The Sound Mind of Christ

Have you ever found yourself in such a frightening situation that it pushed your “panic button”? Some people face that kind of fear because of a dreadful circumstance. Others may fear failure, rejection, illness, or death. Children often fear the dark and want their parents to hold their hand as they walk into a dark room. Whatever you fear, you don’t have to handle it alone by working harder, trying to control things, living in denial, or worst of all, backing away from God and His promises. God does not give us a spirit of fear. 

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Challenges that seem beyond our abilities and make us feel inadequate aren’t intended to make us fear, but rather to drive us to our Lord Jesus Christ Whose grace is sufficient, so that we develop a God-confidence that cannot be shaken. As we honestly admit what we’re afraid of, our fear can actually draw us closer to the Lord than we ever thought possible. Reading God’s promises in the Bible gives us assurance that we are not alone in this fearful circumstance. God has promised to be with you in every situation and to never leave you or forsake you, so you can put your trust in Him. He is the source of our courage and security, as the Holy Spirit gives us His power, love, and a sound mind. He alone can turn our fear into faith.

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A word study of 2 Timothy 1:6b-7:

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NASB: kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you…for God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.

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Amplified: stir up (rekindle the embers of, fan the flame of, and keep burning) the [gracious] gift of God, [the inner fire] that is in you…for God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control.

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NLT: fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you…for God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

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Living Bible: stir into flame the strength and boldness that is in you…for the Holy Spirit, God’s gift, does not want you to be afraid of people, but to be wise and strong, and to love them and enjoy being with them.

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Phillips: stir up that inner fire which God gave you…for God has not given us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power and love and a sound mind.

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Wuest: keep constantly blazing the gift of God…for God did not give to us a spirit of fearfulness, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

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Young's Literal: stir up the gift of God…for God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

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Kindle afresh (anazopureo from ana = up, back or again + zoos = alive + pur = fire) means to keep in full flame. Stir up the fire. Add fresh fuel. Cause something to begin again, to reactivate or to cause to begin to be active again. The present tense conveys the sense of progressive, continuous action. Keep kindling the gift afresh or make it your aim to continually keep it at full flame.

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Gift (charisma from charis = grace, English = "charismatic") means a gift of grace (the result of grace), an undeserved benefit. The suffix –ma, indicates the result of grace and refers to that which is freely and graciously given. 

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Spirit (pneuma from pnéo = to breathe) means a blowing (wind), a breathing (breath) and can refer to the seat of the inner spiritual life of man, capacity to know God.

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Timidity (deilia from deilos = fearful, timid) means lack of mental or moral strength, timidity (lacking courage, self-confidence, boldness or determination), reticence (inclination to be silent or uncommunicative in speech), cowardice (lack of courage or resolution) or shameful fear that is generated by weak, selfish character. The picture is one who is in a state of fear because of a lack of courage or moral strength. Deilia is never used in a good sense, whereas another word for "fear" (phobos) can be used in either a good sense (fear of the Lord) or a bad sense.

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Power (dunamis from dunamai = to be able, to have power) power especially achieving power. It refers to intrinsic power or inherent ability, the power or ability to carry out some function, the potential for functioning in some way (power, might, strength, ability, capability), the power residing in a thing by virtue of its nature. Dunamis is the root from which we derive the English word dynamic, (synonyms = energetic, functioning, live, operative, working) which describes that which is marked by usually continuous and productive activity or change. That which is dynamic is characterized by energy or forces that produce motion, as opposed to that which is static. Another English word dynamite, is derived from dunamis and since dunamis is used by Paul to describe the "power of God," some have suggested that the gospel is "God’s dynamite". This is misapplication of this English derivative in an attempt to try to picture the lifesaving power of the gospel. Dunamis does not refer to explosive power, as if the gospel will blow men to bits but as discussed above, it refers to intrinsic power. The gospel is dynamic, God’s dynamic, and so is powerful in the transformation of human lives.

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Love (agape) describes the unconditional, unselfish, costly love that God is (1Jn 4:16) and which God shows (Jn 3:16) and which was "poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us" at the time of our new birth (Ro 5:5). Agape love is produced in the heart of the yielded, surrendered saint by the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:22) and has as its chief ingredient, self-sacrifice for the benefit of the one loved (Jn 3:16).

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Discipline or "sound mind" (sophronismos from sophron in turn from sozo = save + phren = mind) so literally this word describes "a saved mind" or "a sound mind." Not only is such a mind secure and sound but it carries the additional idea that this mind is self-controlled, disciplined, and properly prioritized. Sophronismos describes sound-mindedness in action and the opposite mindset is one predisposed to excessive self-indulgence or lack of good sense. Sophronismos describes the individual marked by a sense of sobriety (temperance, moderation), sound judgment, exercise of prudence, moderation, prudence (prudence includes the ability to govern and discipline oneself, sagacity or shrewdness in the management of affairs, skill and good judgment in the use of resources, caution or circumspection as to danger or risk).

