The Mind

Prov.23:7 (a) For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he:

I would like to look at 2 Corinthians and get some thoughts on the Christian mind. We are told we have the mind of Christ as Christians. I think it beneficial to look at the descriptive words in 2 Corinthians on the kind of mind we should have in our lives.

2Cor.7:[7] And not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your fervent mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more.

Fervent mind
First we find the Corinthians had a FERVENT mind. Fervent meaning to boil or to be excited and glowing. We as Christians should have an on-fire mind for the Lord and the things of God. Remember the church in Laodicea God said they were lukewarm. We as individual Christians should be hot and excited about what God has done for us, the people of God , God’s Word and God’s house. We should be fired up about what God can do in the lives of others if they will let Him.

2Cor.8:[12] For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.

Willing mind
God wants His children to have a willing mind. God does not call everyone to the mission field or to preach, or to pastor but God expects ALL of His children to be WILLING. Not reluctant or hesitant but willing to do whatever God gives you to do for His honor and glory. He gave us His all and we find it hard to attend church regularly or to read His Word. We develop lockjaw when it is time to share His love with others. It starts in the attitude. We must have a willing mind.

2Cor.8:[19] And not that only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and declaration of your ready mind:

Ready mind
God does not want His children to be pushed to do something for Him. He wants us to be quick and looking for the opportunity to do something for the cause of Jesus Christ. He wants us to be prepared.

Ready- Quick; prompt; not hesitating Quick to receive or comprehend; not slow or dull, Quick in action or execution

2Cor.9:[2] For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath provoked very many.

Forward mind
God wants His children to be forward. Zealous and eager to give to the cause of Christ. Not stingy or reserved. Looking for the opportunity to give to the Lord’s work.

2Cor.13:[11] Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.

Unified mind
We as a body of believers in Christ should be on the same page. We should have the same doctrine and the same standard for conduct and lifestyle. The New Testament body should have the Bible as its one and only standard for every outreach and doctrine.

 

 

Now let’s look at two kinds of minds we as Christians should NOT have.

2Cor.11:[3] But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
Corrupted mind
A mind who was once on the right path and thinking the correct things. It has been influenced by the devil into following a path of false doctrine. The mind who has allowed other things to infiltrate and convince it there are other requirements for salvation outside of the shed blood of Jesus Christ.

2Cor.3:[14] But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ.
and
2Cor.4:[4] In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

Blinded mind
Satan, the great deceiver, can convince the human mind that they are okay using a moral code or religion to lead them from the truth of the gospel. Blinding them to their need for the Saviour. Convincing them any belief system is okay as long as they are sincere or deceiving them into thinking it is their own works that is required to be saved.