SUSPICIOUS MINDS How to Deal with “Paranoid” Thinking Suspicion Is Not Always Sinful SUSPICIOUS MINDS

SUSPICIOUS MINDS How to Deal with “Paranoid” Thinking Suspicion is not always sinful SUSPICIOUS MINDS

• There are times when it is proper to suspect others, and to protect ourselves and our loved ones from those who are a real threat.

• There are times when suspicious activity ought to be reported to law enforcement professionals. (C.f. Acts 23:16-21, Romans 13:1–7; Titus 3:1; 1 Peter 2:13)

• There are times to flee from real danger.

The Westminster Catechism says “The sixth commandment requires all lawful endeavors to preserve our own life, and the life of others.”

It is also important to consider that on some occasions both Old and New Testament saints fled in order to escape danger. (C.f. 1 Samuel 19:18, 21:10, 27:1-2; Acts 9:23-31, 14:5-7, 17:9-10) Common Suspicious Thoughts SUSPICIOUS MINDS

• “I just don’t trust her.” • “I can’t put my finger on it but she makes me feel uncomfortable.” • “I’ve got to keep my guard up when I am around them.” • “I just know they are talking about me behind my back.” • “She looks for ways to push my buttons.” • “He never answers the telephone when I call. He’s avoiding me.” “Everyday Paranoia” SUSPICIOUS MINDS

Television news broadcasts, newspapers, magazines, and Internet news cites bombard us daily with reports of murders, kidnappings, suicide bombing and other violent crimes against humanity. Ever since September 11, 2001, we have been repeatedly warned to beware of international terrorism—to such an extent that many have developed an almost hyper- vigilant mindset. We now know that the NSA has been monitoring our personal correspondences. (Who knows what other governments are doing along these lines?) Conspiracy documentaries and web-sites make us wonder who’s really up to what. Even our syndicated television programs and many of the movies our society craves are filled with murder, violent crimes, and lots of other scary stuff. The Progression of Saul’s Sinful Thoughts SUSPICIOUS MINDS

It happened as they were coming, when David returned from killing the Philistine, that the women came out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet King Saul, with tambourines, with joy and with musical instruments. The women sang as they played, and said, “Saul has slain his thousands, And David his ten thousands.” Then Saul became very angry, for this saying dis-pleased him; and he said, “They have ascribed to David ten thousands, but to me they have ascribed thousands. Now what more can he have but the kingdom?” Saul looked at David with suspicion from that day on. (1 Samuel 18:6-9 NASB) The Progression of Saul’s Sinful Thoughts SUSPICIOUS MINDS

Then Saul became very angry, for this saying displeased him; and he said, “They have ascribed to David ten thousands, but to me they have ascribed thousands. • Jealousy and Anger Now what more can he have but the kingdom?” • Suspicion (1 Samuel 18:8) • Ranting • Attempted Murder • Fear • Dread • More Fear; and Enmity The Progression of Saul’s Sinful Thoughts SUSPICIOUS MINDS

Saul looked at David with suspicion from that day on.

(1 Samuel 18:9) • Jealousy and Anger • Suspicion • Ranting • Attempted Murder • Fear • Dread • More Fear; and Enmity The Progression of The Progression of Saul’s Sinful Thoughts Saul’s Sinful Thoughts SUSPICIOUS MINDS

Now it came about on the next day that an evil spirit from God came mightily upon Saul, and he raved in the midst of the house, while David was playing the harp with his hand, as usual; and a • Jealousy and Anger spear was in Saul’s hand. • Suspicion (1 Samuel 18:10) • Ranting • Attempted Murder • Fear • Dread • More Fear; and Enmity The Progression of Saul’s Sinful Thoughts SUSPICIOUS MINDS

Saul hurled the spear for he thought, “I will pin David to the wall.” But David escaped from his presence twice. • Jealousy and Anger (1 Samuel 18:11) • Suspicion • Ranting • Attempted Murder • Fear • Dread • More Fear; and Enmity The Progression of Saul’s Sinful Thoughts SUSPICIOUS MINDS

