Thinking In Spiritual Terms

Phil 3:17-21, Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. 18, (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19, Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) 20, For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: 21, Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

Ephes. 2:6, And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

Col. 3:1-3, If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. [2] Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. [3] For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

When we recognize Heaven as our spiritual country and home, it changes the way we view life here and what we emphasize while we live here on earth each day. This different emphasis is evident in our thinking and therefore our lifestyle. Our decisions are constantly screened through this grid of our perspectives.  What’s important to us as members of a heavenly community is different from those who are of the worldly perspective.

EMPHASIZING SPIRITUAL THINKING (Phil. 3:20)

   1.  What Does Spiritual Mean?

The word "spiritual" has suffered as much abuse as the word "fellowship."

      A.  The Wrong Idea.

Too many people think that a “spiritual Christian” is mystical, dreamy, impractical, and distant. Basically out of touch with reality! (Wiersbe)

You see a person can supposedly be ‘spiritual’ without ever having been saved.  In reference to Eastern religions, many feel that they are spiritual because they chant, sit with their legs crossed in a trance, or recite a memorized prayer. Then there is the example that is most familiar to us all who have been in church for any given period of time, when he prays, he shifts his voice into a sepulchral tone in tremolo and goes to great lengths to inform God of the things He already knows. Unfortunately, this kind of unctuous piety is a poor example of true spirituality. Others are convinced that if their list of service endeavors is filled with ‘Christian’activities then it indicates they are truly spiritual.  Again these are powerfully wrong ideas.

      B.  The Correct Idea.

To be spiritually minded does not require one to be impractical and mystical. Quite the contrary, the spiritual mind makes the believer think more clearly and get things done more efficiently.

Romans 8:4-7, That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. [5] For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after 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, neither indeed can be.

          1. Not Those Who Walk After the Flesh.    Rom. 8:4

These are not saved, and they obey the pulses and drives of their old sinful nature.  They live to gratify the flesh and cater to themselves primarily— they literally seek to satisfy their body.

          2.  Those Who Walk After the Spirit.  Vs. 4, 6     

These are true believers, and they rise above the power of the fleshly carnal nature and emphasize the importance of an eternal perspective.  They are rightfully occupied with the Word of God, prayer, worship, Christian service, and a daily yielding to the Holy Spirit.

          3.  We Walk and Live in a Spiritual Sphere.  Vs. 6

The Holy Spirit is our guarantee for a real life, characterized by peace with God, and tranquility of heart.  We live in a different sphere of reality.  Just as fish live in water and people in the air, so is the believer living in the Spirit.

    2.  What Does Spiritual Mind Mean?

       A.  Having Heaven’s Point of View.      

Col. 3:2, Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

           1.  To be “spiritually minded” (Rom. 8:6) simply means to look at earth from heaven's point of view.

           2.  It is to give your heart–“your affection”– to the heavenly things and spiritual considerations, we do not allow ourselves to become consumed with the passing things of earth.

           3.  Literally it is a practice of occupying your minds with the things of God–“set your affection,”–and not merely concentrating on and living for this life on earth alone.   There is more to life then this!  

We should therefore, purpose in our hearts to occupy our minds with all that goes into life under the direction and power of the Spirit. Since the Holy Spirit produces a certain pattern for living and a way of thinking, our goal is “to be spiritually minded”—to mind and be mindful of the Spirit. Practically this means, making the Spirit’s character the object of our mind, the goal and focus of our actions, we must faithfully cultivate the graces of the Spirit in our hearts, and submit ourselves completely to his direct influence in our soul. To be spiritually minded, we seek those feelings and views which the Holy Spirit produces, and follow his leadership in our daily decisions.

       B.  Having a Dual Citizenship.

            1.  It is Not Merely Concentrating on Heaven. D.L. Moody used to scold Christians for being "so heavenly minded they were no earthly good," and that exhortation still needs to be heeded.

           2.  Christians have a dual citizenship - on earth and in heaven - and our citizenship in heaven ought to make us better people here on earth.

