Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. "of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. " Phil 1:29-2:7Phil 1:29-2:7

"For to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in "For to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, experiencing the same conflict Him, but also to suffer for His sake, experiencing the same conflict

which you saw in me, and now hear to be in me. Therefore if there is which you saw in me, and now hear to be in me. Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if

there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.

As we go thru these slides I want you to notice how many times the As we go thru these slides I want you to notice how many times the word Opinion comes up in the different definitions and commentariesword Opinion comes up in the different definitions and commentaries

Be thinking about how an Opinion is developed and what influence Be thinking about how an Opinion is developed and what influence they have on our behavior they have on our behavior

Be paying attention to the different words or phrases that arrive in our Be paying attention to the different words or phrases that arrive in our consciences and where they are originating fromconsciences and where they are originating from

"Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, "Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to

the point of death, even death on a cross. "the point of death, even death on a cross. " Philippians 2:5-8Philippians 2:5-8

No better example of humiliation and a selfless attitude for believers No better example of humiliation and a selfless attitude for believers to follow could possibly be given than that of Christ. With this to follow could possibly be given than that of Christ. With this

example before them, the saints at Philippi should be example before them, the saints at Philippi should be ““like-mindedlike-minded”” and live humbly before their God and each other.and live humbly before their God and each other.

Walvoord, ZuckWalvoord, Zuck

We now consider the words, We now consider the words, ““made himself of no reputation.made himself of no reputation.”” Instead of asserting His rights to the expression of the essence of Instead of asserting His rights to the expression of the essence of

Deity, our Lord waived His rights to that expression, being willing to Deity, our Lord waived His rights to that expression, being willing to relinquish them if necessary. He did not consider the exercise of relinquish them if necessary. He did not consider the exercise of

that expression such a treasure that it would keep Him from setting that expression such a treasure that it would keep Him from setting that expression aside, and making Himself of no reputation.that expression aside, and making Himself of no reputation. WuestWuest

Why do you think the setting aside and making himself nothing was so necessary ?

lowlinesslowliness

Mind of Christ Mind of Man

unselfishunselfishself-abasementself-abasementemptiedemptied selfishnessselfishnessempty conceitempty conceit

humbledhumbledown personal interestsown personal interests strifestrife

vain-gloryvain-gloryself-promotionself-promotion

Doesn’t paint such a great picture of us does it ?

So what do you think the solution is and where do we get it ?

Original Design Death

The reality is we already have it !

"Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, ""Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, " Philippians 2:5Philippians 2:5

““PhroneoPhroneo”” To have understanding, be wise. To feel, to think. To To have understanding, be wise. To feel, to think. To have an opinion of onehave an opinion of one’’s self, think of ones self, think of one’’s self, to be modest, not let s self, to be modest, not let oneone’’s opinion (though just) of himself exceed the bounds of modesty.s opinion (though just) of himself exceed the bounds of modesty.

StrongStrong

Mind this

"who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality "who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, "with God a thing to be grasped, " Philippians 2:6Philippians 2:6

““HuparchoHuparcho”” To begin. To come forth, hence to be there, be ready, be To begin. To come forth, hence to be there, be ready, be at hand. To be. at hand. To be. StrongStrong

To be identical with To be identical with ‘‘to be.to be.’’ Louw & NidaLouw & Nida

““HarpagmosHarpagmos”” A thing to be seized upon or to be held fast, retained. A thing to be seized upon or to be held fast, retained. StrongStrong

‘‘he always had the nature of God and did not consider that remaining he always had the nature of God and did not consider that remaining equal with God was something to be held on to forciblyequal with God was something to be held on to forcibly’ Louw & Nida Louw & Nida

What do we see going on here ?

What is the lesson here for us ?

