The Mind

[Waiting on him]

If you can receive it.

 

[Psalm51]

There are no sons of God pre Calvary. Jesus Christ was the first man to receive the breath of life.

I understand why you are saying this but, in accordance with my post, I always reserve judgment regarding interpretation, especially of such powerful Scripture. I do the best I can to understand and I follow the Christ Jesus. After all, I was not there when the foundations of the earth were laid...

 

[Waiting on him]

After all, I was not there when the foundations of the earth were laid...

Depends on which world you are speaking of. If the world you speak of, foundation was the one Christ laid at Calvary, by the way is the world He was referring to while speaking to Job, then I would say we were there.

 

[Waiting on him]

Hebrews 1:2 KJV
[2] Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;

 

[Psalm51]

Depends on which world you are speaking of. If the world you speak of, foundation was the one Christ laid at Calvary, by the way is the world He was referring to while speaking to Job, then I would say we were there.

Hebrews 1:2 KJV
[2] Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;

Interesting thoughts, thank you for this. Although, "worlds" vs. "earth"? Regardless, I will chew on it and brush up on the Scripture...

 

[VictoryinJesus]

Although, "worlds" vs. "earth"?

2 Peter 3:1-13 Comes to mind concerning “mind” and also “earth” …a question being what earth wherein dwells righteousness? I can only think of one dust or “earthen” wherein is treasure: 2 Corinthians 4:6-7 KJV
[6] For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. [7] But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

in the above what is to be burned up? Consider although the outward perishes, the inward man(who is this man?) renewed and restored daily?

“This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance: [2] That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour: [3] Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, [4] And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. [5] For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: [6] Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished (as does the body in water baptism, buried in the likeness of his death submersed in the water, yet only a shadow of Him who was and is to come) 7] But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire (He shall baptize you with fire, into His death raised unto Life) against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. [8] But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. [9] The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. [10] But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. (The beggarly, while the outward perishes) 11] Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, [12] Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved(again the outward perishes and is dead), and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? [13] Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth(a new creature), wherein dwelleth righteousness.” [7] But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

I guess the question for me is why the focus on dust of the earth as being wherein dwells righteousness when His focus seems to be the dust of these weak vessels wherein He declares His Spirit that the power be of God and not men? As He said God doesn’t dwell in temples made with hands but “I will put My Spirit in them and walk in them”

 

[VictoryinJesus]

You left out the key phrases, " God gave them over to the sinful desires of their hearts ( vs. 24); "He gave them over to a depraved mind" (vs. 28); " Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them." (vs. 32)

God doesn't give a person over to sinful desires and depraved mind (let them go), if He intends to save this person. That would be changing direction, His mind about the matter. Reprobates are FILLED WITH THE WHOLE LIST AND CONTINUE.
Excuse me for giving you a complement, I don't know you, but a I know you weren't filled with all of those things. That would mean you did not have an ounce of good in you and others would agree that you were totally evil - all the time. I don't believe that God let you go to live that way and then brought you back. No, your salvation was granted before you were born, therefore, you were in His hands all along. You suffered, caused others to suffer, but He didn't let you go.
Another way of looking at it is that probably 2/3 of the population of the world will be judged, will not receive eternal life. God knows who they are. They are reprobate, born that way, predestined if you will. We however were predestined for salvation.

Ephesians 1:4-5
even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will,

Romans 8:28-30
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.

John 15:16
You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.

2 Timothy 1:9
who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began,

Proverbs 16:4
The LORD has made everything for its purpose,
even the wicked for the day of trouble.

Ephesians 1:11
In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will,

Ephesians 1:4
even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love

Revelation 13:8
and all who dwell on earth will worship it, everyone whose name has not been written before the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain.

1 Peter 1:2
according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you.

Galatians 1:15
But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace,

Matthew 22:14
For many are called, but few are chosen.”

Jeremiah 1:5
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
and before you were born I consecrated you;
I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”

Romans 8:33
Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies.

Titus 1:1
1:1 Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness,

God never gave you over to a depraved mind, total wickedness and let you go, when He had a different plan from the start. You were predestined, called, justified and will be glorified.

