POSITIVE MENTAL ATTITUDE AND THE CHRISTIAN

VALIANT FOR THE TRUTH

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Some time ago I was asked to teach a Sunday School class consisting of a group of teenagers. To assist me in this endeavor I was given a quarterly aimed at young people. The church I was involved with was considered quite conservative, appealing to the Bible as the sole authority. I had come to respect the pastor who was a retired missionary. He had unarguably given his whole life in service to Jesus Christ at great sacrifice. Besides this he had shown a real faithfulness to the word of God and in his preaching. Thus I was much surprised to find myself with a quarterly paper in hand that was almost completely devoid of gospel truth. The Power of the Gospel, the preaching of the cross had been supplanted by pop psychology with a Christian sheen. The paper was energetic, fast paced, and motivational but was certainly in error. This study was borne of the Sunday School Class. Instead of teaching my teens to look within -- striving for a PMA, the opportunity was taken to warn and instruct against the damning dangers of psychology. Oh for grace to have a heart to "warn with tears."

The following questions were derived from the actual teaching in the teen quarterly.

QUESTIONS:

CAN A POSITIVE MENTAL ATTITUDE (PMA) INSURE YOUR FUTURE HAPPINESS?

IS PMA ONE OF THE KEYS OF SUCCESS THAT CAN AID YOU THROUGH YOUR TEEN YEARS AND BEYOND?

DOES THE BIBLE TEACH THAT ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT POWERS WE CAN ACCESS IS A PMA?

IS PMA THE EQUIVALENT OF THE FAITH OF GOD'S ELECT?

SHOULD WE AS BELIEVERS IN THE LORD JESUS CHRIST INTEGRATE THE SUCCESSFUL IDEAS OF THE WORLD INTO BIBLICAL TRUTH?

IF PMA IS SO IMPORTANT TO THE SUCCESS OF EVERY FOOTBALL TEAM ISN'T IT ALSO NECCESSARY TO THE SUCCESS OF OUR CHRISTIAN LIVES?

IS ALL "TRUTH" GOD'S TRUTH AND SHOULD WE BECOME INTEGRATIONISTS AND AMALGAMATIONISTS INTEGRATING WHATEVER TRUTH WE FIND ANY UNGODLY MAN ESPOUSING WHETHER EXPRESSLY TAUGHT IN SCRIPTURE OR NOT?

IF ONE INSURANCE SALESMEN WHO AS EARNED MILLIONS OF DOLLARS WRITES A BOOK ON PMA SHOULD WE AS BELIEVERS IN JESUS CHRIST, THOSE WHO ARE OF THE FAITH OF GOD'S ELECT, A MOST HOLY FAITH:

RUN TO THE BOOKSTAND

BUY THE BOOK

INTEGRATE IT IN AND GIVE IT A CHRISTIAN VENEER

THEN TEACH IT TO THE CHURCH AS THE VITAL TRUTH NECESSARY TO SUCCESSFULLY SURVIVING YOUR TEEN YEARS AND THE REST OF YOUR LIFE?

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Just so you know where I'm coming from in regards to PMA and the True Believer in Jesus Christ my answer to the above questions is a whole hearted and resounding NNNNOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!

To lower the faith of God's Elect and the Gift of the Indwelling Spirit of the Living God to a Positive Mental Attitude turns my stomach. That we as believers in Christ must recognize the importance of a PMA to every winning foot ball team (a group of Ungodly men for the most part) and then integrate this practice into our lives is an ALARMING and quite offensive idea.

I am not advocating the converse to a Positive Mental Attitude, that is a Negative Mental Attitude. What I am proposing is that we DO NOT look to this ungodly world but rather that we LOOK UNTO JESUS the AUTHOR and FINISHER of our FAITH. He is to be our ALL in ALL. He has given us all things pertaining to life and godliness. He has given us great and precious promises whereby we might be partakers of his divine nature. He has sent the Comforter to indwell every true believer and if your a Christian, will lead you into all truth. II Peter 1:3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that [pertain] unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

II Peter 1:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;

But my peace, my life, my comfort, my salvation, does not come from my devotion to or my ability to have a POSITIVE MENTAL ATTITUDE. If I were to depend on my positive thoughts for peace it would be a false peace. A peace that only the world could provide.

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

WHERE DID THE CONCEPT FOR PMA FIRST COME FROM?

NAPOLEAN HILL is credited with first proposing the theory of the PMA. His theory has been adopted all over the world and made especial use of in the CHRISTIAN Human Potential Movement and by those such as Robert Schuler and Norman Vincent Peale. But also, by others, that merely want to integrate the concepts of PMA for material success as your key to spiritual success. Hill received his information from some very questionable and probable demonic sources:

"Now and again I have had evidence that unseen friends hover about me, unknowable to the ordinary senses. In my studies I discovered there is a group of strange beings who maintain a school of wisdom...

The school has Masters who can disembody themselves and travel instantly to any place the choose..to give knowledge directly, by voice...

Now I know that one of these Masters had come across thousands of miles, through the night, into my study....."

"You have earned the right to reveal a Supreme Secret to others," said the vibrant voice, "You have been under the guidance of the Great School....No you must give the world a blue print...."

[Dave hunt now comments on HILL) The "Supreme Secret" they authorized Hill to "reveal" to the world has been preserved in occult tradition for thousands of years and reminds one of the serpent's offer of godhood to Eve: "Anything the human mind can believe, the human mind can achieve".......This is the sorcerer's counterfeit faith and is the basis for what the secular world calls PMA. [also incorporated into the church]. The "PMA Science of Success" was made famous by Napolean Hill in Success Through a Positive Mental Attitude.

