The Mind of Christ - 1

Matthew 5:1-12

Introduction

1.      Paul speaks of having the mind of Christ and of Christ being formed in us

2.      “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he” - Prov 23:7

3.      Successful living begins with controlling our thoughts

4.      Jesus is a model for how we ought to think  

Discussion

1.      The mind of Christ seen in his birth, baptism and temptation

a.       His birth required that he give up his glory – John 17:5  

b.      His baptism required that he submit his will – Matt 3:15  

c.       His temptation required that he submit his life – seen in his response, “It is written . . .” Matt 4:4, 7, 10  

2.      The mind of Christ seen in the sermon on the mount

a.       The Beatitudes reflect the way in which he thought – Matt 5:3-12  

b.      His contrast between truth and the common understanding of the law reflects an enlightened understanding of the law of God – Matt 5:20-46  

c.       His teaching on prayer, giving and fasting illustrates the importance of motive – Matt 6:1-18  

d.      His teaching on calling him Lord reflects the need for words to be accompanied by actions – Matt 7:21-27  

3.      The mind of Christ seen in his miracles

a.       His desire for secrecy reflects a desire to be known for other things than his power over illness and demons – Matt 9:30; Mark 5:43 (and others)  

b.      His willingness to defer to others reflected his submissive spirit – Matt 8:7  

c.       His response in all circumstances reflected his compassion for people – whether hunger, peril, death, illness, or a hunger to know God  

Conclusion

1.       God has given us sufficient information so that we can know the thinking of Jesus

2.      It is not information that we lack, but a determination that we are going to use that information to bring change in our lives

3.      Baptism is a commitment to change, immediately and long range