The Mind of Christ

For “who has known the mind of the LORD that he may instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ. 1 Corinthians 2:16

In several places in the Bible, the word “mind” is translated from the Greek word phronema. Phronema is not just what you think but how you think-how you construct your thoughts and make your conclusions. Therefore, phronema is a mind-set, a mental paradigm or inclination, a framing or structure of thoughts. It controls the way a person views people and things around him. There are a number of phronemas in the Bible:

(1) Adamic mind-set. This is a natural, humanistic reasoning instilled by the value systems of this fallen world. In Matthew 16:21-23, Jesus rebuked Peter for being “not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.” The Adamic mind-set is so natural that it can’t receive any spiritual revelation.

(2) Carnal mind-set. This is a self-centered paradigm. Every thought is processed only for the pleasing of the self. Romans 8:7-8 says, “Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.” The Christian with a carnal mind-set often redefi nes spiritual principles in order to give license for himself to sin.

(3) Proud mind-set. This often applies to arrogant people who are puffed up by certain knowledge, “revelation” or education they have received. It can also manifest itself through ethnic pride or nationalism.

(4) Base mind-set. Paul says, “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 set their mind on earthly things” (Phil. 3:18-19). A base mind is set on earthly things. It has no reverence for God or spiritual matters. People with such a mentality usually end up becoming very anti-Christian, anti-Church and anti-Christ.

(5) Childish mind-set. A child is immature and can’t accept responsibility. A child blame-shifts and gets into a temper tantrum whenever he can’t get his way. The Bible says, “When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things” (1 Cor. 13:11).

(6) Mind of Christ. This is the mind-set that reads everything through the eyes of God. This is a paradigm that thinks everything through faith in the Word and the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Put on the mind of Christ today!