[Dave hunt goes on to quote Ben Patterson attesting to the adoption of PMA by the church]

"Of Late, evangelicals have out-liberated the liberals, with self-help books, positive thinking preaching, and success gospels."

[back to Dave Hunt]

Anyone who imagines that because he thinks certain thoughts or speaks certain words God must respond in a certain way, has slipped into sorcery, and if not playing God is at the very least attempting to manipulate God.

[Dave Hunt now quotes David Wilkerson]

"There is an evil wind.. blowing into God's house, deceiving multitudes of God's chosen people... It is a scriptural take-off of Napolean Hill's book, Think and Grow Rich.

This perverted gospel seeks to make gods of people. They are told, 'Your destiny is in the power of your mind. Whatever you can conceive is yours. Speak it into being. Create it by a positive mind set. Success, happiness, perfect health is all yours---if you will only use your mind creatively. Turn your dreams into reality by using mind power'"

[Back to Dave Hunt]

Let it be known once and for all, God will not abdicate His lordship to the power of our minds, negative or positive. We are to seek only the mind of Christ, and His mind is not materialistic; it is not focused on success or wealth. Christ's mind is focused only on the glory of God and obedience to His Word. [emphasis mine]

No other teaching so ignores the Cross and the corruption of the human mind. It bypasses the evil of our ruined Adam nature, and it takes the Christian's eye off Christ's gospel of eternal redemption and focuses it on earthly gain.

Saint's of God, flee from this..........!

(SEDUCTION OF CHRISTIANITY, DAVE HUNT p.18-22, Brackets[] added by Scott Andersen)

Please compare the successful PMA of an insurance salesman or a football team with the following verses from the WORD of GOD:

God will look at this man, to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word. Is this the language of a PMA or do only those who have grace from God Tremble at his word. Is a contrite spirit of the same language as having a PMA? Consider yourself, are you contrite and convicted of your own unworthiness that the grace of God extended to you will be magnified in your heart? Oh how he loved us that Jesus died for us who were unworthy, yet without strength, enemies. (see Romans 5) Isaiah 66:1-2 Thus saith the LORD, The heaven [is] my throne, and the earth [is] my footstool: where [is] the house that ye build unto me? and where [is] the place of my rest? For all those [things] hath mine hand made, and all those [things] have been, saith the LORD: but to this [man] will I look, [even] to [him that is] poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.

If you are truly a Christian then you have been renewed by the Holy Ghost. And all that are children of God are led by the Spirit of God (see Rom 8). We are not left to our own devices such as a PMA. But we have been given such great hope, for Jesus Christ, has sent the Comforter and He shall be IN US.

Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. [This is] a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.

PMA is not being transformed by the renewing of your mind. This is also by grace, we are beseeched not to conform to this world. Adopting POP theories of sorcery like the PMA is being conformed to this world. Paul here explicitly warns us NOT to conform. Renew your mind in Jesus Christ, In the Spirit of God, and in the Spirit of the Word. Renew your mind in the word of God. God has promised all TRUE CHRISTIANS that he will put his spirit within us, and give us a new mind, and take away our heart of stone and give us a heart of flesh.

Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

LET this be your prayer.

Psalms 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

Look at the abundant grace and gift of God promised in this verse.

Ezekiel 36:26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.

Here is our commandment to PUT ON THE LORD JESUS CHRIST. Do not rely on your fleshly powers nor give way to your fleshly lusts. Be spiritual and be holy. Rely on the faith of God's elect. And trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. As the Holy Spirit indwells all true believers he will MAKE HOLY them whom he indwells.Romans 13:14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to [fulfil] the lusts [thereof].

Don't look for the gimmicks of this world, or the wisdom it provides. God has given us great supply for the problems of living and life. Look to him and not the world. Psychology may claim to have the answer but it is foolishness with God. He has given us the testimony of why we act the way we do and how we can change our behavior. Look to him and be a believer.

I Corinthians 3:19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.

Integrating God's Word and worldly wisdom is being unequally yoked. Do NOT BE AN AMALGAMIST but contend rather for the faith once delivered to the Saint's and find your sufficiency in HIM.

II Corinthians 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

II Corinthians 6:15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?

II Corinthians 6:16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in [them]; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

II Corinthians 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean [thing]; and I will receive you,

WHAT HOPE, WHAT RICHES!!!!!!

Ephesians 1:18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

Ephesians 2:2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

Do not look to yourself but look to Jesus. Have faith in Him. Hide his promises in your heart. Believe in Jesus the ONLY WISE GOD, IMMORTAL, ETERNAL, Invisible to whom be glory forever and ever and ever. Jesus who will equip us to WALK. That is, to live Holy Lives here in this world.

Ephesians 4:17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,

Ephesians 4:18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.

HERE IS GODLY COUNSEL. Look to it if you will be equipped to live the Christian Life, and to walk worthy of GOD.

Ephesians 4:23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

Leave off from worldly wisdom.

James 4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

I John 2:15-17 Love not the world, neither the things [that are] in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that [is] in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

I John 4:5 They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.

Compare this with having a PMA.

Revelation 12:11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

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Now so as not to leave you without further instruction, let me proceed to tell you what mind you should have.

