Being in your right mind!
Philippians 2:5 (KJV) “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.”
1 Corinthians 2:16 (KJV) “For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.”
Having the Mind of Christ take a conscious effort to receive the thoughts that Jesus, the Anointed One, The Christ, has.
1. What Does It Mean to Have the Mind of Christ?
Having the mind of Christ means allowing the Holy Spirit and the Word of God to shape our thinking, attitudes, decisions, and responses until our lives increasingly reflect Jesus.
It does not mean that we become all-knowing or that our thoughts are automatically God’s thoughts. It means learning to see life through the truth, wisdom, humility, and purposes of Christ.
Philippians 2:5 (KJV) says:
“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.”
Notice the instruction: Let this mind be in you. We are called to cultivate the attitude of Christ in our daily lives.
2. Three Characteristics of the Mind of Christ
I. A Mind of Humility
Jesus did not use His position to exalt Himself. He took the form of a servant.
Scripture: Philippians 2:3–8
Application: Do I seek to be served, or am I willing to serve others?
II. A Mind Governed by Truth
Jesus resisted temptation by standing on the Word of God.
Scripture: Matthew 4:1–11; John 17:17
Application: Are my decisions guided by Scripture, or controlled by emotions, fear, and the opinions of others?
III. A Mind of Love and Compassion
Jesus saw people beyond their failures, needs, and outward appearances.
Scripture: Matthew 9:36; Luke 23:34
Application: Do I respond to people with Christlike compassion while still standing firmly in God’s truth?
3. How Do We Develop the Mind of Christ?
1. Renew your mind through God’s Word.
Romans 12:2 teaches us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. God’s Word challenges worldly thinking and reshapes our understanding.
2. Walk in the Holy Spirit.
1 Corinthians 2:10–16 explains that the Spirit helps us understand the things of God. Spiritual discernment is not simply human intelligence; it depends on God’s revelation and wisdom.
3. Reject thoughts that contradict the truth of God.
2 Corinthians 10:5 speaks of bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. We must examine our thoughts rather than automatically accept everything that enters our minds.
4. Practice the attitude of Jesus.
John 13:14–15 shows Jesus washing His disciples’ feet and calling them to follow His example. The mind of Christ becomes visible through our actions.
4. The Mind of Christ Versus the Natural Mind
| The natural mindset | The mind of Christ |
|---|---|
| Pride | Humility |
| Revenge | Forgiveness |
| Fear-driven decisions | Faith and godly wisdom |
| Self-centeredness | Servanthood |
| Worldly values | Biblical truth |
| Impulsive reactions | Spirit-led responses |
This is not a claim that Christians never struggle with these things. It is a picture of the direction in which Christ is transforming us.
5. The Context of 1 Corinthians 2:16
Paul was addressing the difference between human wisdom and the wisdom revealed by God’s Spirit. The message of the cross appeared foolish to those relying on worldly standards, but God’s wisdom could be understood through the Spirit.
When Paul declares, “we have the mind of Christ,” he is emphasizing the spiritual understanding God provides to His people. The verse is not a promise that every personal impression or idea comes directly from God.
The central lesson: We learn the mind of Christ by submitting our thinking to God’s revealed truth and allowing the Holy Spirit to transform how we live.
2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV)
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
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Watch/Listen to my sermon: “Whatcha Thinkin’?'” at the Bread of Life Church, Buffalo, NY (May 21, 2025)
Watch/Listen to the Sermon: “Sound Mind” at the Bread of Life Church, Buffalo, NY (April 15, 2026)
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