The Mind of Christ

January 12, 2025

The New Testament refers to the mind approximately 100 times. We are told to renew our minds, to set our minds, and to have the mind of Christ. But how, exactly, do we do this? Join us for part two of Closer, where we will explore how to love God with our minds.

Listen to Podcast

Passages

Romans 12:1-2

Something to avoid:

Do not ##conform## to the pattern of this ##world##.

Something to do:

Be transformed by the ##renewing## of your ##mind##.

A promised outcome:

You will be able to test and approve God’s ##will##.

Practice

Set your minds on ##things## ##above##, not on ##earthly## ##things##. – Colossians 3:2

Small Group Questions

Use this outline for personal reflection, as a couple or family devotion, or with a small group.

HANGOUT

What is the difference between wisdom and knowledge? What does it mean to love God with your whole mind?

HEAR

Read Proverbs 1:1-7

What is the purpose of the book of Proverbs?
What is the beginning of wisdom? What does that mean?
What habits and routines do you practice to grow in the knowledge, wisdom, and understanding of the Lord? Is there something new you want to do in 2025 to grow in this area?

Read Proverbs 1:20-33

What are modern examples of the “simple” loving their “simple ways,” “mockers” delighting in “mockery,” and “fools hating knowledge.”
What does it mean to repent of these ways? What is the promise for those willing to turn away from this way of thinking? What is the result of failing to repent?
Who or what has the most influence on your mind? What dominates your thoughts? Do you like your answer to this question? Why or why not? If not, what will you do this week to change the answer?

Read 2 Corinthians 10:5

What is Paul “demolishing” and why? What “arguments” and “pretense” regularly set themselves against the knowledge of God today?
What practical ways can a person “take every thought captive”?
What will you do this week to “take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ”?

HUDDLE

Are there arguments and presences that you need to demolish? If so, what are they, and how will you do it? Talk about it, invite accountability, and pray together.

Daily Reading

As you read each passage, look for connections to this week’s sermon and small group discussion. Invite the Holy Spirit to be your teacher as you seek Him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Day 1: Romans 12
Day 2: Philippians 2
Day 3: Philippians 4
Day 4: Proverbs 1
Day 5: Proverbs 2
Day 6: Proverbs 3
Day 7: Proverbs 4