THE MIND OF CHRIST

"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 28 of 28

CONCLUSION TO SERIES

    It is true that the Apostles are unique in the body of Christ, and none should dispute that fact. They are set "first" in the body, preeminent because of their proximity to Christ, and the inspiration they received (1 Cor 12:28). However, they are not isolated from the remainder of the body. They are saved "by grace through faith" like the rest of us. They are called to obtain a "blessing" just like you. An "inheritance" is reserved for them in heaven, and also for you. They are "ministers," not gods. As it is written, "Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?" (1 Cor 3:5). We want to make sure we do not make the same mistake as the people of Lystra. "And they began calling Barnabas, Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. And the priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates, and wanted to offer sacrifice with the crowds. But when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of it, they tore their robes and rushed out into the crowd, crying out  and saying, 'Men, why are you doing these things? We are also men of the same nature as you, and preach the gospel to you in order that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, WHO MADE THE HEAVEN AND THE EARTH AND THE SEA, AND ALL THAT IS IN THEM'" (Acts 14:12-16).

    This in no way derogates the Apostles, through whom we have believed (John 17:20). Indeed, they are the foundation stones of the New Jerusalem (Rev 21:14), and delivered the basis for our faith (Eph 2:20). We will not allow a theology that diminishes the reality of those things.

    What this lesson is intended to show you is simply this: "the mind of Christ" is an aspect of salvation, as well as of inspiration. If we exclude this "mind" from salvation, there is no way that we can be "conformed to the image" of God's Son, which is God's predestinated purpose (Rom 8:29). Without "the mind of Christ," He cannot be "formed" in us (Gal 4:19).

    This truth is clearly stated in another place. "It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God--that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.  Therefore, as it is written: 'Let him who boasts boast in the Lord'" (1 Cor 1:30-31). I am affirming that Jesus becoming our "wisdom" is nothing less than us possessing "the mind of Christ." If this is not the case, men will always and only "boast" in men, a practice strictly forbidden by God Almighty (1 Cor 1:29; 3:21).

    Now, go in the strength of the Lord. As Paul would say, "Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything" (2 Tim 2:7).

PRAYER POINT: Father, through Jesus Christ, I thank You for a salvation that transforms our mind to be like that of Christ.

-- Tomorrow, New Series: RAISED INTO HEAVENLY REALMS --