Saturday, October 6, 2018

Mk. 12:28-34, Josh. 1:1-9, The Greatest Command (4)


How can we love God with all our mind?
·        The Mind.  This term can speak of the intellect but probably a better term for us in mind-set.  It has to do with the way we think about the events and relationships that occupy our lives.  How we think is a means by which we show love to God.

o   The key to loving God with all our minds is the renewal of the mind.  We are born to think in a certain way, a way that is self-exalting (selfish, proud).  In every specific area of life we need to think differently, to think about things as God thinks.
§  Rom. 12:2: And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed, by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
§  Eph. 4:22-24: Put off concerning your former conduce, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, 23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.  

§  Since our souls are being saved through our faith in Christ it makes sense that the renewal of the mind begins and ends with a focus on Christ.  Col. 3:1-2: If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.  2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.
§  Since our strength (tomorrow’s subject) is not in the flesh but in the Spirit … For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit (Rom. 8:5).

§  Philippians 4:8 has a wonderful way to say it: Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things.

§  And since we see the value of meditation (not the mindless self-emptying of the mind in Eastern religion but the conscious review of Truth) let us conclude our thoughts on loving God with all our minds with Psalm 1:1-3: Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD and in His law he meditates day and night.  3 He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.

“Oh Father, may our every thought be an expression of love to You!”

No comments: