09/02/23 EVERY THOUGHT

09/02/23 EVERY THOUGHT

There is a wide expanse between Genesis 6:5 and 2 Corinthians 10:5, but the thin line that separates these two is CRUCIAL (in the truest sense of the word) to salvation. The difference is not a "time difference," it is a relationship difference.

Bringing "every thought captive to the obedience of Christ," requires having the mind of Christ, which is the result of salvation.
When Jesus was asked about the great commandment, He referred back to one of the foundation stones of Biblical faith. 

Deuteronomy 6:4-5
4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:
5 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.

This is the way it is written in Deuteronomy. However, Jesus as the Author of the Moses' record, communicates this passage by including MIND, in Matthew, Mark and Luke. Jesus had a right to adapt the passage or explain the passage or amplify the passage. 

This rendering by Christ tells us that we are to LOVE God with our whole being, including our MIND (reason, understanding). The mind (understanding), the thought processes, are fundamental to a right relationship with God.

Consider these passages.
Romans 12:2
2 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. 

Romans 12:16
16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. 

Romans 15:5-6
5 Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:
6 That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

1 Corinthians 1:10
10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. 

1 Corinthians 2:14-16
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.
15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.
16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ. 

2 Corinthians 13:11
11 Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you. 

Ephesians 4:23-24
23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. 

Philippians 1:27
27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; 

Philippians 2:2-3
2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 

Philippians 2:5; 7
5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 

1 Peter 1:13-16
13 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
14 As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:
15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;
16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. 

1 Peter 3:8-11
8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:
9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:
11 Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.