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Pastor David Jeremiah writes: “We have been released from the spirit of fear by the Holy Spirit, who has placed us in the body of Christ. We have received the Spirit of adoption. This adoption provides for every believer release from the bondage that he once knew. The picture that Paul uses is the contrast between slavery and sonship. Slavery, with its fear and isolation, stands for our old lives before knowing Christ. We are told by the writer of Hebrews that Christ died that He might destroy the one who had the power of death and release those who were subject to a fear of death (Hebrews 2:14–15). The perfect love of God has cast out the fear to which we were once enslaved (2 Timothy 1:6b-7; 1 John 4:18). Anything that involves a believer in fear of bondage cannot possibly be the work of the Holy Spirit of God. It must come either from his own heart of unbelief or as a temptation of the evil one. Our sonship implies perfect spiritual liberty and the absence of all legal features which would bring us once more under the Law."

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Have you ever found yourself in such a frightening situation that it pushed your “panic button”? Some people face that kind of fear because of a dreadful circumstance. Others may fear failure, rejection, illness, or death. Children often fear the dark and want their parents to hold their hand as they walk into a dark room. Whatever you fear, you don’t have to handle it alone by working harder, trying to control things, living in denial, or worst of all, backing away from God and His promises. God does not give us a spirit of fear. 

.

Challenges that seem beyond our abilities and make us feel inadequate aren’t intended to make us fear, but rather to drive us to our Lord Jesus Christ Whose grace is sufficient, so that we develop a God-confidence that cannot be shaken. As we honestly admit what we’re afraid of, our fear can actually draw us closer to the Lord than we ever thought possible. Reading God’s promises in the Bible gives us assurance that we are not alone in this fearful circumstance. God has promised to be with you in every situation and to never leave you or forsake you, so you can put your trust in Him. He is the source of our courage and security, as the Holy Spirit gives us His power, love, and a sound mind. He alone can turn our fear into faith.

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Lord Jesus, I thank You for Your Word that promises Your presence with me, giving me Your resurrection power, Your agape love, and the sound mind of Christ. You have said that when I’m afraid, at the very point of my anxiety, I can put my trust in You and experience Your peace and protection. I am able to accomplish what You ask of me only through Your power. Thank You for Your Word because in it I learn that You are my sufficiency! May my confidence always be in Your finished work on the cross. No matter what dark and frightening circumstances I may face, help me to trust You and stir into flame the strength and boldness that Your Holy Spirit gives me every day. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

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Look up – Meditate on 2 Timothy 1:6b-7. Pray to see what it reveals about the character of God.

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Look in – Meditate on 2 Timothy 1:6b-7. Pray to see how you might apply it to your life. Be propelled to ask galvanizing questions about your discoveries: “Because God is ______________, I will ______________.”

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Look out – Meditate on 2 Timothy 1:6b-7. Pray to see how you might apply it to your relationships with others. Let the nature of God impact on every relationship, for your good, and for His glory.   

yielded to His Spirit

artwork by Tamara Peterson

As I pondered Tamara Peterson’s beautiful work of art posted on her Artful Story —Journaling Facebook page, this Scripture came to mind…Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need (Hebrews 4:16)…Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience... (Hebrews 10:22)... 

I reflected on Tamara’s inspired artwork as I listened to one of my favorite hymns from Selah, Before The Throne of God Above…Before the throne of God above, I have a strong and perfect Plea; A great high priest whose name is Love, Who ever lives and pleads for me. My name is graven on His hands, My name is written on His heart. I know that while in Heaven He stands, No tongue can bid me thence depart. When Satan tempts me to despair, And tells me of the guilt within, Upwards I look and see Him there, Who made an end to all my sin. Because the sinless Savior died, My sinful soul is counted free, For God the Just is satisfied, to look on Him and pardon me. Behold Him there, the risen Lamb; My perfect spotless Righteousness, the great unchanging all I Am, The King of glory and of grace. One with Himself, I cannot die; my soul is purchased by His blood. My life is hid with Christ on high; with Christ, my Savior and my God.

This provided a powerful image for my time of communion . . . the power in the blood of Jesus Christ which led me to a word study of the word power from Ephesians 1:20-21 . . .

Amplified: which He exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His [own] right hand in the heavenly [places], far above all rule and authority and power and dominion and every name that is named [above every title that can be conferred], not only in this age and in this world, but also in the age and the world which are to come.

NLT: that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms. Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come.

Phillips: that power is the same divine power which was demonstrated in Christ when he raised him from the dead and gave him the place of supreme honor in Heaven—a place that is infinitely superior to any conceivable command, authority, power or control, and which carries with it a name far beyond any name that could ever be used in this world or the world to come.

Wuest: which might was operative in the Christ when He raised Him from among the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places over and above every government and authority and power and lordship and every name that is constantly being named, not only in this age, but also in the one about to come.

Power: dunamis from dunamai means to be able, to have power, refers to power, especially achieving power. It refers to intrinsic power or inherent ability, the power or ability to carry out some function, the potential for functioning in some way (power, might, strength, ability, capability), the power residing in a thing by virtue of its nature.

Dunamis is the implied ability or capacity to perform. It conveys the idea of effective, productive energy, rather than that which is raw and unbridled. Note that words derived from the stem duna—all have the basic meaning of “being able,” of “capacity” in virtue of an ability.

Theologian F.B. Meyer has said, “It is power. It is His power. It is great power; nothing less would suffice. It is exceeding great power, beyond the furthest cast of thought. This is the power which God used in our redemption, which He uses in our preservation, and which He will yet use in our glorification.”  Greek scholar Kenneth Wuest explains, “It is the good news of salvation energized by the Holy Spirit. Our word “dynamite” is the transliteration of this Greek word, but not its translation. Dunamis does not refer to an explosive powder. The Greeks knew nothing about gunpowder. The gospel is not the dynamite of God. It is a sweet and loving message of mercy and grace which the Holy Spirit in sovereign grace makes operative in the heart of the sinner elected to salvation before the foundation of the universe. God is able to do for us and answer our prayers according to the efficiency, richness, and power of the working of the Spirit in our lives. This latter is determined by the yieldedness of the believer to the Holy Spirit. Thus, the saint determines what God is able to do for him. In His inherent ability, there is no limit to what God can do in and through the saint. But the saint limits the working of God in and through him by the degree of his yieldedness to the Spirit."

During the bomb raids of World War Two, thousands of children were orphaned and left to starve. The fortunate ones were rescued and placed in refugee camps where they received food and good care. But, many of these children who had lost so much could not sleep at night. They feared waking up to find themselves once again homeless and without food. Nothing seemed to reassure them. Finally, someone hit upon the idea of giving each child a piece of bread to hold at bedtime. Holding their bread, these children could finally sleep in peace. All through the night the bread reminded them, "Today I ate, and I will eat again tomorrow." In much the same way, I hold the bread and the cup of communion with the same trust. By His stripes, I am healed; as He is, so am I in this world; I am the righteousness of God in Christ...approaching His Throne of Grace with confidence...my heart sprinkled by the precious blood of Jesus Christ...with full assurance, I am trusting Him with my eternity, and I am trusting Him for my next piece of bread, my next heart beat . . .

I approach the Throne of Grace with confidence in prayer, I picture Jesus, my Good, Good Shepherd, in the green pasture of the 23^rd Psalm. I take whatever concern I have, or person for whom I am interceding by the hand. I walk out to the meadow, the green pasture, and I place my concern, or the hand of the person for whom I am interceding, in Jesus’ hand…knowing that He is sovereign, He loves me, and He loves the person for whom I am interceding more than I do. He has a plan, a hope, and a future for each of us. I walk away, thanking God for how the river of His Holy Spirit is flowing through me and how He is at work in my life and in the lives of those for whom I am interceding. I experience His peace. Praying as Catherine Marshall prayed, “Lord Jesus, I trust You, You know what You’re doing, I relinquish my will to Yours.”

Look Up—meditate on Ephesians 1:20-21 …pray to see what it reveals about the character of God.
Look In—as you meditate on Ephesians 1:20-21 …pray to see how you might apply it to your life. Be propelled to ask galvanizing questions about your discoveries: "Because God is_________, I will_____________."

Look Out—as you meditate on Ephesians 1:20-21 ...pray to see how you might apply it to your relationship with others. Let the nature of God impact on every relationship, for your good, and for His glory.


* If you liked this post, you’ll love this book – Name Above All Names Devotional: Focusing on 26 Alphabetical Names of Christ


Weekly LinkUps…

fan the flame...

artwork by Tamara Peterson

I was so inspired by Tamara Peterson’s beautiful artwork, as well as her caption: God did not create us to be timid. He gave us a gift to light the world around us. How do you light your world? How do you spark creativity in those around us? Tamara’s wonderful gift of artistry inspired me while listening to Jesus Culture's Set A Fire... Set a fire down in my soul, that I can’t contain, that I can’t control, I want more of You God…I felt led to do a word study of 2 Timothy 1:6b-7:

NASB: kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you…for God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.

