Exploring the invitation to Follow Jesus - to ‘Pursue Holiness’ by controlling / guarding our hearts / thoughts / minds (our focus) / knowledge
General Introduction
In this series we are building what we will refer to as the ‘One Page New Testament’ - #onepagenewtestament. Our approach is building a pictorial summary of the main messages for disciples of Jesus in a systematically derived, structured form. We aim to keep the descriptive text to a minimum and share with you the different Themes that are being created. We will consider the scriptures on their own merit, Theme by Theme, without introducing much in the way of theology. Within each Theme, we will let the scriptures speak for themselves - hopefully in a way that demonstrates the validity of the analysis.
Introduction to this Faith Article
This article is the fourteenth in a series that is unpacking some of the analysis work currently being undertaken to draw out the main teachings from the New Testament from a personal discipleship perspective. The previous articles can be found in the reference at Note [1] and they focus upon the New Testament’s teaching that corresponds to the challenges of what we have so far called ‘Kingdom Fundamental 1 [KF1]’ - ‘Love God’, and ‘Kingdom Fundamental 2 [KF2]’ - ‘Follow Jesus’.
We have previously introduced that we consider there are four Kingdom Practices under the invitation to Follow Jesus [KF2]:
Submit to Jesus’ Lordship - [KP3] (explored previously in Systematic Discipleship Parts 3 to 9)
Pursue Holiness - [KP4]
Live out kingdom values - [KP5]
Exercise discernment - [KP6].
In the last article (Systematic Discipleship - Part 13) we were exploring further the Kingdom Practice to ‘Pursue Holiness’ - [KP4], building upon Parts 10 to 12. We have derived seven Kingdom Actions (sub-Themes) that sit below this heading which come from our ongoing analysis of the New Testament:
Control / guard our eyes (what we look at / watch / read) - [KA13]
Control / guard our tongues (what we say / write) - [KA14]
Control / guard our ears (what we hear / listen to) - [KA15]
Control / guard our hands and feet (what we touch / where we go) - [KA16]
Control / guard our reactions / emotional responses to issues / events / circumstances - [KA17]
Control / guard our hearts / thoughts / minds (our focus) / knowledge - [KA18]
Control / guard our character (act with integrity) - [KA19].
The elements we will cover in this article focus on KA18 and are shown in light blue (encouragements) and pink (warnings) in Figure 1.
If readers take away nothing else from these articles than the sense, logic, and directive actions in the Figures - for disciples to put into practice in the strength God gives - we will hopefully have achieved our initial objective.
Figure 1 - Investigating the Kingdom Practice to ‘Pursue Holiness’ - [KP4]
As we highlighted above, there are seven areas that we can consider as aspects of trying to live in a holy way (KA13-KA19). These Kingdom Actions describe how we should try to manage and control our senses, our emotions, and thoughts to the external stimuli we experience, and ultimately how we present ourselves to others through our character. We will address our behavioural responses in more detail as we explore Kingdom Practice 5 - ‘Live out kingdom values’ in future articles. Whilst we will never live up to a standard of perfect holiness, as the Holy Spirit enables us, we can continue to try!
We need to be aware that working towards holy living is separate and distinct from being made holy by God - through the forgiveness we receive as we repent from our sins and accept Jesus as our personal Saviour and Lord. We considered this aspect of holiness in Systematic Discipleship Part 7 [1].
Moving forward, let’s continue to explore what holy living might require by considering some of the Greek words and scriptures that point us towards this.
The part of the analysis presented in this article represents a summary of the second most complex of all the work we have undertaken. In performing the detailed consideration of this topic, we reviewed in the order of 170 Greek words and idioms that were identified from [2] and [3]; representing some 3500 verse instances.
Kingdom Action 18 - Control / guard our hearts / thoughts / minds (our focus) / knowledge
In the last article we considered the New Testament’s themes encouraging us to be careful in our responses to external stimuli. These might be immediate physical and emotional reactions (without prior thinking) rather than considered responses (after thinking things through) which we will address as part of exploring KA5 - ‘Live out kingdom values’.
