Spirit-Governed Mind

- Paul separates people into two categories: 1. Those who let themselves be controlled by their flesh/sinful nature and 2. Those who follow after the Holy Spirit. Before we surrender our lives to Christ, we're in the first category. Once we have decided to follow Jesus, we must intentionally choose to "take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." everyday/every moment.
- The flesh produces a certain pattern and way of thinking/mindset. It pleases self and it is attracted to the world. When people's thinking is controlled by the sinful self, there's spiritual death. The Holy Spirit produces a certain pattern and way of thinking/mindset. When people's thinking is controlled by the Spirit, there's life (eternal life and abundant life) and peace (that surpasses all understanding). "You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal." Isaiah 26:3-4
- What do spiritually-minded Christians look like? Their mind/thinking is under the direction and power of the Spirit. They love what God loves, hate what God hates, and desire what God desires. They have the mind of Christ and the fruit of the Spirit is evident in their lives.