The Mind

We need to learn to compare scripture with scripture so that we can spiritually judge all things, and have an answer for every man because we have the mind of Christ. (Is 28:9-10, 1Cor 2:15-16, Phil 1:9, 1Pet 3:15, Col 4:6)


Once we believe in Jesus, we need to come to learn, by taking His light yoke (of repentant faith) so that we could be instructed and have rest (or understanding) for our soul. (Matt 11:29 cf. Jer 31:18-19) We are given the knowledge of the glory of God, by the mercy of God through His servants manifesting the truth by the scriptures. (2Cor 4:6,1-2) This is the form of teaching which causes us to become obedient from our hearts so that we would no longer serve sin. (Rom 6:17) Because ALL scripture is given unto us for our instruction in righteousness, so that we would be perfected to do good or merciful works. (2Tim 3:16-17) This is how we are prepared to go on to minister grace through the good communication which edifies those who hear. (Eph 4:29, Rom 15:2) These are the servants who labor among you (in the word) who are to be highly esteemed in love, because of this work. This is how we live in peace. (5:12-13)


Those that are after their flesh, mind the things of the flesh; but those that are after the Spirit, mind the things of the Spirit
Rom 8:5

Is your mind after the things of the flesh, OR the things of the Spirit? Let us look at the differences between them to figure out what our minds are set upon.

Those whose minds are on the Flesh:

Those whose minds are on the flesh cannot please God. (Rom 8:8) Why you ask? Because the carnal mind is against God and cannot subject itself to the law of God. (8:7) Those who live in the flesh are not the children of God. (9:8) Those who walk in the flesh are under the condemnation (8:1) of loving darkness more than the light because of evil deeds. (Jn 3:19) These need God to work His truth into them so that it’s light would come out of them which is the walk of light, which is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth. (Jn 3:21 with Eph 5:8-9) The righteousness of the law cannot be fulfilled in those who are walking in the flesh. (Rom 8:4) Those who walk in the flesh do not have the Spirit of Christ in them. (8:9) Those who live after their flesh should be delivered unto satan for the destruction of their flesh so that their spirit may be saved. (1 Cor 5:5) Those who live in the flesh are under the bondage (of sin). (Gal 4:23) Those who walk in the flesh persecute those who walk in the Spirit. (Gal 4:29) These carnal believers manifest themselves in these deeds:
1. Adultery 2. Fornication 3. Immorality 4. Idolatry 5. Hatred 6. Contention
7. Jealousy 8. Anger 9. Strife 10. Divisions 11. Heresies 12. Selfishness 13. Envy
14. Murder 15. Wrath 16. Malice 17. Drunkenness 18. Hostility
Those who do any of these things, will not inherit the kingdom of God. (Gal 5:19-21) Because these are living to satisfy their flesh, they will only reap corruption. (Gal 6:8) Those who mind the things of the flesh are the children of wrath (Eph 2:3) ; because of their disobedience. (Titus 3:3) Those who mind the things of the flesh bring forth fruit unto death. (Rom 7:5) These can profess that they know God, but by their deeds they deny Him. (Titus 1:16)These are carnal, sold under sin. (Rom 7:14) These whose minds are on their flesh, cannot do the good they want to do. (7:15) These can only do evil. (7:19) Those that walk in the flesh are presumptuous, self-willed, and speak evil of the things they don’t understand in the word of God and will perish in their own corruption. (2Pet 2:10&12) For the world offers only lust for physical pleasure, the lust for everything we see, and pride in our possessions. These are not from the Father. They are from this world. (1Jn 2:16) Those that live after the flesh will (spiritually) die. (Rom 8:13) In conclusion, those who are walking in the flesh do not have the Spirit of Christ in them. (Rom 8:9)

Those whose minds are on the Spirit:

