Be thinking about how an Opinion is developed and what influence they have on our behavior

1. "For to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, experiencing the same conflict which you saw in me, and now hear to be in me. Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. "Phil 1:29-2:7

2. As we go thru these slides I want you to notice how many times the word Opinion comes up in the different definitions and commentaries Be thinking about how an Opinion is developed and what influence they have on our behavior Be paying attention to the different words or phrases that arrive in our consciences and where they are originating from

3. "Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. "Philippians 2:5-8 No better example of humiliation and a selfless attitude for believers to follow could possibly be given than that of Christ. With this example before them, the saints at Philippi should be “like-minded” and live humbly before their God and each other. Walvoord, Zuck Why do you think the setting aside and making himself nothing was so necessary ? We now consider the words, “made himself of no reputation.” Instead of asserting His rights to the expression of the essence of Deity, our Lord waived His rights to that expression, being willing to relinquish them if necessary. He did not consider the exercise of that expression such a treasure that it would keep Him from setting that expression aside, and making Himself of no reputation.Wuest

4. emptied self-abasement selfishness unselfish Doesn’t paint such a great picture of us does it ? own personal interests empty conceit strife humbled self-promotion lowliness vain-glory So what do you think the solution is and where do we get it ? The reality is we already have it ! Death Original Design Mind of Christ Mind of Man

5. "Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, "Philippians 2:5 Mind this “Phroneo” To have understanding, be wise. To feel, to think. To have an opinion of one’s self, think of one’s self, to be modest, not let one’s opinion (though just) of himself exceed the bounds of modesty.Strong "who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, "Philippians 2:6 What do we see going on here ? What is the lesson here for us ? “Huparcho” To begin. To come forth, hence to be there, be ready, be at hand. To be. Strong To be identical with ‘to be.’Louw & Nida “Modesty” Freedom from conceit or vanity Webster “Harpagmos” A thing to be seized upon or to be held fast, retained.Strong “Conceit”  Having or showing an excessively high opinion of oneself Webster ‘he always had the nature of God and did not consider that remaining equal with God was something to be held on to forcibly’ Louw & Nida “Vanity”  Inflated pride in oneself or one’s appearance Webster

6. Mind this "Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, "Philippians 2:5 “en” A primary preposition denoting fixed position in place, time or state. A relation of restStrong What is being said here ? A position defined as being within certain limits—‘inside, within, in.’Louw & Nida This is not the same word used here however this is fascinating and goes with what we are studying. "saying, “We found the prison house locked quite securely and the guards standing at the doors; but when we had opened up, we found no one inside.”“Acts 5:23 "Immediately Jesus, aware in His spirit that they were reasoning that way within themselves, said to them, “Why are you reasoning about these things in your hearts? " Mark 2:8 “But we have the mind of Christ."1 Corinthians 2:16

7. But the spiritual man judgeth of all things, because he hath received the anointing of the Holy One, even Christ, and knoweth all things. These are they who are “taught of God.” This exalted state is maintained in the same manner in which it is won, in true, humble self-denial, in poverty of spirit, in steadfast, determined mortification of all selfish desires and unrestrained devotion to do what is good and wise, and in that simple-hearted abandonment which allows the Spirit of God to work in the heart, to will and to do of his own good pleasure. So far as these qualities fail, and self is suffered to hold sway, the man is betrayed into spiritual pride and into gross errors which arise from commingling and confounding what is human with what is Divine. Lange Can anyone see the paralell between Phil 2:6-7 and what Lange is saying ? "For who has known the mind of the Lord, that he will instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ.“1 Corinthians 2:16 “Nous” The mind, comprising alike the faculties of perceiving and understanding and those of feeling, judging, determining. The intellectual faculty, the understanding. Reason in the narrower sense, as the capacity for spiritual truth, the higher powers of the soul, the faculty of perceiving divine things, of recognizing goodness and of hating evil. The power of considering and judging soberly, calmly and impartially. A particular mode of thinking and judging, i.e thoughts, feelings, purposes, desires. Strong "who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. "Phil 2:6-7 What is the lesson here for us? The psychological faculty of understanding, reasoning, thinking, and decidingLouw & Nida For with the force of the declaration, “Who has known the mind of the Lord? but we have the mind of Christ,” he can swing himself clear of all human judgments and lie in rest in that which Christ has revealed. But it must be remembered, that in order to be able properly to boast that we have the mind of Christ there must be in us daily communion with the word of God, an entire indifference to human glory, fervency in prayer, and a patient love towards others. Lange Particular manner or way of thinkingLouw & Nida to cause someone to be willing to learn and evaluate fairly—‘to open someone’s mind, to cause someone to be open-minded.’Louw & Nida

