Category Archives: Mind

Bible, Harmony, Mind, Scripture, Unity, Witness

LIVE IN HARMONY

PHILIPPIANS 4:2

“I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to live in harmony in the Lord.”

The current riots in Los Angeles reminds me of the 1992 riots that took place after police officers accused of assaulting a man named Rodney King were acquitted of the charges. The city erupted in chaos and violence and wanted vengeance on those officers. Disharmony has gone on for a long time. It’s no wonder we see this mentioned in today’s verse.

Two women, Euodia and Syntyche, were obviously not getting along well. Can you imagine how they might have felt when they heard their names read aloud in church when this letter was shared? Paul must have known them well or he would not have called them out for their behavior. He wasn’t trying to humiliate them. He only wanted them to live in such a manner that others in the community would see Christ in them.

APPLICATION

So, what exactly did Paul mean when he said, “to live in harmony in the Lord”? Let’s look at what Albert Barnes said about these two ladies. “It has been commonly supposed that they were deaconesses, who preached the gospel to those of their own sex; but there is no certain evidence of this. All that is known is, that there was some disagreement between them, and the apostle entreats them to be reconciled to each other… Whether the difference related to doctrine, or to something else, we cannot determine from this phrase. The language is such as would properly relate to any difference.”

The key to this reconciliation is in the last three words – “in the Lord.” We can reconcile with people all day long, but unless it is in view of the Lord’s teachings, it will not last. Undoubtedly, these were two professing followers of Christ. Because of that fact, Paul tells them to reconcile. Actually, the Greek reads “be of the same mind.” Work things out. Get your stuff together.

Who are you at odds with today? We can all probably name one or two people with whom we have fallen out for one reason or the other. Paul’s instructions to these ladies applies to us as well. I am not saying to try to make it work with someone who is toxic and hurtful to you. But, if at all possible, be at peace with everyone, especially other believers.

Lord, it’s hard sometimes to be of the same mind with others. Give me Your view of them so I can show grace where needed.

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Attitude, Bible, Jesus, Mind, Scripture, Service

LIKE-MINDED

PHILIPPIANS 2:20

“For I have no one else of kindred spirit who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare.”

Years ago, when our children were small, my wife and I asked some family members to be their custodian if something happened to us. They were chosen mainly because of their walk with the Lord. We knew they would bring up our children in the same manner we were trying to. We knew they would always have their best interest at heart and would do everything they could to give them a great childhood.

Paul makes a tremendous statement in today’s verse about Timothy. He had just told them in the previous verse that he was sending Timothy to them. Now, he describes Timothy as the only one “who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare.” What a compliment for his disciple. We should all be striving to be that kind of trustworthy follower of Christ. Don’t you think?

APPLICATION

The Greek word used for “kindred spirit” is only used right here in today’s verse. It is isopsuchos, which comes “from ísos, ‘equivalent, equal’ and psyxē, ‘soul’ – properly, of equal-soul; having similar identity (values) because like-minded, i.e. equally (similarly) motivated.” (HELPS Word Studies). Like minded! I like that. Are you like-minded with other believers? Are you like-minded with Christ? We are told to have the mind of Christ in 1 Corinthians 2:16. “For WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD, THAT HE WILL INSTRUCT HIM? But we have the mind of Christ.”

Paul knew Timothy was like-minded with him regarding the Philippians because they were both like-minded with Christ. So, what does that mean? It means we have the views, feelings and temper of Christ, according to Barnes. We are influenced not according to the world but by the Spirit. He will always point us toward the welfare of others.

Today, ask yourself if that describes you. Do you have others’ best interest at heart? When we live our lives with the mind of Christ, we will always seek to serve Him by serving others. That was Timothy’s heart. That was Paul’s heart. It should be ours, as well.

Father, give me the mind of Christ. Let me live my life in a like-minded manner toward others.

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Attitude, Bible, Jesus, Mind, Scripture

THE MIND OF CHRIST

PHILIPPIANS 2:5

“Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,”

We learn a lot by watching others, don’t we? We have all seen the little boys or girls following their dads around with their little toy lawnmowers as he mows the lawn. They are modeling his behavior. Wouldn’t it be great if we could model the right attitude for our children or grandchildren? If we want to raise godly children, we must live godly. We must model the behaviors and attitudes we want them to live by.

In Philippians 2:5-8, we have a passage which many people have memorized and tried to live by. Ellicott calls this “The Voluntary Humiliation of the Lord.” MacLaren titles it “The Descent of the Word.” Over the next few days, we will dissect this passage and see what the Lord has to say about us having His mind as we live out our lives following Him.

