.jpg)
Scripture Memory Review
Romans 8:5
"Those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh; but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit."
🧱 Building Good Habits
It’s a good habit to observe the text by asking some questions before you start to memorize a verse. Here are some questions that you could ask as you start to memorize a verse. If you're listening to the podcast, you can find the questions in the show notes.
Do you see a contrast or comparison in the verse?
Are there any words that you need to understand better?
Is there a term of conclusion used?
Are there any repeated words or phrases
Ask the “5 W’s and an H.”
I'll give you about 1 minute to think through these questions. You can write it down if you would like, but it’s not necessary.
As I observed this verse, I wanted to dig a bit deeper into the phrase “set their minds.”
💡 Word Study: Set Their Minds
I use multiple resources when doing word study. I use the Word Studies Series written by Zodhiates, the Bible Hub, BLB and dictionaries such as Merriam Webster or the 1828 Websters Dictionary online
The phrase, “set their minds,” is phroneō in Greek and is Strong's number G5426.
The KJV translates Strong's G5426 in the following manner: think (5x), regard (4x), mind (3x), be minded (3x), savour (2x), be of the same mind (with G846) (2x), be like minded (with G846) (2x), miscellaneous (8x).
It basically means to think, have a mindset.
Zodhiates states “that the activity represented by this word involves the will, affections, and conscience.”
Let's look at some Cross References.
📚 Cross References
Matthew 16:23
“But Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me. For you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.”
Acts 28:22
“But we consider your views worth hearing, because we know that people everywhere are speaking against this sect.”
Romans 12:16
“Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but associate with the lowly. Do not be conceited.”
Romans 14:6
“He who observes a special day does so to the Lord; he who eats does so to the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God.”
1 Corinthians 13:11
“When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I set aside childish ways.”
🔍 Commentary
As a bit deeper into the word, I look at commentaries to see what they say.
The Bible Knowledge Commentary says the definition is “keep on being mindful or aspiring for” and goes on to say that,
“an unbeliever only cares for his sinful interest and has no regard for God. The exact opposite is true of those who live by the Spirit. They aspire for or have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The sinful nature and the indwelling Spirit are in conflict with each other.”
I specifically like John MacArthur’s definition:
“the verb behind 'set their minds' refers to the basic orientation, bent, and thought patterns of the mind, rather than to the mind or intellect itself. It includes a person's affections and will as well as his reasoning.”
Now that we have looked at this phrase a bit deeper, we are now going to start memorizing the verse.
⚡Practical Tips
Before we start to memorize let me give you 1 tip to focus on today as you memorize.
Say the verse in phrases as you speak
🗣️ Active Memorization Practice
Step 1: Listen & Read
Read along or listen silently as I say the verse three times out loud:
Those who live according to the flesh
set their minds on the things of the flesh;
but those who live according to the Spirit
set their minds on the things of the Spirit.
Those who live according to the flesh
set their minds on the things of the flesh;
but those who live according to the Spirit
set their minds on the things of the Spirit.
Those who live according to the flesh
set their minds on the things of the flesh;
but those who live according to the Spirit
set their minds on the things of the Spirit.
Step 2: Speak Out Loud
Now it’s your turn! Say the verse out loud 10 times.
Step 3: Recite from Memory
Cover the verse above and try to say it from memory 10 more times.
📝 Today's Reflection
Great job today!
Later this afternoon, review this verse and practice it daily. As you do, I want you to think, no pun intended, on what you have been setting your mind on.
Is it helping you grow as a believer?
Friends, let me encourage you as Paul also encouraged the Philippian believers:
Philippians 4:13
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things.”
If today's episode brought you a little extra perspective or encouragement, take a second to hit the Follow or Subscribe button right now in your podcast app.
And if someone popped into your mind while you were listening, tap the share button and send this episode directly to them. It takes five seconds, and it means the world.
Until next time, stay tuned and stay rooted!
Sources
G5426 - phroneō - Strong's Greek Lexicon (ESV). Retrieved from Blue Letter Bible
Zodhiates, Spiros, ed. The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament. Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers, 1992.
Walvoord, J. F., & Zuck, R. B. (Eds.). (1983). The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures by Dallas Seminary Faculty (New Testament Edition). Victor Books.
John MacArthur, Romans 1–8, MNTC (Chicago: Moody Publishers, 1991), 416.
No comments:
Post a Comment