Renewing Your Mind

ROM. 12:1-2

SUBJECT: CHRISTIAN DEVOTION AND SERVICE

THEME:  Dedicate Yourself More Completely to His Glory and Service.

For the Christian, the Foremost Priority must Be to Live for Christ and to Seek First His Kingdom (Matthew 6:33). That Does Not Line up with All the Talk We Hear Today about Self-realization. The Christian, However, Knows That We Were Created by God That We Might Glorify Him. Therefore, We Should Not Live to Please Ourselves, but, Rather to Exalt and Serve Our Lord.  Our Dearest Treasure Should be the Light of His Smile and Approval—this is the Ultimate Goal of Our Lives.

Many Believers get saved, and never discover what God has saved them for.  Others get saved and spend their entire Christian life pretending from Sunday to Sunday.  Some even get saved and spend their new life living for themselves primarily.  Then there are those who get saved and live for God with fervor, joy, excitement, sacrifice, and great heart-felt devotion. They are few, and they are real!  May the Lord help us through this series to become such Living Sacrifices.  The work of God can only move forward as individual believer began to take seriously their commitments to Christ.  Accepting the church covenant without seeking to live out that covenant is merely a ritual, not devotion.  Making a trip to the altar without ever seeking to live out the decisions made there is purely superficial if it is not life altering and character shaping.  

Note once again our key passage of consideration:

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.[2] And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Rom 12:1-2)

  Present Your Mind to God as an Offering.  Vs. 2, “your mind”

Ephes. 5:17,  Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

  

“Understanding” means Knowing the facts, Thinking Through them and putting them together, and then Yielding to God’s Expressed Will in accordance with your discovery.    

   

       A. To Think About God’s Will.  

“Understanding” has the idea that our thinking apparatus must be engaged to discover the will of God.  

           1.  Discovering God’s Will is Not Mystical.

Too often we get the idea that God’s will is mystical and completely rules out clear thinking processes.  Don’t reduce discovering God’s will to some mystical experience that can’t be tracked intelligently!  This is not only wrong but extremely dangerous.  Becoming a living sacrifice means that we must not only “Know” God’s will but also “Understand” what He expects of us individually and then set out to do it.  This doesn’t mean that we understand everything that He requires, but we will at least know what He requires is always reasonable and never too much!

ILLUSTRATION:   Our move to the Ansbach area to pastor Berean Baptist Church was not a mystical experience.  We had talked with the church and candidate for the pastorate.   I had met many of the church members which truly was a joy.   We had talked extensively about doctrine and practice, there was some confusion, but they were willing to follow the Word of God.   When they extended the call, I felt compelled to respond favorably.  It was clear thinking, meditation on the Scriptures, prayer and yielding to God.  Just walking through the open door of opportunity He clearly and obviously had opened unto us (Rev. 3:7-8; Acts 16:5-12; Numb. 13:25-33). Often it takes faith to seize the opportunity God gives you; this was certainly the case with us.  There were no flashing lights, no hand writing on the walls, no signs, dreams, and visions.  There were no voices without bodies speaking to me.  No, just scripture, prayer, clear thinking, careful examination of my motives, and correct circumstances.

           2.  Discovering God’s Will Requires Thinking.

                A.  Do Not Resort to Guessing.  Guessing will confuse you and is a sign of laziness.

Proverbs 21:5,  The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want.

                B.  Do Not Listen to Your Heart.  Your heart will mislead you.   Jeremiah 17:9,  The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?

                C.  Decide God’s Will by Thinking Biblically. Ephes. 5:17

God has given us the capacity to think and we need to employ it by Thinking, Gathering Facts, Examining the Facts, and Weighing the Facts and Praying for Wisdom (Js. 1:5) to make decisions which express “Understanding” (Eph. 5:17).

APPLICATION #1:  Gather the information, think through applicable Bible verses, and consider your circumstances.  Frequently and sincerely ask the Lord in prayer for a wise and understanding heart regarding specific decisions and responsibilities (1Kg. 3:7-12).   Does it allow you to be or remain completely dedicated to God?  Does it Facilitate serving Christ through my church?  Will I have to forsake the Lord in some way to do this?  Will my commitment to Christ be weakened or compromised?  Will my intentions be misunderstood or misread?   These are good questions to think on when making decisions.  Matthew 22:37, 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.

