Building, Maintaining, And Nurturing Good Relationships
Be of the Same Mind To One Another

Introduction
As we continue our study of the “one another” passages today we notice how we are to be of the same mind.
The reason for our fellowship and our love is because we are of the same mind.

Be of one mind
Romans 12:16, “Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.”
As Paul begins describing our behavior toward one another, he includes this command.
In this I see that we ought to strive for agreement.
I also think of how “one another” includes ALL brethren.
Romans 15:5-6, “Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus. that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
This is in a passage bringing Romans 14ff to a conclusion, dealing with how we respond to Christian liberties where we differ as brethren.
His point here is that we think about each other.
That is a big part of being of one mind.

More Scriptures speak of being of one mind –
2 Corinthians 13:11, in his final remarks, become complete, be of good comfort, of one mind and live in peace.
Philippians 1:27 – let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, Paul hearing that they stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.
Philippians 3:16, as we press toward the goal we seek to walk by the same rule and to be of the same mind.
Philippians 4:2, Euodia and Syntyche are implored to be of the same mind in the Lord
1 Peter 3:8, finally, all of you (i.e. one another), be of one mind, having compassion for one another…

One mind – A call for Unity
The idea of being of one mind means that we have unity.
This is continually emphasized in scripture.
John 17:20-21 – Jesus’ prayer for unity is one that is as the unity he has with the Father.
1 Corinthians 1:10 – speak the same thing…be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. Ephesians 4:1-3, in a context dealing with unity (4:1-16), Paul begins by challenging these brethren. They are to walk worthy of their calling, with a humble and gentle attitude, “endeavoring to keep the unity of the Sprit in the bond of peace.”
Philippians 2:1-2, describes the degree to which we are to be united – like minded (to be agreement), having the same love (same motives), being of one accord (acting in harmony) and of one mind (think the same way)

Being of one mind in:
Doctrine – Acts 2:42 – they continued steadfastly in the apostle’s doctrine.
1 Corinthians 1:10 – you all speak the same thing,
4:17 – Paul taught the same thing everywhere in every church (no contradictions),
Philippians 3:16, let us walk by the same rule,
2 John 9-11, if one teaches a false doctrine, do not endorse it in any way.
Purpose – Philippians 1:27 speaks of how with one mind we are striving together for the faith of the gospel.
Among our purposes, with one mind we together worship God, seek the purity of the church, seek to build each other up and to save the lost.
In our goals –
Philippians 3:12-14 – that I may lay hold of that for which Christ has laid hold of me, we press toward the goal.
2 Corinthians 4:18, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen
Our desire is to spend eternity together in heaven
To bring glory to God – 1 Peter 4:11, in whatever we do, our goal is to bring glory to Him,
1 Corinthians 10:31, whatever we do, it is to the glory of God.
2 Thessalonians 1:12, Paul’s prayer was that the name of Jesus be glorified in us.
To take as many with us to heaven as we can!

Being of one mind means:
We do not show respect of persons.
Acts 10:34 – Peter had figured this out as he speaks with Cornelius.
Romans 2:11 says there is no partiality with God.
James 2:1-4, 8-9, clearly warns against prejudice – in context, based upon social status or appearance.
We set our minds on things above -
Colossians 3:1-2, we seek (and find) that which is from above (heaven), and we set our mind on such things.
We ought to ALL be striving to reach heaven when this life is over.
You cannot separate this from the word of God as it gives us all things that pertain to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3, 2 Tim. 3:16-17, etc.)
We seek to imitate Christ –
1 Corinthians 11:1 where Paul, though his example calls for us to imitate Christ.
Philippians 2:5-8, after call for us to be of one mind (2:1-2) calls for us to consider the mind of Christ and let it be our mind.
If we will all learn the mind of Christ (as taught in scripture) we will find agreement and be of one mind toward one another.
Contrary to what some think, Jesus didn’t intend to divide.
Yes, in Matthew 10:34 we read that He came to bring a sword that would divide people.
That “sword” was His word, His message.
But was that what He actually wanted?
His desire was (and still is) to bring all men together as one.
But not all men want to endure the truth.
Again consider His prayer in John 17:20-21.
1 Timothy 2:3-4, He desires that all men be saved (John 3:17, 2 Peter 3:9).
Sadly, the world was not willing to receive this (John 1:9-11, etc.).
1 Peter 4:1-2 – Peter calls for us to arm ourselves with the same mind as Christ had in His suffering.
In so doing we will live for the will of God.
When we ALL do this, we will be likeminded.
Jesus is the unifying source for all Christians.
We look out for the interests of others -
Philippians 2:3-4, in a context we have been examining, Paul calls for us to think about each other.
This too is continually emphasized in scripture.
In 1 Corinthians 8:9-13, we must be aware of how our liberties can cause our brother to stumble, and avoid that!
When we are of one mind with our brethren, we are going to look out for what is in their best interest in our words and actions.
We are careful in our judgments of one another –
Matthew 7:1-5, in examining this text we often emphasize that it is not saying that we should never render judgment (cf. John 7:24).
But in its proper context, Jesus is speaking of prejudice and other unjust and inconsistent judgments.
He is speaking of having a proper attitude toward each other as we make judgments.
Do we give the benefit of the doubt as to motives?
Do we even consider the reasoning behind one who does something a little different than we do?
(NOT compromising the truth of God’s word).
In Romans 14 Paul is dealing with these types of liberties.
When we genuinely strive to be one mind toward each other we are going to make sure our judgments are just.
With one mind and one mouth we glorify God -
Romans 15:6, when we are of one mind, TOGETHER we will glorify God.
This would include our worship to Him.
Worship which is a communion with Christ and one another (1 Corinthians 10:16, 17).
Our singing to one another is with grace in our hearts to the Lord (Colossians 3:16), etc.
We will grow as the body of Christ -
Ephesians 4:16 – when every part does its share to achieve this like mindedness, the church grows in every good way.
Being of one mind we will willingly do our part because it is needed in so many ways.

Conclusion
A key to realizing our relationship with one another and God is to strive to be of one mind toward one another.
Being of one mind is our glue that keeps us together in our doctrine, purpose, and goals.
Then we see several reasons for having the same mind.
How are you doing with this?

By Carey Scott from a series by Tommy Thornhill Jr

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