey God. In the same way that an obedient child does what its parent wants.

Therefore concentrate your minds, with the strictest self-control, and fix your hopes on the blessing that is coming for you at the appearing of Jesus Christ. 14 Be like obedient children; do not let your lives be shaped by the passions which once swayed you in the days of your ignorance,

15 but in your whole life show yourselves to be holy, after the pattern of the Holy One from whom you received your call. 16 For scripture says — ‘You will be holy, because I am holy.’ 1 Peter 1:13-16 (OEB)

♥ Question for spiritual attitude – spiritual nature attitude: Do you have a new spiritual attitude?

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Right Mindset

Study 2 – after receiving the Holy Spirit you can have a new way of thinking. You are made new (born anew) with the right mindset.

You are renewed in the spirit (vital principles) (attitude) of your mind (understanding). 24 Put on the new man, that in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth [Ephesians 4:23-24 (NSB)].

Put on the new you. You can have the right mindset. A spiritual attitude makes a difference in all things. When you decide to do any good thing, know that you have all the help you need through Christ. Trust God to come through for you.

And be continually renewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh, untarnished mental and spiritual attitude], 24 and put on the new self [the regenerated and renewed nature], created in God’s image, [godlike] in the righteousness and holiness of the truth [living in a way that expresses to God your gratitude for your salvation]. Ephesians 4:23-24 (AMP)

Trust in God

So the Lord kept the promise he had made to the Israelites. He gave the people all the land he had promised. The people took the land and lived there. 44 The Lord allowed them to have peace on all sides of their land. This is what he had promised to their people who lived long ago. None of their enemies defeated them. The Lord allowed the Israelites to defeat every enemy. 45 He kept every promise he had made to the Israelites. No promises failed. Each one came true. Joshua 21:43-45 (ICB)

The Israelites failed and disappointed God at times, we do that also, but God is true to His word and will deliver. Before becoming a child of God, you did not have a solid and predictable source to rely on, but now you have the Lord. He is your rock, your protector, and your Savior; your God. The Lord is your strength, so put your trust in Him [read Psalms 18:1-3].

These two things cannot change: God cannot lie when he says something, and he cannot lie when he makes an oath. So these two things are a great help to us who have come to God for safety. They encourage us to hold on to the hope that is ours. Hebrews 6:18 (ERV)

Can do Spiritual attitude

My dear brothers and sisters, I want you to understand the treasure that we have in Jesus our God. I encourage you to put on that ‘can do spiritual attitude‘. Get to know what God has in store for you. Hold your head up, put a smile on your face. You have help, you no longer have to try to do anything, step out on faith and do it!

And I pray that the sharing of your faith may promote the knowledge of every good thing which is ours in Christ Jesus. Philemon 1:6 (RKJNT)

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I’m not saying this because I’m in any need. I’ve learned to be content in whatever situation I’m in. 12 I know how to live in poverty or prosperity. No matter what the situation, I’ve learned the secret of how to live when I’m full or when I’m hungry, when I have too much or when I have too little.

I Can Do Attitude

Study 3 – with Jesus on your side, as your guide, you CAN DO all things. Go through life’s ups and downs in victory.

13 I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:11-13 (GW)

Whatever you are going through, you can make it, just have faith that God will get you through. Realize and say, “I can do it” knowing that God has given you the power and help you need to make it. Put on the ‘I can do’ attitude; remember what Shadrach (aka Hananiah), Meshach (aka Mishael) and Abednego (aka Azariah) said while in the furnace:

If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. Daniel 3:17 (KJV)

God is able

Stand on your faith God is able to do all things.

And when he had come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus said to them, Do you believe that I am able to do this? They said to him, Yes, Lord. 29 Then he touched their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it done to you. Matthew 9:28-29 (RKJNT)

Two blind men came to Jesus to be healed not trying to be healed, but they believed He could and would heal them. Before doing so Jesus asked if they believed He was able—they responded, yes, Lord.

Please remember what Jesus said when he touched their eyes, ‘According to your faith be it done to you’. Your faith is the key to success!

We end this with the words of Paul: “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” [Philippians 4:13]

Endure – go through

The only temptations that you have are the same temptations that all people have. But you can trust God. He will not let you be tempted more than you can bear. But when you are tempted, God will also give you a way to escape that temptation. Then you will be able to endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 (ERV)

I urge you to, by faith in God, take on the ‘I can do’ attitude in Jesus name. Actually, it is easier than you might think because your helper, the Holy Spirit helps you!