THE MIND OF CHRIST - HUMBLE AND A SERVANT

Philippians 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

CAME TO MINISTER

Matthew 20:28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

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WE ARE TO BE THOSE THAT MIND THE THINGS OF THE SPIRIT.

THE FOLLOWING BIBLE STUDY LOOKS AT ROMANS 8:5 AND DISCUSSES WHAT IT MEANS TO MIND THE THINGS OF THE FLESH AND WHAT IT MEANS TO MIND THE THINGS OF THE SPIRIT.

TO SUMMARIZE: The study following has these two main headings each having three sub-headings, with Final concluding study with comments taken from Phillipians 3.

I. MINDING THE THINGS OF THE FLESH

a. Carnal Pleasure

b. Worldly Profit

c. The here and now, the things of sense and time.

II. MINDING THE THINGS OF THE SPIRIT

a. Favour of God

b. Welfare of the soul

c. Concerns of Eternity

III. CONCLUSION - PHIL 3

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BEGINNING CAVEAT:

It should be stressed that this is not an exhaustive study of ALL that may fall under the heading of MINDING the things of the Flesh or Spirit. It is a study, whose purpose, is to send us to Jesus Christ and to The throne of Grace that we may WALK AS CHRISTIANS and MIND those things that God would have for us. We should be searching our hearts that through the hearing of this word we may grow in grace and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ. That we may desire him more and become more SPIRITUALLY minded. Knowing that in me that is in my flesh dwelleth no good thing.

BE SPIRITUAL MINDED:

Romans 8:1 [There is] therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.

Rom 8:5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.

AFTER: KATA - AFTER, conformable to , according to

DO MIND: phronousin - MIND, What one has in mind, what one thinks, feels.

or phronayma to be mindful of, be intent about

savourest, do mind, to think, of the same mind, that regardeth, like minded, set affection, strongs# 5426.

used as follows phil 1:7, 2:2, 2:5, 3:15, 3:16, 3:19, 4:2 4:10, col 3:2

gal 5:10, rom 8:5, 12:3, 12:16, 14:6, 15:5, 1 cor 4:6, 13:11.

The verb is phronousin or phroneo, and the noun is phronayma as in Romans 8:6,7,27 and only in these three verses. Strongs number 5427.

M.H. How may we answer to this character (of walking after the spirit) 1) By looking to our minds. How may we know whether we are after the flesh or after the Spirit? By examining what we mind, the things of the flesh or the things of the spirit. Carnal pleasure, worldly profit and honour, the things of sense and time, are the things of the flesh, which unregenerate people mind. The favour of God, the welfare of the soul, the concerns of eternity, are the things of the Spirit, which those that are after the Spirit do mind. The man is as the mind is. [Matthew Henry's Commentary]

Proverbs 23:7 For as he thinketh in his heart, so [is] he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart [is] not with thee.

Read Prov 23:6-8. Not as he speaks with his tongue but as he thinketh in his heart. We are really both to God and Man which we are inwardly. [Matthew Henry's Commentary]

M.H As a man thinketh in his heart so is he. Which way do the thoughts move with most pleasure? [Matthew Henry's Commentary]

ASKING OURSELVES, WHAT DO WE MIND? THAT WE MAY KNOW WHETHER WE ARE AFTER THE SPIRIT OR THE FLESH:

DO WE MIND THE THINGS OF THE FLESH?

Realizing I need to be careful How I use the following verse I note that this rebuke was concerning the savouring of those things that are "not the things that be of God". But rather those that be of men, men of flesh, "Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee".

Matthew 16:23 But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.

Savourest here is the same word as we have in Romans 8:5.

The concerns of his will and glory, often clash and interfere with the things that are of men that is our own pleasure, wealth, and reputation. We must mind Christian duty as our way and work, divine favour as our end and portion. (Divine Favour - God's favour, Portion - that which satisfies our life our habit, END - the goal set before us)

It is a great matter what our savour is, what truths, what tidings, what comforts, we do most relish, and are most agreeable to us. Now, to caution us against this carnal mindedness, he shows the great misery and malignity of it, and compares it with the unspeakable excellency and comfort of spiritual mindedness.

It is death verses Life and peace, enmity itself. (See Rom 8:6)

PART ONE - MINDING THE THINGS OF THE FLESH:

1) CARNAL PLEASURE:

I Timothy 5:6 But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth.

lives licentiously -- M.H. generally those that live in pleasure are dead while they live. While they have the world they can live without God. (SDA:) (Seeking those things that will gratify and satisfy the flesh -She is dead while she lives, Am I dead to God or dead to the world? What do I seek, What do I live in? Jesus Christ or pleasure? What is my chief pursuit, the pursuit of happiness or holiness?) [Matthew Henry's Commentary]

Job 21:13-15 They spend their days in wealth, and in a moment go down to the grave. Therefore they say unto God, Depart from us; for we desire not the knowledge of thy ways. What [is] the Almighty, that we should serve him? and what profit should we have, if we pray unto him?

M.H. Job's reply to Zopharas discourse, Is outward prosperity, and the continuance of it a mark of the true church and the true members of it.- - Sensual pleasures are the delight of carnal people, and as men are themselves so they breed their own children. The prosperity of fools destroys them, by hardening them in sin. Prov 1:32, Psa 73:7-9. See how light these prospering sinners make of God and religion, as if because they have so much of this world they had no need look for another. [Matthew Henry's Commentary]

READ Ps 73:1-14 M.H. Good thoughts of God will fortify us against many of Satan's temptations. They are many who have a great deal of this life in their hands but nothing of the other life in their hearts. They live at ease and bathe themselves with pleasure. [Matthew Henry's Commentary]

Psalms 73:7 They [are] not in trouble [as other] men; neither are they plagued like [other] men. Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them [as] a garment. Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish. PRIDE IS A CHAIN!!

