Thinking Like Christ

THINKING LIKE CHRIST The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual man makes judgments about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man’s judgment: “For who has known the mind of the Lord that hey may instruct him?” [Isaiah 40.13] But we have the mind of Christ. 1 Corinthians 2.14-16 

Why Thinking Matters  Our thoughts shape our character For as [a man] thinks within himself, so he is. (Proverbs 23.7)  Our thoughts affect clarity of mind Jesus, knowing their thoughts… (Luke 9.46-50)  Our thoughts can mislead us There is a way that seems right, but… (Proverbs 14.12) Trust in the Lord… (Proverbs 3.5-6)

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Two Minds  Our minds respond to opposing drives—sinful (or carnal) nature and spiritual desire (Romans 8.5-8)  Behaviors of the sinful mind (1 Timothy 6.3-5)  Behaviors of the spiritual mind (Philippians 4.8)  Dysfunction occurs when we try to obey both minds simultaneously (James 1.5-8)  The first step to thinking like Christ, then, is training our minds to respond to spiritual impulses and reject sinful ones (1 Peter 1.13-16; 2 Corinthians 10.5)

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The Mind of Christ  Servant mentality (Philippians 2.5-8)  Pure, trustworthy, and trusting (1 Peter 2.21-23)  Truthful, impartial, compassionate, patient, forgiving, and loving (Colossians 3.1-3; 9-14)

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Renewing Our Minds  Leaving our former selves behind (Ephesians 4.22-24)  Facing forward (Isaiah 43.18-19; Philippians 3.10-15)  Self-assessment (Romans 12.2-3)  Learning (Proverbs 2.1-10)