   

APPLICATION #2.  Understanding God’s Will Leads to Braking With Sin.

Job 28:28,  And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.

APPLICATION #3.  Understanding God’s Will Leads to Obeying His Statements.

 Psalm 111:10, The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.

APPLICATION #4: Obedience is a sign that we do understand His will very well.  The most intelligent believer is the most obedient one.  Those who make God's word their rule, understand themselves and their best interest!  It is of some understanding to know God's commandments and be able to discuss them insightfully, but a “good understanding” is reserved for those who actually “do” them and walk according to them.

ILLUSTRATION:   I can go back to one evening in October 1991 and recall a period at the altar in Grace Ind. Bapt. Church when I dedicated my entire life to God.  I took my hands off my life and decided to go all the way with God in His plan for me.  Many of the decisions in my Christian growth and progress were made in advance that night because I had made that one decision to live for God.  When I begin to hear the importance of going to Sunday School, and through the day light savings time change I ended up in Sunday School and I have been faithful every sense then.  Through preaching and teaching I learned about the importance of Sharing my Faith with the lost and sense I had dedicated my life, I became more serious and faithful to this privilege.  Then I heard about Tithing through my local church and I stopped giving to TV Evangelist and begin to give 10 % of my income to the church.  I begin to understand the importance of Missions, so I begin to give to missions and pray for our missionaries, after all I had dedicated my life to God.  I read in the Bible about being Holy and Separated in my Lifestyle, Language, and Appearance so I begin to trust God to cleanse my life of poor habits, language, and even my companions.  On the list goes concerning my personal experience of consecrating my life to the Lord’s Will and Service personally.  It did not happen automatically or over night, but God showed me first the need to dedicated my entire life to Him and His service!  Everything else was natural to living the Christian life by faith!

       B.  To Examine God’s Will. 

There is an important phrase in Rom 12:2 that relates to understanding the will of God and it is “That ye may prove.”  I think it would be good to examine this closer.  These words were commonly applied to the operation of testing metals, or trying them by the severity of fire.  Hence, it also means to explore, investigate, and ascertain.

               1.  Examine & Renew the Mind by Revelation.  (The Word).  (Heb. 4:12-13)

We Discover the Will of God from the Word of God and by allowing our minds to be renewed and our lives transformed to conform to His will. (Rom. 12:1-2).

The sense is, that such a “renewed mind” is essential to a successful inquiry for the will of God.  Having a disposition to obey Him, the mind will be prepared to understand His precepts and requirements.  The reason why the mind is renewed is that we may continue to do the will of God: the mind that is renewed is most prepared to appreciate and understand His will.

               2.  Examine & Renew the Mind by Dedication.  Rom. 12:2, “that ye may prove”

Therefore we must prove--- test and approve, refusing the normal conduct of the sinful world and reaffirming for ourselves the spiritual norms appropriate for the redeemed. Aiding this process is "the renewing of your mind," which mean that the believer is to keep going back in his thought to the original commitment– the “Living Sacrifice.”  Thus, dedication leads to discernment!

APPLICATION: You must obey what you know!  Dedication to obedience is the way to understand God’s will better and more completely.  All who dedicate themselves to do His will demonstrate conclusively that they have a good understanding  (Eph. 5:17).  Obedience is the key to receiving more direction from the Lord. If any believer will obey His blessed revealed will, he can expect to know more and more clearly the doctrine of Christ (John 7:17).  Obey what you know and He will more clearly show!  The more you obey the more you will receive from the Lord.  This is a wonderful promise for everyone who is earnestly seeking the truth.  If a person is sincere, and truly wants to know what is the truth, God will reveal it to him.  “Obedience is the organ of spiritual knowledge.” 

