What's the condition of your mind?
For the past several weeks, we have been reading the book, The Battlefield of the Mind and learning how to win the battle in our minds. Here is a powerful Scripture related to this … For “who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ. (1 Corinthians 2:16 NKJV)
In this passage Paul quotes Isaiah 40:13 and then makes a statement concerning all believers: “We have the mind of Christ.” What do you think Christ’s mind was like when He lived on the earth – not only as the Son of God but also as the Son of Man? Having the mind of Christ means sharing the plan, purpose, and perspective of Christ, and it is something that all believers can possess. Having the mind of Christ means we understand God's plan in the world to bring glory to Himself, restore creation to its original splendor, and provide salvation for sinners. It means we identify with Christ's purpose "to seek and to save what was lost" (Luke 19:10). It also means we share Jesus' perspective of humility and obedience (Philippians 2:5-8), compassion (Matthew 9:36), and prayerful dependence on God (Luke 5:16).
In the verses leading up to 1 Corinthians 2:16, we note some truths concerning the mind of Christ:
The mind of Christ stands in sharp contrast to the wisdom of man (vs 5-6).
The mind of Christ involves wisdom from God, once hidden but now revealed (vs 7).
The mind of Christ is given to believers through the Spirit of God (vs 10-12).
The mind of Christ cannot be understood by those without the Spirit (vs 14).
The mind of Christ gives believers discernment in spiritual matters (vs 15).
In order to have the mind of Christ, one must first have saving faith in Christ (John 1:12; 1 John 5:12). Once we give our hearts and lives to Christ, we begin living our lives under God’s influence. The Holy Spirit who indwells us will enlightens us as believers, infusing us with wisdom, "the mind of Christ”. We are then responsible to yield to the Spirit's leading (Ephesians 4:30) and to allow the Spirit to transform and renew our minds. (Romans 12:1-2) through the Word of God. It’s God’s will for us to have “the mind of Christ”. It’s God desire that the condition of our minds would be to have the mind of Christ. To have the mind of Christ means we think like Christ would and we respond to the issues of lives like he did.
Pastor Barry Risto
Prayer Points
Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 2:1-16; Romans 12:1-2; Isaiah 40:13
Confess any known and unknown sins.
Father, I thank You that I am able to participate in today’s fasting program.
Commit the month of March into the Lord’s hands. Pray that you will end the month well in Jesus’ name.
1 Cor 2:16 - Father give me the mind of Christ; let my mind be aligned with the thoughts of Christ.
1 Cor 2:16 – Lord, give the members of my household the mind of Christ. (mention their names)
1 Cor 2:16 – Father give our pastors and their households the mind of Christ. (mention their names)
1 Cor 2:5-6 – Lord, grant me and my household the wisdom from above in Jesus’ name.
1 Cor 2:5-6 - Father grant our pastors and the church (global) wisdom from above in Jesus’ name.
1 Cor 2:10-12 – Lord, overwhelmed me with Your Spirit in Jesus’ name. (pray this seriously)
Lord, overwhelm my household with Your Spirit in Jesus’ name. (pray this seriously)
Jesus, surround our pastors, their households and the church (PPT) with Your Spirit. (mention their names)
1 Cor 2:14,15 – Jehovah, give me spiritual insight(s) into things around me in Jesus’ name.
1 Cor 2:14,15 – Lord give our pastors and elders spiritual insight(s) in Jesus’ name.
Rom 12:2 – Lord, change the way I think and see things in Jesus’ name.
Lord, change the way the church (global) thinks and see things in Jesus’ name.
Lord, change the way the members of my household think and see things in Jesus’ name.
Rom 12:2 - In Jesus’ name I pray that members of my household will not copy the behaviour and customs of this world.
Rom 12:2 – God Almighty, I pray that the church (global) will not copy the behaviour and customs of this world.
Lord, cleanse me from any behaviour of the world in my life.
Jesus, cleanse the church (PPT and global) of any behaviour and customs of this world. (pray this seriously)
Unleash Your protection and providence upon the persecuted church globally in Jesus’ name.
Join the Prayer Conference Call at 5:30 am on Wednesday Morning.
Dial: 647-977-2648 (Canada) / 202-602-1295 (USA)
Code: 827-220-552#
Followed by our Prayer Service & Bible Study at 7:00 pm at PPT.