FIRST OF ALL. . .
Satan’s spirit realm is the natural go-to source for descendants of Adam when trying to satisfy our spiritual, physical, and emotional needs, but it can never truly satisfy.
However, those who hear the Gospel can switch kingdoms through faith in Jesus; repenting of their rebellion; and taking up their cross daily in a life of obedience. By faith we believe that our sins are forgiven and that surrendering to His rule produces Abundant Life, but it requires that we abide in Him* and that challenges us.
Set Your Mind On. . .
We saw last time that our mind has a lot to do with abiding in Christ. Paul writes, “Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.” (Col. 3:1-2 nasb) That is HUGE!!
Did you note, “keep seeking?” “Set your mind” is a repeated, deliberate act because old thought patterns, habits and desires keep coming at us. They slip in so easily and we must reset our minds over and over as we, by His Spirit, retrain ourselves in holiness.
And then Rom. 8:5; “For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.” (nasb) The place that our mind gravitates to a thousand times a day says a lot about us, and it can change.
Philip. 4:4-9 also speaks of what we think about. Verse 7 says that if we think on right things, “the peace of God, which exceeds all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.” Wow – “will guard your hearts and thoughts!” This is a battle worth fighting! (You would find Lesson 7, “Think on Right Things” in the MORE LIKE JESUS workbook, to be helpful. www.john2031.com/books/mlj/main.html )
As we abide in Christ we will gradually “find ourself,” meaning our purpose, security and joy, in the realm where He reigns. We increasingly reach toward Him to satisfy our inner hungers and cry out to Him for help when we weaken. This is a huge factor in personal identity and we’ll get into it next week.
It is amazing how the “pull” of the world lessens as we, in faith, set the eyes of our hearts on Him! We WANT the life He offers, and though it costs us everything it seems trivial compared to the present and eternal reward. These truths are worth sharing, and He commanded us to!
* John 15:4-11
Ken Stoltzfus
Kidron, OH USA
July 8, 2021
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