Skip to main content

Two Minds

"Indeed, the mind of the flesh is death, but the mind of the Spirit, life and peace."1

This word for mind is phronéma, it means thought, purpose, aspirations (from phrḗn, "the midriff or diaphragm; the parts around the heart,") it connects how the individual processes opinion-making to how they act; properly, regulate from within, as inner-perspective (insight) which shows itself in corresponding, outward behavior. The mind like a spigot it "regulates" or masters the heart. If the mind is on the Spirit what flows is life and peace, God's righteousness requirements are met, but the mind on the carnal, is the flow of sin, fleshly desires.

Schizophrenia is defined as the breakdown in the relation between thought, emotion, and behavior,(from schizo "split" and phrene "mind")  There is a battle in the mind of a new Christian, a struggle between the two minds, the mind of the flesh and the mind of the Spirit. Paul writes there are two laws at work, the Law of the Spirit and the Law of sin and death. The mind on the Spirit brings life and peace, the mind on the flesh, brings death, in a spiritual sense, but also the Spirit brings life to our mortal bodies. "A double minded man is unstable in all his ways..."3 This word for double minded is from dís, "two" and psyxḗ, "soul." A person "split in half."4 This describes how Paul felt, "a wretched man." Of course, this person we are to exalt, as James goes on to write. To build up in edification of faith to being singled minded.
"And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it."2 
I need two things to master sin; a heart change and a renewed mind. "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh."5 Interesting it says stone, the ten commandments were written in stone, the Law was "the ministry of death, in letters engraved on stones.6 It was a ministry of condemnation, producing obedience to the requirements of God's righteousness through fear, the fear of death. "The ministry of righteousness must far exceed it in glory..." the law which once had glory, now, has no glory at all, "For if what was being brought to an end came with glory, much more will what is permanent have glory."7  Paul writes we are released from the Law to a better glory. With such hope, the Spirit, we are Bold to approach the throne of Grace.

"With all diligence, guard your heart, for alone it is the going forth of life."3 Guard means to observe, guard, keep. I am to guard my heart, for from it springs wells of life, or death. This word for going forth speaks to bringing, brought forth, goes forth, flowing forth, life or death flows from the heart. We are to guard the heart diligently, but how so? At the door of the heart is sin in the flesh, crouching seeking to destroy me. I need a heart change. "The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks."4 Then, a renewed mind, a mind that regulates. 

Paul speaks of a helmet of salvation. Jesus is the author of salvation, He is the author and perfecter of faith.5 This perfecting, (from teli, "aim, end purpose") properly, of the operation of faith, not only finishing but working through the entire process to reach the final phase. This is the "working out" of our salvation, Jesus authored it, and now is perfecting it, and one day it will be perfected.6 "Being persuaded of same, that the one having begun in you a good work will complete it, until the day of Christ Jesus."7 

"Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom."13 Through the Spirit we serve in a new living way, not of letter of the law but of Spirit. "since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh,"14 This new living way is of the Spirit, writing God's laws on our hearts, not on tablets of stone, but of flesh. We are entombed with Him in His death to the flesh. The Law is Spiritual and by the Spirit the righteous requirements of the Law are met. Only by the Spirit, not by the fleshly adherence to ordinances, rules, and regulations, as the mind is at enmity with God, it must be renewed and controlled by the Spirit.

"Because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so,"8 This word for hostility is echthra, from éxthra – properly, enemy (hatred, hostility). When Paul writes the Law is Spiritual but he is flesh, he speaks to the enmity of the fleshly mind against God. The Law which was suppose to bring life, brought death, sin took opportunity and abounded, this speaks to the hostility of the mind and the flesh against God. The mind is so hostile against God it will sear the conscious in disobedience. Thus, we have to be released from the Mosaic Law, it can never produce life, the law must be adhered to by the mind, and the mind on the flesh is hostile toward God. To serve God one must be renewed in Spirit of the mind, and this is an ongoing process of learning to walk in the Spirit, to abide in the vine...

Paul writes, "now we have been released from the Law, having died to that by which we were bound, so that we serve in newness of the Spirit and not in oldness of the letter."10 Itwas a marriage, now we are released and married to another, Why? the Law, it produced obedience through fear, fear has to do with punishment, obey or die. In the new covenant, righteousness is found by Grace through faith in Christ. Thus, Agape Love becomes the motivator for obedience not fear. "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love."11 The gates of hell have opened up against Grace because it is key to liberty and life. Grace does away with fear, boldly I can approach the throne of Grace, so the enemy wants to keep us from our Abba Father. 

