Rom. 12:9-16, Dwelling with the Most High God (1)

Every year at Bible camp someone would remind us that we were on the “mountain” and thus experiencing great fellowship with God.  But we needed to be prepared as we returned to the “valley” of everyday life.  Consider these “high” words and whether that advice at camp was accurate.

upsēlos: high; exalted, proud, haughty

·       Mt 4:8: high mt (tempt) (Mt17:1; Mk.9:2: transfig) (Rv.21:10, holy city).

·       Lk 16:15: to Pharisees who sneered at Jesus teaching on money Jesus said: what is highly valued by men = detestable to God. (Meditate on this one!)

·       Ac 13:17: w/mighty power God led Israel fr Egypt

·       Rom 11:20: Gentiles not to be arrogant bec. of Jews who are broken off

·       Rom 12:16: mind not high things

·       Hb 1:3: Christ set at rt. hand of God on high

·       Hb 7:26: Christ our high priest is higher than the heavens

·       Rev 21:12: high wall around holy city

upsēlophroneō (verb): to be proud, haughty (think high)

·       1 Tim 6:17: tell rich not to be high-minded

upsistos (adj): highest, most exalted

·       Mt21:9: crowd: Hosanna in highest (Mk11:10; Lk19:38; 2:14-glory to God)

·       Mk.5:7: Christ is Son of the most High God (Lk.8:28; 1:32)

·       Lk.1:35: power of Most High to overshadow Mary

·       Lk.1:76: John the Baptist was prophet of Most High

·       Lk.6:35: as we love our enemy we are sons of Most High

·       Ac 7:48: Most High does not live in houses made w/hands

·       Ac 16:17: girl proclaims Paul & Silas servants of Most High

·       Heb 7:1: Melchizedek was priest of God most high

As I am sure you noticed, this adjective is only used of God, given His title as being “Most High God.”  This name in the OT distinguishes God from all the gods of the nations.  Even the demon possessed girl in Ac. 16 used this term.

Here are a couple verses of an old hymn, “Higher Ground.”  Does this violate the thought that we ought not be “high minded?”

I’m pressing on the upward way, New heights I’m gaining every day; Still praying as I’m onward bound, “Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.” I want to scale the utmost height And catch a gleam of glory bright; But still I’ll pray till heav’n I’ve found, “Lord, lead me on to higher ground.”

To desire to dwell with our God in the highest is not high-mindedness.  It is the aim of every pilgrim, to understand that our citizenship is in heaven!