What's Better Than Mind Over Matter? - U, Inc.

Essential Church Podcast

SUMMARY

1. The concept of "You Incorporated" - examining whether we would keep our job if we were the CEO, CFO, or manager of our own lives.
2. The issue of self-control and being "mastered" by things we desire, such as addictions, impulses, and cravings.
3. The limitations of willpower and the ancient Greek philosophical idea of the "mind over matter" approach to self-control.
4. The importance of having a greater passion or love for something more than our cravings and desires, as exemplified by athletes in training.
5. The example of Jesus, who endured the cross for the "joy set before him" - his love for a relationship with humanity.
6. The tendency to wander aimlessly and chase after ease, comfort, and instant gratification instead of focusing on what God desires for us.
7. The need to examine what we truly love most and align our desires and actions with that, rather than relying on willpower alone.
8. The importance of having a vision and passion from God for our lives, which can provide the motivation and direction to overcome self-control issues.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. What does the speaker mean by "you Incorporated" and the idea of evaluating yourself as the CEO, CFO, or manager of your own life?
2. What does the speaker say is the key to overcoming issues of self-control, rather than just relying on willpower?
3. How does the speaker connect the idea of athletes training with discipline to the biblical concept of setting your heart and desires on what matters most?
4. The speaker discusses how sin is often a "disordered love" - what does he mean by that, and how does it relate to having the right priorities and passions in life?
5. What examples does the speaker give of how we can struggle with disordered loves and a lack of vision for what God wants for our lives?