See Psa 73:25.

Isaiah 22:13 And behold joy and gladness, slaying oxen, and killing sheep, eating flesh, and drinking wine: let us eat and drink; for to morrow we shall die. CARNAL SECURITY

Read Amos 6:1-7 M.H. We are ready to say "Happy are those that are at ease. PRIDE - SECURITY - AND SENSUALITY. [Matthew Henry's Commentary]

Amos 6:5 That chant to the sound of the viol, [and] invent to themselves instruments of music, like David; That drink wine in bowls, and anoint themselves with the chief ointments: but they are not grieved for the affliction of Joseph. SO INDULGENT WITH THEIR OWN PLEASURES. NOTE: We should be grieved with those things that grieve the heart of our God. We ought to strive for purity in our lives and in the church. We should be grieved for the affliction of Joeseph, the affliction of the persecuted, the faithful who suffer for Jesus Christ even as we talk. We should be greived for the sin that has entered into the Chruch of the Living God. We if we are Spiritual Minded should grieve for the waywardness of those professing Jesus Christ Our Lord and be pointing them to the straight gate and the narrow way. We should uphold the PURITY OF THE GOSPEL and the FAITH OF GOD'S ELECT, the MOST HOLY FAITH. Let's not sleep in the light but contend for the FAITH. God grieve our hearts, burden us with that which burdens you!!!!!

The RICH FOOL:

Read Luke 12:13-21 M.H. Didn't come in pursuit of a heavenly estate. It is a Spiritual Kingdom and it does not encourage worldy advancement. [Matthew Henry's Commentary]

Luke 12:19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, [and] be merry. NOTE: God knows what we think - What are our cares and concerns. "I say to my Soul......" (What are you in pursuit of today? A heavenly city, a heavenly estate, or your own good looks, the esteem of others, your own personal success)

Lazarus and the rich man:

Luke 16:19 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: What do you mind? What is your heart set on? Praise God for a heart set upon his Glory, his kingdom, and knowing him.

Ecclesiastes 11:9 Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these [things] God will bring thee into judgment.

Proverbs 21:17 He that loveth pleasure [shall be] a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.

Ecclesiastes 2:1 I said in mine heart, Go to now, I will prove thee with mirth, therefore enjoy pleasure: and, behold, this also [is] vanity.

THE CARNAL PLEASURE OF NABAL:

I Samuel 25:36 And Abigail came to Nabal; and, behold, he held a feast in his house, like the feast of a king; and Nabal's heart [was] merry within him, for he [was] very drunken: wherefore she told him nothing, less or more, until the morning light.

NOW LET US SAY OF CARNAL PLEASURE:

Psalms 119:37 Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; [and] quicken thou me in thy way.

To what extent does carnal pleasure enslave you. Are you in pursuit of happiness or holiness, to be entertained or to be sanctified, TO KNOW God and Jesus Christ whom he has sent or to be KNOWN OF MEN. TO Grow in Grace or to Grow fat. More concerned with impressing boys or girls or to be married to the LORD JESUS CHRIST. To be PURE and CHASTE or to purely chase after the WORLD.

To seek pleasure or God's good pleasure. To gratify the flesh our bodily and sensual lusts or to seek to crucify the flesh and the carnal lusts. Is it to be: I John 2:16 For all that [is] in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. OR Romans 8:13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

2) DO WE MIND WORLDLY PROFIT:

Mark 10:21-24 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions. And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!

We must trust in God - Trust and obey for there is no other way.

(LOVE OF MONEY:)

I Timothy 6:10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. Love The LORD YOUR GOD.

3) MINDING THE THINGS OF SENSE OF TIME:

Is it the here and now or the hereafter?

DO WE HAVE NO EYE TOWARD HEAVEN AND ETERNITY:

Are we only having thoughts of now and here with none to be concerned with eternity and things of eternal consequences. Have we only minds of flesh that can see today and tomorrow or perhaps set wonderful goals for many years ahead but are not concerned MOST for what will have eternal consequences?

James 4:13-15 Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas ye know not what [shall be] on the morrow. For what [is] your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye [ought] to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.

Ephesians 2:3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

Matthew 6:25-33 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, [shall he] not much more [clothe] you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

When we are talking about being eternally minded, we are NOT discounting the importance of being a good steward of our time and things but rather: WHAT IS THE THRUST OF YOUR LIFE? WHAT IS YOUR HEART SET UPON? WHAT DO YOU MIND? ======================================================================

PART TWO - MINDING THE THINGS OF THE SPIRIT

ARE WE CONCERNED, MINDFUL OF, INTENT UPON THE THINGS OF THE SPIRIT THAT WE MIGHT HAVE:

Charles Hodge on Rom 8:5:

The immediate object of this and the following verse is to justify the neccessity of limiting the blessings of Christ's death, to those who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. The for, therefore, connects this verse, not with the main idea, but with the last clause of the preceding verse. Men must be holy, because sin is death, whereas holiness is life and peace. The necessity of spirituality, therefore, lies in the very nature of things.

