Friday, March 29, 2013
Monday, March 4, 2013
The Mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5-8)
Thinking that exalts self over God and others is defined never more perfectly than in the Devil's epitaph;
"I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation On the farthest sides of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High." (Isaiah 14:13-14)
Selfishness, egotism, arrogance and prejudice all come from pride. It is this pride that brings destruction to relationships, first with God and secondly with our fellow man. It was this pride that damned the Devil and destroyed his relationship with God and the same that destroyed mans fellowship with God and each other.
Jesus Christ is the only solution to this problem of prideful self absorbed thinking as He is the only example of perfect selfless love and humility. Scripture demands we are to take upon ourselves the same thinking and through doing so that we can have perfect unity.
"Fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others."
(Philippians 2:2-4)
This mindset of selflessness is the mind of Christ. If God has given us faith we must now take on this mindset of humility;
"Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross."
(Philippians 2:5-8)
Fellowship with God and each other has come to us as a result of the Gospel, but only to the extent we have taken upon ourselves the mind of Christ. There is no room for pride in God's kingdom because only humble hearts can accept God's gift of amazing grace. As God has shown us His grace we are to live out this grace in Christ centered community.
"For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith." (Romans 12:3)
"Rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion." (Romans 12:15-16)
~Selah
"I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation On the farthest sides of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High." (Isaiah 14:13-14)
Selfishness, egotism, arrogance and prejudice all come from pride. It is this pride that brings destruction to relationships, first with God and secondly with our fellow man. It was this pride that damned the Devil and destroyed his relationship with God and the same that destroyed mans fellowship with God and each other.
Jesus Christ is the only solution to this problem of prideful self absorbed thinking as He is the only example of perfect selfless love and humility. Scripture demands we are to take upon ourselves the same thinking and through doing so that we can have perfect unity.
"Fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others."
(Philippians 2:2-4)
This mindset of selflessness is the mind of Christ. If God has given us faith we must now take on this mindset of humility;
"Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross."
(Philippians 2:5-8)
Fellowship with God and each other has come to us as a result of the Gospel, but only to the extent we have taken upon ourselves the mind of Christ. There is no room for pride in God's kingdom because only humble hearts can accept God's gift of amazing grace. As God has shown us His grace we are to live out this grace in Christ centered community.
"For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith." (Romans 12:3)
"Rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion." (Romans 12:15-16)
~Selah
Friday, March 1, 2013
Transformed not conformed (Romans 12:2)
“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:2)
Mental development involves mimicking and conforming to the culture we live in. Conforming to that cultures way of thinking is easy and comfortable for us. In some ways it can be helpful for us to know and relate with our culture, but conforming to our cultures way of thinking can also destroy us. The admonition of scripture is that we are called to think differently than the world by having our minds renewed.
This transformation from one way of thinking to an entirely different way is a challenge for us. If our mind has been renewed with truth we now stand in opposition to worldly thinking. Conflicting with our culture is always more difficult than conforming to it, but this is the natural result of a transformed life.
Renewed minds know the will of God and this reality is evidenced by a completely changed lifestyle. God’s will is perfect and good so if we are living according to this knowledge our lives will validate His goodness. In order for that to happen we must be set free from worldly thinking. Once the mind has been renewed and the life has been transformed our lives will be acceptable to God.
~Selah
Mental development involves mimicking and conforming to the culture we live in. Conforming to that cultures way of thinking is easy and comfortable for us. In some ways it can be helpful for us to know and relate with our culture, but conforming to our cultures way of thinking can also destroy us. The admonition of scripture is that we are called to think differently than the world by having our minds renewed.
This transformation from one way of thinking to an entirely different way is a challenge for us. If our mind has been renewed with truth we now stand in opposition to worldly thinking. Conflicting with our culture is always more difficult than conforming to it, but this is the natural result of a transformed life.
Renewed minds know the will of God and this reality is evidenced by a completely changed lifestyle. God’s will is perfect and good so if we are living according to this knowledge our lives will validate His goodness. In order for that to happen we must be set free from worldly thinking. Once the mind has been renewed and the life has been transformed our lives will be acceptable to God.
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” (Romans 12:1)
~Selah
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Taking thoughts captive (2 Corinthians 10:4-5)
“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,”
(2 Corinthians 10:4-5)
Warfare in this context is no doubt spiritual in nature, but it plays out on the battlefield of the mind. These strongholds of thought that have exalted themselves against the knowledge of God are various but the weapons to conquer them are consistent. The truth of God’s written Word received through the Holy Spirit’s power is able to bring these strongholds down and bring the mind back into a proper knowledge and obedience to God.
