Developing the Mind of Christ |
|
| I Introduction | Our identity as son & daughters |
I. Q What exactly is "the Mind of Christ"? In 1 Cor. 2:16, The Apostle Paul declares "but, we have the mind of Christ". He makes this statement at the end of a series of comparisons between the ways of man, and God's way. 1Cor.2:14: But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. A. We could say the mind of Christ is having the ability to discern the things of the Spirit of God as Jesus did. Thinking as Jesus did. Being able to do the things God would have us do, and knowing they will succeed because they conform to His will. (see John 7:17-18) Discussion: Examine John 14:26, and John 15:26. What is the 'role' of the Holy Spirit?. See Acts 16:6-7, Romans 8:14, John 4:23-24, Romans 8:6 and Romans 8:15 II. Q. Was Jesus born with this mind filled with the knowledge of God, or did it develop in Him? Luke 2:46 And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. 52: And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man. A. Clearly Jesus didn't know and understand everything of God from His childhood, though He early on, possesed an amazing grasp of scripture and the wisdom of God. He increased (developed or grew). Many suggest Jesus retained the full wisdom of God, when he was incarnated, but Jesus himself declared he could do nothing of himself but only what his Father "taught" Him. (John 8:28). He also said there were things He himself didn't know, but only His Father in heaven.(Matt.24:36) Discussion: Discuss the idea that Jesus "emptied himself" in coming to earth as a man. (see Phil.2:6-9 AMP). Why would He do such a thing? See Heb. 4:15, Romans 8:26, Matt. 14:23, Mark 6:46, Like 11:1, Col. 1:9 III. Q. Why would I want to develop the Mind of Christ? 1 Cor.2:12: Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God Philippians 2:2-7 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.; Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves; Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others; Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus; Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God; But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: A. To empower us to fulfill the plans and purposes of God in our lives and in the earth. Discussion: what are the plans and purposes of God for my life? How will developing the mind of Christ help me accomplish them? What does Romans 8:7 mean? IV. If I already 'have' the mind of Christ, why do I need to develop it? Won't God "automatically" bring it to fullness without my help? 2 Cor3:18: But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. A. The word beholding is an old word meaning "continuously looking intently", "transfixed by". What does this suggest our role in the process is? (see John 6:29) Discussion: What can I do to stay focussed on the person and character of Jesus in my daily walk? Can I do it in isolation? Consider Philipians 4:8. II Tim. 2:22, I Peter 1:22 V. Q. What are some benefits of developing the mind of Christ? Philipians1:9-11 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. A..deeper love, greater knowledge, better judgment. Clearer discernment, sincerity. Not giving reason for offense to people, showing our fellow christians and the world the righteousness of God. Bringing Glory to Jesus and to His Father. Discussion: Is the mind of Christ already operating in me? In us? How does this make me feel? Am I led by the Spirit? Do I long to be? How can I deepen my relationship with God? VI. Q Aren't I making myself equal with God or with Jesus if I claim to have the mind of Christ? The Jewish leaders frequently asked Jesus "by what authority" He did his works. His answer was always the same, "He who sent me"!. In John 17 Jesus does the most amazing thing. He extends his authority to His disciples and beyond them to all who believe in their testimony. Discussion: explore John 17:17-26 in the context of having authority as God's child. What is the importance of unity in the body? Can we 'know' the glory of Jesus when we are in disunity? VII. Q. What is "Sanctifcation"? How did Jesus sanctify Himself? How do I become sanctified? John 17:19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. A. I like the word I heard recently "relinquish". Discussion: Explore Gal. 6:7-8, and Romans 12:2, 1 Cor. 6:19, John 14:15 VIII. Additional questions for personal study What does it mean to be "double-minded"? Do I have to "lose my mind" to have His? What place does The Holy Spirit play in this? Can I expect to acheive the fully developed mind of Christ in this lifetime? Won't I be rejected by my family and friends? Will I be better able to resist temptation? |