Introduction

This morning, we ask the question, “What does the Bible say about the mind of Christ?” This is a question that was asked on the “Church Survey/Questionnaire” that was turned in about a month ago. Where do we find the expression: “The mind of Christ?” The only place those words in that order are found is in (1 Cor 2:15-16 NKJV) But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one. {16} For "who has known the mind of the LORD that he may instruct Him?" But we have the mind¹ of Christ.

¹íï™ò nous

Thayer Definition:

1) the mind, comprising alike the faculties of perceiving and understanding and
those of feeling, judging, determining

1a) the intellectual faculty, the understanding

1b) reason in the narrower sense, as the capacity for spiritual truth, the higher powers of the soul, the faculty of perceiving divine things, of recognizing goodness and of hating evil

1c) the power of considering and judging soberly, calmly and impartially

2) a particular mode of thinking and judging, i.e thoughts, feelings, purposes,
desires

What do we associate with the mind of Christ?

Body

I. The mind is our thinking and reasoning.

A. As Christians, we are admonished to be like-minded toward one another.

(Rom 15:5-6 NKJV) Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, {6} that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

1. Even so, there are some areas for differences of opinion.

(Rom 14:1-5 NKJV) "Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things. {2} For one believes he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats only vegetables. {3} Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat, and let not him who does not eat judge him who eats; for God has received him. {4} Who are you to judge another's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand. {5} One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind.

2. Are you sure you are right? Are you a learner?

(1 Cor 4:5-6 NKJV) "Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one's praise will come from God. {6} Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that you may learn in us not to think beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up on behalf of one against the other."

B. Our minds are also used for proper judgment.

(John 7:24 NKJV) "Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment."

C. It’s hard to separate the mind and the spirit.

(Rom 8:9-10 NKJV) But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit¹ of Christ, he is not His. {10} And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.

¹2a) the rational spirit, the power by which the human being feels, thinks, decides

II. The Spirit of Christ is to guide us in understanding.

A. We are to be able to discern between good and evil.

(Heb 5:12-14 NKJV) For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. {13} For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. {14} But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

B. God expects us to study to learn, and to be able to teach others also.

(2 Tim 2:2 NKJV) And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.

III. The Mind of Christ includes the attitudes of Christ.

A. We need to be humble and obedient.

(Phil 2:5-8 NKJV) Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, {6} who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, {7} but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. {8} And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.

1. That involves presenting our bodies as a living sacrifice.

(Rom 12:1-2 NKJV) I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. {2} And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

2. It produces a life which shows the fruit of the spirit.

(Gal 5:22-24 NKJV) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, {23} gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. {24} And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

B. What is in our mind is what makes us what we are.

(Prov 23:7 NKJV) For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. "Eat and drink!" he says to you, But his heart is not with you.

C. We need to be of a sound mind.

(2 Tim 1:7 NKJV) For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind¹.

¹óùöñïíéóìüò soôphronismos Thayer Definition: 1) an admonishing or calling to soundness of mind, to moderation and self-control

IV. God intends for us to have a searching, inquiring mind.

A. To Timothy, Paul gave this admonition:

(2 Tim 2:15 KJV) Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

B. Once again, “the mind of Christ” is our example:

(Luke 2:46-47 NKJV) Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. {47} And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers.

Conclusion

To have the mind of Christ, we must study the life and teaching of Jesus Christ.

May we always ask Gods blessings as we study to understand His word.

(James 1:5 NKJV) If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

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