A new way of thinking

Good morning, everyone,

Our theme for this month: “Sound doctrine, strong faith”

Our Bible verse for today: “For those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit have their minds set on the things of the Spirit. Now the mind-set of the flesh is death, but the mind-set of the Spirit is life and peace.” Romans 8:5-6 (CSB)

Our thought for today: “A new way of thinking”

So far in Romans eight Paul has taught us that a new way of living grows out of a new way of believing, and a new way of believing comes from a new way of thinking. Up to this point in Paul’s analogy, the unbeliever has been thinking that they could live without Jesus and be pleasing to God anyway. But according to Paul that thinking doesn’t work. The Bible is clear that the ways of the world are opposed to the ways of God, and our best efforts to be a good person don’t even get us close to atoning for our many sins. So no, that way of thinking doesn’t work. A new way of thinking is needed.

Likewise, for the wayward or lukewarm Christian, their thinking is based in a desire to straddle the fence and live with one foot in both worlds. You have placed your faith in Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, so you think that since you have your salvation ticket punched, you have your “get out of hell free card” and you still get to indulge in the ways of the world too.

But in these verses Paul challenges that thinking too. He draws a clear distinction between the mind of the flesh and the mind of the Spirit. He writes that if your thinking is dominated by the things of the flesh, that is what will be seen in your life. Likewise, if your mind is controlled by the Holy Spirit your actions will reflect that.

Paul illustrated this point dramatically in his letter to the Galatians. In Galatians 5:19-21 we read this: “Now, the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar. I am warning you about these things – as I warned you before – that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

Then he goes on in verse 22-23 to create the contrast: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” Then he clinches it in verses 24-25: “Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.”

Five times in Romans 8:3-6 Paul used the term “mind set.” A “mind set” is determined by how you set your mind – what you decide to set your mind on. It’s a choice you make. So, let me ask you, “What is your mind set?” “What have you chosen to set your mind on?” Whatever that is will determine how you think.

A new way of thinking will lead to a new way of believing which will lead to a new way of living, and it’s all determined by the things you choose to set your mind on. I encourage you to set your mind on the ways of God and then live that way.

God bless,
Pastor Jim

(If you like what you are reading in these daily devotionals and if you would like more content from Oak Hill Baptist Church, join us on Sundays at 10:00 – in-person if you are nearby or, if you are geographically distant or if you just can’t make it, online at www.YouTube.com/@oakhillbaptistcrossville

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