They who are after the flesh, those who are in the flesh, the carnal, are expressions of like import, and describe those who are governed by the flesh, or by their nature considered as corrupt. The corresponding series, They who are after the Spirit, who are in the Spirit, the spiritual, describe those who are under the government of the Holy Ghost. Of the former class it is said they mind the things of the flesh, of the latter, they mind the things of the Spirit. The word phronein is derived from phran, which is used for the seat of all mental affections and faculties, and therefore phroneo has a wide meaning. It expresses any form of mental activity, any exercise of the intellect, will, or affections. They mind, phronousin, therefore, means, they make the object of attention, desire, and pursuit. The things of the flesh, are the objects on which their hearts are set, and to which their lives are devoted. Things of the flesh are not merely sensual things, but all things which do not belong to the category of the things of the Spirit. Compare Mat 16:23, thou savourest not the things of God. Phil 3:19 Col 3:2. The English word mind is used with much the same latitude. The idea evidently is that, the objects of attention desire, and pursuit, to the carnal, are corrupt and worldly; while to the spiritual, they are the things which the Spirit proposes and approves. [Charles Hodge: Commentary on Romans, pp 255-256]

This passage in Romans 8:1-8, wonderfully destroys the doctrine of the Carnal Christian. The doctrine that states there are two classes of believers. Those who are spiritual and those who are carnal. Carnal means fleshly. The carnal Christian doctrine states that the Carnal Christian has professed Jesus Christ but has nothing of the new nature of holiness given by God. The carnal Christian minds the things of the Flesh. The Carnal Christian is not spiritual and therefore does not walk after the Spirit, does not walk according to the Spirit, and does not live his life according to the Spirit. The bible says that the righteousness of the law is fulfilled in them who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit, to them who mind, or set their affections on the things of the Spirit and not the things of the flesh.

Those who are justified, will be those who as their character, way and habit of life will be holy. They will walk or live their lives not in pursuit of the flesh, and fleshly things, the things that are self- centered and those things that do not belong to the category of the things of the Spirit. They will live according to the Spirit and will MIND the things of the Spirit. Those to whom God imputes the righteousness of Jesus Christ because of their faith in HIM to them he will also impart the righteousness of Jesus Christ by the Holy Ghost.

NOTE: The righteousness of the law is NOT fulfilled in us because we walk after the Spirit. The righteousness of the law is fulfilled not by us but IN us. It is because of our faith in Jesus Christ. We believe and it has been imputed to as as righteousness. Because we have believed, God has imputed to us the righteousness of Jesus Christ and we have been born again, converted and made new in Jesus Christ - old things have passed away all things are become new. God has given us a new nature, a nature that walks not after the flesh but after the spirit. God has made us a new creation in Jesus Christ so that we now mind the things of the Spirit and set our affections on spiritual things. We are now under the Government not of the flesh but of the HOLY Spirit. The doctrine of the Carnal Christian teaches us that as believers we are still under the government of the Flesh. We are still controlled by the flesh and have not yet become spiritual. All of scripture opposes this doctrine and especially Romans 8:1-8. If you are still under the government of the flesh, you are still dead in your trespasses in sins. If you are carnal you are dead. There is no such thing as the carnal Christian. If you are yet carnal, and have the profession of a Christian, but not the walk, then you are yet unconverted, and lost. Note: This is not to say we are all born into the kingdom of God as mature Christians, but we are all given a new heart and God's Spirit to indwell and govern our lives. If we are born again we are no longer what we were and we have become what we weren't.

IF YE SHALL LIVE AFTER THE FLESH YE SHALL DIE --- ROMANS 8:13

1) THE FAVOR OF GOD:

Colossians 1:10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated [us] into the kingdom of his dear Son:

Walking worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing is LIVING in a way that answers to the profession of faith we have made. And LIVING in a way that answers to the LIFE we have in GOD as we are saved by THE LORD JESUS CHRIST. NOTE: This is Paul's prayer for the Colossians. If we are to MIND THE THINGS OF THE spirit we will set ourselves to mind this -that we walk worthy of the LORD unto ALL PLEASING. ALSO NOTE: according to KITTEL the greek word here for pleasing is EVERY PLEASING KIND OF ATTITUDE. God, give us grace that our hearts will be set upon pleasing you, amen.

I Thessalonians 4:1 Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort [you] by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, [so] ye would abound more and more.

Here PAUL by the HOLY GHOST, EXHORTS and BESEECHES the brethren, and he does this BY THE LORD JESUS. HE exhorts and beseeches us that we are to be HOLY to WALK and to PLEASE GOD. If we are to mind spiritual things then we are to walk and to please God. It is good when God gives us a man who will exhort us to walk and to please God. If we are to mind the things of the spirit we will endeavor and diligently set ourselves to walking a holy walk by the grace given us in Jesus Christ. And this will be pleasing to God. Note the following from Matthew Henry: MH, The design of the gospel is to teach men not only what they should believe, but also how they ought to live; not so much to fill men's minds with notions as to regulate their temper and behavior. The apostle taught them how to walk, not how to talk. To talk well without living well will never bring us to heaven: for the character of those who are in Christ Jesus is this: They walk not after the flesh, but after the spirit.

Hebrews 13:21 Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom [be] glory for ever and ever. Amen.