APPLICATION

Sounds simple, huh? “Have this attitude”! But then Paul says, “which was also in Christ Jesus.” Come on Paul! Who can do that? We aren’t Jesus. We can’t think like Him. We can’t be as humble as He was. Yet, I am reminded of John 14:12 which says, “Truly, truly I say to you, the one who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I am going to the Father.”

What?! Greater things than Him?! That’s what He said, and if He said it, I believe it. That means that I can have the same attitude He had. What was His attitude? Meekness, humility, service, obedience… Shall I go on? To be like Jesus is to think like Jesus. The popular bracelet from years past – WWJD – would be a great reminder for us. Before we do anything, think like Jesus and then do what He would do.

Are you prepared to do that? Are you willing to exchange your way of thinking for Jesus’ way? It’s possible through the transformation of your mind (Romans 12:1-2). Are you willing? Will you let go of your past concepts of how to live and allow Jesus to transform your mind into His mind? Oh, how wonderful that would be for us all.

Lord, give me the mind of Christ in all things.

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Bible, Christ, Conduct, Devil, Image, Mind

ACCORDING TO HIS IMAGE

COLOSSIANS 3:10

“and have put on the new self, which is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created it”

 

Our grandson is the perfect image of me! Just kidding. He does have my first name as his middle name. But he really resembles his mama and dad. He is the image of them both. When he is being good it’s his mama. When he’s mad it’s his dad. Not really. Just had to get a jab in for my great son-in-law.

We are all familiar with the Genesis story. “26 Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.’ 27 God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” I truly believe this is on Paul’s mind when he penned the words in today’s verse.

APPLICATION

You see, when we get rid of that old self, God renews us in His perfect image. We gain His knowledge and stop seeking the knowledge of the world. Just think about that. We gain the mind of Christ.

Whose image and knowledge and mind do you want? Christ’s or the devil’s? What a silly question. But what does the mind of Christ allow you to do? Why would you want that? With His mind you see the world differently. You see people differently. You simply live differently.

Today, as you go through your day, remember whose mind you have. When that old self is trashed (which is what Paul has been talking about these past few verses) you walk in victory. You walk with your head up. You walk looking upward and onward.

 

Father, I desire to live in Your image and with Your mind.

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Bible, Jesus, Mind, Scripture, Thoughts

SETTING YOUR MIND

COLOSSIANS 3:2

Set your minds on the things that are above, not on the things that are on earth.

How is your thought life? I ask that question to the men I mentor on a regular basis. Some of these men struggle with keeping their mind pure. They have had issues with pornography in the past. So, I ask them when we talk how they are thinking, what are they setting their minds on.

Paul uses the Greek word phroneó to describe this command. Paul uses the Present Imperative Active form of this verb which means it is a command that we need to do over and over, to constantly do it. Therein lies the problem. So many of us do it once and think we are good. Nope. It doesn’t work that way.

APPLICATION

It is interesting that Jesus uses this same verb in the discourse with Peter when he was questioning Jesus’ message to them about suffering. Read what He says in Matthew 8:31-33. “31 And He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise from the dead. 32 And He was stating the matter plainly. And Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him. 33 But turning around and seeing His disciples, He rebuked Peter and said, ‘Get behind Me, Satan; for you are not setting your mind on God’s purposes, but on man’s.’”

Are you like Peter? Do you question the Lord’s words? Do you doubt His ability to work in and through you? Wouldn’t it be horrible to hear those words from Jesus? I would hate it. I want to be in tune with Him at all times. Am I? No, I am sorry to say. But I really want to be.

Today, start your day by getting your mind straight. Think on Jesus first. Ask Him what He wants you to do today? Before you start your day, spend time meditating on His Word. It is still so relevant for us today. He has things to say to us. Once you have heard Him, then just do what He says.

Father, speak to me. Show me today how to set my mind on You.

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Battles, Bible, Futility, Mind, Scripture, Useless, Walking

FUTILITY

EPHESIANS 4:17

“So I say this, and affirm in the Lord, that you are to no longer walk just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their minds,”

What exactly does “futility” mean? Well, according to the dictionary it means “pointlessness or uselessness.” Let me give you an example. It is futility to try to stop the ocean waves with a sandcastle. You can build as big of a one you like, but the crashing waves will bring it down and claim it once again to the ocean. It is useless. It is pointless. Why even try?

Paul is pointing out the unbelieving Gentiles, from which these Ephesian believers came. He is exhorting them to stop doing the things they used to do before coming to Christ. Remember, they all probably came out of pagan worship. Paul says that way of thinking is pointless and useless. It is futility. Pretty bold words, don’t you think?

APPLICATION

Paul uses this word in Romans 8:20 when he writes, “For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope.” Even the perfect creation God created fell to the futility of man when he ate of that fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Creation will never be perfect again until Jesus brings a new heaven and a new earth.