      C.  Having Eternal Values and Not Temporal.

          1.  The spiritually minded believer is not attracted by the "things" of this world.

1 John 2:15-17,  Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. [16] For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. [17] And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

Lot selected the well watered plains of Jordan because his values were worldly, and ultimately he lost everything.

         2.  He makes his decisions on the basis of eternal values and not the passing fads of society.

Moses refused the pleasures and treasures of Egypt because he had something infinitely more wonderful to live for. Hebrews 11:24-26, By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; [25] Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; [26] Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.

Mark 8:36, For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?

Philip. 3:12,  Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.

Our most important goal should be getting to know Christ better. Paul says that his goal is to know Christ, to be like Christ, and to be all Christ has in mind for him. This goal absorbed all of Paul’s energy. This is a helpful example for us. We should not let anything take our eyes off our goal—Christ. With the single-mindedness of an athlete in training, we must lay aside everything harmful and forsake anything that may distract us from being effective Christians. What is holding you back?

EMPHASIZING SPIRITUAL LIVING  (Phil. 3:20)

Certainly the way we think, influences greatly the pattern of our lifestyle. And of course our lives demonstrate our value system.

    1.  What Does Heaven Have to Do With My Life Right Now?

“For our conversation is in heaven” (Phil 3:20).

       A.  Conversation Has to do With Conduct.

Philip. 1:27, Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

The old English word “conversation” usually refers to our conduct, behavior, and lifestyle, but here it has a much broader meaning to encompass ‘the behavior of a community or citizenship obligations.’

            1.  A Conduct Consistent With Being Citizens of the Heavenly Country.

Here we are citizens of the USA living wherever on earth; we have our leaders and presidents, our legislators and law-makers, our duties, and our privileges. It is a shadow of heavenly things.

            2.  A Conduct Consistent With Being a Member of the Heavenly City– New Jerusalem.

The heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God, is our true home, our continuing city.  (See Rev. 21:10-27)

       B.  Conversation Has to do With Citizenship.

The terms “conversation” in Phil. 3:20, would include, “community,” “governmental administration,” “political order,” “behavior of the citizens.”  It has to do with the way we actually live as a citizen of a nation, colony, or city.  

Much like the Pilgrims living in America–the new world–during the 1600 and 1700 in the 13 colonies were actually citizens of England, though they lived on a different continent.  Therefore, they were subjects of the king and responsible to the laws of England.  Likewise Christians in New Testament Churches are colonies of Heaven– subject to the authority and laws of our Sovereign. Why? Because our citizenship is up there!

                                                                                                           

             1.  Almighty God is King of Our Country!

                   *   The almighty God, King of kings and Lord of lords, is the center of that vast communion.

                   *   The blessed angels, our guardians, are his ministers, standing before him, to do his will.

                   *   The saints, living and departed, are our fellow-citizens, the general assembly and Church of the Firstborn who are written in heaven, and the spirits just men made perfect.

Hebrews 12:22-23,  But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, [23] To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,

             2.  All of Our Privileges Extend from Heaven to Us!

Ephes. 1:3, Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

There we have our privileges,

                    *  The grace of God,

                    *  The help of the Holy Spirit of God,

                    *  The hope of everlasting blessedness.

                    *  The peace of God that passes all understanding.

                    *  The sweet communion of the Lord.

                    *  The Fellowship of the Family of God.

             3.  All of Our Responsibilities Extend to Us Here!

Matthew 22:37-38, Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. [38] This is the first and great commandment.

  

Therefore, we have our duties, all growing from the one highest law of love: "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart;... thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself."

Every believer is a citizen of Heaven and God has fully accepted each of us as His own children.  Ephes. 2:19, Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; We are not strangers to Heaven, we instead belong to the royal family in that city! We must recognize that we have a responsibility to obey the Laws of our country where our citizenship is.  We much daily live in complete submission to the authority of our King— the Lord Jesus Christ– first and foremost.  Our conduct ought to be becoming of a citizen of the heavenly country and the heavenly Father’s household.  As we seek to execute our responsibilities as a citizen, we must take full advantage of all our privileges in Christ to ensure we fulfill his will for us. Making full use of prayer, the Word, the leadership of the Holy Ghost, and the counsel of godly brethren should be our focus.  Acknowledge Christ’s authority in your life, employ your spiritual privileges as you fulfill your god-given responsibilities (Wiersbe).

