Understanding The Mind of Christ - Lesson #5 - The Holy Spirit Enforces The Mind of Christ; By: RC Blakes, Jr. 5/14/15

          UNDERSTANDING THE MIND OF CHRIST  

                   Lesson #5 The Holy Spirit Enforces The Mind Of Christ

We cannot consistently manifest the threefold mind of Christ modeled in Philippians 2 (Unity - Humility- Selflessness) without the Holy Spirit.

IMPACT POINT! A Person May Know All Of Christ' Teachings And Have None Of His Attitude.

To know the bible is not enough to manifest the attitude of Christ. One may know the book and have none of the spirit. You will never manifest the principle of the text without the involvement of the Holy Spirit.

1. The Holy Spirit Triggers A Knowing Of Right And Wrong

At conversion there is a feeling of what is of God and what is not. Many times it is much later in the study of scripture that the believer begins to truly understand why certain things would grieve him/ her.

John 16:13-14; 13. But when He, the Spirit of Truth (the Truth-giving Spirit) comes, He will guide you into all the Truth (the whole, full Truth). For He will not speak His own message [on His own authority]; but He will tell whatever He hears [from the Father; He will give the message that has been given to Him], and He will announce and declare to you the things that are to come [that will happen in the future]. 14. He will honor and glorify Me, because He will take of (receive, draw upon) what is Mine and will reveal (declare, disclose, transmit) it to you. AMPLIFIED

To know the mind of Christ is to gain an understanding of Him that transcends carnal knowledge. There's a knowing of Him that comes only by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

Ephesians 1:17-18; 17. That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: 18. The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

The text uses the phrase "understanding being enlightened".

IMPACT POINT! The Word Enlightened Literally Translates As Having Light Placed Upon Something. When Our Understanding Is Enlightened God Shines Light On Certain Areas That Were Dark Previously. We Cannot See Without The Holy Spirit.

2. THE HOLY SPIRIT CAUSES THE BIBLE TO COME ALIVE IN OUR ATTITUDES

In the heart of a true Believer the Bible is more than a book; it becomes the very constitution of the believer's walk. The Holy Spirit is the only agent that can take the principles from the pages and plant them into the character of the believer.

2 Corinthians 3:6;  Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.

The Believer receives the indwelling of the Holy Spirit at conversion. He then awakens the nature of Christ in us.

IMPACT POINT! As We Feed Our Spirits With The Word Of God Our Minds Are Renewed To Yield To The Influence Of The Spirit.

There is no transformation of character without the Holy Spirit. The attitude of the believer is not changed because he knows the verses. It requires the specific work of sanctification

1 CORINTHIANS 2:14-16; 14. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. 16. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

3. AS WE YIELD TO HIM HE BEGINS TO MANIFEST THE ATTITUDE OF CHRIST THROUGH US

Spiritual maturity is all about how much or little one is yielded to the Holy Spirit.

IMPACT POINT! Spiritual Maturity Is Always About How Much Of Your Attitude Is Influenced By The Holy Spirit.

Galatians 5:22-25; 22. But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness. 23. Gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence). Against such things there is no law [that can bring a charge]. 24. And those who belong to Christ Jesus (the Messiah) have crucified the flesh (the godless human nature) with its passions and appetites and desires. 25. If we live by the [Holy] Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. [If by the Holy Spiritwe have our life in God, let us go forwardwalking in line, our conduct controlled by the Spirit.] AMPLIFIED

IMPACT POINT! As We Grow In Christ The Holy Spirit Will Manifest The Nature Of Christ More And More. It Will Get To The Point That The Old You Will Be Dead.

Romans 8:13-14; 13. For if you live according to [the dictates of] the flesh, you will surely die. But if through the power of the [Holy] Spirit you are [habitually] putting to death (making extinct, deadening) the [evil] deeds prompted by the body, you shall [really and genuinely] live forever. 14. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.

Romans 8:7-9; 7. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 9. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

1 Corinthians 2:12-16; 12. 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. 13. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. 16. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

1. THE HOLY SPIRIT IS GIVEN TO US THAT WE MIGHT KNOW

1492. εἴδω eídō; To see. This verb is obsolete in the pres. act. for which horáō (G3708), to see with perception, is used. The tenses derived from the meaning of eídō form two families, one of which has exclusively the meaning of to see, the other that of to know.

