We saw last week that becoming spiritually-minded won’t happen automatically. It will require some effort on our part. The first thing we need to do is keep a close watch on our minds. This week, we will look at a second way that God has given us to ensure that His Spirit and our spirit are in control of our thoughts, attitudes, emotions, motivations & imagination.
BEING SPIRITUALLY-MINDED
The second thing we can do to remain spiritually-minded is to Pray & Fast. Remember we said earlier that EVERY DECISION WE MAKE, EVERY ACTION WE TAKE, EVERY THOUGHT WE THINK, IS INFLUENCED BY EITHER THE SPIRIT OR THE FLESH.
It’s not always wrong to be influenced by the flesh. I feel cold, so I put on a jacket. I feel thirsty, so I drink a glass of water. But the problem comes in when our old nature uses the weakness of our flesh to satisfy its sinful desires.
So, when we fast, we are exercising control over the flesh and its influence over our mind. Thereby clearing the way for the influence of the Spirit. Then in prayer, we are aligning our minds with God’s Spirit. Therefore, prayer completes fasting. We can pray without fasting, but we should never fast without praying.
In Matthew 6:17-18 Jesus said, "But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.” Jesus is speaking to his disciples. He doesn't say "if" but "WHEN" you fast, so Jesus expected his disciples to fast. Thus, fasting is not confined to the Old Testament, since Jesus endorses its practice in the New Testament.
Fasting changes us, NOT God. We mustn't think we can twist God's arm by fasting. Fasting must be done for the right motive and with right attitude. Don't fast for the sake of fasting – this is just a crash diet. Don't allow it to become ritual or tradition with no meaning. Fasting is a discipline, and a part of our spiritual walk. Test your heart before God for the reason and time to fast.
Fasting can be also done in obedience to a call to fast by a spiritual authority in the church. Pastors or other authority figures may call a fast for any one of a number of reasons. Whatever the reason, it is important for us to participate unless there is a medical reason that prevents you from fasting.
If you’ve never fasted before, don't be intimidated by fasting or calls to fast. Individually, as you feel the need or are led by God, try a day of prayer and fasting. Before you begin your fast know how long you intend to fast; know what type of fast you are going on; and be sure to test your attitude before God. Then go for it!
Friday, August 14, 2009
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Spiritually Minded 07
We said earlier that we are spiritually minded when God's Spirit and our spirit are in control of our thoughts, attitudes, emotions, motivations & imagination. But this won’t happen automatically. It will require some effort on our part:
BEING SPIRITUALLY-MINDED
First, we need to train ourselves to be aware. In other words, we need to keep a close watch on our minds! Remember that every decision we make, every action we take, every thought we think, is influenced by either the spirit or the flesh. Following are some practical ways to make sure our minds are being controlled by the Spirit. (These ideas were taken from Dean Sherman’s Spiritual Warfare teaching series.)
o Take every thought captive. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 says, “3For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.”
o Compare your attitude to that of Jesus. Philippians 2:5 says, “5Let this mind [attitude] be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.”
o Watch your motives. Philippians 2:3 says, “3Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.”
o Guard your heart, the source of your emotions. Proverbs 4:23 says, “23Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.”
o Sanctify your imagination. In Isaiah 65:2 God says, “2All day long I have held out my hands to an obstinate people, who walk in ways not good, pursuing their own imaginations.”
Like physical training, training your mind will require determination and perseverance. But unlike physical training, the fruit of training your mind to be spiritually focused will be eternal.
BEING SPIRITUALLY-MINDED
First, we need to train ourselves to be aware. In other words, we need to keep a close watch on our minds! Remember that every decision we make, every action we take, every thought we think, is influenced by either the spirit or the flesh. Following are some practical ways to make sure our minds are being controlled by the Spirit. (These ideas were taken from Dean Sherman’s Spiritual Warfare teaching series.)
o Take every thought captive. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 says, “3For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.”
o Compare your attitude to that of Jesus. Philippians 2:5 says, “5Let this mind [attitude] be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.”
o Watch your motives. Philippians 2:3 says, “3Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.”
o Guard your heart, the source of your emotions. Proverbs 4:23 says, “23Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.”
o Sanctify your imagination. In Isaiah 65:2 God says, “2All day long I have held out my hands to an obstinate people, who walk in ways not good, pursuing their own imaginations.”
Like physical training, training your mind will require determination and perseverance. But unlike physical training, the fruit of training your mind to be spiritually focused will be eternal.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Spiritually Minded 06
Even Christian leaders can be carnally minded. This week we will look at one more example of a carnally minded Christian. As we do, remember to keep in mind the following statement: EVERY DECISION WE MAKE, EVERY ACTION WE TAKE, EVERY THOUGHT WE THINK, IS INFLUENCED BY EITHER THE SPIRIT OR THE FLESH.