                                                                       

    2.  How Does Spiritual Thinking Relate to Spiritual Living?  Rom. 12:1-2

Paul is encouraging us to have the spiritual mind, and he does this by pointing out the characteristics of the Christian whose citizenship is in Heaven. Just as Philippi was a colony of Rome on foreign soil, so the churches are “colonies of Heaven” here on earth.

Think about it . . . our real home is Heaven right now. We are citizens of the heavenly world first and of the earthly world second.  Col. 3:1-3, If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. [2] Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. [3] For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.  The highest loyalty and allegiance should be to that kingdom first and foremost. The promise of service should be to our great Master the Lord Jesus in all purity and holiness.  Our home is in Heaven, where Jesus is; it is so new. “Ye are come . . . unto the city of the living God;” “Ye are fellow-citizens with the saints.”  Therefore “seek those things which are above.”  There in Heaven must be the place of our treasures; there is where we must focus our hearts. We should try by God's grace to fill our minds with the blessed thought of Heaven, to make a point to meditate daily upon what it means to belong to that city, its never-ending worship, its unclouded view of the Divine beauty. For there we hope to spend the ages of the everlasting life.  Let us try to fill our thoughts and imaginations with it now, not with the poor prizes of earthly success, worldly popularity, fleshly appetites, and prideful pursuits.  Let us seek to realize those striking words, “Our conversation is in heaven.”

The Spiritually Minded Believer is able to focus on Spiritual Blessings and still maintain a very practical and meaningful life. We should live down to earth even though we are seated in heavenly places.  Keep your spiritual privileges in clear view because they will guide you to make decisions consistent with Heavenly Citizenship.

All Spiritual Blessings Are Yours!!

 Many Christians treat God like the Cosmic Santa Claus! They are frequently ‘naming and claiming’ “blessings” of sort believing that God is obligated to come through for them financially. And no wonder, they are following the preaching and example of their ‘preachers’ and ‘pastors.’ Many of these ‘pastors’ have ‘bling’ that is comparable to Hollywood superstars, and the people seem to view God as a means to the same end! Yes, they esteem God to be no more than a means and not the end! Some even believe they can COMMAND God to deliver on their highly specific prayer requests! They believe if they name it, define it, and claim it, then certainly God will give them their requests if they fervently believe Him for answers. Yes, the Bible does speak of wealth and riches, but is this wealth primarily material or spiritual? First, consider what the Apostle Paul actually said in the Word,

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: 4, According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love (Eph. 1:3, 4).

Where do these blessings come from? Notice that Paul says, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” God the Father has made us, Believers, SPIRITUALLY wealthy in Jesus Christ! When we were born again into God’s family, we were born rich. That is correct! Again, do not overlook or dismiss the fact that these blessings are "spiritual" in  nature and not necessarily "material." It is the incredible difference between a new Cadillac and the grace of Almighty God. God has not blessed all Believers with material wealth, but He has already blessed everyone of His children with spiritual riches in Christ. Note that through Christ, we share in the riches of God’s grace (Eph. 1:7; 2:7), God’s glory (Eph. 1:18; 3:16), God’s mercy (Eph. 2:4), and “the unsearchable riches of Christ” (Eph. 3:8). These are our non-material and essential assets as the people of God. It is unfortunate that many Christians readily disregard these as having any essential value! But, without them we cannot be saved, the heirs of God, joint-heirs with Christ, citizens of Heaven, and capable of functioning as a genuine believer. Our Heavenly Father is not poor! While God is extremely generous to us regarding material stuff, that is not what He is referring to in Ephesians 1:3, 4. He is loaded beyond our ability to comprehend, and He has made us spiritually wealthy in His Son, Jesus Christ (Wiersbe, MacDonald, and Walvoord). These are references to spiritual wealth and not automatically temporal and material riches. 