REMEMBER to seek the LORD for the Grace to do that which is well pleasing in his sight. Through faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God and our GREAT HIGH PRIEST, and OUR MEDIATOR between God and MAN, we can be enabled. See HEB 13:20 --> It is the God of Peace who will be working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight. MH: [1] There is no-good thing wrought in us but it is the work of God; he works in us, before we are fit for any good work. [2] No good thing is wrought in us by God, but through Jesus Christ, for his sake and by his Spirit, And therefore [3] Eternal glory is due to him, who is the cause of all the good principles wrought in us and all the good works done by us. To this every one should say, AMEN. [Matthew Henry's Commentary]

If you are to MIND THE THINGS OF THE SPIRIT, you will be mindful to seek GOD FOR the SPIRIT to be working in you that which is wellpleasing in the sight of GOD. And this will be through Jesus Christ. (See phi 2:12-13)

Philippians 2:12-13 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of [his] good pleasure.

I John 3:22 And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.

We can have confidence in prayer when we do those things that are pleasing in his sight. M.H. Obedient souls are prepared for blessing, and they have promise of audience; those who commit things displeasing to God cannot expect that he should please them in hearing and answering their prayers. [Matthew Henry's Commentary] Psalms 66:18 If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear [me]: Proverbs 28:9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer [shall be] abomination.

Psalms 119:58 I entreated thy favour with [my] whole heart: be merciful unto me according to thy word.

Pray as the psalmist here prays. ENTREAT THE FAVOUR OF GOD. Ask of God for grace to walk, ask of GOD for grace to be pleasing in his sight, ASK of GOD to work in you that which is well pleasing. AND Don't make light of this heavenly work. If you are to be minding the things of the spirit depend on GOD and entreat with YOUR WHOLE HEART. This is part of the HIGH CALLING OF GOD IN JESUS CHRIST.

Proverbs 11:27 He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him.

Proverbs 14:9 Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous [there is] favour.

DON't be a fool. Don't mock GOD by making a mock at sin. God is not mocked. Know your own heart. Know God. Galatians 6:7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

Pleasing God or pleasing self - For me or FOR HIM, mind those things that satisfy and gratify me and my flesh or seeking to be pleasing to my GOD, by diligently seeking GOD. BY casting off all hope in my own goodness and my own righteousness and trusting in the righteousness of MY LORD JESUS CHRIST. And walking in dependence upon him knowing that God shall order my steps and that I can, by his grace and the measure of faith given to me, LIVE pleasing to GOD.

2) ARE WE CONCERNED FOR THE WELLNESS OF OUR SOULS:

Read in Mat 25 the parable of the 10 Virgins.

Five Virgins took care to their souls.

Five Virgins were NEGLECTFUL and were not concerned for the wellness of their OWN ETERNAL SOULS. For they are the five that had not enough oil for their lamps. They took their lamps but took no oil with them.

Matthew 25:1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five [were] foolish. They that [were] foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, [Not so]; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

The five virgins who had no care to bring oil for their lamps were five virgins who were contented with CARNAL SECURITY. Hear what Joeseph Alleine writes concerning this:

Carnal security, or a presumptuous confidence that their condition is already good. Many cry, 'Peace and safety', when sudden destruction is coming upon them. This was that which kept the foolish virgins sleeping when they should have been working -- upon their beds when they should have been at the markets. They did not perceive their lack of oil till the bridegroom was come; and while they went to buy, the door was shut. And oh that these foolish virgins had no successors! Where is the place, yea, where is the house almost, where these do not dwell? men are willing to cherish in themselves, upon ever so slight grounds, a hope that their condition is good, and are not concerned about a change, and by these means perish in their sins. Are you at peace? Show me upon what grounds your peace is maintained. Is it Scripture peace? Can you show the distinguishing marks of a sound believer? Can you evidence that you have something more than any hypocrite in the world every had? If not, fear this peace more than any trouble; and know that a carnal peace commonly proves the most mortal enemy of the soul, and whilst it smiles and kisses and speaks fairly, it fatally smites, as it were, under the fith rib. [end Joeseph Alleine, Alarm to the Unconverted]

To mind the things of the Spirit is to take care for the wellness of your own eternal soul. Knowing first your own soul, are you ready for eternity, are you amoung the wise? Are ready to meet Jesus, because you have been born again by the Spirit of God?

M.H. Note, Those of the same profession and denomination amoung men, may yet be of characters vastly different in the sight of God. Sincere Christians are the wise virgins, and hypocrites the foolish ones, as in another parable they are represented by wise and foolish builders. Note, Those are wise or foolish indeed, that are so in the affairs of their souls. True religion is true wisdom; sin is folly, but especially the sin of hypocrisy, for those are the greatest fools, that are wise in their own conceit, and those the worst of sinners, that feign themselves just men.

M.H. Concerning the foolish virgins:

1.They have no principle within. They have a lamp of profession in their hands, but have not in their hearts that stock of sound knowledge, rooted dispostions, and settled resolutions, which is necessary to carry them through the services and trials of the present state. They act under the influence of external inducements, but are void of spiritual life.

2.They have no prospect of, nor provide for , what is to come. They do not provide for the hereafter.

The vain confidence of hypocrites will carry them very far in their expectations of happiness. They go to heaven-gate, and demand entrance, and yet are shut out; lifted up to heaven in a fond conceit of the goodness of their state, and yet thrust down to hell. [Matthew Henry's Commentary]

Matthew 16:26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Do you know the value of your own soul? Do you care for the spiritual health of your soul. It is minding spiritual things to be concerned with the purity of your own soul, to be conerned with the holiness of your own soul, to be mindful of the eternity preparedness of your own soul. Have you made heaven sure by making sure with Jesus Christ?

