Developing the Mind of Christ
Philippians 2:5 (NIV)
“…have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.”
A New Way of Thinking
Christianity isn’t just about learning how to stop thinking negatively.
It’s about learning how to think differently.
Following Christ transforms our thinking, priorities, attitudes, and responses.
God doesn’t just want to change what you do. He wants to transform how you think.
When our thinking changes, our responses begin to change.
And when our responses change, the direction of our lives can change.
Point 1: A Renewed Mind Produces a Different Life
Romans 12:2 (NIV)
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Paul doesn’t say we’re transformed simply by trying harder.
He says we’re transformed through the renewing of our minds.
Our thinking influences our decisions.
Our decisions influence our behavior.
Our behavior influences the direction of our lives.
You cannot safely move forward while living focused on what’s behind you.
Some of us are trying to move into what God has for them while constantly rehearsing what happened yesterday.
Philippians 3:13–14 (NIV)
(13) Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead,
(14) I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
“You cannot consistently live in a new direction while holding on to an old way of thinking.”
Point 2: The Mind of Christ Chooses Faith Over Fear
Mark 4:35–40 (NIV)
(35) That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.”
(36) Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him.
(37) A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped.
(38) Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”
(39) He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
“Faith doesn’t mean you don’t see the storm. It means you trust God in the middle of it.”
Point 3: The Mind of Christ Changes How We See Others
Philippians 2:3–5 (NIV)
(3) Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,
(4) not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
(5) In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.
Sometimes the vain imaginations we need to shut down aren’t about our future.
They’re about other people.
We assume someone’s motives.
We imagine what they’re thinking.
We interpret their actions negatively.
We decide they’re against us without ever having a conversation.
Before long, we’ve created an offense based on an assumption.
The mind of Christ teaches us not to immediately assume the worst about people.
1 Corinthians 13:7 (NIV)
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
“The mind of Christ doesn’t rush to assume the worst. It chooses to walk in love.”
Point 4: Guard Your Mind by Keeping It Focused on Jesus
Colossians 3:2 (NIV)
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
We have to be deliberate about what we’re allowing to shape our thinking.
Our minds are constantly being influenced.
Conversations
Social media
News
Past experiences
Other people’s opinions
None of these things should have greater authority over our lives than God’s truth.
The more we focus on Christ, the more His character and truth begin shaping our perspective.
Three Daily Habits:
1. Start your day with God’s Word.
2. Challenge thoughts that contradict God’s truth.
3. Practice gratitude.
Philippians 4:6–8 (NIV)
(6) Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
(7) And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
(8) Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.
“Whatever consistently captures your attention will influence your perspective.”
Think Like Jesus
“When you allow Christ to change your thinking, you begin to experience His peace in a whole new way.”