Opened Minds (7)

“Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.” Luke 24.49

Alien presence
It’s amazing how an alien being can affect our lives when it invades our bodies.

A friend recently endured a bout with the flu. He was listless for weeks, had no appetite, could barely get any work done – all because a microscopic virus found its way into his body and made itself at home. We’ve all known that feeling, caused by something small but potent, which can have powerful effects on our energy and productivity.

If we can be so dramatically affected by microbes, viruses, pollen, and other alien creatures, should we not expect the very power of God, when He takes up residence within us, to transform our lives utterly (Eph. 3.20)?

Jesus said the power of the Holy Spirit would make witnesses out of the disciples gathered in that upper room, because when Jesus opens the mind of a person, He sends His Spirit to convict, instruct, and equip us for ministry. Those who understand this, and whose minds are growing in maturity in the Lord, readily welcome and gladly submit to the Spirit’s power for making all things new in their lives.

This, as we have said, is the greatest hallmark of the one whose mind has been opened by the Lord. As we are maturing in the mind of the Lord, we may expect to realize more mature expressions of the presence and power of the Lord as well.

The work of the Spirit
How does the power of the Holy Spirit come to expression in our lives?

In general, He orients us to a new reality – the resurrection of Jesus Christ – and begins to shape everything we are and do in ways that bear witness to that reality. The Spirit of God begins to transform us into the very image of Jesus Christ, so that we think with the mind of Christ, and the glory of Christ radiates from us in even the most casual remark or mundane activity (cf. 1 Cor. 10.31). All that we are, think, say, and do begins to have a new reference and focus. Flowing from our opened minds, fired-up hearts, and renewed consciences, everything about us starts to look like Jesus and to emanate the hope of the Gospel (1 Pet. 3.15).

Four evidences
In four primary ways the Spirit begins to make us more like Jesus Christ. First, He creates in us a hunger for God’s Word and teaches us the Law of God, so that we may obey it (Ezek. 36.26, 27). We can know that we’re on a course for maturity in the Lord when time in Scripture is becoming increasingly precious to us, and when we can say with the psalmist, “O, how I love Your Law!” (Ps. 119.97)

Second, He brings forth the fruit and tokens of love within us, since obedience to the Law of God always takes the form of love for Him and for our neighbors (1 Cor. 13.4-7; Matt. 22.34-40). All growth in the mind of Christ – the fruit of Christian instruction – is aimed at producing greater love for God and neighbors within us (1 Tim. 1.5). The Spirit strives to bring this love to fruition, and we can know that we are maturing in the mind of Christ when such love is our highest priority.

Third, the Spirit begins to fill us with righteousness, peace, and joy – the hallmarks of the Kingdom of God (Rom. 14.17, 18) – and channels those into spiritual gifts for ministering to others. This is what it means to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matt. 6.33), in our lives, throughout our Personal Mission Fields, and in the lives of those to whom God sends us each day. Those who think and live out of the mind of Christ know that praying for God’s Kingdom to come on earth as it is in heaven is just the starting-point for realizing more of that Kingdom’s presence, promise, and power.

Finally, the Spirit opens our mouths to proclaim the Good News of Jesus so that others can come to know Him as we do (Acts 1.8). This is primary reason the Spirit has been given to us. When we are thinking with the mind of Christ and growing in the mind of the Spirit, bearing witness to Jesus through His Spirit will come more readily and effectively to us.

Paul says that the power of God’s Spirit is at work within us to make us willing and able to do the will of God (Phil. 2.12, 13). He further says that this power can do exceeding abundantly above all that we could ever ask or think (Eph. 3.20). If nothing of spiritual significance is happening in your life, either you are squelching or quenching the Spirit of God, through unbelief or sin, or you’ve not yet had your mind opened to receive Him and the life mission He brings to all who truly believe in Jesus.

Pray for Jesus to open your mind wider each day, that you may know more of His presence, promises, and power at work in your mind, and in all your life.

For reflection
1.  In what ways have you seen the Spirit of God at work in your lately?

2.  Meditate on Ephesians 3.20 and Philippians 2.13. How should these verses encourage you each day, as you go out into your Personal Mission Field?

3.  Write a prayer that you can use each day to seek the Lord for greater openness to His mind, and to maturing in the mind of Christ.

Next steps – Demonstration: Watch the brief video explaining our Mission Partners Outreach (click here). Download the brochure, then find a friend to join you in this exciting growth and ministry opportunity.

T. M. Moore

This is part 3 of a multi-part series on the Christian mind. To download this week’s study as a free PDF, click here.

How’s your Christian worldview? Are you stretching your mind to think about life and the world as Jesus does? Our free online course, One in Twelve: Introduction to Christian Worldview, can provide the categories, terms, and framework for you to begin nurturing a more expansive Christian mind. For more information and to register, click here.

The mind of Christ is set for the Kingdom of God. Is yours? Our book, The Kingdom Turn, provides a concise and practical overview of what it means to live for Christ from within the framework of His Kingdom. Order your copy by clicking here.

The Lord uses your prayers and gifts to help us in this ministry. Add us to your regular prayer list, and seek the Lord concerning whether He would have you share with us. You can contribute to The Fellowship of Ailbe by using the contribute buttonat the website, or send your gift to The Fellowship of Ailbe, 19 Tyler Drive, Essex Junction, VT 05452.

Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.