Amplified: stir up (rekindle the embers of, fan the flame of, and keep burning) the [gracious] gift of God, [the inner fire] that is in you…for God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control.

NLT: fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you…for God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

Living Bible: stir into flame the strength and boldness that is in you…for the Holy Spirit, God’s gift, does not want you to be afraid of people, but to be wise and strong, and to love them and enjoy being with them.

Phillips: stir up that inner fire which God gave you…for God has not given us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power and love and a sound mind.

Wuest: keep constantly blazing the gift of God…for God did not give to us a spirit of fearfulness, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

Young's Literal: stir up the gift of God…for God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Kindle afresh (anazopureo from ana = up, back or again + zoos = alive + pur = fire) means to keep in full flame. Stir up the fire. Add fresh fuel. Cause something to begin again, to reactivate or to cause to begin to be active again. The present tense conveys the sense of progressive, continuous action. Keep kindling the gift afresh or make it your aim to continually keep it at full flame.

Gift (charisma from charis = grace, English = "charismatic") means a gift of grace (the result of grace), an undeserved benefit. The suffix –ma, indicates the result of grace and refers to that which is freely and graciously given.

Spirit (pneuma from pnéo = to breathe) means a blowing (wind), a breathing (breath) and can refer to the seat of the inner spiritual life of man, capacity to know God.

Timidity (deilia from deilos = fearful, timid) means lack of mental or moral strength, timidity (lacking courage, self-confidence, boldness or determination), reticence (inclination to be silent or uncommunicative in speech), cowardice (lack of courage or resolution) or shameful fear that is generated by weak, selfish character. The picture is one who is in a state of fear because of a lack of courage or moral strength. Deilia is never used in a good sense, whereas another word for "fear" (phobos) can be used in either a good sense (fear of the Lord) or a bad sense.

Power (dunamis from dunamai = to be able, to have power) power especially achieving power. It refers to intrinsic power or inherent ability, the power or ability to carry out some function, the potential for functioning in some way (power, might, strength, ability, capability), the power residing in a thing by virtue of its nature. Dunamis is the root from which we derive the English word dynamic, (synonyms = energetic, functioning, live, operative, working) which describes that which is marked by usually continuous and productive activity or change. That which is dynamic is characterized by energy or forces that produce motion, as opposed to that which is static. Another English word dynamite, is derived from dunamis and since dunamis is used by Paul to describe the "power of God," some have suggested that the gospel is "God’s dynamite". This is misapplication of this English derivative in an attempt to try to picture the lifesaving power of the gospel. Dunamis does not refer to explosive power, as if the gospel will blow men to bits but as discussed above, it refers to intrinsic power. The gospel is dynamic, God’s dynamic, and so is powerful in the transformation of human lives.

Love (agape) describes the unconditional, unselfish, costly love that God is (1Jn 4:16) and which God shows (Jn 3:16) and which was "poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us" at the time of our new birth (Ro 5:5). Agape love is produced in the heart of the yielded, surrendered saint by the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:22) and has as its chief ingredient, self-sacrifice for the benefit of the one loved (Jn 3:16).

Discipline or "sound mind" (sophronismos from sophron in turn from sozo = save + phren = mind) so literally this word describes "a saved mind" or "a sound mind." Not only is such a mind secure and sound but it carries the additional idea that this mind is self-controlled, disciplined, and properly prioritized. Sophronismos describes sound-mindedness in action and the opposite mindset is one predisposed to excessive self-indulgence or lack of good sense. Sophronismos describes the individual marked by a sense of sobriety (temperance, moderation), sound judgment, exercise of prudence, moderation, prudence (prudence includes the ability to govern and discipline oneself, sagacity or shrewdness in the management of affairs, skill and good judgment in the use of resources, caution or circumspection as to danger or risk).

Pastor David Jeremiah writes: “We have been released from the spirit of fear by the Holy Spirit, who has placed us in the body of Christ. We have received the Spirit of adoption. This adoption provides for every believer release from the bondage that he once knew. The picture that Paul uses is the contrast between slavery and sonship. Slavery, with its fear and isolation, stands for our old lives before knowing Christ. We are told by the writer of Hebrews that Christ died that He might destroy the one who had the power of death and release those who were subject to a fear of death (Hebrews 2:14–15). The perfect love of God has cast out the fear to which we were once enslaved (2 Timothy 1:6b-7; 1 John 4:18). Anything that involves a believer in fear of bondage cannot possibly be the work of the Holy Spirit of God. It must come either from his own heart of unbelief or as a temptation of the evil one. Our sonship implies perfect spiritual liberty and the absence of all legal features which would bring us once more under the Law."