In this article, we are looking specifically at the New Testament’s direction about controlling and guarding our thoughts and knowledge. Every action we undertake - walking, running, touching, comforting, speaking, writing, being creative, etc - is a result of either an active or passive thought. Passive thinking can include things like a concert pianist playing a piece of music that they have practised 100s of times so that their mind / finger coordination has become fully memorised and automatic in its execution. In contrast, when we have a problem to solve, we are thinking in a creative, active way - identifying options to consider and taking some or all of them forward.
It is perhaps worth noting that in ancient times (as well as in some of our language today) people saw the heart as being the location of our emotions, thinking, and understanding (rather than the brain) and this is reflected in some of the language in Bible texts as well as literature through the ages. Clearly the two are linked, in the sense that the processing of things by our brains can lead to changes in our heart rate and blood pressure. However, our anatomical understanding is much more informed today than it was then, even though the use of the word ‘heart’ still represents a cultural understanding of the emotional side of our being. We still use the phrases ‘heart ruling head' or ‘head ruling heart’.
At this KA18 top level we set out some example scriptures [4] below, together with some of the Greek words we have reviewed are shown emboldened with the Strong’s Greek reference numbers in brackets. We have used the same approach for each of the sub-Themes set out subsequently and have not provided the Strong’s details to help keep this document simple.
In our work, we consider that there are 12 Greek words that fit under this heading.
Matthew 16:11 - How is it you don’t understand (Strong’s 3539) that I was not talking to you about bread? But be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
Luke 21:34 - “Be careful, or your hearts (2588) will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap.
Romans 11:8 - as it is written: “God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes (3788) that could not see and ears that could not hear, to this very day.”
1 Corinthians 4:6 - Now, brothers and sisters, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying, “Do not go beyond (5228) what is written.” Then you will not be puffed up in being a follower of one of us over (5228) against the other.
2 Corinthians 4:4 - The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see (826) the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
Ephesians 1:18 - I pray that the eyes (3788) of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people.
Philippians 4:7 - And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts (2588) and your minds in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:22 - reject every kind (1491) of evil.
We have identified in the order of 75 verse instances where these words and idioms supporting this topic can be seen.
From our analysis work, we have drawn out 8 lower-level Kingdom Actions:
Focus on the kingdom of God (KA18.1)
Pursue spiritual wisdom / knowledge / right attitude / thinking / in heart / mind (KA18.2)
Beware sinful wisdom / knowledge / wrong attitudes / thinking / reasoning (KA18.3)
Develop kingdom (not worldly) understanding / perception / consider things carefully (KA18.4)
Manage our discussions / reasoning / arguments well (KA18.5)
Be alert / careful / watchful in our thinking (KA18.6)
Make wise (Bible informed) decisions / judgements on spiritual / worldly things (KA18.7)
Do not let our hearts be hardened (KA18.8)
These are explained in more detail in the subsections below.
Kingdom Action 18.1 - Focus on the kingdom of God
We have identified 2 Greek words that fit under this heading:
Matthew 6:21 - For where your treasure is, there your heart (2588) will be also.
Romans 10:1 - Brothers and sisters, my heart’s (2588) desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved.
Ephesians 1:18 - I pray that the eyes of your heart (2588) may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people.
Philippians 3:7-8 - But whatever were gains to me I now consider (2233) loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider (2233) everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider (2233) them garbage, that I may gain Christ.
1 Peter 3:15 - But in your hearts (2588) revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.
1 John 3:19 - This is how we know that we belong to the truth and how we set our hearts (2588) at rest in his presence.
There are around 17 verse references where these Greek words appear supporting this sub-Theme.
Kingdom Action 18.2 - Pursue spiritual wisdom / knowledge / right attitude / thinking / in heart / mind
There are more than 60 Greek words and idioms that can be considered to apply under this title:
Mark 12:30 - Love the Lord your God with all your heart (2588) and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.
Mark 13:29 - So you too, when you see these things happening, recognize (1097) that He is near, right at the door.
1 Corinthians 10:12 - So, if you think (1380) you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!
2 Corinthians 10:5 - Casting down imaginations (3053), and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ (KJV).
Ephesians 1:17 - I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom (4678) and revelation, so that you may know him better.
