THINKING AND SPIRITUAL LIFE
"For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing EVERY THOUGHT into captivity to the obedience of Christ." (2 Corinthians 10:4-5)

Devotion 5 of 12

SPIRITUAL THINKING
     The mind is a resource that can be governed by the flesh or the Spirit. Our manner of life dictates the way that we think, and vice versa. If we walk "in the flesh," we will think in accord with the realm of the curse. If we "walk in the Spirit," our thoughts will reflect heavenly priorities. No individual is capable of living in the flesh, yet thinking in the Spirit. To put it another way, one cannot be dominated by the flesh and think properly. Nor, indeed, can a person live in fellowship with God and continually entertain thoughts in harmony with this world. This is highly disruptive of much of the religion of our time. Legion is the name of those claiming to think holy thoughts while living in the flesh. They live in sin, yet say they think frequently about the Savior. They are not telling the truth!

The fleshly, or carnal, mind
     The "mind of the flesh" (Rom 8:7) is enmity against God, i.e., the epitome of aggressive hostility against the Living God. The thoughts emitting from such a mind are always vain and off the target. They are never in harmony with the mind of the Lord, and ALWAYS are founded on things that are passing away. A mind that is out of synch with God cannot produce thoughts that will stand in  the day of judgment. 

Proper words for spiritual thinkers
     The Apostle Paul spoke in words given by the Holy Spirit. By so doing, he expressed himself precisely, while doing so understandably to those who were spiritual. In other words, spiritual thinkers were able to derive true benefit from his words. As it is written, "Which things (things freely given to us by God) also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the  Holy Spirit teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual" (1 Cor 2:13). The NIV translates the verse, "expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words." The NASB provides a similar translation; "combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words." Thus, the emphasis is placed upon the words taught by the Holy Spirit. The RSV, and NRSV place the emphasis on the individuals to whom the words were addressed; "interpreting spiritual truths to those who possess the Spirit" and "interpreting spiritual things to those who are spiritual." 

     There is no disruption to the text caused by either view. Contextual considerations show, however, that the individuals receiving the words were the point. "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" (verse 14). Thus, the Apostle couched his message in  words taught by the Holy Spirit in order to hide them from the fleshly mind. On the other hand, he spoke so the message could be grasped by the spiritual person. Spiritual words bring the message of God within the grasp of a spiritual thinker, and put them out of the reach of fleshly reasoning.

     Once again, much of the preaching of our day is couched in vulgar, or common, language. This is an attempt to identify with the people of the street. The trouble with the technique is that IT also came from the street, not from God. Spiritual things must be conveyed in spiritual words. The Holy Spirit takes those words and works upon the conscience of the hearer.

PRAYER POINT: Father, I thank you for the WORDS through which the Holy Spirit has revealed the things You have prepared for those who love You. I also thank You these things are hidden from wise of this world. In Jesus' name, I ask for grace to always speak of spiritual things in words given by the Spirit for spiritual people.

- TOMORROW: PREACHING THAT IS THOUGHTFUL --