8. "who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, "Philippians 2:6 “Huparcho” To begin, to make a beginning. To begin. To come forth, hence to be there, be ready, be at hand. To be. Strong To be in a state, normally with the implication of a particular set of circumstancesLouw & Nida To be identical withLouw & Nida “Morphe” The form by which a person or thing strikes the vision. External appearance.Strong The nature or character of something, with emphasis upon both the internal and external formLouw & Nida “Harpagmos” The act of seizing, robbery. A thing seized or to be seized. A thing to be seized upon or to be held fast, retained. Strong That which is to be held on to forcibly. ‘something to hold by force, something to be forcibly retained.’Louw & Nida

9. "but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. “Philippians 2:7 “Kenoo” To empty, make empty. To make void. Deprive of force, render vain, useless, of no effect. To cause a thing to be seen to be empty, hollow, false. Strong So wait a minute. Existing identically with God is not regarded as something to be seized upon but taking the form of a bond servant is ? To take away the power or significance of something ‘to cause to lose power, to cause to be emptied of power, to make powerless.’ Louw & Nida Does there seem to be a slight differing of opinion here between the way we currently think and the way were created to think ? To completely remove or eliminate elements of high status or rank by eliminating all privileges or prerogatives associated with such status or rankLouw & Nida Why is that since we have the mind of Christ and this stuff is in us just as it is in Christ Jesus ? “Lambano” To take with the hand, lay hold of, any thing in order to use it. To take what is one’s own, to take to one’s self, to make one’s own. To claim, procure, for one’s self. Of that which when taken is not let go, to seize, to lay hold of, apprehend.Strong “Morphe” The nature or character of something, with emphasis upon both the internal and external form Louw & Nida

10. "but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. “Philippians 2:7 “Doulos” A slave, bondman, man of servile condition. Metaph., one who gives himself up to another’s will. Those whose service is used by Christ in extending and advancing His cause among men. Devoted to another to the disregard of one’s own interests.Strong What is this talking about ? Pertaining to a state of being completely controlled by someone or somethingLouw & Nida Is used as a noun, and as the most common and general word for “servant,” frequently indicating subjection without the idea of bondage.Vine “Ginomai” To become, i.e. to come into existence, begin to be, receive being. To arise, appear in history, come upon the stage. Of men appearing in public.Strong Here is what I want to talk about today. What do you think is going on right up here ? Do you think there is any differing opinions going on up there? To make a change of locationLouw & Nida

11. "who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. "Philippians 2:6-7 What is this word and these definitions talking about ? They are talking about different ways we think and how we arrive at conclusions, right or wrong “Hegeomai ” (Goodrick-Kohlenberger 2206 and 2451) To lead. To go before. To be a leader. To rule or command. To consider, deem, account, think. See entry 5837 for comparison of synonyms. Strong What is the problem with these other ways of thinking ? 5837 Synonyms Compare: 1380, 5316 1380: refers to the subjective judgment, which may or may not conform to the fact 5316: refers to the actual external appearance, generally correct, but possibly deceptive Compare: 1380, 2233 (2), 3543 (2), 3633 2233 and 3543 denote a belief resting not on one’s inner feeling or sentiment, but on the due consideration of external grounds, and the weighing and comparing of facts. 1380 and 3633 on the other hand, describe a subjective judgment growing out of inclination or a view of facts in their relation to us. 2233 denotes a more deliberate and careful judgment than 3543; 3633 a subjective judgment which has feeling rather than thought 1380 for its ground. Strong

12. "who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. "Philippians 2:6-7 “Hegeomai ” (Goodrick-Kohlenberger 2206 and 2451) To lead. To go before. To be a leader. To rule or command. To consider, deem, account, think. See entry 5837 for comparison of synonyms. Strong What kind of things do you think of when you here the works “Governing Opinion” ? Be governor, procurator What exactly is an Opinion ? To hold a view or have an opinion with regard to something. ‘to hold a view, to have an opinion, to consider, to regard.’Louw & Nida How can an opinion become a Governing Opinion ? Metaphorically, to lead out before the mind, i.e., to view, regard, esteem, count, reckonZodhiates TRUTH ! What would be an Opinion Governor ? For todays study we are going to call these “Governing Opinions” or “Opinion Governors” or “Leading thoughts”