M.H. Consider, The weight of that eternity which depends upon our present choice; Whosover will save his life, by denying Christ, shall lose it; and whoever is content to lose his life, for owning Christ, shall find it. Here are life and death, good and evil, the blessing and the curse, set before us.

Observe,

[1] The misery that attends the most plausible apostasy. ...He that forsakes Christ, to preserve a temporal life and avoid a temporal death, will certainly come short of eternal life and will be hurt of the second death, and eternally held by it.

[2] ....Though many be losers for Christ, even of life itself, yet never any one was, or will be, a loser by him in the end. \

[3] The worth of the soul which lies at stake, and the worthlessness of the world in comparison of it.

[Matthew Henry's Commentary]

Matthew 16:26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? .....Note, First, Every man has a soul of his own. The soul is spiritual and immortal part of man, which thinks and reasons, has a power of reflection and prospect, which actuates the body now, and will shortly act in a separation from the body. ....All souls are mine saith God. [Matthew Henry's Commentary]

1) It is possible for the soul to be lost.

2)If the soul be lost, it is of the sinner's own losing. The man loses his own soul.

3) One soul is worth more than all the world.

5) The winning of the world is often the losing of the soul.

6)The loss of the soul is so great a loss that the winning of the world will not countervail it.

Note: if once a soul be lost it is lost forever. [Matthew Henry's Commentary]

Mark 8:36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?

Luke 9:25 For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?

DO NOT BE NEGLECTFUL:Mind the things of the spirit, mind the wellness of your own soul. Do not neglect your SALVATION. Those that mind the flesh will not mind the care of their own souls, Will not watch over their own salvation but will neglect it. Don't be fleshly but spiritual. MIND THIS AND NEGLECT NOT SO GREAT A SALVATION.

Hebrews 2:1-3 Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let [them] slip.For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard [him];

TAKE HEED:

I Corinthians 10:12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. M.H. We are most likely to fall when we are the most confident of our own strength. Distrust of himself, putting him at once upon vigilience and dependence upon God is the Christian's best security against all sin.

I must forsake my own strength and depend upon God. Knowing my own weakness and fraility will be security to me that I WILL depend upon GOD for the strength. HEAR the WORDS of JOHN BUNYAN:

Mistrust thy own strength and throw it away; down on thy knees in prayer to the Lord for the Spirit of truth; search his word for direction; flee seducer's company; keep company with the soundest of Christians that have the most experience of Christ. [Heavenly Footman, John Bunyan]

I Timothy 4:16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

Making it your life lay it up in your heart. Finding God in your own closet.

Hebrews 3:12 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.

II Peter 1:19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:

KEEP A WATCH OVER THY SOUL - HEED THE EXHORTATION TO WATCH:

Mark 14:38 Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly [is] ready, but the flesh [is] weak.

Luke 21:34-36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

Acts 20:31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.

I Corinthians 16:13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. (Quit - Behave)

Colossians 4:2 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;

I Thessalonians 5:6-7 Therefore let us not sleep, as [do] others; but let us watch and be sober. M.H. Not keep sober unless we guard - Not guard unless we are sober. We must not be secure and careless. Luke 21:34 "Take Care" [Matthew Henry's Commentary]

II Timothy 4:5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

I Peter 4:7 But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.

Revelation 3:3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.

3) ARE YOU CONCERNED FOR ETERNITY AS JOHNATHON EDWARDS PRAYED, "GOD STAMP ETERNITY ON MY EYEBALLS" DO YOU HAVE IN YOU AN ETERNITY MINDEDNESS. THEY THAT ARE AFTER THE SPIRIT WILL BE MINDFUL OF ETERNITY.

Philippians 1:21 For to me to live [is] Christ, and to die [is] gain.

M.H. Observe 1. It is the undoubted character of every good christian that to him to live is Christ. The glory of Christ ought to be the end of our life, the grace of Christ the principle of our life, and the word of Christ the rule of it. 2. All those to whom to live is Christ to them to die will be gain; it is great gain, a present gain, an everlasting gain. Death is a great loss to a carnal worldly man; for he loses all his comforts and all his hopes; but to a good Christian it is gain, for it is the end of all his weakness and misery, and the perfection of his comforts and accomplishment of his hopes, it delivers him from all the evils of life, and brings him to the possession of the chief good. [Matthew Henry's Commentary]

Hebrews 11:10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker [is] God.

Abraham looked for it, Abraham believed it, Abraham waited for it, and he conversed in it by faith.

Hebrews 11:13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of [them], and embraced [them], and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

M.H. Their condition: Strangers and pilgrims. They are strangers as saints, whose home is heave; they are pilgrims as they are traveling towards their home. ...They declared plainly that they sought another country. [Matthew Henry's Commentary]

I Peter 1:7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

I Peter 2:11 Dearly beloved, I beseech [you] as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;

Psalms 27:4 One [thing] have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in his temple.

Psalms 73:25 Whom have I in heaven [but thee]? and [there is] none upon earth [that] I desire beside thee.

When you are still and your mind has time to think, what do your thoughts set on -- What do you mind, the things of God or ......

I Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know [them], because they are spiritually discerned.

Jude 1:19 These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.