♥ Question for spiritual attitude – study 3: Do you have an ‘I can do‘ attitude?

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Start Doing

Study 4 – it is time to stop trying and start doing.

I know it sounds harsh and uncaring, but please ‘stop trying and start doing‘. Don’t just put forth an effort (trying), get it done (doing). With the help of our Lord, we can do all things, our help comes from God.

“… The things which are impossible with men are possible with God. [from Luke 18:27 (KJV)] ♦ “…God is my helper…” [from Psalms 54:4 (ASV)] ♦ “My help cometh from the Lord…” [from Psalms 121:2 (KJV)]

Trying – making an effort or attempting to do or complete something. FYI, trying found twice in the KJV, James 1:3 and 1 Peter 1:7, refers to the trying or trial {testing or proving} of your faith; not a person making an attempt to do something. The word try also never refers to attempting to get a thing done. One final point, attempt, attempted, or attempting are not found in the KJV either.

Doing – fulfilling, performing (caring out), getting done {finishing; completing; achieving or accomplishing}. Let God who can do the things that are impossible for people make the impossible for you possible.

And this is the certain faith which we have in God through Christ: 5 Not as if we were able by ourselves to do anything for which we might take the credit; but our power comes from God; 2 Corinthians 3:4-5 (BBE)

The ‘Can Do’ with God

Sometimes we must change our approach and way of thinking to complete a task. Eventually, change what we say—”I can do” is better than “I will try“. With God’s help, we do not have to try to do anything, start doing it and He will help us finish. Even Jesus stated, “I can do nothing by myself” [from John 5:30 (RKJNT)]. So why would you try to do anything without Him?

I am the vine, you are the branches: He who abides in me, and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit: for without me you can do nothing. John 15:5 (RKJNT)

Trying and failing?

The problem with ‘trying’ is that it gives the impression that we are attempting to do something without the mindset that we will get it done. Have a ‘can do‘ attitude knowing that God adds the can do to you. All it takes is faith. Start doing with God’s help and get results meant for you—become a ‘can do‘ child of God.

From childhood to now, I knew that I could do anything I put my mind to do. This attitude was and is a result of my faith in God. Knowing that my helper, the Holy Spirit, would make sure I did not and will not fail. – Tim

…if you have faith and don’t doubt, you can do things like this and much more. You can even say to this mountain… Matthew 21:21 (from NLT)

The spiritual attitude is positive knowing that through your faith in God you can do it if you do not doubt.

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Spiritual attitude wrap-up

Always be thankful and loving.

Let the peace of Christ have power over your hearts. You were chosen as a part of His body. Always be thankful. 16 Let the teaching of Christ and His words keep on living in you.

These make your lives rich and full of wisdom.

Keep on teaching and helping each other. Sing the Songs of David and the church songs and the songs of heaven with hearts full of thanks to God. Colossians 3:15-16 (NLV)

Live in peace. Be thankful at all times. Follow the teachings of Christ (the Scriptures). Teach and help each other. Finally, live your life in a loving manner. Love is essential to the right mindset–the right Spiritual attitude.

Therefore, continue becoming imitators of God, as beloved children, 2 and be walking about [fig., conducting yourselves] in love, as also Christ loved us and gave Himself [or, handed Himself over] on our behalf, [as] an offering and a sacrifice to God for an odor of a sweet smell [or, a sweet-smelling aroma]. Ephesians 5:1-2 (ALT)

Be like Christ

Let this attitude be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, though being in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon himself the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

8 And being found in form as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Philippians 2:5-8 (RKJNT)

FYI, the word attitude is not used in the KJV, NKJV, and only once in RKJNT {Philippians 2:5}. The use in Philippians is the phrase ‘mind be’ from phroneō (fro-ne’-ō) meaning:

• to feel, think, or to:
  • have an opinion of one’s self, think of one’s self, be modest, and not let one’s opinion (though just) of himself exceed the bounds of modesty
  • think or judge what one’s opinion is
  • be of the same mind i.e. agreed together, cherish the same views, be harmonious

Take on the spiritual attitude of Christ Jesus, act like Him, and think and believe like Him. Jesus gave up everything (during His time in the flesh) to become a servant. The creator of all lowered Himself (became a person who suffered abuse) and faithfully remained obedient ’til death.