APPLICATION:   “Good success” and spiritual prosperity is reserved exclusively for those who do God’s will, according to what was promised to Joshua regarding obedience to the law (Josh. 1:8).  It is at this point we make our way prosperous and enjoy good success. We have every reason to praise God, to praise Him forever, because he has placed us into such a wonder way to blessed living.  Too often we want to know all the details of a matter before we take the first step of faith, this is not the way God work.  You most obey what you know and He will more clearly show!  He will reward the obedient with more blessing, opportunities, insight, progress, promotion, and service (Matt. 25:20-30; Lk. 12:40-48; Lk. 19:14-27).

ILLUSTRATION:   Nathanael beautifully illustrates the truth of obeying what you know in order to receive more instruction and insight from the Lord.   John 1:45-51,  Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. [46] And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see. [47] Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile! [48] Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee. [49] Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel. [50] Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these. [51] And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.  The language referring to Jesus as the one Moses wrote about indicates that Philip was also a thoughtful seeker -- one who read the Old Testament Scriptures and was looking for the Messiah. Moses had written about the Messiah in the Law (see Deut 18:15-18), and the prophets had foretold his coming.  Instantaneously, Nathanael realizes that Jesus is “the Son of God” (Ps 2:7) and “the King of Israel” (Ps 2:6; Zeph 3:15).  Unlike many of the studied religious leaders of the day, these simple men understood the Scriptures, and knew what to look for. So when the Messiah came, they recognized Him!  Jesus foretells that the Disciples would hereafter see the angels ascending and descending upon Him, “the Son of Man” (a messianic title, see Dan 7:13). As students of the Old Testament, his disciples would have realized that Jesus was alluding to Jacob's vision of the ladder connecting Heaven to earth (Gen 28:12).  Jacob had left home, having lied to his father and cheated his brother of the birthright. Yet in his dream Jacob saw a vision of angels ministering to him. If God could reveal himself to a sinner like Jacob, surely he could reveal himself in an even greater way to Nathanael. To Nathanael and the others, the Heavens would be opened -- i.e., they would be given insight into the things of Heaven [(Acts 10:11 (Evangelization); Rev 4:1 (Expectations); 19:11 (Revelation)]. Furthermore, they would realize that Jesus, as the “Son of Man,” was the vehicle of communication between Heaven and earth. Just as God had appointed Jacob to be the father of the twelve tribes (under the new name Israel), God had appointed Jesus to be the founder of the new spiritual kingdom. The point is clear, Nathanael was ready to receive more insight from the Lord because he immediately believed what the Lord had said and his heart was free of guile, thus honest, transparent, and sincere.  He could secure more insight because he responded in faith to the first and more basic truths. 

Thinking Biblically & Hearing From God

Will God’s plan for me simply pop into my head someday or should I actually do something to obtain His guidance? Can I simply pray asking for wisdom from God, or do I have other responsibilities that I must satisfy to obtain wisdom from God? These are good questions! Some teachers say that all we need to do is ask and God will give us wisdom in generous measures (James 1). Other teachers tell us that we must research the Bible with a commitment to act on the wisdom God gives—through diligent study of the Bible we gain wisdom. The first prescription requires little of the believer while the second depends almost entirely on the believer’s efforts. Which way is correct? Before I answer the question consider this passage:

A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth: He will guide his affairs with discretion. (Ps. 112:5)

Personal generosity is healthy and good, but it should be exercised with a fair amount of discretion. That is, we must be discreet, responsible and restrained exemplifying sound judgement and prudent management. Discretion is generally the ability to make sound decisions. We are challenged to “guide” our “affairs with discretion.” Thoughtfulness, planning, measurement, and care are to be exercised as we address matters of personal and commercial business.  

Furthermore, discretion involves carefulness, maturity, prudence, and good judgment in spiritual decision making as well (Ps. 112:5). It is the ability to use God-given discernment while making decisions pertaining to routine and peculiar matters. Such capability can be learned by the people of God. Yes, sound decision making that fulfills God’s plan for our lives can be learned through the Word, the Holy Spirit, prayer, and disciplined decision making. Understand, this quality must be cultivated, developed, and intentionally pursued. Each believer should make a conscious choice to cultivate spiritual discretion.