Diotrephes, 3 John 1:9
9I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, does not receive us. 10Therefore, if I come, I will call to mind his deeds which he does, prating against us with malicious words. And not content with that, he himself does not receive the brethren, and forbids those who wish to, putting them out of the church.
We don’t know much about Diotrephes. In fact this is the only place he is mentioned. It appears that he held some or other office in the local church to which John was writing—possibly even leading it.
Whatever his office, it’s clear that Diotrephes’ leadership position had gone to his head. He enjoyed the authority he had and used it selfishly and inappropriately to lord it over people, ignoring or being ignorant of Jesus’ teaching that leaders in the Church should not do so.
He had become critical of the apostles and spread rumours and gossip about them in order to discredit them and elevate himself.
He would not receive instruction or correction. He refused to recognise any other authority and eventually became so paranoid that he felt threatened by anyone who did and excommunicated them.
Attributes of Diotrophes’ carnal mind that we need to guard against:
Monday, July 6, 2009
Spiritually Minded 05
Are you beginning to believe that Christians can be carnally-minded? This week we will look at another example of carnally minded Christians. As we do, remember to keep in mind the following statement: EVERY DECISION WE MAKE, EVERY ACTION WE TAKE, EVERY THOUGHT WE THINK, IS INFLUENCED BY EITHER THE SPIRIT OR THE FLESH.
The Believers in Corinth, 1 Corinthians 3
1And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. 2I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; 3for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men? 4For when one says, “I am of Paul,” and another, “I am of Apollos,” are you not carnal?
By the time Paul wrote this letter, the city of Corinth had received visits from gifted leaders in the early Church. Some had become Christians under Paul’s ministry, and some through Apollos’ exceptional preaching. Some (according to 2 Cor 1:12) identified with Peter, while others only recognised Jesus.
The Corinthian believers, however, had taken these loyalties and preferences too far. They allowed their loyalties to become exclusive allegiances. The result of this was “envy, strife, and divisions” among them as each faction claimed exclusive ownership of the “Truth.” Paul wrote to reprimand them for this carnal-mindedness, pointing out that they were putting too much emphasis on the debateable things and not enough on the undeniable things.
Attributes of the Corinthian believers’ carnal minds that we need to guard against:
Monday, June 29, 2009
Spiritually Minded 04
Even Christians can be carnally-minded! This week we will continue looking at a few examples of carnally minded Christians. As we do, remember to keep in mind the following statement: EVERY DECISION WE MAKE, EVERY ACTION WE TAKE, EVERY THOUGHT WE THINK, IS INFLUENCED BY EITHER THE SPIRIT OR THE FLESH.
Annanias & Saphira, Acts 5:1-5
1Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. 2With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet.3Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? 4Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied to men but to God.”5When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened. 6Then the young men came forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him.7About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8Peter asked her, “Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?”“Yes,” she said, “that is the price.”9Peter said to her, “How could you agree to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.”10At that moment she fell down at his feet and died. Then the young men came in and, finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 11Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events.
This took place early in the life of the New Testament church. It was an exciting time when people were getting saved and added daily. Signs and wonders were happening all around them. And it was a time when there was great fellowship and unity in the church. Acts 2:43-45 describes it this way, “43Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. 44All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need.”
Annanias and Saphira were in the midst of all that was happening. And probably with good intentions, they also sold a piece of property. But after receiving the money, Annanias decided to keep some of it. He could use the cash, and he rationalised that no one knew how much he sold the land for, and therefore, everyone would think, ”What a great sacrifice they’re making—selling a field and giving all the money away!” Saphira envisaged the imminent shopping spree and enthusiastically supported the idea.
But either through a word of knowledge or a good eye for property valuation, Peter saw through the scheme. In the midst of his rebuke, Peter asked a very pointed question, “What made you think of doing such a thing?” The answer, Annanias’ carnal mind.
Annanias & Saphira, Acts 5:1-5
1Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. 2With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet.3Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? 4Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied to men but to God.”5When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened. 6Then the young men came forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him.7About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8Peter asked her, “Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?”“Yes,” she said, “that is the price.”9Peter said to her, “How could you agree to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.”10At that moment she fell down at his feet and died. Then the young men came in and, finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 11Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events.
This took place early in the life of the New Testament church. It was an exciting time when people were getting saved and added daily. Signs and wonders were happening all around them. And it was a time when there was great fellowship and unity in the church. Acts 2:43-45 describes it this way, “43Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. 44All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need.”
Annanias and Saphira were in the midst of all that was happening. And probably with good intentions, they also sold a piece of property. But after receiving the money, Annanias decided to keep some of it. He could use the cash, and he rationalised that no one knew how much he sold the land for, and therefore, everyone would think, ”What a great sacrifice they’re making—selling a field and giving all the money away!” Saphira envisaged the imminent shopping spree and enthusiastically supported the idea.
