THE MIND OF CHRIST

THE MIND OF CHRIST

Monday, February 11, 2019

  After yesterday reading and then airing Leslie Niven’s “Garbage In, Garbage Out” devotional thought I recalled military friends moving to another base and finding the packers, under orders, packed everything . . . including the trash . . . and USMC Gunny Jim pondering “How much of our personal trash do we move with us?” Then I decided to go to Gotquestions.org and type in “mind of Christ”:

"How can I have the mind of Christ?"

  In 1 Corinthians 2:16, Paul quotes Isaiah 40:13 and then makes a statement concerning all believers: “We have the mind of Christ.” Having the mind of Christ means sharing the plan, purpose, and perspective of Christ, and it is something that all believers possess.

  Having the mind of Christ means we understand God’s plan in the world—to bring glory to Himself, restore creation to its original splendor, and provide salvation for sinners. It means we identify with Christ’s purpose “to seek and to save what was lost” (Luke 19:10). It means we share Jesus’ perspective of humility and obedience (Philippians 2:5-8), compassion (Matthew 9:36), and prayerful dependence on God (Luke 5:16).
  In the verses leading up to 1 Corinthians 2:16, we note some truths concerning the mind of Christ:

1) The mind of Christ stands in sharp contrast to the wisdom of man (verses 5-6).

2) The mind of Christ involves wisdom from God, once hidden but now revealed (verse 7).

3) The mind of Christ is given to believers through the Spirit of God (verses 10-12).

4) The mind of Christ cannot be understood by those without the Spirit (verse 14).

5) The mind of Christ gives believers discernment in spiritual matters (verse 15).

In order to have the mind of Christ, one must first have saving faith in Christ (John 1:12; 1 John 5:12). After salvation, the believer lives a life under God’s influence. The Holy Spirit indwells and enlightens the believer, infusing him with wisdom—the mind of Christ. The believer bears a responsibility to yield to the Spirit’s leading (Ephesians 4:30) and to allow the Spirit to transform and renew his mind (Romans 12:1-2).

Recommended Resource: The Mind of Christ by T.W. Hunt

  These facts for believers leaves us with a second question, “Am I exercising the mind of Christ?”

EBB4

GIGO

G.I.G.O.

Sunday, February 10, 2019

Proverbs 23:7 For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee. [Also not Rom.12:1-3; 1Cor.2:16 addressed specifically to the followers of Christ.]

Even if you are not into computers, you may know that G.I.G.O. stands for “garbage-in-garbage-out”. This is true of human minds as well as computers. If we fill our minds with the garbage available on TV, magazines, newspapers, and books and so on, then that is what we will be interested in. Is it any wonder we have such a high rate of crime, violence, immorality, drug abuse, premarital sex and unwed mothers?

  We, as adults, need to closely monitor what we and our children and young people are watching and reading.

  I pray that God will help me keep the garbage out!

Leslie Nivens

TO JUDGE? Part 3

IS IT RIGHT TO JUDGE Part 3

Friday, February 08, 2019

   2Timothy [NLT] 3:16-17 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

  Paul declared “He that is spiritual judges all things” earlier having said “I speak as [though] to wise men, judge what I say.” (1Cor.2:15; 10:15) This Paul stated to a very messed up bunch of congregants.

  So what is this qualifying spiritual basis Paul refers to?

  Checking the Greek it means to think and act non-carnal. Looking at Paul’s letter to the Romans we see that a carnal mind is a hostile attitude toward God. (Rom.8:7)

  Looking at carnal versus non-carnal in the immediate text sans chapter division we see: “The natural [carnal, unrenewed] person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one. "For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?" But we have the mind of Christ. But I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh [carnal], as infants in Christ.” (ESV 1Cor.2:14-3:1)

  Once again, for me the challenge comes down to living in alignment or nonalignment with the exhortation in Romans 12:1-3 “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.”

  Continuing maturation requires judging what God says, beginning with applying to self, and, having experienced the expense, often reluctantly . . . all things.

