Tag: set your mind
A Godly mindset!
Scripture reading for February 19: Mark 8
“And He asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered Him, “You are the Christ.” And He strictly charged them to tell no one about Him. And He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes and be killed, and after three days rise again. And He said this plainly. And Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him. But turning and seeing His disciples, He rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind Me, Satan! For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.”” Mark 8:29-33
At the core of our world view is our settled opinion about Jesus Christ. Jesus drew out His disciples as He asked them, “Who do people say that I am?” Most world-views are shaped by peer pressure. Everyone has an opinion, even if they have not really done research or know someone personally. The people of that culture and time had various estimates of Jesus. Some said He was John the Baptist come back to life after his beheading. Others though He might be the prophet Elijah or one of the other Old Testament prophets. But Jesus was wanting them to state what they really thought after spending time with Him and participating in His ministry of preaching, healing and deliverance.
“Who do you say that I am?” was the key question for them and for us today. Peter’s answer, “You are the Christ,” was a godly mindset. After this great confession by Peter on behalf of all the disciples, Jesus began to tell them of the coming rejection by the elders of Israel and the crucifixion and ultimately the resurrection after three days. Peter quickly rebuked Jesus as this did not fit with his understanding of Jesus as the ‘Christ’! Jesus had to rebuke Satan who used Peter, and subsequently Peter, for allowing the mindset of the world to over-ride the revelation of God’s redemptive work through suffering on the cross.
Have you allowed others opinions of Jesus Christ to shape your world view? Who do you say that Jesus is? How do you react to the story of Jesus’ virgin birth, sinless life, crucifixion for sinners, and resurrection?
Prayer: Father God, Thank You for revealing Jesus Christ, Your Son to me and all who will humbly seek to know who He is. As I ponder the events of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, settle Your Son in me as my Lord and Savior. Use me to share these truths with others. Amen.
Christ’s life in me!
Scripture reading for October 7th: Colossians 3:1-17
True Christian thinking involves identification with Christ in His resurrection. Not only have we died with Christ, been buried with Christ, but we are raised up with Christ! (Galatians 2:20) Christ also ascended to sit at the right hand of the Father and we have been raised to identify with Christ in glory! The Holy Spirit is the Gift of the Father who enables us to identify with Christ and be transformed to be like Him. (Ephesians 1:13-14)
“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.” (Colossians 3:1-4) Christ is also coming again. When He appears, we will also appear with Him! This is how we should now think as new creations in Christ. We have the fullness of Christ given to us and can expect and think on the eternal but very real truths that Christ taught. (Colossians 2:9-10)
As we change our focus from this life to Christ’s life, we begin to put off the things of our earthly nature that displease God and cause trouble with others. Our focus is now on pleasing Christ and preparing to meet Him instead of ourselves and our fleshly desires. All the old ways of immorality, lust, greed and idolatry were put to death on the cross so we put them out of our lives. In their place, we put on the new self, “which is being renewed in the knowledge and image of the Creator.” (Colossians 3:10) Christ becomes our new identity.
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you have have against one another. . .Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts since as members of on body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly. . .” (Colossians 3:12-16a) Christ’s life produces identity and purpose in our lives. We have a calling to live in Christ’s peace of forgiven sins. What a gift to thank God for every day!