The Mind Of Christ

The Mind of Christ

Philippians 2:5

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

Introduction: Now I have done a careful study of the Greek text and after much deliberation and careful consideration I have come to the conclusion that the phrase "Let this mind be in you..." means "...Let this mind be in you..." God wants us to have the mind of Christ. He wants us to have a mind like His Son. Now I want you to know that our minds are the key to our Christian life. If we can have a Christ-like mind then we can please God and keep ourselves pure from the world.

I. THE CONTAMINATION OF THE MIND

2 Peter 2:7 And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked:

2 Peter 2:8 (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)

a. Weak in his devotions

Abraham had an altar, Gen. 13:5 says Lot had flocks, herds, tents. Abraham had devotions 19:27...He knew that the Bible would keep him from sin, and sin would keep him from the Bible! Abraham knew to keep short accounts w/ God. What you get here in 3 services a week is not enough. You can only ride on someone else's spiritual coattail for so long. Sooner or later you have got to develop that personal, intimate, one on one, daily relationship w/ God. Jerry Shirley

b. Worldly in his desires

Gen. 13:10 says that Lot chose Sodom because it reminded him of the land of Egypt...that he had been saved from! (World) Lot asked, is this a good place to raise cattle, but he should have asked if it was a good place to raise kids! "Make money", not "grow spiritually"... "feed me", not "be fed" "Serve myself", not "I, myself, can serve God." He became worldly in his desires. Jerry Shirley

c. Wrong in his decisions

Genesis 13:11 3 key words... "then Lot chose" God allows us to choose our own path...but He doesn't allow us to choose what destination that path will lead to. God will allow us to choose anything we want, except for the consequences, we can't choose those! As a matter of fact, we have to live w/ the consequences of our choices. Every decision we make, to at least some degree, affects the direction of our future. For the most part, our decisions are determined by our desires. Jerry Shirley

There was a reason that Lot made the wrong choices. He was weak in his devotions, worldly in his desires and wrong in his decisions because his mind had become contaminated.

II. THE CLEANSING OF THE MIND

Ephesians 5:26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,

2 Corinthians 7:1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

The Word of God has the power to cleanse our minds from the filth and pollution

a. The memorization of the Word

Most adults think that memorization is for children but that is simply not true. I don't know how many times that I have heard adult say that they just can't memorize anything. How many of you have a phone number memorized? Or how many of you have you SS# or DL# memorized? Adult can and should memorize Scripture as well as young people.

Psalms 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

Memorizing & Studying Bible Low Priorities George Barna Research reports "Our most recent surveys indicate that about half of all adult Americans listen to preaching or Bible teaching in a typical week." Although 1 out of 3 read the Bible during the week, only 1 out of 10 claims to study the Bible weekly and less than 1 out of 25 devote themselves to memorizing at least one new Bible verse per week. (The Pastor's weekly Briefing,

b. The meditation on the Word

Joshua 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

Psalms 1:2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

Psalms 119:15 I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.

Psalms 119:48 My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes.

Psalms 119:148 Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in thy word.