This sermon from Apostle Allison Smith Conliff encourages believers to maintain a steadfast commitment to God regardless of life's challenges or material successes. The Apostle emphasizes the necessity of arming oneself with the mind of Christ to overcome sin and navigate spiritual trials with resilience. By referencing the biblical teachings of Peter, the message warns against returning to past worldly behaviors and instead promotes a life of holiness and discipline. The congregation is urged to rely on faith and prayer rather than their own understanding, trusting that God is an active protector in every battle. Ultimately, it highlights the importance of living as an example for others and remaining "sober and watchful" as they fulfill their divine purpose.

Key Points:

The mandate to arm oneself with the mind of Christ acts as a spiritual defense and a catalyst for profound behavioral transformation, moving a believer from a life dictated by the flesh to one governed by the will of God.

According to the Apostle, this mental shift transforms behavior in several key ways:

Arming oneself with the mind of Christ is described as the primary way to ensure that sin no longer has dominion over an individual. This mindset allows a person to subdue the flesh, putting natural impulses and cravings under control. When an individual is focused on the Father's business, they operate with a clear sense of identity, knowing who they are and whose they are, which makes them less susceptible to the strongholds of Satan.

The Apostle highlights a fundamental change in how a person spends their time. Rather than living for the "lust of men", the transformed mind directs the individual to live for the "will of God". This involves a clean break from past behaviors such as "lasciviousness, lust, excess of wine, revelings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries". Instead of pursuing these "worldly" styles, the believer fashions their life after Jesus, making holiness their "fashion".

This transformation often results in a noticeable shift in social behavior. The Apostle states that as you arm yourself with Christ's mind, you stop "running with" those living in sin. This change is so significant that others may think it is "strange" and might even speak evil of the believer. Specifically, behavior moves away from "loose living," adultery, or spending time in "rum shops," and moves toward being an ambassador of heaven and a "vessel of honor".

Possessing the mind of Christ transforms how a person responds to adversity. It provides a "sound mind" and a "peace that passes all understanding," which protects against the "spirit of fear" and depression. This mental fortitude allows believers to:

• Face "fiery trials" and persecution without viewing them as strange.
• Maintain a state of constant prayer and soberness.
• Respond to the devil's temptations by relying on the word of God ("It is written") rather than personal feelings.

Finally, the mind of Christ encourages active behavior rather than passive belief. Because the individual knows they must one day give an account for how they used their "earthly tent," they are motivated to use their faith actively. This leads to a life of service and encouragement toward others, rather than being "discouraged" by personal challenges.

Analogy for Understanding: The Apostle suggests that the mind of a believer is like a garden. Without the mind of Christ, a life becomes like a garden overrun by thorns, thistles, and weeds, where its original beauty is lost to neglect. However, arming oneself with Christ's mind is like allowing the Master Gardener to plant Himself within you, ensuring the life blooms and blossoms with purpose and order.

Rec. Date: 19th Feb, 2023