Have the right Spiritual attitude

Embrace your Spiritual nature. Allow the Lord to renew your mind with the right mindset. Pursue the right way of acting and thinking. Take on each task with an ‘I can do’ attitude and start doing right/good.

Most of all maintain this positive Spiritual attitude with the help of the Lord. God is on your side my friends. I pray that you have enjoyed and will make the most of this Bible study. Blessings to you and your loved ones—♥ Tim. ☺

Related studies/lessons/snacks for further Spiritual growth:

Positive Attitude; Welcome to a New Way of Being! – an estimated 19-minute read.

Changed Life: Experience Your Best Using God’s Free Gift – an estimated 18-minute read.

Trying Vs Doing – an estimated 4-minute read.

Live in Harmony; Allow Each Other To Make Mistakes! – an estimated 11-minute read.

See what is available on the Sound Truth Ministry website.

I look forward to your feedback via comment at the bottom of the page or by emailing [email protected]. Have a fantabulous day!

Study Outline/Scriptures

Note: parenthesis (#) enclose the key verses.

• Summary: Philippians 1:3-11 (6); 1 Thessalonians 5:12-22 (14-18); 2 Thessalonians 1:3-12 [(11); cross reference: Romans 1:8-17 (12 and 17)]; Matthew 5:13-16 (16)
• Spiritual Nature: Romans 8:1-17 (5-9); Philippians 2:1-4 (3-4); Luke 16:14-18 [(15); reference: 1 Samuel 16:1-13 (7)]; Luke 18:1-8 (1) and 21:34-38 (36); 1 Thessalonians 5:12-21 (17); 1 Peter 1:13-21 [(13-16); cross reference: Leviticus 11:44-45; 19:2; 20:7]
• Right Mindset: Ephesians 4:17-24 (23-24); Joshua 21:43-45; Psalms 18:1-3; Hebrews 6:13-20 (18); Philemon 1:4-7 (6)
• I can do attitude: Philippians 4:10-20 (11-13); Daniel 3:8-18 (17); Matthew 9:27-31 (28-29); 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 (13)
• Start Doing: Luke 18:24-30 [(27); compare: Matthew 19:23-30 (26); Mark 10:23-31 (27)]; Psalms 54:4-5 (4); Psalms 121:1-2 (2); 2 Corinthians 3:4-6 (4-5); John 15:1-8 (5); Matthew 21:20-22 (21)
• Conclusion: Colossians 3:12-17 (15-16); Ephesians 5:1-7 (1-2); Philippians 2:5-11 (5-8)

Copyright information:

A-G

(ALT) Scripture taken from the Analytical-Literal Translation of the New Testament of the Holy Bible. Copyright (c) 1999-2001 by Gary F. Zeolla of Darkness to Light ministry (www.dtl.org). ♦||♦ (AMP) Scripture quotations taken from the Amplified® Bible, Copyright © 2015 by The Lockman Foundation Used by permission. (www.Lockman.org) ♦||♦ (ASV) American Standard Version – public domain. ♦||♦ Scripture quotations marked (CEV) are from the Contemporary English Version Copyright © 1991, 1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission. ♦||♦ (ERV) Taken from the HOLY BIBLE: EASY-TO-READ VERSION © 2001 by World Bible Translation Center, Inc. and used by permission. ♦||♦ (GW) Scripture is taken from GOD’S WORD®, © 1995 God’s Word to the Nations. Used by permission of Baker Publishing Group.

I-W

(ICB) Scripture taken from the International Children’s Bible®. Copyright © 1986, 1988, 1999 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. ♦||♦ (NCV) Scripture taken from the New Century Version®. Copyright © 2005 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. ♦||♦ Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. ♦||♦ (The Voice) The Voice Scripture taken from The Voice™. Copyright © 2008 by Ecclesia Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved. ♦||♦ (WE) Taken from THE JESUS BOOK – The Bible in Worldwide English. Copyright SOON Educational Publications, Derby DE65 6BN, UK. Used by permission.

^[1]Traditional attitude (physical postures) via biblicalcyclopedia.com