The Mind of Christ

 

Scripture:

The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one. “For who has understood the mind of the Lord as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.

- 1 Corinthians 2:14-16

 

Reflect:

How do we as believers in Jesus Christ have “the mind of Christ”?

 

Hundreds of years before Paul wrote today’s verse, the prophet Isaiah wrote the words that Paul was referencing: “Who can fathom the Spirit of the LORD, or instruct the LORD as his counselor? Whom did the LORD consult to enlighten him, and who taught him the right way? Who was it that taught him knowledge, or showed him the path of understanding?” (Isaiah 40:13-14, NIV). Isaiah was saying that wisdom, knowledge, and understanding are completely from God. God was not taught these things by anyone and no one knows better than He does.

 

In today’s verse, Paul says that the “natural person” views things of God as “folly” and they are “not able to understand”. Why? Because they have not accepted Christ and therefore, the Holy Spirit is not in them. Without the Holy Spirit, they are not able to discern spiritual things.

 

So who is able to discern the things of the Spirit of God? Those of us who are in Christ Jesus! In 1 Corinthians 2:11-12, Paul explains, “So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God” (1 Corinthians 2:11-12, ESV).

 

As believers in Jesus Christ, the Spirit of God dwells within us. Because we have His Holy Spirit, we are able to discern spiritual matters. The Holy Spirit illuminates our minds so that we are of one mind with Christ.

 

So how do we access this understanding that God has given us? One way to understand the mind of God is through His Word. But even unbelievers can read the Bible. In order to rightly interpret and understand the Scriptures, we need the Spirit of God to enlighten us. In Luke 24:45, it says that Jesus “opened their minds to understand the Scriptures” right before He ascended to heaven.

 

Friends, in Christ, you are filled with the Holy Spirit. God’s Spirit lives in You. You have the mind of Christ and have been given wisdom and discernment. As Christians, we are not “natural people” who view the Word of God as “foolishness.” We are spiritual people who view the Bible as the Truth of God. Whenever you read the Bible, ask the Holy Spirit to shed His light on His Word so that you can correctly understand and interpret what He said.

 

Pray:

God, I want to be of the same mind as You. Open my mind to Your Word. Thank You for Your Spirit that dwells in me and gives me wisdom and discernment so that I can understand Your ways and Your Word. Amen.

- Nat Crawford (Provided by "Back To The Bible")