Sep 22 2008
Bible Study Week 25 - Developing a Christ-Like Mind By Self-Will
Purpose of This Bible Study Lesson
This lesson will guide the participants to understand that developing the mind of Christ is a process which involves the Holy Spiritand our self-will. The Bible tells us that ‘Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man” (Luke 2:52Luke 2:52
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
52 And Jesus advanced in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.
). If you are to have the mind of Christ, you must expect newness, because the mind of Christ is not a stagnant mind.
Learning Goals
This lesson will guide the participants to:-
- Learn how to set their minds on things above and not on things here below
- Learn how to allow God to renew and sharpen their minds as Christians
- Learn how to gird up their minds for action as disciples of Christ
Introduction
There are three stages in the process of developing a Christ-like mind and these are:
- The Beginning stage which is characterized by the Will Principle
- The Growing stage which is characterized by the River Principle
- The Qualified stage which is characterized by the Readiness Principle
The Bible says “Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth” (Col 3:2Col 3:2
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
2 Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are upon the earth.
); a similar idea occurs in Phil 4:8Phil 4:8
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
. Decision making is not a problem with animals; but with human beings, because animals act on instinct which is actually the opposite of a will. Moses disobeyed God and hit the rock twice instead of speaking to it as God had instructed him, because of his anger towards the people; he missed the Promised Land because he allowed his will to be controlled by his emotions.
Begin Today’s Lesson by reading: Numbers 20:1-13Numbers 20:1-13
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
20
1 And the children of Israel, even the whole congregation, came into the wilderness of Zin in the first month: and the people abode in Kadesh; and Miriam died there, and was buried there.
2 And there was no water for the congregation: and they assembled themselves together against Moses and against Aaron.
3 And the people strove with Moses, and spake, saying, Would that we had died when our brethren died before Jehovah!
4 And why have ye brought the assembly of Jehovah into this wilderness, that we should die there, we and our beasts?
5 And wherefore have ye made us to come up out of Egypt, to bring us in unto this evil place? it is no place of seed, or of figs, or of vines, or of pomegranates; neither is there any water to drink.
6 And Moses and Aaron went from the presence of the assembly unto the door of the tent of meeting, and fell upon their faces: and the glory of Jehovah appeared unto them.
7 And Jehovah spake unto Moses, saying,
8 Take the rod, and assemble the congregation, thou, and Aaron thy brother, and speak ye unto the rock before their eyes, that it give forth its water; and thou shalt bring forth to them water out of the rock; so thou shalt give the congregation and their cattle drink.
9 And Moses took the rod from before Jehovah, as he commanded him.
10 And Moses and Aaron gathered the assembly together before the rock, and he said unto them, Hear now, ye rebels; shall we bring you forth water out of this rock?
11 And Moses lifted up his hand, and smote the rock with his rod twice: and water came forth abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their cattle.
12 And Jehovah said unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed not in me, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them.
13 These are the waters of Meribah; because the children of Israel strove with Jehovah, and he was sanctified in them.
, Phil 4:8Phil 4:8
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
and Meditate on Col 3:2Col 3:2
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
2 Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are upon the earth.
Name of Christ for today: The Lord our Righteousness (Jehovah Tzidkanyu: Jer 23:6Jer 23:6
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
6 In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely; and this is his name whereby he shall be called: Jehovah our righteousness.
).
Prayer to Begin the Lesson: Lord you are my Righteousness. My righteousness is as filthy rags to You. Please guide me through the process where Your life becomes my life and where Your righteousness becomes my righteousness. Help me to set my mind and heart to You. Amen. (Sing the Hymn: All To Jesus I Surrender: (35) Hymn Book).
The Will Principle
Today we will study the first stage i.e. the Beginning Stage which involves learning the Will principle. As a Christian today we must decide, choose or determine the focus of our minds because that is the starting point of developing a Christ-like mind. Often you cannot control your emotions but you always have control of your will. For example, if someone insulted you, your feelings would be hurt but you have a choice to either insult them back (revenge) or ignore and forgive them. When we study the life of Jesus Christ, we see that on many occasions, He chose not to revenge, even when He hangs on the cross, he said “Father, forgive them. . . “(Luke 23:34Luke 23:34
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
34 And Jesus said, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And parting his garments among them, they cast lots.
). Again when Jesus taught his disciples, he said “do not take revenge on someone who wrongs you. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, let him slap your left cheek too” (Matt 5:39Matt 5:39
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
39 but I say unto you, resist not him that is evil: but whosoever smiteth thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
). We have to give up our wills and get God’s will! The Will Principle is one of the most difficult and crucial stages for us as Christians to learn, because we as human beings have been created with our own will, but if we are to develop the mind of Christ, then we need to allow God to have total control of our will. Remember last week we learnt the WWJD slogan (What Would Jesus Do?). We have to begin thinking the thoughts of Christ If we are to behave like Him! Its not easy, but we have a Helper, the Holy Spirit.
Bible Study Questions For Discussion - Week 25
- What do you think was Moses’ weakness in dealing with people according to Numbers 20:1-13Numbers 20:1-13
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
20 1 And the children of Israel, even the whole congregation, came into the wilderness of Zin in the first month: and the people abode in Kadesh; and Miriam died there, and was buried there. 2 And there was no water for the congregation: and they assembled themselves together against Moses and against Aaron. 3 And the people strove with Moses, and spake, saying, Would that we had died when our brethren died before Jehovah! 4 And why have ye brought the assembly of Jehovah into this wilderness, that we should die there, we and our beasts? 5 And wherefore have ye made us to come up out of Egypt, to bring us in unto this evil place? it is no place of seed, or of figs, or of vines, or of pomegranates; neither is there any water to drink. 6 And Moses and Aaron went from the presence of the assembly unto the door of the tent of meeting, and fell upon their faces: and the glory of Jehovah appeared unto them. 7 And Jehovah spake unto Moses, saying, 8 Take the rod, and assemble the congregation, thou, and Aaron thy brother, and speak ye unto the rock before their eyes, that it give forth its water; and thou shalt bring forth to them water out of the rock; so thou shalt give the congregation and their cattle drink. 9 And Moses took the rod from before Jehovah, as he commanded him. 10 And Moses and Aaron gathered the assembly together before the rock, and he said unto them, Hear now, ye rebels; shall we bring you forth water out of this rock? 11 And Moses lifted up his hand, and smote the rock with his rod twice: and water came forth abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their cattle. 12 And Jehovah said unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed not in me, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them. 13 These are the waters of Meribah; because the children of Israel strove with Jehovah, and he was sanctified in them. ? Please explain
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. - What are some of the lessons that you think you can draw from Moses as a leader today? Please explain
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. - Do you think that you as a Christian having God’s word today you also disobey God by failing to hear him when he speaks to you as Moses did? Please explain
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. - Please differentiate between INSTINCT and WILL?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. - What does it mean to set your mind according to Col. 3:2? Please explain in your own words
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. - Please define the Will Principle briefly? Please explain
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. - According to today’s lesson, who should own your will as a Christian? Please explain
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Prayer Points
- Ask God to give you a focused attention to the things above
- Offer your will to God. Seek His will as you begin the process of developing Christ’s mind
- Pray for your Bible Study team by name and ask God to work in them to surrender their will to Him.
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