Mind - Change Your Mind - Philippians 3:2-15 and 4:8 - February 14, 2010

Bible Study – Mind – Change Your Mind – February 14, 2010

This is study two in our series “Battle for the Mind.”

A SPECIAL NOTE TO KRYSTIAN IN POLAND. SEND ME ANOTHER COMMENT BECAUSE I DID NOT ANSWER YOUR QUESTION - I TEACH THESE LESSONS IN ABOUT 45 MINUTES BUT SOME COULD TAKE UP TO 2 HOURS. THOSE IN THE CLASS HAVE A BOOK ON THE LESSON THEY READ BEFORE THE LESSON IS TAUGHT. I WILL SEND YOU MY E-MAIL SO WE DICUSS DIRECTLY. BLESSINGS

Our scripture is Philippians 3:2-15; 4:8.

In our last study, I may have shocked some of you with comments regarding “no condemnation” for all born-again believers. The key is being a “born-again” believer. Once a believer has experienced the joy of salvation and fellowship with CHRIST he/she may wander but there is always a yearning within his/her heart for the joy and fellowship with CHRIST he/she once knew to be restored. GOD’S desire for HIS children are for them to fellowship with HIM and serve HIM out of an obedient heart. When a believer is in fellowship with CHRIST, he/she is always in HIS will.
Once a person becomes a believer, he/she is not only born into the family of GOD but he/she becomes an enemy of Satan. But believers must keep in mind that CHRIST defeated Satan on the cross and they are indwelled by the HOLY SPIRIT, WHO empowers and protects them. The shed blood of CHRIST is eternal protection for a believer from Satan and his demons. When believers compromise their relation with CHRIST, by yielding to the flesh, Satan moves in to lead them into temptation and sin.

Believers are in spiritual warfare with Satan, who rules the spirit world and his demons. His target is the mind of all believers. He cannot win the soul of the believer but he can keep the believer from being an effective believer. His goal is to neutralize the believer, defeat and ultimately destroy the believer’s earthly witness for CHRIST. But 1 John 4:4, we see that CHRIST in us is greater than all:

4 You are from God, little children, and you have conquered them, because the One (JESUS) who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world (Satan).
Let’s read Ephesians 6:10-20: (The spirit world)

Christian Warfare
10 Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by His vast strength. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the tactics[10] Or schemes, or tricks of the Devil. 12 For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens.[11] Eph 1:3,20; 2:6; 3:10 13 This is why you must take up the full armor[12] 1 Th 5:8 of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand. 14 Stand, therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist, righteousness like armor on your chest, 15 and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace.[13] Ready to go tell others about the gospel 16 In every situation take the shield of faith, and with it you will be able to extinguish the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is God’s word. 18 With every prayer and request, pray at all times in the Spirit, and stay alert in this, with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints. 19 Pray also for me, that the message may be given to me when I open my mouth to make known with boldness the • mystery of the gospel. 20 For this I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I might be bold enough in Him to speak as I should.

This is why believers must build an intimate, personal relationship with CHRIST. They must get to know HIM in a personal way, as they would with their very best friend. This, in essence, is the very heart of our study today. It is not just getting to know about CHRIST through head knowledge but getting to know HIM by interacting with HIM, walking with HIM, talking with HIM, obediently serving HIM and willingly yielding to HIM to become just like HIM. It is a lifetime journey called sanctification.

There will be many ups and downs but the ultimate goal of GOD is for every believer to be made in the image of HIS ONLY SON, JESUS.

The Apostle Paul wrote this letter to the Christians in Philippi. It is often referred to as the letter of joy because of the number of times he refers to joy. Remember joy comes from within and is not dependent upon outside circumstances. Joy is all about our relationship with CHRIST.

Let’s read Philippians 3:2-6:

2 Watch out for “dogs,”[1] An expression of contempt for the unclean, those outside the people of God watch out for evil workers, watch out for those who mutilate the flesh. 3 For we are the circumcision, the ones who serve by the Spirit of God, boast in Christ Jesus, and do not put confidence in the flesh— 4 although I once had confidence in the flesh too. If anyone else thinks he has grounds for confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised the eighth day; of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew born of Hebrews; as to the law, a • Pharisee; 6 as to zeal, persecuting the church; as to the righteousness that is in the law, blameless.