2. THE HOLY SPIRIT TEACHES US TO COMPARE SPIRITUAL THINGS WITH SPIRITUAL THINGS.

3. THE HOLY SPIRIT GIVES US U DERSTANDING OF THINGS THE CARNAL MIND CAN'T PERCEIVE.

4. THE HOLY SPIRIT CAUSES US TO JUDGE ALL THINGS.

Romans 8:26-27; 26. Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

Understanding The Mind of Christ - Lesson #4 The Attitude of Selflssness; By: RC Blakes, Jr. 5/7/15

              UNDERSTANDING THE MIND OF CHRIST

                Lesson #4 The Attitude Of SELFLESSNESS

Thus far we've discussed the fact that "THE MIND OF CHRIST" is an active attitude. It is more than a head filled with biblical facts or spiritual behavior. It is a Christ-like approach to how we think and live our lives.

IMPACT POINT! We May Be Extremely Skilled At Bible Interpretation And Church Culture And Have None Of His Mind.

Matthew 7:22-23; 22. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? And in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works? 23. And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

IMPACT POINT! The Threefold Mind Of Christ Is Unity - Humility And Selflessness.

Philippians 2:4; Let each of you esteem and look upon and be concerned for not [merely] his own interests, but also each for the interests of others.

The only way to fulfill the third part of this mindset is to be established in the first two: UNITY and HUMILITY.

IMPACT POINT! Philippians 2:4; Is Broken Up Into Two Commands, The First Negative And The Other Positive.

The Apostle Paul tells us what we shouldn't be doing if we have a selfless mindset and then he tells us what we should do.

He says: DON'T LOOK ON YOUR OWN INTEREST (Negative Command). Then he says: LOOK ON THE INTEREST OF OTHERS (Positive Command).

It is unnatural to look over ones own interest to look to the interest of others. Even from birth there is the innate Sub-consciousness to SELF PRESERVE.

IMPACT POINT! It Requires The Presence And Power Of The Holy Spirit To Manifest The Attitude Of Christ.

The only way to overcome the natural tendency to put ones own interest ahead of others is to come into spiritual maturity. This only happens in a nurtured relationship with the Holy Spirit.

Galatians 5:22-26; 22. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23. Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

When we live in the Spirit we overcome the mindset of vain glory.

IMPACT POINT! To Live In The Spirit Means To Allow Him To Govern Your Life.

The term Paul uses for LOOK, in Philippians 2:4, is the Greek word Skopeo which is where we get our words scope and telescope. It means to look farther. It's the idea of going beyond what you can see naturally.

Selfish people are shallow and visionless. They see the world as a personal space not inclusive of anyone else. As a consequence they are not blessed nor are they ever positioned to be a blessing.

IMPACT POINT! Selflessness Demands A Deeper Perspective.  

1. YOU MUST LOOK OUTSIDE OF YOURSELF

When we live with the Mind of Christ we approach every encounter with people from he perspective of: who are they - what might hey need and how may I help.

IMPACT POINT! The Christ Attitude Is Others First.

1 John 4:19-21; 19. We love him, because he first loved us. 20. If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? 21. And this commandment have we from him, that he who loveth God love his brother also.

Jesus was actually being crucified and was praying for his enemies.

Luke 23:34. Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.

IMPACT POINT! Christ Always Promoted Selfless Thinking Even In The Area Of Enemies.

Matthew 5:43-48; 43. Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy. 44. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;45. That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. 46. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? Do not even the publicans the same? 47. And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? Do not even the publicans so? 48. Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

2. YOU MUST LOOK DEEP INTO THE OTHHER PERSON

Sometimes we get into our feelings and retreat into selfishness. We look at situations with only ourselves in mind. When we take the time to look beneath the surface we often discover that the person is in need of our ministry and not vengeance or judgment.

Luke 23:34; Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.

Notice how JESUS looked pass what they were doing and he identified why. He says: "Forgive them for they DON'T KNOW WHAT THEY ARE DOING."

IMPACT POINT! Sometimes The Other Persons Deliverance Has To Take Precedence Over Your Pride And Ego.