“Modesty” Freedom from conceit or vanity Webster

“Conceit”  Having or showing an excessively high opinion of oneself Webster

           “Vanity”  Inflated pride in oneself or one’s appearance Webster

"Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, ""Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, " Philippians 2:5Philippians 2:5

Mind this

““enen”” A primary preposition denoting fixed position in place, time or A primary preposition denoting fixed position in place, time or state. A relation of reststate. A relation of rest StrongStrong

A position defined as being within certain limits—A position defined as being within certain limits—‘‘inside, within, in.inside, within, in.’’ Louw & NidaLouw & Nida

"saying, “We found the prison house locked quite securely and the "saying, “We found the prison house locked quite securely and the guards standing at the doors; but when we had opened up, we found guards standing at the doors; but when we had opened up, we found

no one inside.” no one inside.” ““ Acts 5:23Acts 5:23

"Immediately Jesus, aware in His spirit that they were reasoning that "Immediately Jesus, aware in His spirit that they were reasoning that way within themselves, said to them, “Why are you reasoning about way within themselves, said to them, “Why are you reasoning about

these things in your hearts? " these things in your hearts? " Mark 2:8Mark 2:8

““But we have the mind of Christ."But we have the mind of Christ." 1 Corinthians 2:161 Corinthians 2:16

This is not the same word used here however this is fascinating and goes with what we are studying.

What is being said here ?

"For who has known the mind of the Lord, that he will instruct Him? "For who has known the mind of the Lord, that he will instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ.But we have the mind of Christ.““ 1 Corinthians 2:16 1 Corinthians 2:16

““NousNous”” The mind, comprising alike the faculties of perceiving and The mind, comprising alike the faculties of perceiving and understanding and those of feeling, judging, determining. The understanding and those of feeling, judging, determining. The

intellectual faculty, the understanding. Reason in the narrower sense, intellectual faculty, the understanding. Reason in the narrower sense, as the capacity for spiritual truth, the higher powers of the soul, the as the capacity for spiritual truth, the higher powers of the soul, the faculty of perceiving divine things, of recognizing goodness and of faculty of perceiving divine things, of recognizing goodness and of

hating evil. The power of considering and judging soberly, calmly and hating evil. The power of considering and judging soberly, calmly and impartially. A particular mode of thinking and judging, i.e thoughts, impartially. A particular mode of thinking and judging, i.e thoughts,

feelings, purposes, desires.feelings, purposes, desires.StrongStrong

The psychological faculty of understanding, reasoning, thinking, and The psychological faculty of understanding, reasoning, thinking, and decidingdeciding Louw & NidaLouw & Nida

Particular manner or way of thinkingParticular manner or way of thinking Louw & NidaLouw & Nida

to cause someone to be willing to learn and evaluate fairly—to cause someone to be willing to learn and evaluate fairly—‘‘to open to open someonesomeone’’s mind, to cause someone to be open-minded.s mind, to cause someone to be open-minded.’’ Louw & NidaLouw & Nida

But the spiritual man judgeth of all things, because he hath received the anointing of the Holy One, even Christ, and knoweth all things.

These are they who are “taught of God.” This exalted state is maintained in the same manner in which it is won, in true, humble self-denial, in poverty of spirit, in steadfast, determined mortification of all selfish desires and unrestrained devotion to do what is good and wise,

and in that simple-hearted abandonment which allows the Spirit of God to work in the heart, to will and to do of his own good pleasure.

So far as these qualities fail, and self is suffered to hold sway, the man is betrayed into spiritual pride and into gross errors which arise from

commingling and confounding what is human with what is Divine.Lange

For with the force of the declaration, “Who has known the mind of the Lord? but we have the mind of Christ,” he can swing himself clear of all human judgments and lie in rest in that which Christ has revealed. But it must be remembered, that in order to be able properly to boast that we have the mind of Christ there must be in us daily communion with the word of God, an entire indifference to human glory, fervency

in prayer, and a patient love towards others. Lange

"who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. " Phil 2:6-7

Can anyone see the paralell between Phil 2:6-7 and what Lange is saying ?

What is the lesson here for us?

