August 23, 2002
HIS LIFE IS TO BE OUR LIFE, NOW. Those who are alive in Christ, are in a process of dying to self and the flesh. For only in this fashion may the life of the Lord Jesus Christ be revealed in our mortal body. Because of its unpleasantness this is an experience that is grossly ignored by the church of today. That is why the church is looking and acting more like the world than the New Testament church. There is more entertainment in the church than in the theater. Christ must be the center and the heart of the church or the church will no longer exist as such. The imparted life of the Lord Jesus is far more attractive and beneficial than any amount of recreation that is supplied by the church as a substitute. Build and maintain a strong spiritual emphases centered on prayer and the Word. 2 Cor. 4:11
AN EXCELLENT WEAPON FOR SPIRITUAL WARFARE. Paul made a bold statement when he said; < but we have the mind of Christ >. When we have His mind, we will think as He thinks, we will act as He acts and we will certainly know and do His perfect will. 1 Cor. 2:16 A mind renewed by the Spirit of God is the mind of Christ and should be evidenced in each and every member of the body of Christ. This not just a < made over > mind but a mind that is made new by the power of Christ. It will think after the things of he Spirit and no longer after the ways of the flesh. Eph. 4:23-24 The health or disciplined mind is the gift of the Lord and is evidence of a mind that is the mind of Christ. Because it is His mind, it does not know fear but is a mind of love and power. 2 Tim. 1:7 A contrast made between the old carnal mind and the new mind in Christ Jesus. The mind of Christ is pure, clean and unsoiled with the filthiness of his world. The carnal mind is corrupt, unbelieving and void of anything that is pure and holy. It is soiled and corrupted. Titus 1:15 To possess the mind of Christ will create complete unity in the body of Christ. Disunity is an evidence of the carnal mind at work in the church. Unity is when the whole body of believers have one and the same mind, that is, the mind of Christ. Manifest love and compassion one toward another, for that is the mind of Christ. 1 Pet. 3:8 The clothing of the chosen, among other things, involves humbleness of mind. This again follows the pattern of the mind of Christ, humility and respect one for another. Col. 3:12 Perhaps the strongest statement made in the scripture pertaining to our subject is the precious invitation to partake of and possess the mind of Christ. His mind will and must be in us, only then can the true revelation of things spiritual be made known unto us. Phil. 2:5 < Aim for perfection. NIV > Perfection requires absolute unity of mind and spirit. May it indeed be our goal as members of the body of Christ. Unity of mind will cause the power of the Lord to be exhibited for it assures us of His presence. Love and peace are self evident results of many members becoming a unit under the influence of the Word and the Spirit. He will do it. He will have a people for Himself. 2 Cor. 13:11