Selflessness is being able to look pass a person's actions and still selflessly doing what's best for them. Most of the time we judge and condemn people strictly based on their actions. Often the will of God is for us to get to the cause and bring healing rather than judgment.

We see a demonstration of selflessness for the well being of another in the life of Peter after he had denied Christ.

Mark 16:5-7; 5. And entering into the sepulcher, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted. 6. And he saith unto them, be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him. 7. But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you.

NOTICE: the emphasis on "tell his disciples AND PETER". The intention was to specifically include Peter at a time when he felt unworthy.

IMPACT POINT! The Focus Wasn't On What Peter Had Done; It Was On What He Needed.

 

 

 

Understanding The Mind Of Christ - Lesson #3 The Attitude of Humility; By: RC Blakes, Jr. - 4/30/15

                 

       UNDERSTANDING THE MIND OF CHRIST     

    Lesson # 3 The Attitude Of Humility

In Philippians 2:2 we discovered the first attitude of Christ which is UNITY. It also outlined certain actions that would demonstrate the attitude which are: unity of love, unity of spirit and unity of purpose.
In this lesson we discover yet another attitude and coinciding actions.

Philippians 2:3; Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves;

IMPACT POINT! The Theme Of Philippians 2:3 Is Humility.

The mark of Christlikeness is humility. It is impossible to manifest an attitude of Christ with an arrogant conceited heart. High mindedness is a total contradiction to Christ-likeness.

Philippians 2:5-8; 5. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

Philippians 2:3 instructs us in the wisdom of humility.

This particular attitude requires that we be careful NOT TO MANIFEST CERTAIN SINFUL CHARACTERISTICS.

 1. Do Not Be A Self Promoter.  “Selfishness"

The actual word Paul used to capture this sense of self promotion was a word used for politicians who would do whatever to win the votes of people.

When you are a self promoter you not only become an anti-Christ in attitude, you garner the resistance of God. When we self promote we resemble Lucifer who sought to build himself a throne. God does not share his glory.

Isaiah 42:8; I am the Lord: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.

IMPACT POINT! JESUS' Entire Agenda Was For Others And To The Glory Of God.

John 4:34; Jesus saith unto them, my meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.

There's only one way to maintain a selfless attitude and that is to truly see yourself as a servant of God. A servant understands that it's always about those we serve and never ourselves.

2. BE MINDFUL NOT TO HAVE AN INFLATED EGO "Empty Conceit"

The term conceit is a synonym for egotism. It's the idea of seeing yourself as more important and better than others.

Galatians 6:3; For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.

IMPACT POINT! The Ego Comes Naturally; Humility Must Be Put On Like A Garment.

1 Peter 5:5; Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

This text describes the benefits of humility and the consequences of not modeling this attitude. He says pride, which is the opposite attitude of humility, will cause God to resist us. He then says that the humble receive grace or favor from God.

IMPACT POINT! To Maintain The Mind Of Humility Requires Intentional Thinking.

Intentional thinking is conscious thought. It is the process of determining when thoughts are generated from the carnal mind - satanic influences or the regenerated spirit.

2 Corinthians 10:5; [Inasmuch as we] refute arguments and theories and reasonings and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God; and we lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One), AMPLIFIED

 3. THE SAFE GUARD AGAINST SELFISHNESS AND CONCEIT IS TO Treat Others Better Than Yourself "Regard One Another As More Important"

This is not to suggest that we consider ourselves as less than. Rather, it is about demonstrating honor for others. This speaks of intentionally preferring others ahead of yourself.

Romans 12:10; Love one another with brotherly affection [as members of one family], giving precedence and showing honor to one another.

The term precedence literally means to take the lead in respecting and honoring one the other. Don't wait for the other to submit to you, take the lead in honoring them.

IMPACT POINT! The Way We Treat Others Is An Indication Of Our True Walk With God.

Ephesians 5:21; Be subject to one another out of reverence for Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).

Understanding The Mind of Christ Lesson #2 - The Attitude of Unity; By: RC Blakes, Jr. 4/23/15

 

                     UNDERSTANDING THE MIND OF CHRIST                      

   Lesson #2 The Attitude Of Unity

Philippians 2:2-5; 2. Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 5. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
IMPACT POINT! The Mind Of Crist Is An Active Attitude. To Have The Mind Of Christ Is To Be Governed By His Attitude.