"who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality "who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, "with God a thing to be grasped, " Philippians 2:6Philippians 2:6

““HuparchoHuparcho”” To begin, to make a beginning. To begin. To come To begin, to make a beginning. To begin. To come forth, hence to be there, be ready, be at hand. To be. forth, hence to be there, be ready, be at hand. To be. StrongStrong

To be in a state, normally with the implication of a particular set of To be in a state, normally with the implication of a particular set of circumstancescircumstances Louw & NidaLouw & Nida

To be identical withTo be identical with Louw & NidaLouw & Nida

““MorpheMorphe”” The form by which a person or thing strikes the vision. The form by which a person or thing strikes the vision. External appearance.External appearance. StrongStrong

The nature or character of something, with emphasis upon both the The nature or character of something, with emphasis upon both the internal and external forminternal and external form Louw & NidaLouw & Nida

““HarpagmosHarpagmos”” The act of seizing, robbery. A thing seized or to be The act of seizing, robbery. A thing seized or to be seized. A thing to be seized upon or to be held fast, retained. seized. A thing to be seized upon or to be held fast, retained. StrongStrong

That which is to be held on to forcibly. That which is to be held on to forcibly. ‘‘something to hold by force, something to hold by force, something to be forcibly retained.something to be forcibly retained.’’ Louw & NidaLouw & Nida

"but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being "but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. made in the likeness of men. ““ Philippians 2:7Philippians 2:7

““KenooKenoo”” To empty, make empty. To make void. Deprive of force, To empty, make empty. To make void. Deprive of force, render vain, useless, of no effect. To cause a thing to be seen to be render vain, useless, of no effect. To cause a thing to be seen to be

empty, hollow, false. empty, hollow, false. StrongStrong

To take away the power or significance of something To take away the power or significance of something ‘‘to cause to to cause to lose power, to cause to be emptied of power, to make powerless.lose power, to cause to be emptied of power, to make powerless.’’

Louw & NidaLouw & Nida

To completely remove or eliminate elements of high status or rank by To completely remove or eliminate elements of high status or rank by eliminating all privileges or prerogatives associated with such status eliminating all privileges or prerogatives associated with such status

or rankor rank Louw & NidaLouw & Nida

““LambanoLambano”” To take with the hand, lay hold of, any thing in order to To take with the hand, lay hold of, any thing in order to use it. To take what is oneuse it. To take what is one’’s own, to take to ones own, to take to one’’s self, to make ones self, to make one’’s s

own. To claim, procure, for oneown. To claim, procure, for one’’s self. Of that which when taken is s self. Of that which when taken is not let go, to seize, to lay hold of, apprehend.not let go, to seize, to lay hold of, apprehend. StrongStrong

So wait a minute. Existing identically with God is not regarded as something to be seized upon but taking the form of a bond servant is ?

““MorpheMorphe”” The nature or character of something, with emphasis The nature or character of something, with emphasis upon both the internal and external form upon both the internal and external form Louw & NidaLouw & Nida

Does there seem to be a slight differing of opinion here between the way we currently think and the way were created to think ?

Why is that since we have the mind of Christ and this stuff is in us just as it is in Christ Jesus ?

"but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being "but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. made in the likeness of men. ““ Philippians 2:7Philippians 2:7

““DoulosDoulos”” A slave, bondman, man of servile condition. Metaph., one A slave, bondman, man of servile condition. Metaph., one who gives himself up to anotherwho gives himself up to another’’s will. Those whose service is used by s will. Those whose service is used by Christ in extending and advancing His cause among men. Devoted to Christ in extending and advancing His cause among men. Devoted to

another to the disregard of oneanother to the disregard of one’’s own interests.s own interests. StrongStrong

Pertaining to a state of being completely controlled by someone or Pertaining to a state of being completely controlled by someone or somethingsomething Louw & NidaLouw & Nida

Is used as a noun, and as the most common and general word for Is used as a noun, and as the most common and general word for ““servant,servant,”” frequently indicating subjection without the idea of frequently indicating subjection without the idea of

bondage.bondage. VineVine

““GinomaiGinomai”” T To become, i.e. to come into existence, begin to be, o become, i.e. to come into existence, begin to be, receive being. To arise, appear in history, come upon the stage. Of receive being. To arise, appear in history, come upon the stage. Of

men appearing in public.men appearing in public. StrongStrong

What is this talking about ?

To make a change of locationTo make a change of location Louw & NidaLouw & Nida

Here is what I want to talk about today. What do you think is going on right up here ?

