Sep 15 2008
Bible Study Week 24 - Developing a Christ-Like Mind
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 Spirit and us. 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
- Learn how to allow God to renew and reignite their minds
- Learn how to gird up their minds for action.
Introduction
There are basically 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
Today we will study the first stage which is 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 our 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. When we study the life of Jesus Christ, we see that on many occasions. He chose not to revenge, even when He hang 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.
).
The Will Principle is one of the most difficult and crucial stage 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. We should learn to exchange our will for God’s will, and that is why last week we saw the WWJD slogan (What Would Jesus Do?). We have to begin thinking the thoughts of Christ!
Begin Today’s Lesson by reading: Acts 9:1-16Acts 9:1-16
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
9
1 But Saul, yet breathing threatening and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,
2 and asked of him letters to Damascus unto the synagogues, that if he found any that were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.
3 And as he journeyed, it came to pass that he drew nigh unto Damascus: and suddenly there shone round about him a light out of heaven:
4 and he fell upon the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And he [said], I am Jesus whom thou persecutest:
6 but rise, and enter into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.
7 And the men that journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing the voice, but beholding no man.
8 And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw nothing; and they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.
9 And he was three days without sight, and did neither eat nor drink.
10 Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and the Lord said unto him in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I [am here], Lord.
11 And the Lord [said] unto him, Arise, and go to the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one named Saul, a man of Tarsus: for behold, he prayeth;
12 and he hath seen a man named Ananias coming in, and laying his hands on him, that he might receive his sight.
13 But Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard from many of this man, how much evil he did to thy saints at Jerusalem:
14 and here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call upon thy name.
15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles and kings, and the children of Israel:
16 for I will show him how many things he must suffer for my name's sake.
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. 23:6).
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.
The Will Principle
The first principle of developing a Christ-like mind is the “Will Principle“. In the Will Principle, we begin a process whereby one has to decide by themselves to develop a Christ-like mind. God created us with a free will and so it is important for us to know that in this process, the Holy Spirit will only guide us in it as far as we allow Him, because we have a free will. 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.
“Finally brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worth of praise, let your mind dwell on these things”.
Decision making is not a problem with animals; but with human beings, the will is that part of the mind over which you have control. Animals act on instinct which is the opposite of a will.
Bible Study Questions For Discussion - Week 24
- What is the safest way to maintain purity in the face of temptation? Please use Psalms 101:3Psalms 101:3
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
3 I will set no base thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; It shall not cleave unto me. and 1 Pet 5:8-91 Pet 5:8-9
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
8 Be sober, be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour, 9 whom withstand stedfast in your faith, knowing that the same sufferings are accomplished in your brethren who are in the world. for your answer.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. - What are some of the things that you think would cause a Christian to be impure today? Please use Galatians 5:19-21Galatians 5:19-21
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are [these]: fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousies, wraths, factions, divisions, parties, 21 envyings, drunkenness, revellings, and such like; of which I forewarn you, even as I did forewarn you, that they who practise such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. to explain
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. - Do you think that drinking can make one to be impure in his mind? If yes please explain how?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. - Name two things that can show that Christians are responsive to God. Please explain
a)……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
b)……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
” Conclude today’s lesson by reviewing the four characteristics that you have learnt so far, and ask God to work in you to produce these four characteristics as you develop a Christ-like mind.
Prayer Points
- Talk to the Lord about your life and what God is doing in you and through you.
- Thank God for removing the veil from your mind in Christ and ask Him to do so for others so that they may also have the mind of Christ.
- Acknowledge today that it is only through Christ that you can maintain a pure and responsive mind.