13. Now concerning virgins I have no command of the Lord, but I give an opinion as one who by the mercy of the Lord is trustworthy. 1 Cor 7:25 But in my opinion she is happier if she remains as she is; and I think that I also have the Spirit of God. 1 Cor 7:40 I give my opinion in this matter, for this is to your advantage, who were the first to begin a year ago not only to do this, but also to desire to do it. 2 Cor 8:10 “Opinion” : a view, judgment, or appraisal formed in the mind about a particular matter   : belief stronger than impression and less strong than positive knowledge   : a generally held view : a formal expression of judgment or advice by an expert Webster "A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions."Proverbs 18:2, NIV “Gnome” The faculty of knowledge, mind, reason. That which is thought or known, one’s mind. A view, judgment, opinion.Strong That which is regarded or considered to be the case—‘what is considered, opinion.’Louw & Nida An idiom, literally ‘to become of a mind’ To make up one’s mind, with emphasis upon the process of coming to such a decision Louw & Nida

14. Now accept the one who is weak in faith, but not for the purpose of passing judgment on his opinions Rom 14:1 This is talking about the means of inward reasoning or the means of reckoning. So what does governing opinions and the means of inward reasoning have to do with what we are studying? “Dialogismos”From 1260 The thinking of a man deliberating with himself. A thought, inward reasoning. Strong EVERYTHING! 1260 “Dialogizomai” From 1223 and 3049 To bring together different reasons, to reckon up the reasons, to reason, revolve in one’s mind, deliberate. Strong 1223 “Dia” Through. With. In. Throughout. During. By the means of. The ground or reason by which something is or is not done. Strong 3049 “Logizomai” To reckon, count, compute, calculate, count over. To take into account, to make an account of. To reckon inward, count up or weigh the reasons, to deliberate. By reckoning up all the reasons, to gather or infer. Strong

15. Now accept the one who is weak in faith, but not for the purpose of passing judgment on his opinions Rom 14:1 “Dialogismos”From 1260 The thinking of a man deliberating with himself. A thought, inward reasoning. Strong What is this ? 1260 “Dialogizomai” From 1223 and 3049 To bring together different reasons, to reckon up the reasons, to reason, revolve in one’s mind, deliberate. Strong INSANITY! This is man deliberating within himself by means of his own opinions 1223 “Dia” Through. With. In. Throughout. During. By the means of. The ground or reason by which something is or is not done. Strong What’s wrong with that ? Don’t we all do it ? 3049 “Logizomai” To reckon, count, compute, calculate, count over. To take into account, to make an account of. To reckon inward, count up or weigh the reasons, to deliberate. By reckoning up all the reasons, to gather or infer. Strong To hold a view or have an opinion with regard to something Louw & Nida

16. What are all of these ? HOLY COW !! What are YOU going to do about that ? Who cares ! I make more money than they do ! Do they have the potential to govern our behavior ? OPINION OPINION What’s the solution ? God really let you down this time selfishness OPINION vain-glory empty conceit own personal interests What is everybody going to think of you ? self-promotion OPINION strife You can’t let them get away with that ! They think they’re better than you ! OPINION OPINION Mind of Man

17. "Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves” Phil 2:3 Here we have the instruction and the example. But how are we going to pull it of ? “Do nothing out from putting yourself forward or out from opinions devoid of truth but with lowliness of mind govern our opinions that others are more superior in rank to you.”JRV "who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, " Phil 2:6 “who, although He began in the exact character and outward appearance of God, did not have a governing opinion that equality with God was something to be seized upon, “JRV

18. “Pay attention to this in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, “ Phil 2:5 Now what happens ? thoughtfulness selfishness humbled self-abasement unselfish emptied lowliness peace patience empty conceit vain-glory kindness goodness own personal interests self control love self-promotion gentleness strife joy Mind of Christ in Man Mind of Christ Mind of Man

19. “The Mind Of Christ” The word denotes that inward possession which is founded upon communion with Christ, upon having “put on Christ” (Gal. 3:27).The thought now brought out is this, the judgment of the spiritual man on the part of him who is not spiritual, would require such a knowledge of the mind of the Lord as would qualify a person to instruct the Lord Himself, since the persons who are to be judged are such as have the mind of Christ, inasmuch as His Spirit dwelling in them, and directing their thought, fashions them to His mind, and identifies their thinking with His thinking. “Syllogistically stated, the argument would stand thus: no one can instruct the Lord. We have the mind of the Lord. Therefore no one can instruct and judge us.” What do I mean by that ? Therefore no one can instruct or opinion govern us.