Ephesians 4:23 - to be made new in the attitude of your minds (3563).
Philippians 1:27 - Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind (5590) striving together for the faith of the gospel.
Philippians 2:5 - In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset (5426) as Christ Jesus.
1 Peter 4:7 - The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment (4993) and sober (3525) spirit for the purpose of prayer (NASB).
We have identified more than 650 verse references where the identified Greek words and idioms appear which reflect this subject.
Kingdom Action 18.3 - Beware sinful wisdom / knowledge / wrong attitudes / thinking / reasoning
We have identified 80 Greek words and idioms that fit with this topic and examples for some of them are given in the verses below:
Matthew 5:28 - But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart (2588).
Matthew 9:4 - Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said, “Why do you entertain evil thoughts (1760) in your hearts?
Matthew 20:15 - Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things? Or is your eye evil (3788 & 4190) because I am good? (NKJV).
Mark 12:12 - Then the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders looked for a way to arrest him because they knew (1097) he had spoken the parable against them. But they were afraid of the crowd; so they left him and went away.
Acts 14:2 - But the Jews who refused to believe stirred up the other Gentiles and poisoned their minds (5590) against the brothers.
Philippians 3:19 - Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind (5426) is set on earthly things.
1 Timothy 6:5 - and constant friction between people of corrupt mind (3563), who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.
James 1:26 - Those who consider (1380) themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.
James 2:3 - and you pay special attention (1914) to the one who is wearing the bright clothes, and say, “You sit here in a good place,” and you say to the poor man, “You stand over there, or sit down by my footstool,” (NASB).
We have identified around 450 verse references where this set of Greek words and idioms appear.
Kingdom Action 18.4 - Develop kingdom (not worldly) understanding / perception / consider things carefully
Under this heading we have found 11 Greek words and idioms that are applicable. Some are represented in these example scriptures:
Matthew 6:28 - So why do you worry about clothing? Consider (2648) the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin.
Mark 8:15 - “Be careful (991),” Jesus warned them. “Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod.”
Luke 24:45 - Then he opened their minds so they could understand (4920) the Scriptures.
Acts 10:28 - He told them, "You understand (1987) how wrong it is for a Jew to associate or visit with unbelievers. But God has shown me that I should stop calling anyone common or unclean (International Standard Version).
Acts 20:24 - However, I consider (Idiom to make of reason - 3056 & 4160) my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.
2 Corinthians 13:5 - Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test (96)?
Colossians 1:9 - For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding (4907) that the Spirit gives.
Philippians 4:8 - Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate (3049) on these things (NKJV).
1 Thessalonians 5:21 - but examine (1381) everything; hold firmly to that which is good (NASB).
There are nearly 90 verse references where Greek words appear that reflect this topic.
Kingdom Action 18.5 - Manage our discussions / reasoning / arguments well
We have identified one Greek word of relevance that fits under this heading and some scripture examples are provided here:
Matthew 21:25 - John’s baptism—where did it come from? Was it from heaven, or of human origin?” They discussed (1260) it among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will ask, ‘Then why didn’t you believe him?’
Mark 2:6 - And some of the scribes were sitting there and reasoning (1260) in their hearts.
Mark 8:16-17 - And they began to discuss (1260) with one another the fact that they had no bread. And Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why are you discussing (1260) the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet comprehend or understand? Do you still have your heart hardened? (NASB).
Mark 11:31 - They discussed (1260) it among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will ask, ‘Then why didn’t you believe him?’”
Luke 20:14 - But when the vinedressers saw him, they reasoned (1260) among themselves, saying, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him, that the inheritance may be ours’ (NKJV).
There are 14 verse references where relevant Greek words reinforce this subject.
Kingdom Action 18.6 - Be alert / careful / watchful in our thinking
We have judged that there are in the order of 4 Greek words that have verses which have something to say about our potential negative reactions to events. Examples include these scriptures:
Matthew 13:23 - But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears (191) the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.
Matthew 16:6 - And Jesus said to them, “Watch out (3708) and beware (4337) of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees” (NASB).