Did you know that John D. Rockefeller, who established Standard Oil when he was 31 years old, is said to have been worth $192 billion by the time he died? He still holds the record for the richest man in American history. At last count, Bill Gates had an estimated net worth of $58 billion dollars. Warren Buffett is said to be worth over $62 billion dollars making him the richest man in the world. In fact, in 2006 he generously donated $31 billion to the Gates charitable foundation. Wiersbe observed, “The weekly income of some of the “oil sheiks” runs into the millions.” These folks have money to burn! Many believers seem far more interested in these types of riches than they are in spiritual wealth. I am convinced that if some believers had to choose between material riches and spiritual wealth they would select material riches! American "Christianity" is far too wealth-driven and much of what is done in the name of Christ merely feeds the pride and arrogance of sensual leaders. It is scandalous what too many supposed 'spiritual leaders' resort to in order to secure more money and material advantages. They are more like the Pharisees Jesus rebuked (Matt. 23:14; Mark 7:9-13) than they are like Christ! Once again consult the Word which says,

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: 4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love (Eph. 1:3, 4).

Spiritual blessings come to us through the Spirit, from the Father of Lights, and were paid for by Jesus Christ. God is Spirit and He is the all sufficient Source of these blessings; this fact has bearing on their nature. Again, where do these blessings come from? Notice that Paul says, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” God the Father has made us, believers, spiritually wealthy in Jesus Christ! When we were born again into God’s family, we were born rich in spiritual assets. Immediately after the new birth, God adopted us and gave us the status of adult sons capable of putting His wealth and gifts to work. As adopted sons, God will not disinherit us. That is correct! Again through Christ, we share in the riches of God’s grace (Eph. 1:7; 2:7), God’s glory (Eph. 1:18; 3:16), God’s mercy (Eph. 2:4), and “the unsearchable riches of Christ” (Eph. 3:8). These are not material or temporal, they are spiritual and eternal advantages, opportunities, and assets available to us because of a spiritual relationship with God through Jesus Christ. We may not have much money at all in the bank, but every genuine believer owns these grand riches. Our Heavenly Father owns a cattle on a thousand hills, He owns the hills, and all the material wealth in them; He is so far from material poverty that it cannot be calculated! He is hyper-loaded beyond measure, but God has made us "spiritually" wealthy in His Son, Jesus Christ. It is unfortunate in the extreme that some believers will find this realization unacceptable and utterly repulsive….It is not that God does not give material blessings also; the problem is we seem to value the temporal more than the spiritual. Its like misunderstanding that silver is more valuable than copper, gold is more valuable than silver, and platinum is more valuable than gold. Well, spiritual blessings are far more significant than material ones, and the eternal far outweighs the temporal. Modern American Christians are largely blinded by materialistic values and have little appreciation for these truths. 

Do not be fooled by materialism and the influence/yearning for stuff that generally characterize our generation of Christians. Covetousness is still sin according to the tenth commandment! "Thou shalt not covet" is still a biblical moral standard of the Almighty (Rom. 13:9; Ex. 20:17; Duet. 5:21). The Lord Jesus insists that we beware of the power and traps of covetousness in Luke 12:13-21. He indicates we can become very rich in this worlds goods, but utterly impoverished towards God! Jesus calls a person living primarily for material gain a "fool" in this same passage. It seems we have made a gross mistake of sanctifying greed, avarice, and a general longing for money, power, and status elevating these to virtues in this materialistic society. God still calls this sin! It lies at the very heart of cheating, stealing, and even murder at times! God desires for some to be rich in this world's goods, and that is good and well. It is not wrong or sinful for Christians or a preacher to be rich. I suspect God would have these rich individuals use some of their wealth to advance His genuine ministries and mission in the world. Still the LOVE of money (1Tim. 6:10) is the root of all forms of sinfulness, lies, manipulations, and deception. Some folks are so far gone that they make all their investments for this life on this earth (Matt. 6:19, 20), and they are absolutely bankrupt towards God (Luke 12:16-21). Unfortunately, many believers are trying to manipulate Bible promises made to Israel as a nation by applying them or claiming them for themselves. Contrary to popular belief, every promise in the Book does not belong to us Christians. What God promised to Israel will be realized and fulfilled in the experience of that nation as God sees fit. We are not free to take all the blessings ascribed to the nation of Israel for ourselves while leaving them with all the curses and judgments! There are many promises God made to Christians, let us qualify for these and trust Him for what He actually promised in the Word of God. Just because someone said, "God said" or "God is going to do this for you" does not obligate God at all! These are more the promises of people, often well intention, but incredibly wrong for raising false hopes and lying on God!

