Same Mind And Judgment

Apostle Paul to the church at Corinth instructed the Christians to be of the same mind and judgment. 1 Cor. 1:10. 10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

This passage causes the most destruction to congregations. Pride and illiteracy causes division. Often leaders say for you to have the same mind “as they” in order to remain in their assemblies. In the letter to Corinth, Apostle Paul saw the same destructive attitudes of the congregation happening in real time. This letter was sent to curb any confusion and return the church at Corinth to its original glory. A proper understanding of this passage along with the instructions Paul gave them following this introduction to the letter is viable and important for us to fully understand it also.

What does Paul mean to be of the same mind and judgment? Let's investigate the meanings.

If two or more people are at odds with one another, we would assume they are not of the same mind. They do not agree for some reason. They do not have the same convictions. The reason could be an interpretation of something heard, read, or seen. As one told me before, ‘All men have a belly button and each has as many opinions, whether right or wrong.” Having opposing opinions in itself is not wrong. Ignorance can be overcome. Pride, however, cannot. To be of the same mind is to come together to an agreeable conclusion.

But is this what the Apostle Paul is concerned with for ‘all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord’? (vs. 2)

Let us learn the biblical definition of the terms ‘mind’ and ‘judgment’.

Strong’s Lexicon number G3563 for mind is defined as:

a particular mode of thinking and judging:

Reference; Romans 14:5. 5 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.

In our reference passage we see each man has his own opinion based upon his convictions. Each conclusion must be confirmed and each man must be fully persuaded in his own mind. Romans 14:23. …for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.

To the man who is persuaded of something in his understanding by faith, to do the contrary becomes sin to him. However, the conviction must be absolutely of truth. If shown his belief is contrary, he must change his mind–mode of thinking.

equivalent to thoughts, feelings, purposes:

(from Isaiah 40:13), in context vss. 12-14. 12 Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, and meted out heaven with the span, and comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure, and weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance? 13 Who hath directed the Spirit of the Lord, or being his counsellor hath taught him? 14 With whom took he counsel, and who instructed him, and taught him in the path of judgment, and taught him knowledge, and shewed to him the way of understanding?

Reference Romans 11:34; 34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor?

And, 1 Corinthians 2:16a; 16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him?

We must have our thoughts, feelings, and purpose like unto God’s thoughts, feelings, and purpose. To do this requires studying to obtain knowledge and wisdom similar to that of God. A young convert cannot possess this early in their new Faith; only in time and understanding can it develop.

equivalent to desires,

Reference Colossians 2:18. 18 Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,

To recognize a man’s desires can distinguish his thoughts, feelings, and purpose

WARNING as example: some people are wolves in sheep’s clothing. They are not of the same mind.

We notice the term ‘mind’ is referenced to how one thinks and therefore makes judgments upon his obtained knowledge; right or wrong. Some have differing convictions on some subjects than others. Some convictions are based upon thoughts or feelings perhaps based upon truth; maybe not. However, the purpose of their conviction sets their path. Others have a conviction based upon a certain desire.

In this comprehension of the usage of the term ‘mind’ in general, we can see multiple mistakes and reasons for multiple differences in social and religious attitudes. Each member is trying to execute their own interpretation. Each usurping authority over the will of God causes division.