Makes us Earthly good
By Tony Hammack
Overview
The concept so heavenly minded he was no earthly good is actually a misnomer.
We see in Christ the most heavenly minded person in world history who did the most Earthly good.
A new Cliché, “The more heavenly minded you are the more Earthly good you will do.”
People who are so “spiritually” minded they are not earthly good are really flaky and weird. I try to avoid any kind of spiritual discussion unless I’m targeting their redemption.
The lost world out there is looking for something that is real. They have real needs and problems and are looking for the practical solutions.
Truly heavenly minded individuals are doing good.
They are practically relevant
Discuss a situation where you were involved with a person who had all the trappings of spirituality but didn’t seem to have any real substance.
The first component to being spiritually minded is understanding that Jesus and the father are one.
John 14:9-11
9Jesus answered: "Don't you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'? 10Don't you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you are not just my own. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. 11Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves.
From this foundation flows all other spiritual thoughts. If this is not your spiritual foundation your spirituality is false and you are living in deception. It’s very popular to be “spiritual” however this false spirituality is a deception of the enemy to keep a person from the truth only found in Jesus Christ.
Can we be Heavenly Minded?
1 Corinthians 2:16
"For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?" But we have the mind of Christ.
Yes
Our Minds are made Spiritual only in Christ
2 Corinthians 3:14
But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away.
Who are the people the Holy Spirit is talking about here in 2 Corinthians? Were these people spiritual?
There are many trappings of spirituality in the world that relate to crystals, nature, angels, idols, potions, education, etc. but the only way to be truly spiritually minded is in Jesus Christ.
Acts 10:38
God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him. What should a spiritually minded person do?
Spiritually minded individuals go about doing good and bring healing with them, or people get healed who are around them. I believe this healing predominantly refers to physical infirmities but I also believe it includes mental health and emotional health as well.
So if you get around a “spiritually” minded person and feel crazy or distressed in their presence either you have some kind of demonic problem or they are not spiritually minded after all.
2 Corinthians 4:4
The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
What does the Devil do according to 2 Corinthians 4:4?
Jesus is the very image of God.
2 Corinthians 11:3
But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.
The Battlefield
The battlefield where the enemy is trying to take over your life is in your mind. If he can have your mind he can have everything else. It’s vitally important that Jesus is Lord of our thoughts. If he’s not the Lord of our thought life it won’t be long until he’s not Lord of anything.
Deceptive Philosophy
Colossians 2:8
See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.
Set your Mind on the Spirits Desire
Romans 8:5
Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.
The Holy Spirit Desires us to Walk in…the fruits of his Spirit. When we plant our roots into Christ we can’t help but produce his fruit. When we’re planted into something else we will produce death.
Deceitful Desires
Ephesians 4:22
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;
A deceitful desire is wanting something that will ultimately bring you long term harm. However when you are in the wanting stage you can’t / won’t see the long term consequences of receiving what you want. All you see are the benefits.
Proverbs 15:22
Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.
Proverbs 11:14
Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.
Make sure your advisers are Holy Spirit advisers who are living in a lifestyle that is pleasing to God.
Philippians 4:6,7 (Amplified)
6Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition ([b]definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. 7And God's peace [shall be yours, that [c]tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall [d]garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
The Peace of God is our Guard
Before you make any major moves it’s important to identify peace. Moving into a situation where there isn’t peace in your heart is likely to be a bad choice.
Jubilee Family Church
