The Mind Of Christ: Let This Mind Be In You

Either God or Satan controls the mind. 

The people of God, who have joined themselves to Christ are one with Him, laborers together with God for salvation of others.

It is only as the mind is enlightened by the Holy Spirit that humans discern the Divine agency.

Conversely, Satan constantly diverts minds from the Divine to the human, that humanity may not cooperate with Heaven.

But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, 

so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. 2 Corinthians 11:3.

He directs the attention of all to human inventions, leading them to trust in humans.

Moreover, to make flesh their arm, whose heart departed from the Lord, Jeremiah 17:5, so that their faith does not take hold upon God.

Thus our lives show clearly to which power we yield allegiance. 

Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Matthew 7:20.

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

For in Him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in Him, 

which is the head of all principality and power. Colossians 2:9, 10.

Thus Christ is the perfect pattern of a complete humankind for everyone to follow.

Each person is to stand before God with an individual faith and experience, knowing for themselves that Christ is formed within - the hope of glory.

Be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 

And that you put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Ephesians 4:23, 24.

When you get the mind of Christ, your will becomes as His will and your character is transformed to be like Christ's character.

Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, 

unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ. Ephesians 4:13.

Spiritually minded

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. 

Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; 

comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 1 Corinthians 2:12, 13.

I live, yet not I, but Christ liveth in me. Galatians 2:20. The dry branch has been grafted into the living vine stock bearing the fruit of the vine.

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

Therefore, If we are one with Christ, we shall be Christlike. This is the great power of God.

For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good-pleasure. Philippians 2:13.

Those who daily depend on Christ will work out Christ in spirit, words, and actions.

He desires that:

• we should abide in Him, and thus be complete in him and accepted in the Beloved

• everyone of us shall be perfect in Him, so that we may represent to the world the perfection of His character

• we are set free from sin and avail ourselves of that grace which is able to make us perfect

• we may be found wanting in nothing, but unblamable before him in love and holiness.

For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ. 1 Corinthians 2:16.

The mind of Christ in you

Without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: 

God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, 

preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. 1 Timothy 3:16.

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. Philippians 2:5-7.

If the mind which was also in Christ Jesus be in you, you will practice the lessons of Christ and your life will be knit by hidden links to the life of Jesus.

He who commanded the light to shine out of darkness is willing to shine in your heart, 

to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:6.

Let the mind dwell upon the sufferings of our precious Savior.

For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich, 

yet for your sake He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich. 2 Corinthians 8:9.

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. 2 Corinthians 4:17.

Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ...

Who hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. 1 Peter 1:13-16.

The express image of God

In Christ is all the glory of the Father and He is the express image of His person.

Unto the Son He (Father) saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: 

a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. Hebrews 1:8.

Who, being the brightness of His glory, and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power;

when He had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high. Hebrews 1:3.

Thus He is made unto us wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. 1 Corinthians 1:30.

In Christ are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Colossians 2:3.

For it pleased the Father that in him should all fullness dwell. Colossians 1:19.

Though He came in the likeness of men, He declared Himself the I AM. The meek and lowly Savior is God manifest in the flesh.

Before Abraham was, I AM. John 8:58.

Christ sends His messages of love and directs the attention of humanity to the nobler world which they have lost from their vision.

Thus He uplifts our minds absorbed in worldly pursuits and bids us to look into Heaven with an eye of faith.

It is a law of the mind that it gradually adapts itself to the subjects upon which it is trained to dwell.

What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? 

Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Mark 8:36, 37.

In other words, the duties of this life must be placed in relation to their eternal interests.

Beholding the Divine Model

We are to become changed by beholding Christ - wholly transformed and renewed in the image of His purity.

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. 2 Corinthians 3:18.

Thus by faith in the Son of God transformation takes place in our characters. Moreover,  we become spiritual and discern spiritual things.

The wisdom of God enlightens our minds and we behold wondrous things out of His law. Psalm 119:18.

Transformation work continues with our conversion by the truth. We have an increased measure of understanding.

Furthermore, as the Spirit of Christ works upon our hearts, we become obedient to God and His will becomes our will.

Thus we become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 2 Peter 1:4.

Then let it be our effort to lift up Jesus. Let the mind be directed to the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. John 1:29.

On the other hand, if we allow our minds to dwell upon the imperfections and moral deformities of others, we will be changed into the same image.

Moreover, if we allow our minds to be taken up with worldly cares, we will find no time for the spiritual and the eternal.

Thus we rob ourselves of grace and power, and others of the light that should be reflected through us to the world.