The observation of verses 2-4 reveals three distinct attitudes in each verse. This may be thought of as THE THREEFOLD MIND OF CHRIST.

THE FIRST ATTITUDE IS UNITY

Philippians 2:2; Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

There are four words within the immediate context of the verse itself that indicates UNITY. They are: like- minded - same love - one accord and one mind.

IMPACT POINT! The Cornerstone Of The Mind Of Christ Is Unity.

Psalms 133:1; Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!

This verse points out that being brothers and together does not automatically mean unity. It also indicates that good things happen when brothers are unified.

IMPACT POINT! To Live The Mind Of Christ Demands That We Demonstrate Biblical Unity In Our Home, Church, Job And Neighborhood.

Along with this first attitude of Christ are actions that verify if we have the attitude. These actions are taken from verse 2 of Philippians 2.

ACTION #1. UNITY OF LOVE

Philippians 2:2 talks about having "the same love".

Love is not a feeling it's a choice. To have the mind of Christ requires having a mind to love people inspite of their personalities or dispositions.

IMPACT POINT! The Word Paul Chose To Use For Love Is TOTAL COMMITMENT

Nothing reveals Christ to the world like loving people who are difficult to love.

John 13:34-35; A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

IMPACT POINT! Jesus Demonstrated This Attitude For Us And Required It Of Us.

John 15:11-13; These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this that a man lay down his life for his friends.

JESUS died for people who didn't deserve it. When we think about our attitudes towards each other in comparison to Christ' sacrificial love for us, it should make us see ourselves. When we are intolerant of each other, judge mental and prejudice we must know that we are anti-Christ.

Romans 5:8; But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

ACTION #2. UNITY OF SPIRIT

Philippians 2:2 also talks about being of "one accord".

Unity of spirit is the second action under the attitude of UNITY. We must first demonstrate unity of love to model the mind of Christ. Secondly we must demonstrate unity of spirit.

IMPACT POINT! The Word Paul Uses For One Accord a Translates As SOUL MATES.

This "unity of spirit" indicates that we invest ourselves in getting to know each other intimately.

IMPACT POINT! Quite Often In The Family And Fellowship The Unity Breaks Down Because We Have Not Taken Time To Know One another.

Unity of spirit is committing to connect to the person intimately and to feel their feelings as Christ felt ours.

Hebrews 4:15; For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

IMPACT POINT! Unity Of Spirit Is Signing Up To Do Life With Others.

Galatians 6:1-2; 1. Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. 2. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

The only way to fulfill this action is to sincerely take the time to get to know people for interest that don't serve you.

ACTION #3 UNITY OF PURPOSE

Philippians 2:2 talks about "being of one mind".

The third action that confirms that we are LIVING OUT THE UNITY OF THE MIND OF CHRIST is UNITY OF PURPOSE.

Unity of purpose means that we comb through the multitude of personalities and agendas to focus on the real purpose.

IMPACT POINT! The Mind Of Christ Will Always Bring Us Back To Purpose Over Personalities

Philippians 3:15-18; 15. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, 16. God shall reveal even this unto you. 17. Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. 18. Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:

Understanding The Mind of Christ - Lesson #1: By RC Blakes, Jr. 4/16/15

UNDERSTANDING THE MIND OF CHRIST

Lesson #1

The idea of The Mind of Christ is rarely, if ever, described or defined in detail. In most cases it is mentioned and glossed over without any in-depth discussion about what it actually is. The mind of Christ is not a mystery or some mystical concept that no one can get a handle on.

IMPACT POINT! The Mind Of Christ Is Defined In A Detailed Outline In Scripture Itself

Philippians 2:2-5
2. Fill up and complete my joy by living in harmony and being of the same mind and one in purpose, having the same love, being in full accord and of one harmonious mind and intention.

3. Do nothing from factional motives [through contentiousness, strife, selfishness, or for unworthy ends] or prompted by conceit and empty arrogance. Instead, in the true spirit of humility (lowliness of mind) let each regard the others as better than and superior to himself [thinking more highly of one another than you do of yourselves].

