To discern the Cross!

[Kelly2363]

The need for discernment is never greater pressed upon us than it is today. Unless we learn to deny our selves, a thing which we cannot do easily of ourselves, we will risk being a part of the problem of rebellion against God even though we will be certain because we love God and Christ that we could not be so inclined. Yet the same malady of discontent is evident today amongst those who are called and chosen as it has been in every day when saints do not take up their cross. The cross is not only the place whereon Christ was crucified for sin, but it is insofar as we realise the union, the same place whereon all men, in Christs body were also crucified unto death. Only union in Christs death can lead to walking in His resurrection life. Only the resurrection life in Christ has overcome the world. If we desired to overcome the world as well we would not only have to be in Christ by faith, but we would also have to walk in His strength and life.

If in our minds we do not think as God Himself thinks , being yet untutored, we risk becoming apathetic. Yet in a renewed mind we are able to prove that perfect and acceptable will of God. If we do not have this mind to overcome sin, the flesh and the devil, we will follow the heart which once again having come under the dominion of the body will be led astray. Yet this is what is before us in Christ - Not only a new heart but a renewed mind also. To have your mind renewed so as to be able to think as God thinks is truly astonishing. It is written that when we speak, we should speak as though we speak the Word of God. If this were not possible God could not have asked us to have such a mind. Yet God both asks and provides the Way to such a mind. It is the mind of Christ in the spirit which we already posses - but it must also be the natural mind having been brought into subjection through obedience to the calling of God, which is taught by God Himself. Therein lays the substance of faith, that having been saved, we would make certain our salvation through this obedience.

[Michael37]

23 hours ago, Kelly2363 said:

The cross is not only the place whereon Christ was crucified for sin, but it is insofar as we realise the union, the same place whereon all men, in Christs body were also crucified unto death. Only union in Christs death can lead to walking in His resurrection life. Only the resurrection life in Christ has overcome the world. If we desired to overcome the world as well we would not only have to be in Christ by faith, but we would also have to walk in His strength and life.

Good thoughts, Kelly2363.

For additional edification, this from my notes:

[Waggles]

2Cor 10:3  For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh 
4  (for the weapons of our warfare are not of flesh, but mighty before God unto casting down of strongholds),
5  casting down reasonings, and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of the Christ; 
6  and being in readiness to avenge all disobedience, when your obedience shall be made full. 

[Waggles]

Colossians 3:1  If then ye were raised together with the Christ, seek the things above, where the Christ is, seated at God’s right. 
Col 3:2  Set your mind on the things above, not on those upon the earth. 
Col 3:3  For ye died, and your life is hid with the Christ in God.