I don’t know but (to me) it is the carnal man who wants to keep others out, when God and all the heavens rejoices over one sinner that repents and returns(turns again) and is converted (born anew)

 

[VictoryinJesus]

Excuse me for giving you a complement, I don't know you, but a I know you weren't filled with all of those things. That would mean you did not have an ounce of good in you and others would agree that you were totally evil - all the time

You said “that would mean you did not have an ounce of good in you” What of Romans 3:10-19 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: [11] There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. [12] They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. [13] Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: [14] Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: [15] Their feet are swift to shed blood: [16] Destruction and misery are in their ways: [17] And the way of peace have they not known: [18] There is no fear of God before their eyes. [19] Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.

“They together have become unprofitable” Philemon 1:10-19 I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds: [11] Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me: [12] Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels: [13] Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel: [14] But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly. [15] For perhaps he therefore departed (was turned away) for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever;
…Luke 16:9 And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.




16] Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord? [17] If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself. [18] If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account; [19] I Paul have written it with mine own hand, I will repay it(sounds familiar in “I will repay says the Lord”): albeit I do not say to thee how thou owest unto me even thine own self besides.

 

[VictoryinJesus]

If God is intending to save this person,

Luke 16:9 And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, (unrighteousness fails) they may receive you into everlasting habitations.

there Jesus Christ is turning them over in saying “make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness” with “when you fail” return unto Me …do not get how this is not what God does in turning them over into the reprobate mind …or turning them over to the desires of the heart that they may see the desires of their heart is not Him but to kill, steal and destroy.

 

[Ronald David Bruno]

There is none righteous, no, not one: [11] There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.

Correct. Look at the context. The chapter begins with the Jews under the Law and so when it tells us that none are righteous, that is true, because none could live a life without sin and fulfill the Law.
We, on our own, are not righteous. We put on Christ's righteousness. It is his righteousness that we wear.
"Now we know that whatever the Law says, it speaks to those who are under the Law, so that every mouth may be closed and all the world may become accountable to God; because by the works of the Law none of mankind will be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes knowledge of sin."
Justification by Faith
21 But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 22 but it is the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction." ROMANS 3:19-22
NONE of the scriptures you present will contradict the doctrine of Election. We are all fallen yet some are chosen and some are not. The ones who are not His sheep are reprobate!

 

[VictoryinJesus]

NONE of the scriptures you present will contradict the doctrine of Election. We are all fallen yet sime are xhosen and some are not. The ones who are not His sheep are reprobate!

not trying to contradict the doctrine of election. Only question what is elected to receive Him if not that which is born of God…in the natural man cannot receive the things of God…in “you must be born again” and this is the election… that by Spirit is justification and not by the flesh that any man boast in that which is turned away to perish and comes to nothing. To clarify, that old nature we were hold-penned and shut up under until Christ be revealed is not what was elected, but the New nature given of Christ? In you have not received the spirit of the world again unto bondage, but the Spirit of God unto Life. So the question I have is: did God choose me based off anything I had did good or evil, prior to new birth?

 

[VictoryinJesus]

NONE of the scriptures you present will contradict the doctrine of Election. We are all fallen yet sime are xhosen and some are not. The ones who are not His sheep are reprobate!

to further clarify what I’m trying to say or question is Romans 2:9-11 Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; [10] But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: [11] For there is no respect of persons with God.


What do you see in the above?
You as the last which works good
And others that reject him as the soul which does evil?

I don’t see that but the old man warring and the New creation in Christ. Upon that old flesh nature, that old man tribulation and anguish …to the Jew first but also of the Gentile. Equal tribulation and anguish upon that old nature…to the Jew first and also the gentile.

and the to him that works good peace, honour and glory …being a New creature in Christ. The Spirit of God given which overcomes the world and spirit of the flesh. That old nature and New nature warring within, to walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit. But we assign it to others, when I question is not the battle in us all between the old and New. Thankfully fear not for in the world you will have tribulation but He has overcome the world…that old nature perishing still present with me. (I sure hope so).

what was elected to receive Him if not the new creature in Christ, and not the old nature, that old man?

 

[marks]

Hebrews 1:2 KJV
[2] Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;

From aionos, the ages.

Much love!

 

[Ronald David Bruno]

not trying to contradict the doctrine of election. Only question what is elected to receive Him if not that which is born of God…in the natural man cannot receive the things of God…in “you must be born again” and this is the election… that by Spirit is justification and not by the flesh that any man boast in that which is turned away to perish and comes to nothing. To clarify, that old nature we were hold-penned and shut up under until Christ be revealed is not what was elected, but the New nature given of Christ? In you have not received the spirit of the world again unto bondage, but the Spirit of God unto Life. So the question I have is: did God choose me based off anything I had did good or evil, prior to new birth?

