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?