THE MIND OF CHRIST Possessing "the mind of Christ" is an aspect of faith. Faith, of course, influences our thought patterns, perspectives, and expressions. How well Paul stated it to the Corinthians. "But having the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, 'I BELIEVED, THEREFORE I SPOKE,' we also believe, therefore also we speak" (2 Cor 4:13). -- Tomorrow:
"For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the spirit of the man, which is in him? Even so the thoughts of God no one knows except the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things freely given to us by God, which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words. But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised. But he who is spiritual appraises all things, yet he himself is appraised by no man. For WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD, THAT HE SHOULD INSTRUCT HIM? But we have the mind of Christ" (1 Cor 2:11-16, NASB).
Devotion 27 of 28
KNOWING WHOM WE HAVE BELIEVED
The hallmark of the New Covenant is this; "they shall ALL know Me, from the least to the greatest" (Jer 31:34; Heb 8:11). Knowing the Lord is not the privilege of some of the saved. It is the condition of all of them: "They shall ALL know Me." It is not a favor granted to the most advanced in the faith, but something experienced "from the least to the greatest." The new birth itself is described as involving the knowledge of God. "For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ" (2 Cor 4;6).
This is not a promise of information but of participation. It is not knowing about the Lord, but having spiritual intimacy with Him, like a man knows his wife (Gen 4:1; Matt 1:25). This is a personal knowledge wherein the character of God Himself is experienced in measure by the believer. It is involved in "participating in the Divine nature" (2 Pet 1:4). The very thoughts of God are entertained in the mind of the child of God. There comes an inner awareness of the truth that is so pervasive, convicting, and dominating, that sin is hated and righteousness is loved. Men and women cannot be trained to love righteousness and hate iniquity. It is the fruit of knowing the Lord, who Himself is noted for the same (Heb 1:9).
Seeing the reality of this type of knowledge, Paul willingly abandoned every competing pursuit to KNOW Christ. He referred to this as "the excellency of the knowledge of Christ" (Phil 3:7). It was an effective pursuit, as is made clear by his own confession. " . . . for I KNOW whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day" (2 Tim 1:12).
Paul was persuaded of the profitability of giving himself wholly to the Lord. For him, this was more than an obligation. Because of this knowledge he could entrust his whole being to the Lord, knowing nothing would be lost. Make no mistake about this, the ONLY reason people do not commit themselves to the Lord is because they do not trust Him. Furthermore, they do not trust Him because they do not know Him! Everyone who knows the Lord trusts Him!
I suggest to you that knowing the Lord is the pragmatic way of saying, "we have the mind of Christ." There can be no knowledge of, or intimacy with, the Lord Jesus Christ, apart from thought--acceptable thought! Of the ungodly, it is said, "In his pride the wicked does not seek Him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God" (Psa 10:4, NIV). The "mind of Christ" puts God into our thoughts, together with the good things that He has promised to those who love Him.
AN ASPECT OF FAITH
I suggest to you that the thoughts of Christ had permeated the mind of Paul. This did not occur by coercion, or without the Apostle's involvement--but it did occur. David once spoke of experiencing the thoughts of God. "How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand; When I awake, I am still with You" (Psa 139:17-18). How much more is such an experience possible in this day of salvation, when the Sun of righteousness has risen to its apex and the acceptable year of the Lord is here!
Paul spoke powerfully because he had "the mind of Christ." The fact that he said "WE have the mind of Christ" proves that it was not a unique experience. Further, because we are urged elsewhere to let that "mind" dwell in us (Phil 2:5), we know we have not been excluded by this word. Additionally, because we are admonished to "arm" ourselves with this mind (1 Pet 4:1), we see it is not something optional. It is an absolute necessity! While others haggle about whether or not the text applies to us, why not simply appropriate "the mind of Christ," and go on your way rejoicing.
PRAYER POINT: Father, through Jesus Christ, I thank You for the blessed privilege and sanctifying power of knowing You!
Tuesday, New Series: RAISED INTO HEAVENLY REALMS