Yes, there is no crime in being rich or well off, yet all of these material riches are but “pennies” when compared with the spiritual wealth we have in Christ. In fact, our spiritual wealth is peerless and far beyond any comparison! I am challenging believers to rightly assess and appraise their spiritual portfolios to appreciate what God has provided for us in Christ! In the Book of Ephesians, we discover exactly what this wealth is and how we may draw on it for effective Christian living (Wiersbe). Yes, through our Lord Jesus, fellowship, and devotion to God’s will, Christians can receive and activate every spiritual resource necessary to execute the Father's will (2 Pet. 1:2, 3)! Some of our spiritual wealth pertains to our past, others to our present, and yet others to our future! Beloved, our Heavenly Father freely shares our spiritual inheritance with us presently! Certainly we can praise God for the spiritual wealth we have in Christ!

I.        Praise the Father for His Spiritual Blessings (Eph. 1:3-6a).

A.     He has blessed us (1:3)

B.     He has chosen us (1:4)

C.     He has predestined us (1:5)

D.     He has adopted us (1:5)

E.      He has accepted us (1:6)

II.     Praise the Father for the Son’s Spiritual Blessings (Eph. 1:6b-13a).

A.     We are accepted in Him (Beloved) (1:6b)

B.     We have redemption in Him (1:7)

C.     We have forgiveness in Him (1:7)

D.     We know God’s will in Him (1:8-10)

E.      We have an inheritance in Him (1:11-12)

F.      We have salvation in Him (1:12b-13a)

III.   Praise the Father for the Spirit’s Spiritual Blessings (Eph. 1:13b-14).

A.     We have been sealed by the Spirit (1:13b)

B.     We have the earnest of our inheritance in the Spirit (1:14)

Beloved, we are rich in God concerning spiritual blessings and non-material privileges. We are not orphan children, but we have been greatly honored as the people of God. We have a blessed relationship with the God of the universe. We know the Lord in a personal way. We can fellowship with Him freely in righteousness and true holiness. We not only know Him, but He really knows us and loves us still. As a result of God's grand work of grace, we have love, joy, peace, hope, and holy power always. Believers will never know the bankruptcy of being lost, undone, condemned in sin, and destined for hell ever again! Such poverty and separation from our heavenly Father is a matter of our past, but not our present or future. We presently have a precious relationship with God and that is something to treasure! Beloved, have you appraised your wealth in Christ recently? Meditating on this portion of the Word is like counting your heavenly wealth! Have you counted your blessings lately? You see this is the prosperity God designed for you and me for now.

So what if we never own a 1 million dollar home! It is not really that big a deal if we never park a Bentley in our drive way or garage. It is okay to not have a 7-figure salary at some sheikh job in a major city USA! No, these matters will not matter at all in less than 150 years! They are only temporary and material wealth only takes on eternal significance when used wisely for the Lord's work. I must emphasize using your money wisely. Please do not waste your hard earned money on any and everything claiming to be a ministry. Check it out first to discern the reality with any ministry you give to. It is okay to be skeptical about 'ministries' today...especially those that emphasize money all the time and promise you material prosperity or great health because you give to them. Beware!

Take some time here to count your spiritual blessings. All spiritual blessings are yours...understand? Are you counting and counting on these? If you have, then you also have a great deal to praise your Heavenly Father for...correct? Why? It is because all spiritual blessings are indeed yours!