There was a major problem plaguing Christians in Philippi and threatened the spread of the true gospel of CHRIST. There was a group of believers who could not let go of their Jewish traditions. They believed for a person to be saved he had to be circumcised, follow the Jewish ceremonial law and believe in CHRIST. Therefore, according to their teaching a non-Jewish person, Gentile, must first become a Jew by being circumcised (mutilated as Paul stated), observe the Jewish ceremonial law and believe in CHRIST before he could become a Christian. This approach gave the idea that a person could earn his/her salvation and excluded GOD’S grace. Those promoting this false way to salvation were called Judaizers. It became such an issue the practice was brought before the council of Christian leaders in Jerusalem in 49 A.D. as we read in Acts 15:6-11 and 19:

The Jerusalem Council

6 Then the apostles and the elders assembled to consider this matter. 7 After there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them: “Brothers, you are aware that in the early days God made a choice among you,[1] Other mss read us that by my mouth the Gentiles would hear the gospel message and believe. 8 And God, who knows the heart, testified to them by giving[2] Other mss add them the Holy Spirit, just as He also did to us (Jews). 9 He made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith. 10 Why, then, are you now testing God by putting on the disciples’ necks a yoke that neither our forefathers nor we have been able to bear? 11 On the contrary, we believe we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same way they are.” --------

19 Therefore, in my judgment, we should not cause difficulties for those who turn to God from among the Gentiles,

After the Christian leaders made their decision, the Judaizers could not conform and continued to preach their way to salvation. Paul referred to those who held this false belief as “dogs.” They were adding something unnecessary to the Gospel of CHRIST, leaving grace out, implying that a person could earn his/her why to GOD through works thus misleading those who were seeking truth in CHRIST.

These “dogs” were believers but they had a false notion regarding the way for Gentiles to become a Christian. It is easy for believers to be misled by their ego. This is true today. That is why it is vital that all believers study the Bible and measure what they are being taught against what the Bible reveals.

Paul immediately let those who held this false belief know if following Jewish customs and ceremonial law was the way to GOD, he would have achieved it. He had been the Hebrew of all Hebrews. He had believed that he was serving GOD by killing and punishing Christians but after his conversion experience on the road to Damascus, he realized that he only had been serving his flesh and ego, which resulted in him being mislead. He made it clear in verse 3, that it is not the mutilation (circumcision) of the flesh that makes a person righteous before GOD. It is the circumcision of a person’s heart that is vital. It is CHRIST that makes a believer righteous and it is not through the works of a person. Paul addressed the ONE WAY a person receives righteousness in 2 Corinthians 5:21: 21 He (GOD) made the One (JESUS) who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

CHRIST in you makes you a Christian and nothing else. CHRIST in you makes you righteous. It is not joining a certain church, working on worthwhile projects or giving money. Christianity is not a religion but humans make it a religion. It is CHRIST in you, period. If a person does not have CHRIST, he/she is not a Christian!

How does CHRIST come into the heart of a person? Each person must ask CHRIST to forgive him/her for his/her sins and to come into his/her life. That is so simple, yet so hard to do. It is the miracle of rebirth. The instant a person gives his/her life to CHRIST he/she is born into the family of GOD. He/she immediately becomes a child of GOD, which is eternal. Satan will fight the person considering salvation through CHRIST every step of the way. Satan will attempt to divert a person to some religion or practice that requires him/her to do something to earn his/her way to heaven. Don’t fall for it, it is a lie and you are being deceived by Satan.

Some intellectuals believe that Satan is a myth. That is exactly what Satan wants them to believe. Keep in mind what Ephesians 6 has to say about the spirit world. Many of us know that it exists. Paul knew about the spirit world and he was aware that Satan had blinded him when he thought he was serving GOD prior to his conversion to CHRIST on the road to Damascus. Paul had kept the law but keeping the law never made Paul righteous. Paul was obedient to the law.

Paul states true believers are those whose hearts have been circumcised by the Spirit of GOD, who obediently serve God, boast in Christ Jesus, and do not put confidence in the flesh.

Our next scripture revealed what Paul saw after his conversion to CHRIST, through salvation.

Let’s read Philippians 3:7-9:

7 But everything that was a gain to me, I have considered to be a loss because of Christ. 8 More than that, I also consider everything to be a loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. Because of Him I have suffered the loss of all things and consider them filth, so that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own from the law, but one that is through faith in Christ[2] Or through the faithfulness of Christ —the righteousness from God based on faith.

