The Mind of Christ
Author: Peter Aiello
Paul describes the mind of Christ in 1 Corinthians 2:7-16 as a spiritual discernment which we receive from the Holy Spirit. Therefore, it is a product of the Spirit of Christ within us. It is received through our relationship with God, and it gives us a spiritual discernment that is not available otherwise: “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” (2:14). The Bible instructs us on how to receive it: “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Prov. 3:5-6).
When we apply this trust to Christ, we are filled with His Spirit which gives us the mind of Christ. It appears to be the same as the wisdom that comes from our salvation which Paul speaks of in 1 Corinthians 1:30 when he says: “But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.” This wisdom comes to us from God through Christ. It is not available to the natural man who does not have Christ within him; ” But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence” (1 Cor. 1:27-29).
The mind of Christ is not purely an accumulation of intellectual biblical knowledge about Christ.Although, “the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name [Jesus], he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you” (John 14:26). And “when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost” (Mark 13:11).
We are told to let the peace of God rule (be the umpire) in our hearts (Col. 3:15). Peace is the natural outcome of trusting in God. It is the place from which God directs us. In this way, God can “worketh [Gr.energeo] in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure” (Phil. 2:13). This direction doesn’t require listening for voices from God, either loud or still, or relying upon words from prophets.
The Old Testament tells us that “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way” (Ps. 37:23). In 2 Samuel 7:3, Nathan the prophet “said to the king, Go, do all that is in thine heart; for the Lord is with thee.” In 1 Samuel 10:6-7, Samuel tells Saul: “And the Spirit of the LORD will come upon thee, and thou shalt prophesy with them, and shalt be turned into another man. And let it be, when these signs are come unto thee, that thou do as occasion serve thee; for God is with thee.” This doesn’t sound like we need to listen for the voice of God when He is already guiding us.
I believe that the mind of Christ is the renewed mind that Paul speaks of in Romans 12:2: “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”And in Ephesians 4:22-24: “That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” This is how we escape “the corruption that is in the world through lust” (2 Pet. 1:4). The ingredients of true holiness are the fruit of the Spirit: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law” (Gal. 5:22-23). This renewing is done by the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5).
The things of God are received by humility toward Him. This humility is well described in 1 Peter 5:5-7 where it says: “Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” Being anxious for nothing maintains the peace of God that passes all understanding (Phil. 4:6-7). This is how our attachments to the things of the world get reduced by God. He replaces our cares with His peace and strength which are fruits of the Spirit.
The realization that we humans are weak without the grace of God should motivate us to have humility toward Him. God is waiting for us to cast all of our cares on Him and to be anxious for nothing. If we are only praying for humility without humbling ourselves, we just keep postponing it.
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