John 1:5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

Affections is the same as DO MIND in rom 8:5. M.H. To seek heavenly things is to set our affections on them. Upon the wings of affection the heart soars upward. [Matthew Henry's Commentary]

Colossians 3:1-3 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

Jay Green has it MIND THE THINGS ABOVE (literally)

Psalms 37:4 Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

Hebrews 11:14 For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.

Hebrews 11:16 But now they desire a better [country], that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.

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CONCLUSION: MINDING THE THINGS OF THE SPIRIT

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BEFORE WE BEGIN THIS CONCLUSION - WE WILL PAUSE NOW TO REVIEW THE GROUND COVERED THUS FAR:

We began with the exposure the so-called "christian" doctrine of PMA. And in doing this I sought to show you by the scripture what an accursed and demonic doctrine that it is. Take note especially of the exhortation to LOOK UNTO JESUS and not UNTO YOUR OWNSELF. Compare again the following verses we looked at before:

PMA IS FLESHLY SELF-CENTERED mode of SELF-IMPROVEMENT, GOD's way is divine, gracious and speaks DEATH TO SELF. (put off the old man, put on the new)

Ephesians 4:22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. PMA is the world's wisdom, and the world's way, Do NOT COMMIT spiritual ADULTRY by whoring after the world's religious system.

James 4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

IF YOU DO THUS ADULTERATE, SURELY THE LOVE OF THE FATHER IS NOT IN YOU:

I John 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things [that are] in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that [is] in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

I John 4:5 They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.

GOD LOOKS NOT TO HIM that has a PMA but to the one that is broken and contrite.

Isaiah 66:2 For all those [things] hath mine hand made, and all those [things] have been, saith the LORD: but to this [man] will I look, [even] to [him that is] poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.

COMPARE THIS WITH PMA

Revelation 12:11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

LET THIS MIND BE IN YOU:

After looking at the demonic doctrine of PMA, I DID NOT want to leave you without direction as to your mind. If we are not exhorted to seek to have POSITIVE MENTAL ATTITUDES and enjoy the POWER OF ONE, what then are we directed to MIND? This began our study of Romans 8:5. We looked at what it means to MIND THE THINGS OF THE FLESH and what is meant to MIND THE THINGS OF THE SPIRIT. We searched out the following headings:

MINDING THE THINGS OF THE FLESH:

1) Carnal Pleasure

2) Worldly Profit

3) Minding the things of sense and time with no eye to eternity

MINDING THE THINGS OF THE SPIRIT:

1) The favor of God

2) The wellness of our souls

3) Eternity - Heavenly mindedness

Having put you in remembrance of all the ground we have covered thus far, let us now turn to the third chapter of PHILLIPPIANS as a means of concluding our study. This chapter sums up all that we have been studying and serves as a wonderful exhortation to be SPIRITUALLY MINDED.

READ THRU THE WHOLE of the THIRD CHAPTER OF PHILLIPPIANS 3:

Philippians 3:1 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed [is] not grievous, but for you [it is] safe.

Sincere Christians rejoice in Christ Jesus. Nehemiah 8:10 Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for [this] day [is] holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.

PHIL 3:1-3:

MH: The description of True Christians, who are indeed the circumcision, who worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh: [Matthew Henry's Commentary]

Philippians 3:1 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed [is] not grievous, but for you [it is] safe. Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision. For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.

1-They worshipped in the Spirit in opposition to the carnal ordinances of the Old Testament, which consist in meats, and drinks, and divers washings, etc. John 4:24 God [is] a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship [him] in spirit and in truth. II Corinthians 3:8 How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious?

2-They rejoice in Christ Jesus, and not in the peculiar privileges of the Jewish Church,...They rejoice in their relation to Jesus Christ and interest in him....The substance has come the shadows are done away, and we are to rejoice in Christ Jesus only.

3-They have no confidence in the flesh,... We must be taken off from trusting in our own bottom, that we may build only on Jesus Christ, the everlasting foundation. Our confidence, as well as our joy, is proper to him.

Philippians 3:9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

M.H. Found in him -- safe in the city of refuge. We are undone without a righteousness wherein to appear before God, for we are guilty, there is a righteousness provided for us in Jesus Christ, and it is a complete and perfect righteousness. None can have an interest or benefit by it but those who come off from confidence in themselves, and are brought heartily to believe in him. Isaiah 45:25 In the LORD shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory. [Matthew Henry's Commentary]Jeremiah 23:6 In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this [is] his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.

Philippians 3:10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;

Christ's death and resurrection, killing sin in me and raising me up to newness of life. Conformable to his death when we die to sin.

Phil 3:12-14 Those that think they have grace enough give proof that they have little enough, or rather that they have none at all.Philippians 3:12-14 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but [this] one thing [I do], forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Not resting on past experiences -- but he was for having more and more.

The fitter we grow for heaven the faster we must press towards it.

Phil 3:15-16

Philippians 3:15-16 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.

Christ is the Christians ALL - To live MUST BE CHRIST. Agree to press toward the mark and make heaven our end.

Philippians 3:18-19 (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, [that they are] the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end [is] destruction, whose God [is their] belly, and [whose] glory [is] in their shame, who mind earthly things.)

MIND EARTHLY THINGS: minding earthly things, having a relish for earthly things rather than spiritual and heavenly. Romans 6:21 What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things [is] death. Minding earthly things is directly contrary to the cross of Christ.

Galatians 6:14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.

OUR CONVERSATION IS IN HEAVEN - citizenship

THE END

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