Paul knew that he was a strict keeper of the law. He prided himself on being able to observe the law, yet when he gave his heart, mind and soul to CHRIST, he discovered true righteousness. Paul considered the righteousness he thought he had obtained by serving the law as filth. He laid aside any belief that strict observance of the law was of any value compared to the righteousness that comes as a free gift to those who ask CHRIST, through faith, to come into their lives. Let’s look again at what CHRIST did for all believers by giving HIS life on the cross as Paul recorded in 2 Corinthians 5:21:
21 He (GOD) made the One (JESUS) who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

I used to argue with GOD and asked HIM why couldn’t I give my life for my sins? HE gave me an answer, “You do not qualify. I require a perfect, sinless sacrifice, however, where you do not qualify, MY SON JESUS does qualify and if you accept HIM, I will accept you.” That made a lot of sense to me. I did and that was many years ago.
If you have questions for GOD, let HIM know.

Let’s read Philippians 3:10-11, 12-15 and 4:8:

Philippians 3:10-11:

10 [My goal]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. is to know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, 11 assuming that I will somehow reach the resurrection from among the dead.

Paul gets to the heart of what being a Christians is all about, getting to really know CHRIST. It is not getting to know about CHRIST but getting to really know HIM intimately and experientially. Paul wanted to experience totally and completely by dying to himself and allowing CHRIST to be manifested through him without having to battle the flesh. Paul wanted CHRIST to be resurrected in him so that he would not have to battle his flesh in any way but be totally consumed by the presence and filling of CHRIST. This is not head knowledge but heart knowledge, which is the result of interacting with CHRIST, moment by moment, through the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT. It is the yielding of your life to the control of the HOLY SPIRIT. It is impossible for believers to accomplish this in their own strength.

Philippians 3:12-15:

Reaching Forward to God’s Goal

12 Not that I have already reached [the goal]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. or am already fully mature, but I make every effort to take hold of it because I also have been taken hold of by Christ Jesus. 13 Brothers, I do not[3] Other mss read not yet consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, 14 I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God’s heavenly[4] Or upward call in Christ Jesus. 15 Therefore, all who are mature should think this way. And if you think differently about anything, God will reveal this to you also.

Paul realized and acknowledged that being completely consumed by CHRIST was a spiritual growth and maturing process that he had not fully obtained. But his goal was to be made into the image of CHRIST. Paul had baggage from his old life before he gave his life to CHRIST. I am sure Satan never let him forget his old life. But he realized that he had been born anew into GOD’S family, through the miracle of rebirth. He had been forgiven and he was a new creation, therefore, he could not allow his past life to keep him from completely serving GOD through CHRIST.

Paul urged all believers to think this way. Every believer should have the goal of growing and maturing into the image of CHRIST. If you think differently, pray about it. GOD will reveal the truth to you. GOD’S desire is for HIS children to have an intimate relationship with HIM but HE does not sprinkle them with Holy Dust for them to get this relationship instantly. It is through the process of yielding our will to HIM, walking with HIM, learning about HIM through study and experience. It is a process of learning to trust CHRIST and building confidence in HIM. It is letting HIM know what you do not understand, don’t like or question. It is like building any relationship, “Why did YOU do that or not do that?”

Philippians 4:8:

8 Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise—dwell on these things.

When believers are challenged, question or in uncertain times, they must focus on the things that they know to be true, just, pure, lovely, commendable, morally excellent or praise worthy to dwell on those things. Dwell on what you know.

What do believers know? Once, they were lost but through CHRIST they have been found. When tough times come into your life and there is a battle for your mind, think about the time you gave your heart and life to CHRIST. CHRIST in you makes you a Christian period. Upon the foundation of CHRIST each of us builds a relationship with CHRIST. How do you build a relationship with HIM? It is like any other relationship, spend time with HIM. Learn of HIM by studying the scripture, communicate with HIM through prayer and obediently serve HIM. Tell HIM that your desire is to have an intimate, dynamic relationship with HIM and HE needs to help you build that relationship.

The title of our study is “Change Your Mind.” Paul believed he was right in his beliefs about GOD before his encounter with CHRIST but after he encountered the living CHRIST, he changed his mind. Has the living CHRIST changed your mind? If not, ask HIM to forgive you of your sins and to come into your life now. Then seek to obediently serve HIM by yielding your will to HIM and allowing HIM through the HOLY SPIRIT to give you a new mind in CHRIST.