This Sunday we’re starting a series titled “Free for Real.” We want to consider the truths of our freedom in Christ.
We will start off by considering the nature of the battle for freedom (lies vs. truth) and the location of the battle for freedom (the mind). As far as the mind is concerned, notice how often the word mind is used in the following passage:
“Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God” (Romans 8:5-8).
The battle between our flesh and the Spirit takes place in the mind. Thought precedes action. We act consistently with what we first believe in our minds and hearts to be true. Of course, our hearts can deceive us. We are infinitely capable of self deceit, which is why it is so good that we have the Word of God and the Spirit of God. A major aspect of living in the freedom which God has purchased for us through Jesus is believing the truth of what the Spirit says in the Word.
There is a difference between knowing and believing. Most of us know the lyrics to the song, “Jesus Loves Me.” We’ve heard them a million times. We know that God loves us…but do we believe it? Do we trust it?
One author tried to get at it this way: “You know that God loves you, but do you think he likes you?” Many who know that God loves them don’t really believe he likes them. This shows a double-mindedness about the truth–a sure sign of a battle going on in the head, which will play out in real, live choices.
We’ll talk more about truth this week.
Kip