But either through a word of knowledge or a good eye for property valuation, Peter saw through the scheme. In the midst of his rebuke, Peter asked a very pointed question, “What made you think of doing such a thing?” The answer, Annanias’ carnal mind.
Attributes of Annanias & Saphira’s carnal minds that we need to guard against:
- Seeking recognition for our good works.
- Sacrificing our integrity for personal gain.
- Rationalising our sin.
- Selfishly getting caught up in other’s sin instead of correcting them.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Spiritually Minded 03
Last week we saw that even Christians can be carnally-minded. This week we will start looking at a few examples of carnally minded Christians. As we do, keep in mind the following statement: EVERY DECISION WE MAKE, EVERY ACTION WE TAKE, EVERY THOUGHT WE THINK, IS INFLUENCED BY EITHER THE SPIRIT OR THE FLESH.
Simon the sorcerer, Acts 8:18-24
18When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money 19and said, “Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.”
20Peter answered: “May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! 21You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. 22Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. 23For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin.”
24Then Simon answered, “Pray to the Lord for me so that nothing you have said may happen to me.”
Simon had been quite a celebrity before Philip came to town. Many people were amazed by the magic tricks he did. The people flocked to see him, and thought he had some mysterious power.
But when Philip arrived, all that changed. Suddenly, the people were following Philip instead of Simon. Even Simon himself got born again and started following Philip around. But although Simon was a Christian, he still craved the attention and fame he used to have. So he offered to pay Peter to give him the power to impart the Holy Spirit so he could regain some his former popularity.
Attributes of Simon’s carnal mind that we need to guard against:
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Spiritually Minded 02
Last week I laid the foundation for looking at the difference between the carnal-minded person and the spiritually-minded person.
Let’s return to Romans 8…
5Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6The mind of sinful man£ is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; 7the sinful mind£ is hostile to God. It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. 8Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God.
9You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ. 10But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness. 11And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.
The key passage for us here is Romans 8:6. Another translation reads: “6For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.”
To be Spiritually Minded is to look at God, yourself, others & the world from God's eternal, loving perspective. We are spiritually minded when God's spirit and our spirit are in control of our thoughts, attitudes, emotions, motivations & imagination. To be Spiritually Minded is life since God is the source of life. It is peace since it brings the mind and spirit into unison.
To be Carnally Minded is to look at God, yourself, others & the world from our finite, selfish perspective. We are carnally minded when our fleshly desires are in control of our thoughts, attitudes, emotions, motivations & imagination. To be Carnally Minded is death because it steals life from us. Because the carnal mind is controlled by the flesh, it rebels against God, the source of life.
It may come as a surprise that Christians can be carnally-minded. We’ve probably all been there at one time or another. Maybe you’re there right now. Yet what is even more surprising is how quickly we can go from spiritually-minded to carnally-minded! Prime example—Peter. He went from receiving a direct revelation from God and a prophesy about becoming a foundation stone for the New Testament Church to being called, “Satan,” by Jesus because of his carnal-mindedness.
Next, we will look at a few more examples of carnally minded Christians. But until then, think about the following statement: EVERY DECISION WE MAKE, EVERY ACTION WE TAKE, EVERY THOUGHT WE THINK, IS INFLUENCED BY EITHER THE SPIRIT OR THE FLESH.
Let’s return to Romans 8…
5Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6The mind of sinful man£ is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; 7the sinful mind£ is hostile to God. It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. 8Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God.
9You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ. 10But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness. 11And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.
The key passage for us here is Romans 8:6. Another translation reads: “6For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.”
To be Spiritually Minded is to look at God, yourself, others & the world from God's eternal, loving perspective. We are spiritually minded when God's spirit and our spirit are in control of our thoughts, attitudes, emotions, motivations & imagination. To be Spiritually Minded is life since God is the source of life. It is peace since it brings the mind and spirit into unison.
To be Carnally Minded is to look at God, yourself, others & the world from our finite, selfish perspective. We are carnally minded when our fleshly desires are in control of our thoughts, attitudes, emotions, motivations & imagination. To be Carnally Minded is death because it steals life from us. Because the carnal mind is controlled by the flesh, it rebels against God, the source of life.
It may come as a surprise that Christians can be carnally-minded. We’ve probably all been there at one time or another. Maybe you’re there right now. Yet what is even more surprising is how quickly we can go from spiritually-minded to carnally-minded! Prime example—Peter. He went from receiving a direct revelation from God and a prophesy about becoming a foundation stone for the New Testament Church to being called, “Satan,” by Jesus because of his carnal-mindedness.
Next, we will look at a few more examples of carnally minded Christians. But until then, think about the following statement: EVERY DECISION WE MAKE, EVERY ACTION WE TAKE, EVERY THOUGHT WE THINK, IS INFLUENCED BY EITHER THE SPIRIT OR THE FLESH.
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