1. "The natural man can't receive the things of God". What does that mean?
The "things of God" does not mean all things, it is specific, referring to spiritual enlightenment, discernment, salvation, fruit, gifts, etc. All good things come from God. The world experiences God's wonderful creation. They live, think, talk, laugh, eat, etc., the rain falls on the ungodly and for a time, like the Rich man and Lazarus story, they enjoy life.
2. The election is not being born again, it happens before you were born. According to the foreknowledge of God, His will and purpose, He chose us.
3. Your question - I don't know why He chose you or me. That is a question that has puzzled many. The doctrine of Election rubs people the wrong way. I have heard it taught that it is not our decision for Christ that determines His choosing us. But, but, but ... that would be one aspect of foreknowledge and would seem logical to me. He draws all men to Himself, but many resist and reject Him. So why wouldn't He chose the ones that He knows won't resist? I don't have access to His reasons, His overall blueprint for the Church. I guess that is what bothers people, the Bible isn't specific. I dont think it can be specific about it. It would be like asking Him to explain your genetic code to you. You could fill a library with that information and everyone is different, everyone's life is different and we all fit into His plan in a precise way.

 

[VictoryinJesus]

1. "The natural man can't receive the things of God". What does that mean?
The "things of God" does not mean all things, it is specific, referring to spiritual enlightenment, discernment, salvation, fruit, gifts, etc. All good things come from God. The world experiences God's wonderful creation. They live, think, talk, laugh, eat, etc., the rain falls on the ungodly and for a time, like the Rich man and Lazarus story, they enjoy life.
2. The election is not being born again, it happens before you were born. According to the foreknowledge of God, His will and purpose, He chose us.
3. Your question - I don't know why He chose you or me. That is a question that has puzzled many. The doctrine of Election rubs people the wrong way. I have heard it taught that it is not our decision for Christ that determines His choosing us. But, but, but ... that would be one aspect of foreknowledge and would seem logical to me. He draws all men to Himself, but many resist and reject Him. So why wouldn't He chose the ones that He knows won't resist? I don't have access to His reasons, His overall blueprint for the Church. I guess that is what bothers people, the Bible isn't specific. I dont think it can be specific about it. It would be like asking Him to explain your genetic code to you. You could fill a library with that information and everyone is different, everyone's life is different and we all fit into His plan in a precise way.

thank you for a friendly discussion, and for a lot to consider in all of your responses. It seems we have strayed far from @charity topic. For the record many days I doubt I’ve even been chosen and wonder if the voice I hear is my own voice and not His at all. Where He said “My sheep hear My voice” …what if it is our own voice we hear? His word says “if you continue”. I’m not so sure I will continue for times of becoming bitter, complaining, angry, negative and very critical.

 

[Ronald David Bruno]

thank you for a friendly discussion, and for a lot to consider in all of your responses. It seems we have strayed far from @charity topic. For the record many days I doubt I’ve even been chosen and wonder if the voice I hear is my own voice and not His at all. Where He said “My sheep hear My voice” …what if it is our own voice we hear? His word says “if you continue”. I’m not so sure I will continue for times of becoming bitter, complaining, angry, negative and very critical.

Our thoughts can come from an outside source, like another person, written material, the news, or it could be self created, a memory; but it can come from God as well. He guides us this way, puts thoughts into our minds (His inward calling) and through His Word (His outward calling). These inner thoughts are intuitive suggestions that we should "go this way", "help this person", "don't do that", "warning, be cautious", "this guy is creepy/evil". They just pop into our heads out of nowhere.
We do hear His voice because we followed it to where we are today. As you say, sometimes we can't distinquish if it is God's voice, self generated or something we learned. We get this feeling, an inclination (some call it an unction) that we should do one thing, move in a certain direction, but then we hesitate, over analyze it and do something else and it turns out to be the wrong thing to do. We realize we should have gone with our first thought. How many times has that happened? God always directs us in the right direction. You are where you are because you followed His guidance most of the time. The great thing about His plan for us is that He factors in all our mistakes that He also uses for lessons in life.
"God causes all things to work together for good for those who love God, for those who are called to his purpose."