EBB4

IS IT RIGHT TO JUDGE? Part 2

IS IT RIGHT TO JUDGE? Part 2

Thursday, February 07, 2019

   Luke [MKJV] 6:39-46 And He [Jesus] spoke a parable to them: Can the blind lead the blind? Shall they not both fall into the ditch? The disciple is not above his master, but everyone who is perfect shall be like his master. And why do you look at the splinter that is in your brother's eye, but do not see the beam that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, Brother, let me pull out the splinter in your eye, when you yourself do not see the beam that is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First cast out the beam out of your own eye, and then you shall see clearly to pull out the splinter that is in your brother's eye. For a good tree does not bring forth corrupt fruit, neither does a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. For every tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather grapes from a bramble bush. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth the good. And an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth the evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. And why do you call Me Lord, Lord, and do not do what I say?

  “Is it right to judge?” is a question puzzled and argued over by many sincere caring Christians. However, many of the discussions, lessons, sermons I’ve listened to have been devoid of all-inclusive Scripture. The voices selectively emphasizing certain verses from Jesus’ words recorded in Matthew 7:1-5, their doing so without careful study. To teach we should never judge comes from the mouth of misguided Christians and produces misguided weak congregations. To judge according to Jesus’ and apostles teaching is our responsibility. But what is taught? In reading Scripture:

·         Jesus commanded “Judge righteous judgment.” Jn.7:24

·         Jesus constructively told a man “you have correctly judged” Lk.7:43

·         To others, Jesus said “Why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right?” Lk.12:57; also note 2Thes.3:6 & 1Cor.5:12

·         Never forget we are all under the same standard; God’s Word.

·         Mature judgment begins with self-examination. Mt.7:5; Lk.6:42; 2Cor.13:5

·         The end goal of judgment should always be good fruit, edification; seeking first the kingdom of God. Mt.6:33; Lk.6:43-45; 12:31

·         Judgment is to be done Christ’s way; with love, grace, and forgiveness. Lk.6:46

·         Judging should never ever be ego-centric. It must be charitable. 1Cor.13

·         Judgment requires Christ-like example. Lk.6:40, 46; 1Cor.2:13-16

·         To correct, for health, to avoid corruption, judgment is required. 1Cor.5:1-6; 2Tim.3:16-17

·         The blind cannot maturely lead the blind with godly characteristic. Lk.6:39

·         Hypocrites shouldn’t judge, evaluate, profile others. Mt.7:1-5; Lk.6:39-46  Strong’s informs from the Greek, a hypocrite is [G5271] “an actor under an assumed character (stage player), that is, (figuratively) a dissembler”  Dictionary.com defines a dissembler as “to give a false or misleading appearance to; conceal the truth or real nature of: to dissemble one's incompetence in business.”

·         We are to judge as Jesus exemplified; with love and mercy.

·         The Apostle Paul invited judgment. 1Cor.10:15

·         Basic guideline is given in 2Timothy 3:16-17.

  So, is it right to judge? When Biblically qualified in mature character, yes. 

EBB4

PS. Having now read the above and looked up all Bible references presented and prayerfully read in context . . . are you now judging the author and the content of what he wrote? I hope so, for it is your Christian responsibility.

IS IT RIGHT TO JUDGE Part 1

IS IT RIGHT TO JUDGE? Part 1

Wednesday, February 06, 2019

   2Timothy [ESV] 3:16-17 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

  Does God’s Word say it’s wrong to judge?

  Before answering the question please understand that with other judgments recently and particularly this morning I judged the need to personally review and share my file on the topic. A topic that deeply troubled me decades ago and resulted in judgment by a mentor that I needed to cease fretting and do a Bible study on the matter.

  To answer the question: Yes and no, depending on our position, in particular whether our motive is ego-centric or godly interest in biblical maturation in others. In studying God’s Word I discovered that judgment is not only proper, it is a positive duty in truly loving one another in Christ-like manner. The Lord Jesus Christ commanded “judge righteous judgment.” (Jn.7:24) Using Strong’s I go to examine the Greek text one word at a time.