The answer to our original questions is “both.”  Yes, we are to pray earnestly to God for wisdom, but we must also cultivate the development of spiritual thinking for the sake of making decisions consistent with God’s Word and will. Yes, we can hear from God through thinking biblically, and God imparts wisdom when we ask and as we study the Word. 

Theme: as responsible believers, God expects us to actively cultivate discretion related to His will

GOD’S WORD ASSURES US SPIRITUAL DISCRETION CAN BE CULTIVATED.

The Bible repeatedly makes this claim and assures us that each child of God’s life can be an exercise of discretion.  God uses His Word to develop within us discernment—a sense of right and wrong, good and bad. The Spirit helps us distinguish between character and image, and substance and vanity.  God helps us realize what ‘right’ looks like so that we can recognize the right from the wrong, and decide between good, better, and best in a given situation.

In order to lead a life that reflects God’s wisdom and discretion, and to limit our susceptibility to misconceptions we must cultivate spiritual discernment.

Phil 1:9-11, And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; [moral discernment in ethical matters]10, That ye may approve [recognize as genuine through examination—appraisal] things that are excellent [better, or of greater value]; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; 11, Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.

In effective service for the Lord, we must use our intelligence and exercise discernment. Otherwise, our efforts are apt to be futile. So Paul is here praying not only that the Philippians will continue in the display of Christian love, but also that their love will be exercised in full knowledge and all discernment.

Love that is thus enlightened will enable them to discern the things that are more excellent. In all realms of life, some things are good and others are better. The good is often the enemy of the best. For effective service, these distinctions must be made.

Love that is enlightened will also enable them to avoid what is questionable or downright wrong. Paul would have them sincere, ⁴ that is, utterly transparent, and blameless in view of the day of Christ. –Believer’s Bible Commentary

Think Session:

Moral Discernment Exercise: What if someone who is truly saved and genuinely loves the Lord desires to unite with the church, but they are HIV positive and have openly communicated this fact? Should this be a condition for excluding from membership? Would it be morally wrong to pry into his or her past? Do we feel a moral obligation to inquire about how they contracted the disease?

Appraisal Discernment Exercise: I know that it is time to purchase another automobile for my family of six. What should I buy? How much does my budget allow? What would actually meet our needs?  Consider that it is good to buy a reliable vehicle that satisfies our needs—everyone in the family fits safely and it gets us from point A to B. It is better to buy a pre-owned (minimal depreciation) one that fits our budget—we can actually afford the car note, insurance, and maintenance. It is best to purchase a car in cash or with a huge down payment; a car that can be readily serviced here in the area.

GOD’S WORD SPELLS OUT HIS WILL FOR US IN SPECIFIC MANDATES.

Our tendency to misread God’s plan can be significantly reduced by “understanding what the will of the Lord is” (Eph. 5:17). God’s will can be known and understood by us!  Eph. 5:17,  says, “Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding [connect concepts together in the mind] what the will of the Lord is.” Understanding is like collecting the pieces of a puzzle and putting them together. The mind grasps concepts and sees the proper relationship between them. This requires serious thinking on our part—exercise your mental muscles.

“Understanding” implies placing precept together with practice as well. That is to mentally comprehend in order to govern ourselves according to God’s pleasure and will. This largely reduces misunderstandings, misconceptions, misapplications, and general misreading of God’s will! Again this demands discipline and exertion of mental energy. 

God’s Plan for our lives is not hidden, incomprehensible, nor mysterious. In fact God desires for His people to be well informed and actuating His will daily. But it may require engaging all our mental powers to arrive at what the Lord wants to achieve through us.

To guard against misconceptions related to God’s will, gain a practical awareness of specific Bible statements related to God’s will and their Implications.

Colossians 1:9-10, For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; ¹⁰ That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

Note This Prayer for the Knowledge of God’s Will (Col. 1:9).