 

[Ronald David Bruno]

Charity,
I thoroughly enjoyed your study with all the collection of scriptures. The commentary was very good. Thank you, we need to understand and think about our minds, how we used to think and how we've changed, been transformed. We see the world differently. The Christian perspective compared to the world's
perspective is like light is to darkness.
You mentioned vanity as meaning emptiness. It is also translated as futility. It's an empty pursuit. There is another aspect that Solomon brought up. He said life is vanity of vanities and chasing after the wind. Pride motivates us away from God. I think of vanity also as self focus, doing things to please yourself and this ends in futility.
It is important to understand that the sinful nature is corrupt, so your mind is corrupted and you are bent towards and a slave to sin. You can't escape, no matter how smart you are.
Stephen Hawkings comes to mind. He was smart, a genius, but his mind was filled with thoughts that led him nowhere, to futility and judgement. His mind tried desperately to find reasons not to believe in God, to refute God, to surmise that the universe happened by itself, that we don't need God. He was already judged. I suppose he was a reprobate that God made an example of, the most respected mind - a fool. For he who says there is no God, is a fool.
The truth sets us free from bondage of sin, from this foolishness. Then we are no longer bent towards sin, God straightens us out, gives us a new spirit and His Spirit, His mind and we die to our old selves.
Now we can think without obstructions, clearly. We see a new horizon. No more empty pursuits. We think God's thoughts. Now we are movitated and equipped to produce fruit. Our lives, as we grow in Christ, become less and less tending to a prideful, selfish pursuit, but now thinking more about others. We put on His righteousness. It's a wonderful life!

 

[complete]

@TLHKAJ, @soul man, @Ziggy,@amadeus,@Venksta,
@Waiting on him, (replies #2,#20, #21, #23, #24)
@runningwings, (replies #19, #24, #25)
@marks, (reply #33)
@Ronald David Bruno, (replies #13, #14, #16, #18, #30,#34, #36, #37)
@Ronald Nolette, (reply #12)
@VictoryinJesus (replies #15, #17, #26, #27, #28, #29, #31, #32, #35)

Hello there,

I was so surprised to see the volume of responses in the thread when I came in today. I want to thank you all for taking part, and for personal testimonies given too. I hope to respond to some later, but at the moment I am going to have to content myself with just entering another part of the study on the word, 'mind' to continue the theme.

Verses considered so far:-
Luke 24:45 (#1); Romans 1:28 (#4); Romans 7:23 (#5);
Romans 11:34 (#6); Romans 12:2 (#6); Romans 14:5 (#7);
1 Corinthians 1:10 (#8); 1 Corinthians 2:16 (2)(#10); 1 Corinthians 14:14 (#10);
Ephesians 4:17 (#11); Ephesians 4:23 (#11).

* Thank you for taking the time to read my posts, and to respond as you have.

In Christ Jesus
Chris

 

[complete]

Hello there,

Following on with the study on the word 'mind' (nous): Philippians 4:7 comes next:-

‘And the peace of God,
which passeth all understanding,
shall keep your hearts and minds
through Christ Jesus.’
(Phil.4:7)

* The word 'nous' is translated 'understanding' in this verse.

* This is our portion in Christ Jesus, isn't it? ‘The peace which passeth all understanding’, I read this recently after hearing news of a serious illness having been diagnosed for someone within my family, and praised God for His kindness in referring me to this verse, for we need be - ‘careful for nothing’; ‘but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let our requests be made known unto God,’- ’and the peace of God, ---- , SHALL keep your hearts and minds THROUGH Christ Jesus.'

* This is spoken by Paul, who suffered so much: and encountered situations which we shall never be called upon to endure; yet He could say with complete assurance that the peace of God SHALL KEEP our hearts and minds. This makes me think of another Isaiah 26:3,

'Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace,
whose mind is stayed on Thee:
because He trusteth in Thee.'
(Isa 26:3)

* This verse under consideration, Philippians 4:7, as with every other, cannot be isolated from its context, but just at first I shall concentrate on the wording in this one verse.

'And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding': my Bible marginal notes tell me that this phrase, 'passeth (G5242) all understanding', means:- (knowledge - which surpasses every mind and thought): Wonderful!! With this in mind let's compare Philippians 3:8; Romans 13:1 and Philippians 3:20 where the word hypericoo translated 'passeth all understanding' is also used, but translated in other ways, in order to fill out our understanding of this:-

‘Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss
for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord:
for Whom I have suffered the loss of all things,
and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,’
(Php 3:8)

'‘Let every soul be subject unto the ‘higher’ powers.
For there is no power but of God:
the powers that be are ordained of God.’
(Rom 13:1)

Compare:-
'For our conversation (ie., manner of life) is in heaven;
from whence also we look for the Saviour,
the Lord Jesus Christ:'
(Php 3:20)

* Paul counted all things but loss for the ‘excellency’ of the knowledge of Christ Jesus His Lord, (what a wonderful section this is) - (Phil.3:8)

* The peace of God that is our portion in Christ Jesus, ‘passeth knowledge’, excels, is ‘higher’ than anything that we, with our finite minds, can conceive. Yet we can experience it in Christ Jesus, by God’s grace - how wonderful this is!