Do you think there is any differing opinions going on up there?

"who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality "who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form

of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. "of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. " Philippians 2:6-7Philippians 2:6-7

““Hegeomai Hegeomai ”” (Goodrick-Kohlenberger 2206 and 2451) To lead. To go (Goodrick-Kohlenberger 2206 and 2451) To lead. To go before. To be a leader. To rule or command. To consider, deem, before. To be a leader. To rule or command. To consider, deem, account, think. See entry 5837 for comparison of synonyms.account, think. See entry 5837 for comparison of synonyms.

StrongStrong

5837 Synonyms5837 SynonymsCompare: 1380, 5316Compare: 1380, 5316

1380: refers to the subjective judgment, which may or may not conform to the 1380: refers to the subjective judgment, which may or may not conform to the factfact

5316: refers to the actual external appearance, generally correct, but possibly 5316: refers to the actual external appearance, generally correct, but possibly deceptivedeceptive

Compare: 1380, 2233 (2), 3543 (2), 3633Compare: 1380, 2233 (2), 3543 (2), 36332233 and 3543 denote a belief resting not on one2233 and 3543 denote a belief resting not on one’’s inner feeling or sentiment, s inner feeling or sentiment,

but on the due consideration of external grounds, and the weighing and but on the due consideration of external grounds, and the weighing and comparing of facts. 1380 and 3633 on the other hand, describe a subjective comparing of facts. 1380 and 3633 on the other hand, describe a subjective judgment growing out of inclination or a view of facts in their relation to us. judgment growing out of inclination or a view of facts in their relation to us.

2233 denotes a more deliberate and careful judgment than 3543; 3633 a 2233 denotes a more deliberate and careful judgment than 3543; 3633 a subjective judgment which has feeling rather than thought 1380 for its ground.subjective judgment which has feeling rather than thought 1380 for its ground.

StrongStrong

What is this word and these definitions talking about ?

They are talking about different ways we think and how we arrive at conclusions, right or wrong

What is the problem with these other ways of thinking ?

"who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality "who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. "of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. " Philippians Philippians

2:6-72:6-7

““Hegeomai Hegeomai ”” (Goodrick-Kohlenberger 2206 and 2451) To lead. To go (Goodrick-Kohlenberger 2206 and 2451) To lead. To go before. To be a leader. To rule or command. To consider, deem, before. To be a leader. To rule or command. To consider, deem, account, think. See entry 5837 for comparison of synonyms.account, think. See entry 5837 for comparison of synonyms.

StrongStrong

To hold a view or have an opinion with regard to something. To hold a view or have an opinion with regard to something. ‘‘to hold to hold a view, to have an opinion, to consider, to regard.a view, to have an opinion, to consider, to regard.’’ Louw & NidaLouw & Nida

Be governor, procuratorBe governor, procurator

For todays study we are going to call these For todays study we are going to call these ““Governing OpinionsGoverning Opinions”” or or ““Opinion GovernorsOpinion Governors”” or or ““Leading thoughtsLeading thoughts””

Metaphorically, to lead out before the mind, i.e., to view, regard, Metaphorically, to lead out before the mind, i.e., to view, regard, esteem, count, reckonesteem, count, reckon ZodhiatesZodhiates

What kind of things do you think of when you here the works “Governing Opinion” ?

What exactly is an Opinion ?

How can an opinion become a Governing Opinion ?

What would be an Opinion Governor ? TRUTH !

Now concerning virgins I have no command of the Lord, but I give an Now concerning virgins I have no command of the Lord, but I give an opinion as one who by the mercy of the Lord is trustworthy. opinion as one who by the mercy of the Lord is trustworthy. 1 Cor 7:251 Cor 7:25

But in my opinion she is happier if she remains as she is; and I think But in my opinion she is happier if she remains as she is; and I think that I also have the Spirit of God. that I also have the Spirit of God. 1 Cor 7:401 Cor 7:40

