THINKING LIKE CHRIST

1 Corinthians 2:1-16        

Monday, 25 November 2024

“… But we have the mind of Christ.” - 1 Corinthians 2:16

The Epistle of 1Corinthians was written by Apostle Paul to correct certain mistakes in the Church in Corinth. It was a response to two letters received by Paul – one from the household of Chloe (1:11) detailing the divisions and other issues in the Church and the second letter was a set of questions from other members of the church (1Cor.16:17)-on questions about marriage and singleness (1Cor.7:1-40) and Christian liberty (1Cor.8:1-11:1).

These problems arose because the young Church at Corinth failed to protect itself from the pagan culture of the city. The immaturity of Corinthian believers brought in divisions and their ego-centric life style was quite evident even in the church. They prided in their strength, wealth and spiritual gifts. They failed to realize that Christ was glorified in His humility and death.

Paul here exhorts the believers at Corinth and believers everywhere to model Jesus Christ. Our key verse today -Vs.16 summarizes it all – have the mind of Christ! ‘Mind’ refers to the faculty of mental perception and understanding that exhibits itself in our conscious life. Paul also exposes the folly of Gnostics, a group of false religious teachers who always claimed some secret knowledge that was only available to a very special inner circle of spiritual leaders.

Christian life should be without pretense--it is not unapproachable by common man; it is not impractical either. Paul in this portion is breaking the wall of religiosity and speaking about the pure and plain Christian character which has the distinct mark of humility.

Looking at Paul from today’s reading, we can see the mind of Christ reflected in him:

◦ Paul’s message and preaching – by the demonstration of the Spirit and of Power (Vs.4). He did not choose to impress people but impart to them Christ crucified whom he had experienced.

◦ Paul’s faith rested not in the wisdom of men but in the power of God (V.5). The basis of our faith is in the power of GOD! Faith in who He is and what He can do. Hebrews 11: 6 says, “…for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”

◦ Paul spoke the wisdom of God which was revealed to him by the Spirit of God working within him (Vs.6-12). Anyone who believes there is some mysterious wisdom to be searched and sought after (like the Gnostics) should understand what it says in Colossians 1:26-27: “the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints. To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”

◦ Paul being spiritual was able to discern/understand/judge all things (Vs.13-15)- had a spiritual discernment. Only a mind given to the Spirit of God can have such discernment while living in this world.

However, it is impossible for a person of the world to attain this humility which can be gained only by having the mind of Christ! 2 Peter 1:4 says we become “partakers of the divine nature.” The divine nature, which is the reflection of the “mind of Christ” is not acquired rather it is imparted, we partake in it. This is possible only if a person becomes one with Christ and maintains that position. Brothers and Sisters, endeavor to have the mind of Christ! That’s the key to a successful Christian life!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I pray that You impart to me the mind of Christ that I may live a life pleasing to You. In Jesus' name, Amen.