Have you ever found yourself in such a frightening situation that it pushed your “panic button”? Some people face that kind of fear because of a dreadful circumstance. Others may fear failure, rejection, illness, or death. Children often fear the dark and want their parents to hold their hand as they walk into a dark room. Whatever you fear, you don’t have to handle it alone by working harder, trying to control things, living in denial, or worst of all, backing away from God and His promises. God does not give us a spirit of fear. Challenges that seem beyond our abilities and make us feel inadequate aren’t intended to make us fear, but rather to drive us to our Lord Jesus Christ Whose grace is sufficient, so that we develop a God-confidence that cannot be shaken. As we honestly admit what we’re afraid of, our fear can actually draw us closer to the Lord than we ever thought possible. Reading God’s promises in the Bible gives us assurance that we are not alone in this fearful circumstance. God has promised to be with you in every situation and to never leave you or forsake you, so you can put your trust in Him. He is the source of our courage and security, as the Holy Spirit gives us His power, love, and a sound mind. He alone can turn our fear into faith.

Lord Jesus, I thank You for Your Word that promises Your presence with me, giving me Your resurrection power, Your agape love, and the sound mind of Christ. You have said that when I’m afraid, at the very point of my anxiety, I can put my trust in You and experience Your peace and protection. I am able to accomplish what You ask of me only through Your power. Thank You for Your Word because in it I learn that You are my sufficiency! May my confidence always be in Your finished work on the cross. No matter what dark and frightening circumstances I may face, help me to trust You and stir into flame the strength and boldness that Your Holy Spirit gives me every day. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

“It is not my ability, but my response to God’s ability, that counts.”—Corrie ten Boom

Look up – Meditate on 2 Timothy 1:6b-7. Pray to see what it reveals about the character of God.

Look in – Meditate on 2 Timothy 1:6b-7. Pray to see how you might apply it to your life. Be propelled to ask galvanizing questions about your discoveries: “Because God is ______________, I will ______________.”

Look out – Meditate on 2 Timothy 1:6b-7. Pray to see how you might apply it to your relationships with others. Let the nature of God impact on every relationship, for your good, and for His glory.  

* If you liked this post you’ll love this book – Name Above All Names Devotional: Focusing on 26 Alphabetical Names of Christ

Weekly LinkUps…

encouraging resurrection power words

the empty garden tomb in Jerusalem, Israel

I find great encouragement in a word study of the four different Greek words used in this Scripture for the resurrection power with which God raised Jesus Christ from the dead and toward us who believe...

…what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places…(Ephesians 1:19-20)

power (dunamis)—dynamic—it refers to intrinsic power. The gospel is dynamic, God’s dynamic, and so is powerful in the transformation of human lives. Dunamis is the same power that resides in believers because we are in Christ and He is in us.

working (energeia)—describes effectual working, efficiency or active, effective power. In this passage, energeia describes the active, energetic, productive power of God at work. Energeia describes God’s power in raising Christ, Paul instructs us that we have it, too.

strength (kratos)—refers to manifested power or power that is released, put forth in action. It is power to overcome what stands in the way. It is power which is able to overcome resistance. Kratos means strength or might, the power to rule or control, supreme authority, sovereignty.

might (ischus)—inherent power or force. A muscular man’s big muscles display his might, even if he doesn’t use them. It is the reserve of strength. Ischus conveys the sense of endowed power or ability. The idea is that it is the active efficacy of the might that is inherent in God, His indwelling strength. He is able!

As a believer, I know this is the same resurrection power that dwells in the innermost part of me, giving me strength to face every day’s challenges.

[For my determined purpose is] that I may know Him [that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly], and that I may in that same way come to know the power outflowing from His resurrection [which it exerts over believers] (Philippians 3:10 Amplified Bible)

I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency].(Philippians 4:13 Amplified Bible)

Take a few minutes to listen to these heart-felt lyrics from “Resurrection” by Nicole Sponberg

Here I am at the end, I'm in need of resurrection

Only You can take this empty shell and raise it from the dead 

What I've lost to the world, what seems far beyond redemption 

You can take the pieces in Your hand and make me whole again

 

This is encouraging to me, because it’s not my power, but the power of the Spirit of Christ Who dwells in the innermost part of me, the same power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead.

How about you? Is this encouraging to you? Please leave your comments in the box below. I’d love to hear from you!

Linking up with Holley Gerth’s Coffee for Your Heart as an encourager!