The sword of God is both Spirit and Truth, "and able to discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart."9 We see two things here, first is discerning, Spirit and Truth is needed for discernment. As Paul writes a Spirit of renewal of the mind, metamorphosis, transformation, which is continuously being perfected through faith. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. Eating the bread from heaven and drinking the living water. Second, we see it is how we guard our hearts, thoughts lead to the intentions of the heart, to guard my heart is to put on the helmet of salvation, be renewed in the spirit of my mind. It is preparing for battle, putting on the armor, on a daily basis. Above all, put on the shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.

"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the men of old gained approval..."9

When we become a new creation, we are to put off the old man and put on the new man, "to be renewed and in the spirit of your mind."9 We see it is something we need to do, a process of renewal we go through, "working out" my salvation, what has occurred in my inner being. My spirit sits in the heavenlies with Christ Jesus, my un-redeemed body sits on earth. I do not subject my body to earthly ordinances, "why, as if you were living in the world, do you submit yourself to decrees, such as, do not handle, do not taste, do not touch!"9 I subject my mind to the Spirit. "We have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh,"11

The carnal mind can not be obedient, "for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot."12 Legalism is an attempt to subject the mind to God's righteousness through regulations and rules, which produces self-control of the mind, but it is not one controlled by the Spirit but by the flesh. This is why legalism is so deceiving and so counterproductive to Christianity, it produces outwardly clean, internally unclean disciples. These people build walls of rules and regulations that promote their own self-righteousness, control the people, and ultimately break the commandments of God. Some have speculated that over one million or half the population of Israel died in the wilderness.15 Moses lifted up a serpent, symbolic of Jesus being lifted up. Even then faith brought righteousness.

The mind regulates the intentions, purpose of the heart, so the mind on the Spirit "out flows" the things of the Spirit; life, peace, gentleness, love, long-suffering,.. The mind on the carnal, out flows the fleshly desires. Obedience to God and His righteous requirements are achieved only through a mind on the Spirit, not regulations, rules, etc... The Spirit by the mind regulates, as inner-perspective shows itself in corresponding outward behavior. 



Popular (last 30 days)

Blessed Are The Forgiven

Blessed! the one whose lawless deeds are forgiven and the one whose sins are covered over, blessed is the man whom sin, the Lord will not consider . * Paul writes David foresaw and spoke " blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered . *  Blessed, is the one whom sin is not considered, this word considered  means "to credit, count, reckon, to set down as a matter of account; regard, think, consider." This blessing comes through faith and according to grace, " also David speaks of the blessedness of the one to whom God considers righteousness apart from works ." *  The word for  lawless deeds speaks of the violation of the Law and the word for sin  speaks of missing the mark of God's righteousness. Blessed are those who (by faith in Christ according to grace) have been forgiven. In Him receiving the redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of trespasses according to the riches of His grace . * This fundamental ...
Read more

Spirit of Life

" Indeed, the law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus liberates from the law of sin and death ." 1 This word for liberates "I free, set free, liberate" is from a root word meaning free, exempt, not bound by an obligation. As partakers of God's divine nature, being born of Spirit, we are no longer obligated to the sinful nature but to righteousness which is God's nature. When we believe we receive the Spirit of promise, a guarantee of our inheritance, a great testimony that we are His children, it is a Spirit of Life. " Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life." 24 The Son came not to condemn the world but to save it. "One trespass   led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. " 6 " He was delivered over to death for our trespasses and wa...
Read more

All Who Are Thirsty

“ Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters;  and he who has no money,  come, buy and eat!  Come, buy wine and milk  without money and without price.  Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread,  and your labor for that which does not satisfy?  Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good,  and delight yourselves in rich food. .." (Isaiah 55). " Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price ." Buy is defined as to acquire the ownership of by giving an accepted price or consideration therefore; to accept or believe as true .[ 1 ] When we buy something we consider the price that we must pay, we accept this and purchase the thing we have considered worthy of the sacrifice we make in payment. W e can not buy, with money or price, redemption from t his tragic flaw we are born into. However Jesus paid the price for us, so we buy or accept through consideration, the Greek word is  logizomai.[ 2] ...
Read more

The Tripartite Nature of Humanity: Spirit, Soul, and Body

The Tripartite Nature of Humanity: Spirit, Soul, and Body in Biblical Understanding The human being, as depicted in the Bible, is a multifaceted creation, often understood through the distinct yet interconnected components of spirit, soul, and body. While some theological perspectives lean towards a bipartite view (soul and body), which we do see in the Old Testament, a careful examination of the New Testament scripture reveals a compelling case for a tripartite understanding, where each is divided into or composed of three parts. Let’s explore the biblical distinction between spirit, soul, and body. The Body: Our Earthly Vessel The body is the physical form that interacts with the material world. From the very beginning, Genesis 2:7 states, " Then the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being ." This verse clearly establishes the body's origin from the earth, emphasizing its connec...
Read more