Transforming influence upon mind and character

The more you contemplate the character of Christ, the more you will become conformed to His image.

Come to Jesus just as you are, and He will receive you, and put a new song in your mouth, even praise to God.  Psalm 40:3.

Your spiritual life is sustained by communion with Christ through His Word.

Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Matthew 4:4.

Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. John 6:53.

The Word of God laid up in the heart, and cherished and obeyed, through  the grace of Christ can make you right, and keep you right.

The whole mind and soul should become imbued with the truth, that you may be a living representation of Christ.

A new heart will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you. Ezekiel 36:26. 

This is a death to self and sin and a new life altogether.

Through the Word of God

We can honor God only as we have a right conception of His character, government, and purposes, and act in accordance with them.

None but those who have fortified the mind with the truths of the Bible will stand through the last great conflict.

The test will come to everyone - Shall I obey God rather than men? 

Are we prepared to stand firm in defence of the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus?

We can stand only in God, understanding His will as revealed in His Word.

Therefore, Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom. Colossians 3:16.

Moreover, Search the Scriptures; for...they are those which testify of me (Christ). John 5:39.

The bread of life alone can satisfy the hungering soul. The water of life alone will quench the thirst of the thirsty soul.

Blessed are they that hear the Word of God, and keep it. Luke 11:28.

The Word of God is a channel of communication with the living God. One who feeds upon the Word will become fruitful in all good works.

Furthermore, when surrounded with temptations, the Holy Spirit will bring to one's mind the very words with which to meet the temptation at the very moment when they are most needed.

Therefore, we need constant communion with Jesus just as much as we need daily food to nourish our bodies.

If there is any moment when we are not dependent on God for our breath, then there is a time when we need not obey the injunctions of His Word.

It is the Spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. John 6:63.

Through the Spirit of God

One who places unreservedly under the guidance of the Spirit of God will find that her/his mind develops in symmetry and completeness.

Weaknesses are overcome with continual devotion and piety and she/he is one with Christ, having soundness and strength of principle.

Their perception is clear, and they manifest that wisdom which comes from God.

Who is a wise man and endowed with knowledge among you? let him show out of a good conversation his works with a meekness of wisdom. James 3:13.

The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. James 3:17.

This will be the wisdom manifested by one who takes the cup of salvation and calls upon the name of the Lord. Psalms 116:13.

The Holy Spirit will take the things of God and show them unto you, conveying them as a living power into the obedient heart.

If there is a moment when we are in no danger of being deceived by the enemy, then for that moment we may dispense with Divine aid.

That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him:

The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; 

that ye may know what is the hope of His calling, and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints. Ephesians 1:17, 18.

This is the ministry of the Divine Spirit in enlightening the understanding and opening the mind to the deep things of God's holy Word.

Our doubting minds

God has given us abundant evidence of His love on Calvary. The light of the cross should dispel every doubt from our mind.

Our hope is founded on the Word of God. Jesus speaks of His people as a brand plucked out of the fire. Zechariah 3:2.

For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning; 

that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. Romans 15:4.

The infinite sufferings of the Son of God in Gethsemane and on Calvary were endured so that He might rescue His people from the power of the evil one.

God loves us and He wants to save us. Let us lay hold on the merit of a crucified and risen Savior.

He is our perfection who has brought us righteousness at an infinite cost.

Thus as the people repent before God for the transgression of His law, and lay hold by faith on the righteousness of Christ, He says:

Take away the filthy garments from them, and clothe them with a change of raiment. Zechariah 3:4.

Satan discourages everyone that seeks to come to God, telling us that we are sinners, unworthy of the love of God.

Furthermore, he deceives people so that they will not repent and believe that they may have their filthy garments removed.

Therefore, reach over the doubts that he suggests to your mind, and grasp the promise of God:

the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin. 1 John 1:7.

Conclusion

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. Romans 12:2.

For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 

To be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Romans 8:5-6.

Jesus stands as the representative of God upon the earth. 

He is an example of what God would have humanity become through the grace of Christ.

Humanity must become the channel through which the grace of God is to flow to reach humanity.

We cannot confess Christ unless we have the mind and Spirit of Christ. Therefore, we cannot communicate that which we do not possess.

For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth...

He committed himself to Him that judgeth righteously. 1 Peter 2:21-23.

References

1. ST, May 1884; RH, Feb 1886; ST, Feb 1892; 2SM 123; ST, Feb 1888; COL 250; ST, Jan 1907; GW92 451; ST, Sep 1889; SpTEd 112; ST, Sep 1895; ST, May 1884 - The Ellen G. White Estate

2. The Bible, King James Version (KJV)