I give my opinion in this matter, for this is to your advantage, who I give my opinion in this matter, for this is to your advantage, who were the first to begin a year ago not only to do this, but also to desire were the first to begin a year ago not only to do this, but also to desire

to do it. to do it. 2 Cor 8:102 Cor 8:10

““GnomeGnome”” The faculty of knowledge, mind, reason. That which is The faculty of knowledge, mind, reason. That which is thought or known, onethought or known, one’’s mind. A view, judgment, opinion.s mind. A view, judgment, opinion. StrongStrong

That which is regarded or considered to be the case—That which is regarded or considered to be the case—‘‘what is what is considered, opinion.considered, opinion.’’ Louw & NidaLouw & Nida

An idiom, literally An idiom, literally ‘‘to become of a mindto become of a mind’’ To make up one To make up one’’s mind, with s mind, with emphasis upon the process of coming to such a decision emphasis upon the process of coming to such a decision Louw & NidaLouw & Nida

“Opinion”

: a view, judgment, or appraisal formed in the mind about a particular matter   : belief stronger than impression and less strong than positive knowledge

  : a generally held view

: a formal expression of judgment or advice by an expert Webster

"A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions." Proverbs 18:2, NIV

Now accept the one who is weak in faith, but not for the purpose of Now accept the one who is weak in faith, but not for the purpose of passing judgment on his opinions passing judgment on his opinions Rom 14:1Rom 14:1

““DialogismosDialogismos”” From 1260From 1260 The thinking of a man deliberating with The thinking of a man deliberating with himself. A thought, inward reasoning. himself. A thought, inward reasoning. StrongStrong

1260 1260 ““DialogizomaiDialogizomai”” From 1223 and 3049 To bring together different From 1223 and 3049 To bring together different reasons, to reckon up the reasons, to reason, revolve in onereasons, to reckon up the reasons, to reason, revolve in one’’s mind, s mind,

deliberate. deliberate. StrongStrong

1223 1223 ““DiaDia”” Through. With. In. Throughout. During. By the means Through. With. In. Throughout. During. By the means of. The ground or reason by which something is or is not done. of. The ground or reason by which something is or is not done. StrongStrong

3049 3049 ““LogizomaiLogizomai”” To reckon, count, compute, calculate, count over. To reckon, count, compute, calculate, count over. To take into account, to make an account of. To reckon inward, count To take into account, to make an account of. To reckon inward, count

up or weigh the reasons, to deliberate. By reckoning up all the up or weigh the reasons, to deliberate. By reckoning up all the reasons, to gather or infer. reasons, to gather or infer. StrongStrong

This is talking about the means of inward reasoning or the means of reckoning.

So what does governing opinions and the means of inward reasoning have to do with what we are studying?

EVERYTHING!

Now accept the one who is weak in faith, but not for the purpose of Now accept the one who is weak in faith, but not for the purpose of passing judgment on his opinions passing judgment on his opinions Rom 14:1Rom 14:1

““DialogismosDialogismos”” From 1260From 1260 The thinking of a man deliberating with The thinking of a man deliberating with himself. A thought, inward reasoning. himself. A thought, inward reasoning. StrongStrong

1260 1260 ““DialogizomaiDialogizomai”” From 1223 and 3049 To bring together different From 1223 and 3049 To bring together different reasons, to reckon up the reasons, to reason, revolve in onereasons, to reckon up the reasons, to reason, revolve in one’’s mind, s mind,

deliberate. deliberate. StrongStrong

1223 1223 ““DiaDia”” Through. With. In. Throughout. During. By the means Through. With. In. Throughout. During. By the means of. The ground or reason by which something is or is not done. of. The ground or reason by which something is or is not done. StrongStrong

3049 3049 ““LogizomaiLogizomai”” To reckon, count, compute, calculate, count over. To reckon, count, compute, calculate, count over. To take into account, to make an account of. To reckon inward, count To take into account, to make an account of. To reckon inward, count

up or weigh the reasons, to deliberate. By reckoning up all the up or weigh the reasons, to deliberate. By reckoning up all the reasons, to gather or infer. reasons, to gather or infer. StrongStrong

To hold a view or have an opinion with regard to something Louw & Nida

What is this ?

INSANITY!