20. Christ being our light, so far as He is our life, it must follow that with the unfolding of this new life in us, and to the degree in which the principle of this life, even the Divine Spirit, mortifies the works of the flesh and breaks down our narrow-minded selfishness, and clears our intelligence of all prejudices, and emancipates us from human authorities, and from our self-complacency, and from our delight in whatsoever flatters and pleases self, will this Divine wisdom dawn with ever-growing clearness upon our apprehensions, and our understanding of God’s thoughts and ways become enlarged, and our susceptibility for still further disclosures be increased. If on the awakened conscience of the sinner there arises at the start the light of God’s pardoning and restoring grace beaming from the person of Christ evidently crucified before his eyes, and under its radiance he sees the follies of the past and the obligations of the future, and learns his indebtedness to redeeming love, and experiences its saving and gladdening influences, and feels in himself the quickening of a new and higher principle with all its uplifting powers and emotions, then in all this there will be laid the foundation of a knowledge of Christ, and what He is, and what is the nature of the life that proceeds from Him, to which each day’s experience and reflection will constantly contribute.

21. While the physical man, imprisoned as he is in his own natural selfishness, living and moving ever outside of the sphere of God’s enlightening Spirit, has no sense to receive the Divine spiritual communications so that they all appear to him irrational and absurd, the spiritual man, who has received the Spirit of God and is controlled by him, carries in himself a standard for determining that which is of the Spirit; so that he is able to estimate it, both according to its substance and its form of expression, and is therefore qualified to judge of everything which comes within his sphere, by this the highest measure of all true worth. But he himself is exalted above the judgment of the unspiritual. The spiritual man judgeth of all things, because he hath received the anointing of the Holy One, even Christ, and knoweth all things. These are they who are “taught of God.” This exalted state is maintained in the same manner in which it is won, in true, humble self-denial, in poverty of spirit, in steadfast, determined mortification of all selfish desires and unrestrained devotion to do what is good and wise, and in that simple-hearted abandonment which allows the Spirit of God to work in the heart, to will and to do of his own good pleasure. So far as these qualities fail, and self is suffered to hold sway, the man is betrayed into spiritual pride and into gross errors which arise from commingling and confounding what is human with what is Divine.

22. The great distinction between the wisdom of this world and the wisdom of God. The former changes its opinions and principles well nigh faster than its fashions. It is ambitious to give the tone to that which shall be esteemed proper and conducive to the public good, and to fill every sphere with its own taste and judgment so as to be in favor with the princes of this world. But, alas! those to whom it so devotes itself soon fade and pass away but too apparently. The greater part of them outlive their own credit for wisdom, and a false garnish of their youth is soon succeeded by the lustrelessness of an old age which is all the more wretched from the contrast. The hidden wisdom of God emerges out of eternity, and is on this account liable to no change. Its benefits also stretch onward into eternity, and when the work of redemption shall be completed it will be found in glory long after the fashion of this world has utterly vanished. Its instruction flows with such purity that only those who lay the foundation for it in the fear of God are introduced therein, step by step, along the path of obedience. Against its demands the heart of man is so apt to be hardened that it is a rare thing for one of the princes of this world to attain unto the knowledge of it.

23. The longer and more truly a Christian serves God, the more spiritual wisdom he obtains. Christ and everything that is in and with Him, is an incomprehensible mystery; fail but to explore it, and thou art but a fool; but believe what is revealed to thee of it, and it is enough for thy salvation. Wonder not that the greatest in the world, the most gifted, the wisest, do not only not accept Christ, but on the contrary altogether torture and crucify Him. They understand no better, and think themselves able by means of their reason to comprehend the faith and religion of Christ, just as they do everything else. The royal dignity of the children of God is shown in the fact, that they perceive and spiritually judge all things, especially the internal state of the godless, while they themselves are wholly unknown to the latter; and hence it is that they will one day become, as it were, occupants of the great judgment seat as Christ’s associate judges in the world’s assize. Oh, how unqualified is the unconverted teacher for the office of the Spirit, especially for judging correctly of the true state of the souls of his hearers. The mind of Christ is the mind of the Father and of the Holy Ghost, and it is revealed in the Scriptures. Whoever then wishes to know the mind of Christ need not climb on high and seek it from far, but let him hold fast to the revealed word. There he will learn what God means and what he intends to do with us. Lange