Now That You Know - Sarah Jakes Roberts

Main message: Now that you know how easily the mind can be deceived, you must pursue the mind of God by the Spirit so you can discern true good from evil, be transformed by renewing your mind, and live in the resurrection power and restoration God offers. The preacher also urgently reminded the church to take mental illness and suicidal thoughts seriously and to get help.

Key points:

• The Spirit gives access to the mind of God (1 Cor. 2): with the Spirit you can discern what looks good but is actually evil and see good where others see none.
• Matthew 16:21–23 shows how even faithful people (Peter) can switch from God‑mindedness to man‑mindedness and become a hindrance.
• Genesis 2 and 6 teach that God never intended humanity to live with the raw knowledge of adversity and grief—sin exposed us to things God did not want us to know.
• Romans 12:2 / renewing the mind: transformation of thinking is necessary so your actions line up with God’s purposes for you.
• Practical application: guard what you allow into your mind, rebuke demonic thoughts/strongholds, seek the Spirit’s discernment, and pursue counseling or crisis resources (988) when needed.
• God restores what evil meant for harm — resurrection and healing are available; don’t give up before God finishes His work.

Scriptures mentioned: Matthew 16:21–23, Genesis 6:5–6, Genesis 2:16–17, 1 Corinthians 2:9–16, Romans 12:2