This is man deliberating within himself by means of his own opinions

What’s wrong with that ? Don’t we all do it ?

selfishnessselfishness

empty conceitempty conceit

own personal interestsown personal interests

strifestrife

vain-gloryvain-glory

self-promotionself-promotion

Mind of Man

You canYou can’’t t let them get let them get away with away with

that !that !

HOLY COW !!HOLY COW !!What are YOU What are YOU going to do going to do about that ?about that ?

They think They think theythey’’re better re better

than you !than you !

Who cares !Who cares !I make more I make more money than money than

they do !they do !

God really God really let you let you

down this down this timetime

What is everybody What is everybody going to think of going to think of

you ?you ?

What are all of these ?

OPINION

OPINION

OPINION

OPINIONOPINION

OPINIONDo they have the potential to

govern our behavior ?

What’s the solution ?

"Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of "Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves” mind regard one another as more important than yourselves” Phil 2:3 Phil 2:3

"who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality "who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, " with God a thing to be grasped, " Phil 2:6Phil 2:6

““Do nothing out from putting yourself forward or out from opinions Do nothing out from putting yourself forward or out from opinions devoid of truth but with lowliness of mind govern our opinions that devoid of truth but with lowliness of mind govern our opinions that

others are more superior in rank to you.others are more superior in rank to you.”” JRV JRV

““who, although He began in the exact character and outward who, although He began in the exact character and outward appearance of God, did not have a governing opinion that equality appearance of God, did not have a governing opinion that equality

with God was something to be seized upon, with God was something to be seized upon, ““ JRVJRV

Here we have the instruction and the example. But how are we going to pull it of ?

Mind of Christ

selfishnessselfishness

empty conceitempty conceit

own personal interestsown personal interests

strifestrife

vain-gloryvain-glory

self-promotionself-promotion

Mind of Man

humbledhumbled

self-abasementself-abasement

unselfish emptiedunselfish emptied

lowlinesslowliness

““Pay attention to this in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, Pay attention to this in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, ““Phil 2:5Phil 2:5

Mind of Christ in Man

Now what happens ?

love

joy

peace patience

kindness goodness

gentleness

self control

thoughtfulness

““The Mind Of ChristThe Mind Of Christ””

The word denotes that inward possession which is founded upon communion The word denotes that inward possession which is founded upon communion with Christ, upon having with Christ, upon having ““put on Christput on Christ”” (Gal. 3:27).The thought now brought (Gal. 3:27).The thought now brought

out is this, the judgment of the spiritual man on the part of him who is not out is this, the judgment of the spiritual man on the part of him who is not spiritual, would require such a knowledge of the mind of the Lord as would spiritual, would require such a knowledge of the mind of the Lord as would

qualify a person to instruct the Lord Himself, since the persons who are to be qualify a person to instruct the Lord Himself, since the persons who are to be judged are such as have the mind of Christ, inasmuch as His Spirit dwelling in judged are such as have the mind of Christ, inasmuch as His Spirit dwelling in

them, and directing their thought, fashions them to His mind, and identifies them, and directing their thought, fashions them to His mind, and identifies their thinking with His thinking. their thinking with His thinking. ““Syllogistically stated, the argument would Syllogistically stated, the argument would

stand thus: no one can instruct the Lord. We have the mind of the Lord. stand thus: no one can instruct the Lord. We have the mind of the Lord. Therefore no one can instruct and judge us.Therefore no one can instruct and judge us.””

Therefore no one can instruct or opinion govern us.Therefore no one can instruct or opinion govern us.

What do I mean by that ?

