Why We Need the Mind of Christ (Part 2)
Christianity is a relationship. We must know that God has been faithful to forgive and cleanse us of all Sin through Jesus Christ. We do not walk in the condemnation of our old ways and habits. Neither do we allow accusations of the enemy to condemn us in any future unrighteousness, we simply submit to God and the devil must flee from us. In this way we continue to serve God faithfully in spirit and in truth.
As discussed in part 1 of this I-Blog, we should have confidence that the mind of Christ gives us the advantage and we should be done with intentional sin. 1 Peter 4 spoke of those who have suffered in the flesh as those who have ceased from sin. To better define this, look at it from the perspective that to suffer is to (patiently allow) to develop in the mindset.
We are no longer pleasing ourselves and the world. The pressure applied to our minds by the enemy in the attempt to force us to give up, cave in and quit on Jesus – we are to allow the Word to push out the wrong way we think toward God through his suggestions and sometimes ourselves.
Our proper identity should be in our renewed spiritual selves and not identifying with our body as the real us. This leaves only the mind of Christ and we will walk in victory.
thinking correctly toward God
arming ourselves with the word
with the same thoughts and purposes as Christ
In other words,
But insofar as you are sharing Christ’s sufferings, keep on rejoicing, so that when His glory [filled with His radiance and splendor] is revealed, you may rejoice with great joy. If you are insulted and reviled for [bearing] the name of Christ, you are blessed [happy, with life-joy and comfort in God’s salvation regardless of your circumstances], because the Spirit of glory and of God is resting on you (and indwelling you.)
Guards against the Vanity of the mind:
BUT WE HAVE THE MIND OF CHRIST
In 1 Corinthians 2:9-16 we learn that we have the mind of Christ for only God knows the plans and thoughts he has for mankind and He unveils and reveals to us the deep things of God. He shows us why we should obey God and not the ways of the world.
But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searches all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knows the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knows no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teaches, but which the Holy Ghost teaches; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.
Hebrews 4:12-16 – Discerns the thoughts and intents of our hearts
Isaiah 50:4 – wakes us morning by morning with the tongue of the learned
Gives us words in due season for the weary
Results:
Changes us daily - Avoiding all Pride and high thinking
2 Corinthians 10:3-5
We cast down imaginations and high thoughts against the Word
We must have right thinking
2 Corinthians 3:18
Looking into the face of Jesus
Changes us into the image of Christ
Philippians 1:6
I am convinced and confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will (continue to) perfect and complete it until the day of Christ Jesus (the time of His return).
Romans 12:1-3 - vs2
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
1 Corinthians 2:14-16
Now thanks be unto God, which always causes us to triumph in Christ, and makes manifest the savor of his knowledge by us in every place.[endif] · [if !supportLists]
For we are unto God a sweet savor of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: To the one we are the savor of death unto death; and to the other the savor of life unto life.
HOMEWORK: Ask yourself: [if !supportLineBreakNewLine] [endif]
How do I apply the areas discussed to my personal life, speech and mental processes?
Where do I fall short ?
Pray ask for help from the Spirit - Romans 8:14 (led and guided)
Psalms 51:10 renew a right spirit
Philippians 4:6-8 – give everything over to God.
Peace of God will guard your heart and mind
Define: Vanity, blindness, lasciviousness, conversation, corrupt communication, renewed, righteousness, holiness, angry, wrath, edifying, grieve, tenderhearted, forgiving, conformed, transformed, soberly
Scripture Review:
John 3:17 - Isaiah 55:8 - Romans 8:1-11 - Ephesians 4:17-32 Romans 12:1-3 - 1 Peter 4:1-11- 1 Corinthians 2:9-16 -Philippians 1:6 Romans 8:14 - Psalms 51:10 - Philippians 4:6-8 Hebrews 4:12-16 - 2 Corinthians 3:18 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 - James 4:17 - 1 John 5:14 - Isaiah 50:4 - Colossians 3:5-9 and 10-18 - John 16:13-14 - Titus 3:5.
