Weekly Devotional: August 12, 2026
POSSESSING THE MIND OF CHRIST
A 4-week devotional series by Major Ed Lee, Corps Officer of Conway, SC
GOD’S WORD
II Corinthians 10:5; Isaiah 14:12,13; 2 Timothy 1:7
DEVOTIONAL
“A SANCTIFIED MIND”
II Corinthians 10:5
“Casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ...”
THE MASTER’S USE
Thirty-six years ago, when I was a young man preparing to enter the School for Officer Training, I read a book by evangelist and writer Frances Hunter entitled, “Possessing the Mind of Christ.” That little book was essential in formulating my spiritual direction as I prepared myself for a lifetime of service and mission. Frances Hunter reminded me that the heart and the mind must be redeemed and cleansed for the Master’s use.
Many times, I have found myself saying, “I must get my mind straight about this issue,” or “my heart and my head need to be aligned with the will of God in this matter.” It is a truth to live by that “right thinking precedes right living.”
Paul wrote to the church in Corinth to warn them about living carnal lives and thinking unspiritual. The natural man cannot align with the things of God without possessing the mind of Christ. Paul compares carnal and spiritual. The spiritual man’s thinking must be aligned with Christ. Paul asks the question that is a direct quote from the prophet Isaiah- “Who has known the mind of the Lord?” The answer is... “those who possess the mind of Christ.”
Please journey with me in this 4-part series entitled, “Possessing the Mind of Christ”.
A Renewed Mind – Romans 12:2b
A Sanctified Mind- II Corinthians 10:5
A Submissive Mind – Philippians 2:5
A Heavenly Mind – Colossians 3:2
A SANCTIFIED MIND
II Corinthians 10:5- “Casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ...”
Not only does my mind need to be renewed by the power of Christ, but my mind must be sanctified by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Casting down arguments – “imaginations” in the KJV. That phrase means “pretensions.” What is meant by pretentious thoughts? Thinking of oneself as superior in intellect and thought. Thinking that your way is best and not God’s. It is the spirit of Lucifer who said, “I will ascend, I will be like God.” His “imagination” destroyed his place in God’s kingdom. (Isaiah 14:12,13)
The New Living Translation brings greater light to what needs to be sanctified – “rebellious ideas and proud arguments.” That is, every “high thing” and “every thought” needs the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit. More specifically, those “delusions of grandeur” that I can make it without Christ.
When I have experienced times of spiritual dryness and lack of spiritual vitality, it is always because I have moved from dependence on Christ to independence in my own resources and efforts.
When I was a child, I remember the older members of our Corps standing and testifying that they “thanked God, He woke them up this morning, and they were in their right mind!” As a child, I thought that was strange. But now that I am old, I fully understand. To wake up each morning and be of sound mind is truly a blessing indeed!
POSSESSING THE MIND OF CHRIST
2 Timothy 1:7 – “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” That phrase “sound mind” means self-discipline or self-control. When my mind is sanctified, it is controlled by the Holy Spirit. My wayward thoughts are conformed to Jesus and His will for my life.
Gregory Madison, in his devotional book entitled Reverently Turning to God From Idols, says this: “Jesus is the “Divine Logos,” the “Logical One.” Man’s mind is limited, and the stupidity of man knows no bounds! But Jesus is a genius without limits.” Hallelujah!
When we possess His mind, motivated by His purposes and intentions, we are sanctified and fit for the Master’s use.