Paul’s primary request was that God would fill them with the knowledge of His will. There are two key words, “filled” and “knowledge” to consider. “Filled” refers to a filling out to completeness, and “knowledge” suggests a full, deep understanding. This is not an inner impression or feeling, but a deep and thorough knowledge of the will of God that is finally and completely revealed in the Word of God (Col. 3:16; Eph. 5:17; 1 Thess. 4:3; 5:18; 1 Tim. 2:4; 1 Pet. 2:13, 15; 4:19).

·        Such knowledge of God’s will does not come from a fleshly mind (which “puffs up,” 1 Cor. 8:1), but the Holy Spirit enlightens a believer’s inner person (1 Cor. 2:5-6, 13), with the Word of God.

·        “Wisdom” is, practical know-how which comes from God (James 1:5; 3:15), and it is also the ability to accumulate and organize principles from Scripture. Wisdom applies knowledge in the best way.

·        “Spiritual Understanding” speaks of clear analysis and decision-making in applying spiritual knowledge to various problems—the application of Bible principles to daily living. Understanding sees what agrees and what conflicts with God’s will. God’s will, revealed in the Bible, is made known to believers by the Holy Spirit’s teaching ministry.

Note This Purpose for the Knowledge of God’s Will (Col. 1:10).

Why did the Apostle Paul want the Colossians to be filled with the knowledge of God’s will? [1:10] Was it so they might become mighty preachers or sensational teachers? Was it so they might attract large followings to themselves, as the Gnostics sought to do?

·        No, the true purpose of spiritual wisdom and understanding is to enable Christians to walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him. Here we have a very important lesson on the subject of guidance. God does not reveal His will to us in order to satisfy our curiosity. Neither is it intended to cater to our ambition or pride. Rather the Lord shows us His will for our lives in order that we might please Him in all that we do. –Believer’s Bible Commentary

Exercise:

What does the Bible say about God’s will for us?

1.     God Wills that We Be Saved (2Pet. 3:9; 1Tim. 2:4).

2.     God Wills that We Be Spirit-Filled (Eph. 5:15-18).

3.     God Wills that We Be Thankful in Everything (1Thess. 5:18).

4.     God Wills that We are set apart from sin and unto His purposes (1Thess. 4:3-5).

5.     God Wills that We Be Submissive to Legitimate Authority (1Pet. 2:13-15).

6.     God Wills that We Suffer for Christ’s Sake (1Pet. 4:12-16, 19).

7.     God Wills that We Glorify Him with all our Opportunities (1Pet. 4:16; 1Cor. 6:20; 10:31).

The Lord Jesus epitomized all of these mandates and is the supreme example for all aspects of God’s will (see John 4:4; 5:19, 30; 1 Pet. 4:1, 2). Honestly if we truly lived this way in the energy of the Holy Spirit, there would be little else to consider or to decide upon with regard to God’s plan. Also bear in mind that God does afford us a measure of latitude and freedom in decision making. There are times and instances when He in His sovereignty literally leaves the choice with us.

Conclusion:

Eph 5:15, See then that ye walk circumspectly [exactly, precisely, diligently, accurately], not as fools, but as wise,   (Also Col. 4:5)

Walk or proceed with clear direction from God. Live each day knowing exactly what God expects and with confidence in the type of life He prescribes. Once you know what He requires, proceed with precise adherence and compliance. Walk circumspectly before your Lord. Much like a person walking a tight rope across the Grand Canyon proceeds with preciseness and accuracy; let us walk with exactitude in the plan of God for us. Again He has disclosed His will in His Word there is no reasoned to be mystified regarding His plan.

Yes, there will still be times when we need to make a decision and we will feel uncertain about how to proceed. This is no indication that God has failed to direct. It may mean we need to dig some in the Word and pray far more for wisdom from God. It may also mean we need to connect spiritual principles one with another like the pieces of a puzzle in order to discern God’s plan in a particular matter. I am afraid God has been blamed far too often for hiding His will when the key to knowing it is a matter of research on our part.