Thoughts have many different origins. Some are inspired and directed by the Holy Spirit, and others have their origins in our corrupt nature. Thoughts may even have come from the enemy of our souls with the direct objective to destroy us and subject us to bondage. Because our minds are constantly active and our thoughts come from many different origins, it is essential that we are watchful and filling our minds with the truth of scripture. God's word is the map and the compass that reveals the path to navigate through the treacherous sea of life. If we don't take our thoughts captive we are in danger of believing lies and crashing on the rocks.
It is now imperative for the soldier of Christ that every thought be actively and pedantically captivated. Those thoughts that are not consistent with the person or teaching of Christ must not be allowed to roam free on the fields of our mind. Once the mind has been set free through the truth of Christ’s word, and our thoughts are captivated by Him, we can experience true freedom.
(2 Corinthians 10:4-5)
Warfare in this context is no doubt spiritual in nature, but it plays out on the battlefield of the mind. These strongholds of thought that have exalted themselves against the knowledge of God are various but the weapons to conquer them are consistent. The truth of God’s written Word received through the Holy Spirit’s power is able to bring these strongholds down and bring the mind back into a proper knowledge and obedience to God.
Thoughts have many different origins. Some are inspired and directed by the Holy Spirit, and others have their origins in our corrupt nature. Thoughts may even have come from the enemy of our souls with the direct objective to destroy us and subject us to bondage. Because our minds are constantly active and our thoughts come from many different origins, it is essential that we are watchful and filling our minds with the truth of scripture. God's word is the map and the compass that reveals the path to navigate through the treacherous sea of life. If we don't take our thoughts captive we are in danger of believing lies and crashing on the rocks.
It is now imperative for the soldier of Christ that every thought be actively and pedantically captivated. Those thoughts that are not consistent with the person or teaching of Christ must not be allowed to roam free on the fields of our mind. Once the mind has been set free through the truth of Christ’s word, and our thoughts are captivated by Him, we can experience true freedom.
“If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:31-32)
“If the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” (John 8:36)
~SelahTuesday, February 19, 2013
Loving God with your all (Mark 12:13)
"And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.' This is the first commandment." (Mark 12:13)
Loving God with our all is the calling of every believer and follower of Jesus Christ. This love of God manifests itself in the fruit of our works and deeds, but it is grown and cultivated internally. Our love for God needs to be tended to in our heart, soul, mind and with all of our strength.
Knowledge of the love of God for us came when we first understood the Gospel and received Christ. This reality has totally changed us, and our soul is in love with God because He first loved us. The rest of this commandment is what we must now work out, loving God with our minds and with all our strength.
Loving God with your mind is a constant battle and one that must be won. Our worship of God needs to be filled with spiritual fervor but it must also be intelligently accompanied by the truth. "God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and in truth." (John 4:24) If our minds are not continually being regenerated with the truth of God's word we can easily fall into the trap of worshiping a false creation of our own mind.
Cherishing and mediating on God's truth is not a burden when our minds have learned to love Him. Love is the motivation and prevailing wind that pushes the ship of our mind towards the celestial shore. Never be deceived, the strength it takes to cultivate the mind is available only to those who have learned to love Him.
~Selah
Monday, February 11, 2013
Reconciliation of the mind (Colossians 1:21)
"You who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled.." (Colossians 1:21)
Enmity in the mind against God is not something that has come upon us because of circumstance, culture or creed. The enmity of the mind is the constant and prevailing condition of all men without the miracle of reconciliation in Christ. He has brought us back into a right relationship with God through the suffering of the cross. Nothing remains that has not been made right in relationship with our Father through Jesus.
"It pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven having made peace through the blood of His cross." (Colossians 1:19-20)
In that He has reconciled all things, He has absolutely brought reconciliation to our mind. The mind through the power of the Gospel can now please God in it's intent, intellect and imagination. Never forget that God is aware and deeply concerned with what is going on in our minds. In God's wrath through the flood we see a vivid picture of how much God is concerned with our mind;
"The Lord saw the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And the LORD was sorry that He had made man on the earth and was grieved in His heart. So the LORD said "I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth." (Genesis 6:5-7)
Seeing then God's concern with the thoughts of man, it is imperative to us that we have apprehended the mind. Our thought life needs to reflect the reality of the reconciliation we have experienced in Christ. If we have experienced salvation and are in a right relationship with Him, our thoughts can now be directed towards heaven;
"If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. when Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory." (Colossians 3:1-3)
~Selah
Enmity in the mind against God is not something that has come upon us because of circumstance, culture or creed. The enmity of the mind is the constant and prevailing condition of all men without the miracle of reconciliation in Christ. He has brought us back into a right relationship with God through the suffering of the cross. Nothing remains that has not been made right in relationship with our Father through Jesus.
