These were my notes in preparation for our 8/22/2010 church meeting.
Leader: Raymond Harris
Assignment
Setting our mind on the Spirit—Lets talk about this subject and look at God's word in regards to what this really means? How do we accomplish this task? Is this just a task, or is it something much greater? What are the practical benefits to setting our minds on the Spirit? What are the obstacles that stand in our way and would keep us from achieving this "setting our minds on the Spirit?" If we were to totally achieve this mind set, how would our lives be different? Have I had this as one of my goals in life? Am I growing in this? Think of other questions we might ask ourselves as we study this subject and as we strive to grow in this? Suggested scriptures, (Rom.8:1-14; Col. 3:1-10; Gal.5:13-26). Search for other passages that may shed light on this study. As always may God open our eyes to see Him and His truth!
My Notes
- What does it mean to set our mind on the Spirit?
It means you are focused on spiritual things and not fleshly, that you are walking according to the Spirit and not according to the flesh, to fulfill its lusts (Gal. 5:16). - How do we accomplish this task?
A. The Spirit of God must dwell in you (Rom. 8:9).
B. We receive the Spirit of God when we are baptized into His death (Rom. 6:3-5; Acts 2:38).
C. When we die with Christ we are to consider ourselves dead to sin—the life which we used to live is no more, along with its deeds (Rom. 6:11-14).
D. Our new interest is in that of spiritual things, trying to pattern our behavior after Jesus (Rom. 8:5). - Is this just a task, or is it something much greater?
It is more than a task—it is THE new life (Rom. 6:3-11). - What are the practical benefits to setting our minds on the Spirit?
You must set your mind on the Spirit in order to live according to this Spirit, which is the only way to please God. Additionally, GOD's commandments are for our good always, so obeying His will results in a blessed life, free from many of the heartaches which plague people who walk according to the flesh. - What are the obstacles that stand in our way?
We still live in a fleshly world where materialism is prevalent and we are bombarded by temptation every day. Satan would have us forsake our calling to return to the temporary pleasure of sin.
