1 Corinthians 2:16, We Have the Mind of Christ
1 Corinthians 2:16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.
The Apostle Paul exhorted in Philippians 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus. What is the mind of Christ? He explains in the earlier verses in the outworking of human affections in Philippians 2:1-4 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, 2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
Jesus Christ showed us by His personal example in Philippians 2:6-8 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Jesus, the Son of God, submitted to the Father’s will, entered human history, took on human flesh, lived a perfect life, obeying all the law on our behalf, bore our sins on the cross. This is the mind of Christ, demonstrated on the cross.
It is well articulated by Kate B. Wilkinson in the hymn “May the Mind of Christ, My Savior”:
- May the mind of Christ, my Savior,
Live in me from day to day,
By His love and pow’r controlling
All I do and say. - May the Word of God dwell richly
In my heart from hour to hour,
So that all may see I triumph
Only through His pow’r. - May the peace of God my Father
Rule my life in everything,
That I may be calm to comfort
Sick and sorrowing. - May the love of Jesus fill me
As the waters fill the sea;
Him exalting, self abasing,
This is victory. - May I run the race before me,
Strong and brave to face the foe,
Looking only unto Jesus
As I onward go. - May His beauty rest upon me,
As I seek the lost to win,
And may they forget the channel,
Seeing only Him.
We can understand the mind of Christ because He has saved us by His love for us. May we express it in our interaction with the people around us. Amen.