Now Saul was afraid of David, for the LORD was with him but had departed from Saul. (1 Samuel 18:12) • Jealousy and Anger • Suspicion • Ranting • Attempted Murder • Fear • Dread • More Fear; and Enmity The Progression of The Progression of Saul’s Sinful Thoughts Saul’s Sinful Thoughts SUSPICIOUS MINDS

When Saul saw that he was prospering greatly, he dreaded him. (1 Samuel 18:15) • Jealousy and Anger • Suspicion • Ranting • Attempted Murder • Fear • Dread • More Fear; and Enmity The Progression of The Progression of Saul’s Sinful Thoughts Saul’s Sinful Thoughts SUSPICIOUS MINDS

Then Saul was even more afraid of David. Thus Saul was David’s enemy continually.

• Jealousy and Anger (1 Samuel 18:29) • Suspicion • Ranting • Attempted Murder • Fear • Dread • More Fear; and Enmity The Progression of Saul’s Sinful Thoughts SUSPICIOUS MINDS

Suspicion causes you to keep your eye on the wrong person.

Rather than focusing on pleasing and worshiping the One who sovereignly controls all things (who causes all things to work together for the good to those who love Him and who has promised to protect his children)… Suspicion focuses on the harm one may experience at the hand of an autonomous entity who is going to somehow neutralize God’s promises and penetrate His defenses. In one way or another, suspicious people distrust God himself. They trust instead (or at least more) in their own perceived ability to protect themselves. Sources of suspicion towards God SUSPICIOUS MINDS

• Guilt leading to fear of God’s punishment • Traumatic experience leading to wondering why God allowed it to happen • Worry leading to anxiety and fear Dealing with the Attending Sins of Suspicion SUSPICIOUS MINDS

• Anxiety (worry) • Evil suspicion • Distrusting God (lack of faith) • Sinful jealousy • Rash judgments • Judging (imputing evil) motives • Unrighteous (or unjust) judgment Dealing with the Attending Sins of Suspicion SUSPICIOUS MINDS

• Sinful fear • Not “believing the best” • False accusation • Selfishness • Pride • False reasoning (thinking that doesn’t conform to reality) • Exaggerating the threat of actual dangerous motives What Causes (or Contributes to) Sinful Suspicion? SUSPICIOUS MINDS

• Learned behavior • An unclear conscience • Lack of love for (and trust in) God • Interpreting life according to one’s feelings (according to sight or appearances) rather than through the lens of Scripture (according to faith — 2 Cor. 5:6-7)

Therefore, being always of good courage, and knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord - for we walk by faith, not by sight – 2 Cor. 5:6-7 What Causes (or Contributes to) Sinful Suspicion? SUSPICIOUS MINDS

• False reasoning • Sleep deprivation • Inferiority judgments • Drugs and alcohol • Stress • Physical illness • The influence of others Overcoming Suspicion SUSPICIOUS MINDS

1. Try to identify the things that trigger suspicious thoughts. 2. Determine precisely what it is that you suspect others of doing. 3. Determine the biblical validity of the evidence upon which your suspicion is founded. 4. Try to reevaluate the “evidence” in light of Scripture. 5. If necessary, rethink the suspicion in light of Scripture (especially in light of the sovereignty and goodness of God).

A PDF download is available at kressbiblical.com Overcoming Suspicion SUSPICIOUS MINDS

6. Look for and dethrone idolatrous desires that may be generating your suspicion. 7. Ask yourself “How would Christ have viewed and responded to the ‘evidence’ upon which I am basing my suspicions?” 8. Learn how to “put off” worrying. 9. Practice believing the best about those who give you no reason not to do so. 10.Prayerfully make it your goal to love God with all of your heart, soul, mind and strength, and your neighbor as yourself. Overcoming Suspicion ARE THERE ANY QUESTIONS?