Category: Devotions

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.

The believer, with the indwelling Holy Spirit, is able to understand and judge spiritual matters. And yet, the unbeliever cannot judge him. He is able to discern spiritual matters and is in the position to make true assess by the enabling and help of the Holy Spirit.

The unbeliever or the natural man cannot understand spiritual things. Understanding comes by the illumination of the Holy Spirit indwelling the believer. To the unbeliever, the things of God are foolishness to him. I recall as an unbeliever I heard for the first time the word “holiness”. It has no meaning to me. I do not understand what it means. I recall also not having any moral compass in the sense the I have not heard the laws of God as summarised in the Ten Commandments.

The Apostle Paul’s claim is that his utterance is God-given and Spirit-led. This is a proof text for infallibility of the preaching ministry of the apostles. Today, the apostles are no longer with us. But the Word of God that is written down is preserved for us today (Matt 5:17-18, Psalm 12:6-7). Today, we are to preach the Word of God as the Spirit of God teach us in our study of Scriptures. Our authority is in the Word of God recorded for us today.

The Holy Spirit that indwells the believer guides him in understanding the things freely given to us of God. The believer appropriates God’s wisdom through the Holy Spirit that teaches the truth to us.

The natural man cannot receive and know the spiritual significance of Scripture. The baptism of the Spirit is a one-time thing when he receives Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Saviour (John 3: 5-6, 14:6, 1 Cor. 12:13, Eph. 1:13, Romans 8:9). The Holy Spirit that indwells the believer helps him to interpret the scripture.

The Holy Spirit guides man to understand the truth of God’s Word. When the child of God prays and seek the Spirit’s help in understanding the Bible, he is helped. The Holy Spirit guides the people of God to the truth of God’s Word, illuminating their minds so that they know the mind of God. This heavenly wisdom, heavenly manna, nourishes the human soul.

1 Corinthians 2:10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. The Holy Spirit works in tandem with the Word of God to reveal to us …

1 Corinthians 2:10, The Deep Things of God Read more »

The Holy Spirit indwelling the born-again believer illuminates the mind so that he is able to understand God’s Word.

The Holy Spirit’s guidance was Jesus’ promise to His disciples before He went to the cross prior to His death, resurrection and ascension to heaven. Though He will not be bodily with them, His Spirit will help them – John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

The Apostle Paul cites from this Old Testament text from book of Isaiah though not in its exact form:

Isaiah 64:4 For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him.

He tells us that the eye, the ear and the heart or mind of man cannot possibly know the way for sinful man to be reconciled to his God. God has to reveal it. Man’s wisdom, in the strength of all his senses, cannot perceive the way to God, the knowledge of salvation.

It is sad that the princes or the rulers of this world have not understood and known Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. They would not acknowledge and submit to His headship. Though vested with power over men, they were blind toward the things of God.

Jesus said in Matthew 19:23-25 “…Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. 24 And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. 25 When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved?”

The power of God is surely able to save – Matthew 19:26 “But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.”