The Lord never intended for His will to be mysterious or confusing. He does not hide it and taunt us as we try to find it or figure it out. God’s will is not hidden nor is it lost! Through the Word, the ministry of the Holy Spirit, and prayer we can understand exactly what God’s will is and make decisions in the light of it. In doing so, we limit and reduce our vulnerability to deceptions related to His plan for our lives. God not only want us to know His will but to execute it daily with precision and accuracy to His glory!

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.

It Is Still Wise to Wait on God!

Waiting on God? Feeling a little awkward while trying to patiently anticipate the LORD's timing? Every Believer has been there once or twice. Our minds race back and forth between doubts, fears, and perplexities, and we can literally feel our hearts pounding away with anxiety. The Psalmist of Israel understood this kind of tension and concludes Psalm 27 with the wise counsel, “Wait on the LORD: Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: Wait, I say, on the LORD” (Ps. 27:14). He emphasizes patience before the Lord and stresses the importance of waiting confidently in anticipation of His aid, provision, direction, protection, wisdom, and blessing. Waiting is an activity that requires real courage and commitment. This is especially true in moments of danger, threat, uncertainty, and pressure. Without such courage, we are inclined to faint, lose heart, and reach for some quick fix ‘solution’ that will only exacerbate our situation. In the end our independent actions will actually increased our level of anxiety, stress, and regret. "O', why didn't I wait? Why was I in such a hurry? If only I knew then what I know now…."

Perhaps you can recall uttering those very words and now merely reading them brings back some serious regrets related to hasty decisions. I understand and you are not alone. Far too many young people experimented with drugs and alcohol just trying to be cool and fit in. Now they are dependent on these substances, and others being penniless are selling their bodies to get their next fix. The list of teenagers and college students who lost their virginity in the heat of passion, to keep a boyfriend, or to be viewed as a player is far too long. Now STDs has forced them to rethink some things. Who can number the couples who rushed into marriage unprepared only to later stomp off to divorce court filled with a sense of failure. For yet others it is their overwhelming debt, poor career choices, conflicting priorities, or a decision to reject the college option and just find a job. Now they have fewer and fewer options as technology and the job market demand higher/advanced training, skills, expertise, and specialization. The lists of regrets, sorrows, pains, and frustrations are long and continue to multiply every moment! In my ministry I meet people all the time who would do a lot of things differently if they could change the past. In the interest of complete transparency, I have longed for a few ‘do-overs’ myself. Regret related to hasty decisions is a painful look in the mirror, but it is extremely necessary! Such mistakes can be learned from. We need God to help us make decisions; though it is uncomfortable admitting this, it is never-the-less true.

The opposite of haste is patience and another way of defining patience is endurance or perseverance. Zero patience equals quitting, not enduring--giving up. A quick escape from the pressures may appear expedient in the heat of the tension, but these decisions typically set us back further. There is always some detail, element, or insight we failed to calculate or consider. Dr. J. Vernon McGee agrees that the cure for a fainting/quitting heart is confident anticipation as we wait on the Lord saying,

There is a lot of heart trouble today among believers. It is known as faintheartedness, or the coward’s heart. All of us have a little touch of it. How can this be cured? “Wait on the LORD; be of good courage.” When we do that the Lord will strengthen our hearts. He is really the great heart specialist. (Thru the Bible with J. Vernon McGee)

So, that uncomfortable awkwardness that settles upon us when we are waiting for the Lord to come through is a potential ‘fainting’ spell. If it persists unchecked by courageous faith in the Lord, we will opt to rush into something without praying and thinking it through. We need the Lord’s strength to endure and patiently wait while He works out His timing and excellent plans. We can be assured that He is not incompetent or too ignorant to work providentially on our case. We can always rest assured that He is working out His good, acceptable, and perfect will (Rom. 12:1, 2).

The nature of God’s timing requires that we practice trust—He does not honor our timetables necessarily. His ways and timing are higher and far more comprehensive than ours tend to be. As a result, we must decidedly resist the temptation to jump ahead before receiving the Spirit’s direction. Running ahead of God never ceases to be a concern for us Christians in our walk with the Lord. Each of us must diligently examine our motivations before we act. By cultivating an attitude of patient waiting while looking to the Lord for guidance, we can give God control over the direction of our lives (James 4:13-17). Are you waiting and wondering what your next step should be? Be patient. Do not jump ahead—trust God’s timing.