* In Romans 13:1 ‘Hypericoo’ translated, Which passeth knowledge ‘ has been translated ‘higher’ = ‘supreme’.

*,Looking at Phil. 3:20,I could not at first see the relevance of it in relation to Phil 4:7, ...

“For our conversation (found only here ‘polieuema’ - means the seat of government of which we are citizens (Gr. polites) and of which we have both rights and responsibilities) is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ; Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto His glorious body, according to the working whereby - He is able to subdue all things unto Himself.”

... but it does have relevance especially when coupled with the verse which follows (above), For our peace rests on One who ‘is able to subdue all things unto Himself. ‘

* Looking at the final words of Phil.4:7;” ‘shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” - ‘Shall Keep’ means to garrison (as with soldiers) ‘Our hearts and minds’ (council and purpose - thoughts and intents - and affections) ‘through Christ Jesus.”

Praise God!

I am reminded of David in His psalm, saying,

“Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
it is high, I cannot attain unto it.”
(Psa 139:6)

I know what he mean!! Don't you? What Confidence We Should have in the light of this.

Thank you
In Christ Jesus
Chris

* I hope this has made sense to you.

 

[complete]

Hello there,

This is my last entry in regard to the word 'mind' (nous).

In t Colossians 2:18, we read of a ‘fleshly mind’

“Let no man beguile you of your reward
in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels,
intruding into those things which he hath not seen,
vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,”

‘Beguile you of your reward’ - or (defraud you of your prize)

‘Voluntary humility’ - or (willingly being a devotee to - humility of mind - in the flesh)

‘Worshipping of angels’ - (intruding into those things which he hath not seen, puffed up by his fleshly mind) - this is what religion does, it produces a voluntary humility which masks self righteousness and pride. The context of this verse shows the horrible sham that religion (in the flesh) is.

In 2 Thess.2:2 we have ‘shaken in mind’

“That ye be not soon shaken in mind,
or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us,
as that the day of Christ is at hand.”

* The story that surrounds this verse is well known, and it’s meaning is clear so I will not look further into this one at the moment.

* In 2 Timothy 6:5 speaks of ‘men of corrupt minds’.

‘Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds,
and destitute of the truth,
supposing that gain is godliness:
from such withdraw thyself.’

* In this case these ‘men’ consider that ‘gain is godliness’, BUT says Paul, “Godliness with contentment is great gain.”

* Such dote about 'questions' and 'strifes of words', whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmising, perverse disputing. - ’FROM SUCH WITHDRAW THYSELF’ says the Holy Spirit through Paul.

* Looking at the context: Paul in verses 1-5 gives council to those who are servants, under a yoke, not free. He tells them to count their own masters worthy of all honour, (why?) - THAT THE NAME OF GOD BE NOT BLASPHEMED. How important this is, similarly those having ‘believing’ masters are told not to despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit.

* In Titus 1:15 we have “Even their mind and conscience is defiled” - Horrible thought.
vv 13-16

“ ... Wherefore rebuke them sharply,
.. that they may be sound in the faith;
.... Not giving heed to Jewish fables,
...... and commandments of men,
........ that turn from the truth.
Unto the pure all things are pure:
.. but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure;
.... but even their mind and conscience is defiled.
They profess that they know God;
.. but in works they deny Him,
.... being abominable, and disobedient,
...... and unto every good work reprobate.”

* What a horrible picture this portrays, but the message is clear, and needs no elaboration.

* The last two verses containing the word ‘Nous’ is in Revelation 13:18; and 17:9

'And him that hath understanding’
‘And here is the mind which hath wisdom.’

* Both connected with understanding the symbolism of the events in the day of the Lord. The first to know the name of the beast, the latter to the ten kingdoms who with one mind serve the beast and make war with the Lamb.

That is the end of the study of ‘nous‘, hope you have enjoyed it as much as I have.

Yours in Christ Jesus
our risen and glorified
Chris