Then Peter uses that word in 2 Peter 2:18. “For, while speaking out arrogant words of no value they entice by fleshly desires, by indecent behavior, those who barely escape from the ones who live in error,” You see, this kind of thinking, these words are of no value. They are pointless and useless. Why do we waste so much time trying to do things on our own? God has the answer if we will just turn to Him.

Paul is telling us in today’s verse to walk with Christ, not with the world. Stop emulating and embracing all these things. They are futile. Nothing that this world emphasizes will draw you closer to Jesus. Rely on His Word. Come to Him in prayer. Get your mind right each day so you can walk with purpose, serving the One who gave you life.

Thank You, Lord, for giving me a new mind when I came to Jesus.

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Access, Appearance, Bible, God's Will, Messages, Mind, Mystery, Presence, Promises, Revelation, Scripture

REVELATION BY THE SPIRIT

EPHESIANS 3:5

“which in other generations was not made known to mankind, as it has now been revealed to His holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit;”

Revelations are pretty cool. What do I mean by that? I am not trying to be mystical or anything. Think about your everyday life. Sometimes things just “come” to you, as if the thought just popped out of nowhere. These revelations can be explained in a lot of ways – a subconscious thought, a memory, etc. But there were and still are some revelations that can only be explained by the Spirit.

Paul tells the Ephesians that this revelation he has received concerning the mystery of grace came from God through the Holy Spirit. This revelation, this apokaluptó, shows how this happened. The word means to take the cover off to reveal what has been hidden. The Holy Spirit has uncovered the secrets of grace to Paul and the other apostles and prophets. They have been given the privilege of understanding in order to teach it. It wasn’t their secret to keep. It was meant to be shared.

APPLICATION

What has God revealed to you? Jesus told us in Matthew 10:26, “‘So do not fear them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known.’” He wants to reveal Himself to you fully. He wants you to know as much as you can handle about this wonderful thing called grace. He wants to use you to spread this revelation to others.

This “revealing” by the Spirit is not a one-time thing. God continues to reveal things to you at the right time. Look what Philippians 3:15 says. “Therefore, all who are mature, let’s have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that to you as well;” He checks your attitude. Now, who doesn’t need that?

I have said it multiple times in my blogs. God does not want to play hide-and-seek with you. He wants you to find Him. He is not hiding. He is standing right out in the open. Just look. Open your eyes and ask Him to show you what you need. He promises to come alongside us and walk with us. You can’t get much more revealing than that.

O Lord, You are a revealing God. Thank You for showing us Yourself in Your Son, Jesus

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Abiding, Accountability, Bible, Choices, Desires, Flesh, Lusts, Mind, Scripture, Wrath

WE WERE THERE

EPHESIANS 2:3

“Among them we too all previously lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the rest.” 

It is so easy to get caught up in a mob mentality. One minute you are discussing something calmly and then things get heated. The next thing you know, you are shouting and screaming at each other. The bigger the crowd, the louder it gets. We’ve seen all the protests lately all over the world. People who have no idea what they are protesting are yelling, chanting and doing things behind masks they would have never done a year ago.

But don’t point your fingers. Paul tells us in today’s verse that we were there. We were just like them. He says, “we too all previously lived.” In other words, don’t forget that this is where you came from. Then Paul describes some of our actions in the past. We “lived in the lusts of our flesh.” We indulged “the desires of the flesh and mind.” We “were by nature children of wrath.” Let’s look at these past actions of ours to remind ourselves of where we have come from and to never return there.

APPLICATION

What are “the lusts of our flesh”? Benson says in his commentary, that they are “the base appetites of which we were enslaved” that cause us “to forget the dignity and happiness of rational and immortal spirits.” Did you get that? These lusts drive you to do things. Paul includes himself in this description. He also struggled with these before Christ rescued him.

Then Paul further defines these lusts. He says they are “the desires of the flesh and mind.” These desires affect both the body and the mind. They are our actions and our thoughts. I have been reading a book lately that says our thoughts lead to words. Our words lead to actions. And our actions lead to habits. (Take Captive Every Thought by Jeff Rowe) How true that is. When we give in to our thoughts, things can progress very quickly.

Paul finishes this thought by saying we, “were by nature children of wrath.” Boy, that sounds harsh, doesn’t it? Listen to what Barnes says about this phrase. “I do not know a more strong or positive declaration that can be made to show that people are by nature destitute of holiness and exposed to perdition.” Wow! But that was us BEFORE Jesus. Praise be to God we are no longer there. Sin no longer has a grip on us. We are free to do as God wills. Amen!

Father, thank You for freeing me from these lusts of the flesh and my tendency to sin. I have Your Holy Spirit living in me.

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