Lord, Stand By Me

"... present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness ." 1 This word for present means "I bring, present, come up to and stand by," it is parístēmi (from pará, "from close-beside" and hístēmi, "to stand") – properly, stand close beside, i.e. ready to present (exhibit). I pray Lord stand by me which expresses that I put my trust in Him, or I come up to and stand by Him. We use phrases like surrendering or bowing at the cross to explain such a moment, surely it is a coming to the end of ourselves and it is desirable that I find His will acceptable, but it is important to understand that it is about trust, not my will power, the key is that it is in Christ. The terminology the scriptures use is "present yourselves to God," or come up to and stand by and walk with Him. "... present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God--this...
Read more

Surrender and Giving Control in Christian Thought: Scriptural Roots, Modern Interpretations, and the Quest for Spiritual Maturity

Surrender and Giving Control in Christian Thought: Scriptural Roots, Modern Interpretations, and the Quest for Spiritual Maturity Introduction The theological concept of surrender—or giving control to God—occupies a prominent place in the modern Christian consciousness. From pulpits, in devotional material, songs, and across a multitude of Christian traditions, believers are often exhorted to “surrender their lives to Christ,” to “give up control." This is often expressed as a “come to the end of yourselves,” experience. These exhortations, frequently couched in emotive and urgent language, invite believers to a posture of yielding, releasing, and letting go. Yet, when this language is measured against the actual vocabulary, teachings, and emphases of the Greek New Testament, important questions emerge:  How biblically grounded are the concepts of “surrender” and “giving control”? Does such language reflect the spiritual vision of the earliest Christian church and scripture, or...
Read more

Freedom from the Mosaic Law: A Deep Theological Exploration of New Testament Teaching

  Freedom from the Mosaic Law: A Deep Theological Exploration of New Testament Teaching Introduction: The Question of the Mosaic Law and Christian Identity One of the most significant theological debates and practical challenges for the early church was the place of the Mosaic Law in the life of believers in Jesus Christ. This question remains alive today, particularly in communities and churches that quote the Old Testament as if its legal prescriptions still directly obligate Christians. The apostolic writings, especially those of Paul, provide the primary lens through which the New Testament resolves this matter. Paul’s letters—rich in both theological reflection and ecclesiastical urgency—not only confront false teaching but chart the path of new covenant living by the Holy Spirit.  This essay seeks to offer a doctrinal synthesis on why believers are no longer “under the Mosaic Law,” supported by original-language insights, harmonized scripture references, and commentar...
Read more

Theological Comparison of the New Covenant of Grace and the Old Covenant of the Law

Theological Comparison of the New Covenant of Grace and the Old Covenant of the Law: A Detailed Study Rooted in Ephesians 2:11–22 Introduction The theme of covenant is central to the biblical narrative, shaping God’s relationship with humanity from creation through redemption. The new covenant is called by Paul a ministry of reconciliation, righteousness, and of the Spirit. The shift from the old Mosaic covenant—rooted in the Law given to Israel at Sinai—to the new covenant of grace established in Christ, fundamentally redefines how people approach God, community, and salvation. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, particularly 2:11–22, provides a remarkably clear and rich theological exposition of this transition, addressing not only the spiritual implications for Jews and Gentiles but also the very nature of the church as God’s new creation. This report develops an in-depth, paragraph-driven theological comparison between the old and new covenants, structured around nine key themes de...
Read more

Called According to His Purpose: A Biblical Examination

  Called According to His Purpose: A Biblical Examination 📖 Introduction The phrase “called according to His purpose” appears in Romans 8:28 (ESV), a foundational verse that reads: “And we know that for those loved of God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.” This statement gives comfort and more—it is a declaration about identity, destiny, and divine intent. To be “called according to His purpose” means participating in God’s sovereign, redemptive plan. God's plan is being manifested through the church through the "new covenant in his blood" as it was established by the death of Jesus. The calling is not arbitrary or based on human merit, but is rooted in God’s purpose, eternal will and love. 🔍 The Nature of the Calling In Scripture, God's calling is effectual—that is, it accomplishes what He intends. Paul writes: "...those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified,...
Read more

Need of Endurance

There's no space that His love can't reach There's no place where we can't' find peace There's no end to amazing grace Take me in with Your arms spread wide Take me in like an orphan child Never let go, Never leave my side I am,  Holding on to You... In the middle of the storm I am holding on,  I am  Love like this, Oh my God to find I am overwhelmed, With a joy divine Love like this sets our hearts on fire This is my resurrection song This is my hallelujah come This is why it's to You I run. 1 He is holding on to you, through the middle of the storm, the disease, sickness, pain, tears, heartache, desires, and addictions... I Am is holding on to you. Let us exult, dance in our tribulations knowing that in our suffering we partake of His. Knowing also that suffering produces patience and patience produces endurance and endurance produces strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. ...
Read more