The Mind of Christ

Lesson 38

As we know, the soul consists of three parts: the mind, will and emotions.  All these have to be subjected to the control of the Spirit. 

  Our mind and affections have to be set on things above, not on things on the earth (Col.3:2), but this can only happen when we have died to self and are risen with Christ:

  It is only through death to self that we can rise in the resurrection power of the Holy Ghost!

   

Colossians 3:1-3  (KJV)

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

²Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

³For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

   

When our mind is “stayed” on the Lord will we walk in perfect peace.

Isaiah 26:3-5 King James Version (KJV)

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee. Trust ye in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength.

The mind then, is the leading part of the soul.  Every thought has to be taken captive in obedience to Christ (2 Cor10:3-5). And as a man thinks in his heart, so is he. (Prov.23:7).

  That implies that the emotions follow the dictates of the mind. Therefore, it follows that the mind set on Christ will cause us to have Spirit-filled emotions .  The contrary is also true: Uncontrolled emotions simply means that they are under control of the flesh which has not died.

  Either we live under control of the Spirit or under control of the flesh.

  Once we have embraced the cross and have reckoned ourselves dead to sin (e.g.uncontrolled emotions) and alive to God in Christ Jesus (by the Spirit) (Rom.6:11) we have to make the choice with our will whether we will give in to the temptation to react in the flesh or respond in the power of the Spirit.

  In Philippians 2 Paul beseeches the believers to have the mind of Christ who has taken on the form of a servant in lowliness and humility to become obedient even unto death out of love for the Father.

  Lowliness of mind is the opposite of pride that wants to have its will and its way causing emotions to run haywaire if the situation cannot be “controlled”. 

1 Corinthians 2:16 - For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

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.

Philippians 2:5 - Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:


2 Timothy 1:7 - For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

1 Peter 1:13 - Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

Philippians 2:5-11 - Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus. 

1 John 2:6 - He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.

Romans 8:1-39 - [There is] therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.   (Read More...)

Philippians 4:8 - Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things.