Those whose minds are on the Spirit, is because God has sent these a servant of God who is gentle and patient, to meekly instruct those who oppose themselves so that God would give them repentance to acknowledge the truth (which is after godliness, Titus 1:1) and be recovered out of the snare of the devil. (Meaning self-willed) (2Tim 2:24-26) Notice that it is GOD who sends a teacher to us, not us choosing our own teacher. (Col 1:7, 4:7, 1Thess 3:2, 1Cor 4:17, Eph 6:21, 4:11-12, Rom 10:14-15, Is 61:1-3) These are also known as the FEW fathers who are not of the thousands of instructors, and it is these few men who beget us through the gospel. (1Cor 4:15) These preach and teach in the demonstration of the Spirit, and of power, not with the persuasive words of human wisdom. (1Cor 2:4) This is so that our faith would stand in the power of God, not in the wisdom of men. (2:5) This is why the Lord separates us from the things and people of this world for a time, so that He can receive us as His sons and daughters. (2Cor 6:17-18)

Within this time of separation, we are diligently studying and meditating over the scriptures (humbly asking the Lord for understanding) so that we could rightly divide His truth from error. (2Tim 2:15, Acts 17:11) And we are able to cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit (through the power of the Spirit) in the fear of God (which hates evil and pride, and every false way to come unto God, Prov 8:10) which brings us to perfection. (2Cor 7:1) This is done in godly sorrow that works repentance unto salvation. (7:10) This is called coming to repentance which leads to godliness. (2Pet 3:9&11) This is the doctrine of Christ that has us lay the foundation of repentance for true faith towards God first, so that we may have God’s permission, to go on to perfection. (Heb 6:1-3) Those who do not abide in this doctrine of Christ do NOT have the Father and the Son. (2Jn 1:9) We are not to receive ANYONE who does not bring or teach this doctrine otherwise we will partake in their evil (self-moved) deeds. (1:10-11)

This wisdom of God is deep, and is spoken in a mystery which is hidden, unless God reveals it to us by His Spirit. (1Cor 2:7&10) The Holy Spirit teaches these deep things by comparing scripture with scripture. (2:13) Those whose minds are on the Spirit, are patiently waiting through the Spirit for the hope of being righteous and loving by faith. (Gal 5:5-6) This is the calling that leads to (Christian) liberty which serves others in love. (5:13) These have been delivered from the bondage of sin, so that they could patiently wait on the Spirit, to be made righteous and loving, and the glorious liberty to be the children of God. (Rom 8:21 with Gal 5:1, 5:5-6) If you are being hindered from obeying this truth, you are in the leavened (false doctrine #2219) church. (Gal 5:9)
For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth; which is able to prove what is acceptable to the Lord. (Eph 5:9-10) These are the children of light who can walk in love. (5:8&2) These ARE Christ’s because they have crucified their (carnal) affections and (worldly) lusts. (Gal 5:24)
These are not men pleasers; but servants of Christ, because they can do the will of God from their heart, and they became obedient by subjecting themselves to the doctrine of grace (Eph 6:6 with Rom 6:17) by the faithful minister who was sent to them by God (Col 1:7,4:7, 1Thess 3:2, Eph 6:21, Rom 10:14-15) which enables us to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts so that we can live under the sobering control of God, as righteous and godly in this present world. (Titus 2:11-12)These understand that God chooses us to salvation through the sanctifying process of the Spirit and belief of this truth. (2Thess 2:13) These chosen ones were called (out of darkness and into His marvelous light, 1Pet 2:9, Jn 12:46, Job 24:13) so that they could obtain the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ (2Thess 2:15) ; Without which we would be deceived because we couldn’t receive a love for this truth, that we may be saved, and instead we would have pleasure in unrighteousness.(2:10&12)
This is the teaching of grace which comes from the Father that gives us the good hope (Gal 5:5-6) which comforts our hearts and establishes us in every good word and work. (2Thess 2:15-17) The elect are sanctified by the Spirit unto being obedient. (1Pet 1:2) These receive (the teaching of) grace for obedience to the faith. (Rom 1:5) These have ASKED God to purify their souls so that they could obey the truth through the Spirit, unto being able to sincerely love the brethren, because of a (made) pure heart. (1Pet 1:22)
Those whose minds are on the Spirit, can naturally edify others with the word of God for their good. (Eph 4:29, 4:16, 12, 1Cor 14:26, Rom 15:2, 8:1,1Tim 1:4, 1Thess 5:11) This is the humble mind that esteems others more highly than themselves. (Phil 2:3) I hope this mind is in you which was also in Christ Jesus? (2:5) A willingness to be here is acceptable to God, for He first gives us a willingness and causes us to DO these good things for His good pleasure. (2 Cor 8:12 with Phil 2:13)