A Mind Of Flesh Or Spirit

Rom. 8:6

Introduction:

A.   It has always been the desire of some to exercise control over others. Thusly men have for centuries, endeavored to use mind control in this quest. In order to accomplish this “brainwashing,” they use many different techniques such as torture, repetition, etc. Yet in spite of all their efforts, we still have the ability to choose mind set.

B.   Our mind is only influenced by two forces (good & evil). The outcome then is either a fleshly mind or a mind of the Spirit.

I.    The Mind Of The Flesh

      A.   A product of the efforts of Satan - 2 Cor. 4:4

            1.   The work of the god of this world

            2.   He seeks to devour - 1 Pet. 5:8

      B.   The process revealed

            1.   Soil of a "doubtful" (worried) mind - Lk 12:29

            2.   Often vacillating - Jas. 1:8

            3.   An appeal to earthly things - Phi. 3:19

                  a.   The attraction of riches - 1 Tim. 6:9

                  b.   The snare of pride & arrogance - 1 Tim. 6:5, 17

            4.   Yielding to lust & vanity - Eph. 2:3; 4:17; Col. 2:18

            5.   Fashioned by the world - Rom. 12:2

      C.   Its description

            1.   Reprobate (rejected) - Rom. 1:28

            2.   Arrogant - Rom. 11:20

            3.   Corrupted (spoil or ruin) - 2 Cor. 11:3

            4.   Defiled (contaminated) - Titus 1:15

            5.   Hardened - 2 Cor. 3:14

      D.   The result

            1.   Division of God's people - 1 Cor. 1:10

            2.   Will be minding Satan's things - Mk. 8:33

            3.   Enemies of God - Col. 1:21; Rom 8:7-8

II.   The Mind Of The Spirit

      A.   Produced by the work of God - Rom. 8:9-10

            1.   By an appeal to the heart - Heb. 8:10

            2.   He comes to those who turn to Him - Jas. 4:8

      B.   The process revealed

            1.   A ready, sincere mind is essential - Acts 17:11; 2 Pet. 3:1

            2.   Humility is vital - Acts 20:19; Phil. 2:5

            3.   The mind is renewed - Rom. 12:2; Eph. 4:23

            4.   Girding up...self-control; set hope - 1 Pet. 1:13

            5.   The mind is set (keep on setting it) - Col. 3:2

            6.   Continuing to mature - Phil. 3:15

      C.   Its characterization

            1.   Subjection - Rom. 8:7; Titus 3:1

            2.   Purity - Jas. 4:8

            3.   Steadfastness - 2 Thess. 2:2

            4.   Mature - 1 Cor. 14:20

            5.   Willing to make sacrifices - 1 Pet. 4:1

            6.   Clear-minded & self-controlled - 1 Pet. 4:7

      D.   The outcome

            1.   Unity among God's people - Phil. 2:2

            2.   Accomplishment of His will - Phil. 2:14-16

            3.   Receipt of His favor at His return - 1 Pet. 1:13

Conclusion:

A.   Let us resolve to let Christ's spirit dwell in our hearts through faith, that we may bring Him glory and honor.