How can we discern when our thoughts align with "the things of God"? The Key Passage “Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of men.” – Matthew 16:23 Why the Rebuke Landed on Peter • Peter had just confessed Jesus as Messiah (v. 16), yet moments later tried to talk Jesus out of the cross (v. 22). • He loved Jesus but allowed human instinct—avoiding suffering—to override God’s revealed plan (Isaiah 53). • Jesus exposed the mismatch between heartfelt loyalty and mind-set: affection without alignment. Defining “the Things of God” • God’s redemptive plan centered on the cross (1 Corinthians 2:2). • Truth that comes by revelation, not mere reason (1 Corinthians 2:10-12). • Priorities of eternity over immediacy (Colossians 3:2). • Righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17). • The will of God revealed in Scripture (Psalm 119:160). Red Flags Our Thoughts Drift to Human Concerns • Resisting any path that involves sacrifice or discomfort when Scripture calls for it. • Valuing popularity, power, or self-preservation above obedience (Mark 8:34-35). • Measuring success solely by visible outcomes rather than faithfulness (2 Corinthians 5:7). • Anxiety that sidelines prayer and trust (Philippians 4:6-7). • Compartmentalizing faith—treating Christ’s lordship as optional in certain areas (Luke 6:46). Practical Steps to Align Our Minds • Saturate your thinking with God’s Word – Daily intake (Psalm 1:2). – Memorize key verses that target recurring mental battles (Psalm 119:11). • Invite the Spirit’s ongoing renewal – “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). – Yield immediate, quiet assent when conviction comes (Galatians 5:25). • Evaluate thoughts by Philippians 4:8 – True, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, praiseworthy—keep only what fits. • Speak truth aloud – Jesus answered temptation with Scripture (Matthew 4:1-10); vocalizing truth silences lies. • Stay cross-centered – The cross reveals God’s wisdom where human logic fails (1 Corinthians 1:18-25). • Seek godly counsel – “In a multitude of counselors there is safety” (Proverbs 11:14). Trusted believers help spot blind spots. • Practice thankful worship – Gratitude recalibrates perspective toward the eternal (Psalm 107:1). • Guard your inputs – What entertains shapes what dominates the mind (Proverbs 4:23). The Ongoing Test Those who “live according to the Spirit [set their minds] on the things of the Spirit” (Romans 8:5-6). Each thought becomes an opportunity: either reinforcing Christ’s lordship or returning to mere human reasoning. The Holy Spirit, through Scripture and continual fellowship with Christ, equips believers to recognize the difference and choose the path that pleases God. |
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