Christ being our light, so far as He is our life, it must follow that with the Christ being our light, so far as He is our life, it must follow that with the unfolding of this new life in us, and to the degree in which the principle of unfolding of this new life in us, and to the degree in which the principle of this life, even the Divine Spirit, mortifies the works of the flesh and breaks this life, even the Divine Spirit, mortifies the works of the flesh and breaks

down our narrow-minded selfishness, and clears our intelligence of all down our narrow-minded selfishness, and clears our intelligence of all prejudices, and emancipates us from human authorities, and from our self-prejudices, and emancipates us from human authorities, and from our self-complacency, and from our delight in whatsoever flatters and pleases self, complacency, and from our delight in whatsoever flatters and pleases self,

will this Divine wisdom dawn with ever-growing clearness upon our will this Divine wisdom dawn with ever-growing clearness upon our apprehensions, and our understanding of Godapprehensions, and our understanding of God’’s thoughts and ways become s thoughts and ways become

enlarged, and our susceptibility for still further disclosures be increased. enlarged, and our susceptibility for still further disclosures be increased.

If on the awakened conscience of the sinner there arises at the start the light If on the awakened conscience of the sinner there arises at the start the light of Godof God’’s pardoning and restoring grace beaming from the person of Christ s pardoning and restoring grace beaming from the person of Christ

evidently crucified before his eyes, and under its radiance he sees the follies evidently crucified before his eyes, and under its radiance he sees the follies of the past and the obligations of the future, and learns his indebtedness to of the past and the obligations of the future, and learns his indebtedness to redeeming love, and experiences its saving and gladdening influences, and redeeming love, and experiences its saving and gladdening influences, and

feels in himself the quickening of a new and higher principle with all its feels in himself the quickening of a new and higher principle with all its uplifting powers and emotions, then in all this there will be laid the foundation uplifting powers and emotions, then in all this there will be laid the foundation of a knowledge of Christ, and what He is, and what is the nature of the life that of a knowledge of Christ, and what He is, and what is the nature of the life that

proceeds from Him, to which each dayproceeds from Him, to which each day’’s experience and reflection will s experience and reflection will constantly contribute.constantly contribute.

While the physical man, imprisoned as he is in his own natural selfishness, While the physical man, imprisoned as he is in his own natural selfishness, living and moving ever outside of the sphere of Godliving and moving ever outside of the sphere of God’’s enlightening Spirit, s enlightening Spirit,

has no sense to receive the Divine spiritual communications so that they all has no sense to receive the Divine spiritual communications so that they all appear to him irrational and absurd, the spiritual man, who has received the appear to him irrational and absurd, the spiritual man, who has received the

Spirit of God and is controlled by him, carries in himself a standard for Spirit of God and is controlled by him, carries in himself a standard for determining that which is of the Spirit; so that he is able to estimate it, both determining that which is of the Spirit; so that he is able to estimate it, both

according to its substance and its form of expression, and is therefore according to its substance and its form of expression, and is therefore qualified to judge of everything which comes within his sphere, by this the qualified to judge of everything which comes within his sphere, by this the

highest measure of all true worth. But he himself is exalted above the highest measure of all true worth. But he himself is exalted above the judgment of the unspiritual. judgment of the unspiritual.

The spiritual man judgeth of all things, because he hath received the The spiritual man judgeth of all things, because he hath received the anointing of the Holy One, even Christ, and knoweth all things. These are they anointing of the Holy One, even Christ, and knoweth all things. These are they who are who are ““taught of God.taught of God.”” This exalted state is maintained in the same manner This exalted state is maintained in the same manner in which it is won, in true, humble self-denial, in poverty of spirit, in steadfast, in which it is won, in true, humble self-denial, in poverty of spirit, in steadfast, determined mortification of all selfish desires and unrestrained devotion to do determined mortification of all selfish desires and unrestrained devotion to do what is good and wise, and in that simple-hearted abandonment which allows what is good and wise, and in that simple-hearted abandonment which allows

the Spirit of God to work in the heart, to will and to do of his own good the Spirit of God to work in the heart, to will and to do of his own good pleasure. So far as these qualities fail, and self is suffered to hold sway, the pleasure. So far as these qualities fail, and self is suffered to hold sway, the man is betrayed into spiritual pride and into gross errors which arise from man is betrayed into spiritual pride and into gross errors which arise from

commingling and confounding what is human with what is Divine.commingling and confounding what is human with what is Divine.