·        “judge” G2919 κρίνω; krinō; kree'-no Properly to distinguish, that is, decide (mentally or judicially); by implication to try, condemn, punish: - avenge, conclude, condemn, damn, decree, determine, esteem, judge, go to (sue at the) law, ordain, call in question, sentence to, think.

·                 *“righteous” G1342 δίκαιος; dikaios; dik'-ah-yos From G1349; equitable (in character or act); by implication innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively): - just, meet, right (-eous).

·                     “judgment” G2920 κρίσις; krisis; kree'-sis (Subjectively or objectively, for or against); by extension a tribunal; by implication justice (specifically divine law): - accusation, condemnation, damnation, judgment.

  And who and what was Jesus urging them to judge. Reading verse 24 in context He was pointing out their wrongheadedness. They, we, are to begin with judging self, repent, before we can consider helpfully judging any others with righteous judgment! This coincides with Jesus’ exhortation recorded by Matthew. As always when reading Scripture, keep in mind that man inserted chapter divisions – Jesus was not segueing to a totally different subject from 6 to 7. “… seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.”

  So, yes, we are to judge, but never in wrong-hearted ego-centric manner. (Rom.12:1-3) And then only as we constructively seek first the kingdom of God. Kingdom first, me never . . . this according to our earnest expectation and hope, that in nothing we shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in our body, whether it be by life, or by death. For us to live is Christ, and to die is gain. (Phil.1:20-21)

EBB4

JUDGING

A CRITICAL ISSUE: JUDGING

Tuesday, February 05, 2019

   Psalm 1:1 Blessed is the man who has not walked in the counsel of the ungodly, and has not stood in the way of sinners, and has not sat in the seat of the scornful.

   Romans 12:1-3 I beseech you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, pleasing to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, in order to prove by you what is that good and pleasing and perfect will of God. For I say, through the grace given to me, to every one who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think. But set your mind to be right-minded, even as God has dealt to every man the measure of faith.

  The question “Is it right to judge?” has arisen again. Tomorrow I’ll share the first of a 6 part series on the question, a series that I invested considerable 2Timothy2:15-16 work into. But today I’m sharing my first lesson on the topic. It taught not any church I’ve participated in, but done so by an older wiser instructor many years ago; the difference between criticism and critiquing.

  Criticizing comes from an individual’s ego, their pride. Criticism is in mans’ unregenerate nature.

  Critiquing flows from an individual’s concerned love. It is presented with the hope for solution, healthy remedy. Critiquing often includes suggestions or ways in the interest of repair; regeneration pleasing to the Lord. Prophets, Jesus, the apostles, and others critiqued.

  As God’s John 1:12 family we are to think and speak unnaturally.

EBB4

A CRUCIAL MISCONCEPTION

A CRUCIAL MISCONCEPTION

Monday, February 04, 2019

   Exodus 20:3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

   Romans 12:1-3 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 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. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

  Trevin Wax, LifeWay Christian Resources publisher has personally authored THIS IS OUR TIME: EVERYDAY MYTHS in LIGHT of the Gospel. (Released March 2017 this year.) WORLD magazine, May 13, featured edited excerpts from his interview in front of Patrick Henry College students. I read such items as I don’t want to be trapped in a geriatric gulf.

  One question and answer definitely stirred the old synapses as Wax did not narrowly confine his answer to any one generation. (For the record: I am without doubt of the GI Generation.)

  “What’s one crucial assumption that millennials make?”

  “Eighty percent of Americans, including millennials, believe enjoying yourself is the highest goal in life. Not one goal, not a goal, but the highest goal of life. The number of practicing Christians that go to church at least once a month is in the high 60 percent. So the idea that the goal of life is enjoyment is the dominant framework of thought for people all across our country, including in our churches. In church we sing the same songs and listen to the same sermons, but one person may have the idea from the Westminster Catechism that the chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forevermore, with worship foundational, and others see enjoying life as the highest goal, with the church as a help for them to fulfill their own dreams.”

  Regardless of your generational identity, what think ye?

EBB4