4. Let each of you esteem and look upon and be concerned for not [merely] his own interests, but also each for the interests of others.

5. Let this same attitude and purpose and [humble] mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus: [Let Him be your example in humility:]

From this block of verses we will extract the revelation of what the mind of Christ is and how to apply it to    our daily walk as Christians.

IMPACT POINT! It Is Unthinkable That A True Child Of God Would Not Be Concerned About The Way Christ Thinks.

Philippians 2:21. For the others all seek [to advance] their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ (the Messiah).

It is not uncommon to see “Christians” who have no concern at all with what matters to Christ. The church is filled with selfish spiritual babes. The clearest evidence of the absence of the mind of Christ is the proliferation of carnal thinking and behavior in the fellowship.

Colossians 3:1-3; 1. ​IF THEN you have been raised with Christ [to a new life, thus sharing His resurrection from the dead], aim at and seek the [rich, eternal treasures] that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.2.And set your minds and keep them set on what is above (the higher things), not on the things that are on the earth.3.For [as far as this world is concerned] you have died, and your [new, real] life is hidden with Christ in God. AMPLIFIED

1.      THE MIND OF CHRIST IS AN ATTITUDE

Philippians 2:5; Let this same MIND and purpose and [humble] mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus: [Let Him be your example in humility:]

When Paul uses the word “mind” in the original Greek text he chose a very specific word. It literally translates “ATTITUDE”. He’s calling for the Believer to ascend to having the attitude of Christ. Paul is making it clear that the MIND OF CHRIST is not a mere creed or theory. IT IS AN ATTITUDE THAT MIRRORS CHRIST.

2 Timothy 3:5; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

In all of Paul’s writings he uses this specific Greek word for attitude, only twenty-three times. What is even more interesting is that ten of the twenty-three times he uses this word are in this four chapter book of Philippians. The thesis of the book revolves around having the attitude of Christ.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

Do you think your attitude mirrors Christ, at home, work and church? If yes, how?                                                  

What would happen in the church if more believers actually had Christ’s attitude?

Is it possible to know His word and not possess His attitude?

2.      THE MIND OF CHRIST IS AN ACTION

Not only did Paul use the word for mind that translates as “attitude” in Philippians 2:5, he also used the verb form of the word. A verb indicates that the mind of Christ is not a block of thoughts or beliefs; but, the Mind of Christ is an action.

IMPACT POINT! When You Have The Attitude Of Christ You Will Act It Out.

James 2:20; But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?

QUOTE:                                                                                                                                                                   “If you claim to have the Mind of Christ but do not demonstrate a life that reflects this attitude in action, you are not to be believed when you claim to have the Mind of Christ.”                                   Dr. Ben Guittierrez

Revelation 2:2-4; 2. I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: 3. And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. 4. Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.

IMPACT POINT! The Mind Of Christ Is Lost In Religion Because Religion Limits Spirituality To Concepts And Rituals That Never Translate Into Actual Behavior.

Though one is not saved by works, when one is saved works will follow.

Ephesians 2:10; For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Titus 1:16; They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:  How does a “BELIEVER” who does not have actions that coincide with their proclamations of faith impact the lost and the spiritual babe?

Do you strive to act out your faith or do you verbalize it more demonstrate it?

3.      THE MIND OF CHRIST CHANGES YOUR THINKING

When Paul uses the term that translates attitude in Philippians 2:5 we also deduce from this that the Mind of Christ impacts the way the believer thinks. Attitudes are always the reflection of dominant thoughts

IMPACT POINT! You Cannot Claim To Possess The Mind of Christ Without Consciously Renewing Your Mind Or Thinking

Romans 12:2; 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.

This is important to understand. The Mind of Christ has to dominate your thinking to enter into any real state of spirituality or godliness.

IMPACT POINT! Many People Attempt To Facilitate Spirituality (Christ-likeness) Without Addressing The Need For Creating New Thinking

Luke 6:45; A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.

IMPACT POINT! Spirituality Must Always Start From The Inside Out.

Psalms 119:11; Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:  

What are some of the ways we may change the thinking?                                                              What are the benefits of renewing the mind to Christ-likeness?                                                     What are the consequences of not renewing your mind as a Christian?