The great distinction between the wisdom of this world and the wisdom of The great distinction between the wisdom of this world and the wisdom of GodGod. The former changes its opinions and principles well nigh faster than its . The former changes its opinions and principles well nigh faster than its

fashions. It is ambitious to give the tone to that which shall be esteemed fashions. It is ambitious to give the tone to that which shall be esteemed proper and conducive to the public good, and to fill every sphere with its own proper and conducive to the public good, and to fill every sphere with its own

taste and judgment so as to be in favor with the princes of this world. But, taste and judgment so as to be in favor with the princes of this world. But, alas! those to whom it so devotes itself soon fade and pass away but too alas! those to whom it so devotes itself soon fade and pass away but too

apparently. The greater part of them outlive their own credit for wisdom, and a apparently. The greater part of them outlive their own credit for wisdom, and a false garnish of their youth is soon succeeded by the lustrelessness of an old false garnish of their youth is soon succeeded by the lustrelessness of an old age which is all the more wretched from the contrast. The hidden wisdom of age which is all the more wretched from the contrast. The hidden wisdom of God emerges out of eternity, and is on this account liable to no change. Its God emerges out of eternity, and is on this account liable to no change. Its benefits also stretch onward into eternity, and when the work of redemption benefits also stretch onward into eternity, and when the work of redemption

shall be completed it will be found in glory long after the fashion of this world shall be completed it will be found in glory long after the fashion of this world has utterly vanished. Its instruction flows with such purity that only those has utterly vanished. Its instruction flows with such purity that only those

who lay the foundation for it in the fear of God are introduced therein, step by who lay the foundation for it in the fear of God are introduced therein, step by step, along the path of obedience. Against its demands the heart of man is so step, along the path of obedience. Against its demands the heart of man is so apt to be hardened that it is a rare thing for one of the princes of this world to apt to be hardened that it is a rare thing for one of the princes of this world to

attain unto the knowledge of it. attain unto the knowledge of it.

The longer and more truly a Christian serves God, the more spiritual wisdom The longer and more truly a Christian serves God, the more spiritual wisdom he obtains. Christ and everything that is in and with Him, is an he obtains. Christ and everything that is in and with Him, is an

incomprehensible mystery; fail but to explore it, and thou art but a fool; but incomprehensible mystery; fail but to explore it, and thou art but a fool; but believe what is revealed to thee of it, and it is enough for thy salvation. Wonder believe what is revealed to thee of it, and it is enough for thy salvation. Wonder

not that the greatest in the world, the most gifted, the wisest, do not only not not that the greatest in the world, the most gifted, the wisest, do not only not accept Christ, but on the contrary altogether torture and crucify Him. They accept Christ, but on the contrary altogether torture and crucify Him. They

understand no better, and think themselves able by means of their reason to understand no better, and think themselves able by means of their reason to comprehend the faith and religion of Christ, just as they do everything else. comprehend the faith and religion of Christ, just as they do everything else.

The royal dignity of the children of God is shown in the fact, that they perceive The royal dignity of the children of God is shown in the fact, that they perceive and spiritually judge all things, especially the internal state of the godless, and spiritually judge all things, especially the internal state of the godless, while they themselves are wholly unknown to the latter; and hence it is that while they themselves are wholly unknown to the latter; and hence it is that

they will one day become, as it were, occupants of the great judgment seat as they will one day become, as it were, occupants of the great judgment seat as ChristChrist’’s associate judges in the worlds associate judges in the world’’s assize. Oh, how unqualified is the s assize. Oh, how unqualified is the

unconverted teacher for the office of the Spirit, especially for judging correctly unconverted teacher for the office of the Spirit, especially for judging correctly of the true state of the souls of his hearers. The mind of Christ is the mind of of the true state of the souls of his hearers. The mind of Christ is the mind of

the Father and of the Holy Ghost, and it is revealed in the Scriptures. Whoever the Father and of the Holy Ghost, and it is revealed in the Scriptures. Whoever then wishes to know the mind of Christ need not climb on high and seek it from then wishes to know the mind of Christ need not climb on high and seek it from

far, but let him hold fast to the revealed word. There he will learn what God far, but let him hold fast to the revealed word. There he will learn what God means and what he intends to do with us. Langemeans and what he intends to do with us. Lange