"It pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven having made peace through the blood of His cross." (Colossians 1:19-20)
In that He has reconciled all things, He has absolutely brought reconciliation to our mind. The mind through the power of the Gospel can now please God in it's intent, intellect and imagination. Never forget that God is aware and deeply concerned with what is going on in our minds. In God's wrath through the flood we see a vivid picture of how much God is concerned with our mind;
"The Lord saw the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And the LORD was sorry that He had made man on the earth and was grieved in His heart. So the LORD said "I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth." (Genesis 6:5-7)
Seeing then God's concern with the thoughts of man, it is imperative to us that we have apprehended the mind. Our thought life needs to reflect the reality of the reconciliation we have experienced in Christ. If we have experienced salvation and are in a right relationship with Him, our thoughts can now be directed towards heaven;
"If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. when Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory." (Colossians 3:1-3)
~Selah
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Staying the mind on God (Isaiah 26:1-5)
"You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You. Trust in the LORD forever, For in GOD the LORD, we have an everlasting Rock." (Isaiah 26:4-5. NKJV, NASB)
It takes diligence to stay the mind on God. Our enemy the devil works tirelessly to distract, discourage, and destroy our faith and trust in God. The knowledge of God's faithfulness is something that must be constantly reminded. The deceiver sends his fiery darts that will pierce our mind if we have not firmly establish the helm of our salvation, Jesus Christ. He is our rock, our insurmountable stronghold. If the mind has been concentrated on Christ, it can not easily be strayed into strife and worry. In order to retain peace and trust the battlefield of the mind must be won decidedly by casting our burdens and worries on Christ. Once our mind is stayed on Him we can say with the Psalmist;
"The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold." (Psalm 18:2)
Isaiah brought an accusation against Israel for forgetting their God;
"You have forgotten God your Savior; you have not remembered the Rock, your fortress. Therefore, though you set out the finest plants and plant imported vines, though on the day you set them out, you make them grow, and on the morning when you plant them, you bring them to bud, yet the harvest will be as nothing in the day of disease and incurable pain." (Isaiah 17:10-11, NIV)
Forgetting God brings heavy consequences. Isaiah tells Israel that because they had forgotten God and set their minds on reaping an earthly harvest instead of an eternal one, they will not reap any peace in the day of distress. If our minds are stayed on earthly things instead of the eternal, we will fail to have any trust or peace when trouble comes. If we will retain the truth of His word in our mind, that truth will be echoed in the prayer of our heart.
~Selah
It takes diligence to stay the mind on God. Our enemy the devil works tirelessly to distract, discourage, and destroy our faith and trust in God. The knowledge of God's faithfulness is something that must be constantly reminded. The deceiver sends his fiery darts that will pierce our mind if we have not firmly establish the helm of our salvation, Jesus Christ. He is our rock, our insurmountable stronghold. If the mind has been concentrated on Christ, it can not easily be strayed into strife and worry. In order to retain peace and trust the battlefield of the mind must be won decidedly by casting our burdens and worries on Christ. Once our mind is stayed on Him we can say with the Psalmist;
"The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold." (Psalm 18:2)
Isaiah brought an accusation against Israel for forgetting their God;
"You have forgotten God your Savior; you have not remembered the Rock, your fortress. Therefore, though you set out the finest plants and plant imported vines, though on the day you set them out, you make them grow, and on the morning when you plant them, you bring them to bud, yet the harvest will be as nothing in the day of disease and incurable pain." (Isaiah 17:10-11, NIV)
Forgetting God brings heavy consequences. Isaiah tells Israel that because they had forgotten God and set their minds on reaping an earthly harvest instead of an eternal one, they will not reap any peace in the day of distress. If our minds are stayed on earthly things instead of the eternal, we will fail to have any trust or peace when trouble comes. If we will retain the truth of His word in our mind, that truth will be echoed in the prayer of our heart.
"Prone to wander Lord I feel it, Prone to leave the God I love. Here's my heart Lord, take a seal it, seal it for thy courts above."
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