According to James 4:13-17, some of us mistakenly make plans without first consulting with the Lord. At times we are aware of this gross failure and on other occasions we allow for certain shifts in priorities. Of course selfishness is not at all shy about taking care of number one! In contrast, the Lord would have us make plans with a great  deal more humility and submission to His will. The following are some common ways we talk about the future and make our plans, while leaving God out (not original):

i.          When we describe retirement in selfish terms as our time to enjoy the fruits of our labors.

ii.          When we see work and careers as ways we can make money in order to buy what we want.

iii.         When we define money as a symbol of independence.

iv.         When we imagine ourselves in control of major areas of life under the rationalization that God is not interested in such mundane matters.

v.         When we make practical decisions about education, job changes, moving, investments, and spending—all without serious prayer.

In humility (Ps. 25:9) and submission to the will of God we formulate and execute the plans we believe will please Him. Planning is not wrong in and of itself, but planning without consulting God or waiting on His direction is. Replace that awkward feeling with a patient anticipation of God’s guidance by trusting Him to deliver in His timing. Resist the temptation to permit fears, pressures, pride, our priorities, others, and our plans to rush our decisions. Remember things would have been different if Eve had waited on Adam before taking the fatal bite. The Middle-East would be different if only Abraham and Sarah had waited on God—that Hagar and Ismael thing has not worked out so great for Israel.

In order to recover from regrets and the related guilt we need to seek God’s forgiveness (1Jn. 1:9). At the heart of the Christian faith is the promise of forgiveness and healing. Yes, though we often do not mean to, we fail our Lord and miss His plan for us. The reality of our guilt and of God's provision of forgiveness in Jesus Christ is woven throughout the biblical text. God's Word tells us that when we acknowledge our sins and turn from them, God forgives us.

·        Proverbs 28:13-14,  He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. [14] Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.

·        Jeremiah 31:34, And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the Lord; for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.

Yes, but how do I let go of the past? Once you have requested God's forgiveness, the next and vital step toward being free from guilt is to let go of your past. In the course of my ministry, I have met countless people who are haunted by their sins. They have not been able to forgive themselves and let go of their past (Stanley). There may be consequences or responsibilities that we need to address, but God's forgiveness is assured repeatedly. 

The Bible tells us that once we have repented of our sins, God both forgives them and forgets them (see Isa. 43:25). It is not the Lord, therefore, who reminds us of past sins that we have already confessed to Him. Rather, it is the one whom the Bible calls the “accuser of our brethren,” the devil (Rev. 12:10). When we are confronted with images or memories of sins we have already confessed to God, it is time to say, “I refuse to accept these thoughts. God has already forgiven me of that. I am letting this go right on by. Devil, you'll have no hold on my mind.” (Stanley) The next time the devil reminds you of your past, remind him of his future!

·        Isaiah 43:25, I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.

·        Psalm 103:11-14, For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. [12] As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. [13] Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him. [14] For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.

By the grace and wisdom of God’s Word put the past behind you and look to the Lord anew to direct your path. The forgiveness God offers is real and substantial; fully accept it and walk in the reality of a forgiven past. Pursue His plans for your life once again. Wait on the Lord; look to Him continually through His Word and His Spirit. Accept His priorities; embrace them as your personal mandates. No excuses for refusing His directions. Trust the Lord to come through on His terms and according to His timing. It has well been said, "He may not come when we want Him to, but He is always on time!" Also remember, an apparent delay from God is not automatically a denial from Him. God is busy arranging and orchestrating a complete answer that not only satisfies our needs, but also each life that our life will touch. He is quite comprehensive in His marvelous workings—respect and highly value this truth. As you wait on God, He will give you a heart strong enough to embrace His timing and plan. Always bear in mind that it is still wise to wait on God. If you decide to do so, you will avoid some of the regrets, pains, and frustrations that accompany hasty decisions. May you always walk in the grace and beauty of God’s perfect plan!