1 Corinthians 2:6-16; John 14:23-27
Earthly wisdom vs. Spiritual wisdom is really laid out for us in 1 Corinthians 2:6-16, and they are most certainly not the same. We all have access to earthly wisdom, but only those of us who have accepted Christ as Savior have access to the wisdom of the Holy Spirit.
The more I read this morning, it really hit me what a priceless gift the Holy Spirit is. Did you notice verse 12? "That we have received ...the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God." And then there is verse 16 where we're told that "we have the mind of Christ." Did you catch that? We have the mind of Christ. WOW!
So what does having the mind of Christ mean for you? What can we do to utilize this wisdom? Tami W.
Having the mind of Christ, enables us to know God's plan (in a general sense - of course, we don't know what the future holds, except Heaven!)
We know why we're here - our lives have purpose. We know who's in control of things. And we know where we're headed!
It helps give us discernment in judging between right and wrong. There's a host of other blessings that having His mind in us does for us; but these are only a few that come to mind. I look forward to read what others have to share about this.
Man thinks he is wise. But later on in 1 Corinthians Paul says something about the wisdom of man being foolishness to God. But I am jumping ahead. This mystery this secret and hidden wisdom is spiritual wisdom, only through the Holy Spirit of God to those who believe in Him and in His Son. Again and again in scripture Paul exhorts us to grow in this wisdom this “mind of Christ.” Even Proverbs says “Wisdom is the principal thing, and with this wisdom get understanding” Proverbs 4:7
I need to be fervent in my study of scripture. God has blessed us so richly with the Holy Spirit to help us and to guide us. He (the Holy Spirit) gives us wisdom and understanding that is hidden from unbelievers. So we can "grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior" 2 Peter 3:18
Ed, I agree with your comments.
I believe in One God. God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit so since the Lord Jesus has saved me and the Spirit of God dwells in me then it is safe to say that the mind of Christ is in me. There are times we ask ourselves when a trial comes upon us, "what would Jesus do?" That, in my opinion is the Spirit saying this to me so that I would ponder about these things and if I have to check the Word, I do so. I have to do my part too not just the Spirit within me.
Knowing that I have the mind of Christ is a mystery, that He would do this for me, someone who does not deserving. But I believe Him and can only continue to grow in His Word and not let Him down. He is "the Way, the Truth and the Life" and if He says so, it IS so because, "He never changes, yesterday, today or ever". I know the road will be rocky but knowing that I have His mind and that He is always there for me/us is comforting and awesome.
We can utilise this wisdom by keeping in His Word, sharing the Word and our testimonies with others and use the talents he has given us because they are not for us to enjoy but for His glory.
The spirit helps me with my relationship with God so much. Without the spirit I would not be able to get through the days with so much drama in them. It helps me with the relationships I have with family and friends as well. The little things they do that used to bug me don't so much anymore. I am able to let the little things go and not let things get to me so much
Lately, I have been pondering wisdom, probably in relation to age, as I turn 35! LOL (I know-- not old yet!) I find my wisdom is definately God given, not of my own, or this world's. Having Christ's Spirit in me is like viewing the world wearing God's glasses! I see things in a new or different light with my Godly, Spirit given perscription. A loving, more compassionate light. But to keep viewing the things of this world in a way similar to the way Jesus might I have to be in His word, if I am not, I find I am blind, searching for my glasses again! Things are blurry, dark and uncertain without my God-given specs and I tend to worry and be anxious. Once I find them and put them back on I see His way and truth again!
I love 1 John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid" I know this verse yet needed to hear it again today in the context of knowing I have the Holy Spirit inside -- So why do I have fears? Ahh the beauty of scripture that speaks to my heart. In all my relationship angst and issues The Lord and The Holy Spirit and our Holy God and Father in heaven have my back so who am I to be afraid!!
Now that is peace! Bring it on! ;-) LOL
As I studied this passage, I was moved to tears by the statement that God decreed this before the ages for OUR GLORY. I don't remember ever seeing that before. So, is the glory referred to here that of having the mind of Christ, i.e. access to the very thoughts of the God of heaven and earth (v. 11,12)? With a resource like that on tap, why do I stray?
I find it amazing just how easy it is for the flesh to squeeze out the Word of God. I think of the verse that talks about; The spirit and the flesh are constantly at war. How true that is, and it if werent' he wouldn't have told us.
Thank God for being my Shepherd, and for the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit convicts me, and I can feel that loving arm just guiding me back to the place where I belong. I glorify God for that today.
I really think most Christians don't truely appreciate the wonderful gift the Holy Spirit is simply because they don't know the ways of the Holy Spirit and don't give time to listen internally properly at the right times that are designated by God (whenever that may be which is not necessarily always your prayer times). The real difference we have with unbelievers is the personal residance of the Holy Spirit. The wisdom of the world is pure child's play to God and has no eternal significance whatsoever. Whereas I know many people of the world that worship at the mountain of intellectualism - so to speak.
I am so grateful every day of the ability to enjoy a closer and closer relationship with my Lord and Maker and how cool is that!
The mind of Christ, to me, is The Holy Spirit guiding me through His Word. Without Him, I would not have an understanding of the Bible and the Word would be lost. I would not be able to spread the Gospel or search for an answer when asked. I would be lost!
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; fools despise wisdom and instruction." (Proverbs 1:7) We must first obtain wisdom before we can use it. Wisdom is making the right choices and that is where The Holy Spirit is our guide. We must learn to yield to His guidance and use His discernment in every decision.
While re-reading Corinthians, verses 6-16, I was distracted to meditate particularly on verses 6,7,and 8. It reminded me of how priceless the free gift of the holy spirit and his wisdom is.
In contrast to the world, in which you can find, countless, costly, self-help books, containing, possibly, only a billionth of a fraction of the wisdom of the holy spirit. It is mind boggling.
I love the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Thank you for your priceless gift.
Amen
While re-reading Corinthians, verses 6-16, I was distracted to meditate particularly on verses 6,7,and 8. It reminded me of how priceless the free gift of the holy spirit and his wisdom is.
In contrast to the world, in which you can find, countless, costly, self-help books, containing, possibly, only a billionth of a fraction of the wisdom of the holy spirit. It is mind boggling.
I love the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Thank you for your priceless gift.
Amen
Having the mind of Christ brings us peace as the Holy Spirit teaches us in God's truths. I hadn't noticed before the about the difference in the none saved wisdom and our wisdom which is strait from God. Hallelua
Christians gain wisdom in understanding the spiritual and remeberance of the Word by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and his guidance in our lives. Not the wisdom of this world or of natural man but in God and his ways. The more time that we spend in the Word, the more we grow in this spiritual wisdom and we spend less time concerning ourselves with the world around us. Fear and anxiety just seem to disappear from our senses. Now I truely understand why God says be anxious for nothing. I am with you always.
Having the mind of christ is a precious gift to us believers, and it should show off in our daily life especially to bring many to christ. Doing it in God's own way(spiritual wisdom)is far more better than the earthly wisdom which leads to destruction. I better have it God's way,that's all i desire to keep my relationship with God.