This Mind

Precision and Accuracy

Many of us often use precision and accuracy as synonyms, but not scientists and engineers. For them, accuracy describes a particular measurement—that is, how close it is to the truth. The standard being perfection.

But precision describes a measurement system—that is, how good it is at giving the same result every time it measures the same thing. That speaks of repeatability.

For Christians, we want to be accurate when measuring ourselves against Bible truth. How close are we? When considering precision in the Christian life the question becomes, “How repeatable are the results?” Do you react the same way every time? Do you respond to others accurately representing the Scriptures and precisely by doing it repeatably?

Bible Passage: Romans 8:5–7, Philippians 3:20–21, Romans 12:2, 1 Corinthians 2:16, Philippians 2:5–8, 2 Corinthians 10:5, Colossians 3:2

I. Prioritize the Spirit's Perspective

Romans 8:5–7 “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be.”

This concludes our look at the Finished Work Walk. Paul in Romans 8 is writing to believers. He is warning “carnal believers” that their actions will only produce death. This is not speaking of eternal damnation and eternal life, but experiencing death in this life. Separation from fellowship with God is a form of spiritual death. That is going to be the experience of those who are carnally minded.

The contrast is very real. To be spiritually minded is life and peace. Living with the unction of the Holy Spirit in our lives produces supernatural life in us and exceeding peace in situations. The double minded man has a real battle in his soul. Holding two very different opinions causes real anxiety. Some might call it grieving the Holy Spirit.

We are faced with this choice as believers. Like Elijah exhorted Israel in 1 Kings 18:21 We are challenged to get off the fence, “And Elijah came to all the people, and said, “How long will you falter between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.” But the people answered him not a word.”

1. We Have the Mind of Christ

1 Corinthians 2:16 “For “who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ.”

There are some who would try to correct the Bible to agree with some woke principles. Isaiah 40:13 “Who has directed the Spirit of the Lord, Or as His counselor has taught Him?” We see that God doesn’t need any of our help to define sin or righteousness. His perspective is holy and that divine viewpoint is what He gives believers (John 15:15).

2. We Are Spiritual People Not Babes

1 Corinthians 3:1 “And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ.”

Hebrews 5:13–14 “For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. 14 But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”

1 Corinthians 2:6 “However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing.”

How does a babe grow - being nourished by the Word.

Like in prayer the natural man wants to get distracted, to sleep, to dream, to let the mind go. It takes discipline to stay with the Word to read, meditate, and derive nourishment.

A busy mind doesn’t like quiet time and will try to fill it with noise.

1 Corinthians 15:33 “Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.””

1 Corinthians 2:14 “But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”

3. Renew Your Mind Daily - put off and put on

Romans 12:2 “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

1 Peter 1:14–16 “as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; 15 but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.””

Capture Every Thought

2 Corinthians 10:5 “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,”

1 Corinthians 15:33 “Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.””

Putting On and Taking Off

Romans 13:14 “But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.”

Ephesians 4:22–24 “that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, 23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.” Colossians 3:8–10 “8 But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, 10 and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him,” 1 Peter 2:1 “Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking,”

Adopt a Humble Attitude

Philippians 2:5–8 “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.”

Be Heavenly Minded

Colossians 3:2 “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.”