Luke 11:35 - See to it (4648), then, that the light within you is not darkness.
1 Corinthians 1:19 - For it is written: "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence (4907) of the intelligent I will frustrate."
1 Timothy 1:4 - or to devote themselves (4337) to myths and endless genealogies. Such things promote controversial speculations rather than advancing God’s work—which is by faith.
Hebrews 12:15 - See to it (1983) that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.
There are more than over 35 verse references where Greek words and idioms are found that express the sentiment.
Kingdom Action 18.7 - Make wise (Bible informed) decisions / judgements on spiritual / worldly things
There are 10 Greek words that relate to making wise or considered decisions and judgements and these can be illustrated by the following verses:
Matthew 23:23 - Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice (2920), mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.
John 7:24 - “Do not judge (2919) according to appearance, but judge (2919) with righteous (1342) judgment (2920).”
1 Corinthians 2:15 - The person with the Spirit makes judgments (350) about all things, but such a person is not subject to merely human judgments (350).
1 Corinthians 6:5 - I say this to shame you. Is it possible that there is nobody among you wise enough to judge (1252) a dispute between believers?
1 Corinthians 10:15 - I speak to sensible people; judge (2919) for yourselves what I say.
1 Corinthians 11:28-29 - Everyone ought to examine (1381) themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup. For those who eat and drink without discerning (1252) the body of Christ eat and drink judgment (2917) on themselves.
1 Thessalonians 5:21 - but test (1381) them all; hold on to what is good.
2 Timothy 2:15 - Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved (1384), a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
1 John 3:20-21 - If our hearts condemn (2607) us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn (2607) us, we have confidence before God.
There are more than 65 verse references where these Greek words appear under this heading.
Kingdom Action 18.8 - Do not let our hearts be hardened
We have identified 5 Greek words and idioms that fit within this sub-Theme and example scriptures include:
Mark 3:5 - He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn (4457) hearts (2588), said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored.
Mark 6:52 - for they had not understood (4920) about the loaves; their hearts (2588) were hardened (4456) (Idiom - to maim the heart).
Mark 8:17 - Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked them: “Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts (2588) hardened (4456) (Idiom - to maim the heart)”?
John 12:40 - He has blinded their eyes and hardened (4456) their hearts (2588) (Idiom - to maim the heart), so they can neither see with their eyes, nor understand with their hearts (2588), nor turn—and I would heal them.
Ephesians 4:18 - They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening (4457) of their hearts (2588).
Hebrews 3:15 - As has just been said: “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden (4645) your hearts (2588) as you did in the rebellion.”
Hebrews 4:7 - God again set a certain day, calling it “Today.” This he did when a long time later he spoke through David, as in the passage already quoted: “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden (4645) your hearts (2588).”
We have identified 31 verse references where they appear, supporting this subject.
Summary
In this fourteenth Faith Article, we have explored some of the Greek words and idioms (presented in Louw and Nida’s [2] and Mounce’s [3] reference materials), and scriptures that can be used to support our analysis which expands the Theme that we have called ‘Kingdom Practice 3 - Pursue Holiness’. We have looked at verses that encourage us to consider our thinking carefully to the events and circumstances that impact us daily, weekly and throughout our lives.
Just as with many English words, Greek words can have more than one meaning and consequently when translated into Biblical texts can be used to convey several different sentiments. Which is used is dependent upon the context.
Ultimately, this analysis and these groupings are subjective, as will be the inclusion (or exclusion) of many verses within each Theme and sub-Theme. We should note that some verses have a much stronger relevance to the derived Themes than others.
During this analysis, the aim has been to restrict the number of Themes that can be associated with any specific Greek word to eight or less - as any more implies poor analysis technique and the wrong heading choice / naming process.
In the next Faith Article, we shall finish exploring Kingdom Practice 4, by considering KP19 (Control / guard our character (act with integrity)). As ever, the aim will be to try and make it informative, but manageable, in terms of the time and effort needed to look at and understand each area.
Any constructive thoughts on this Article, the process being undertaken, and related constructive feedback are welcome.
Notes:
[1] - All previous Faith Articles focusing on the One Page New Testament can be found at this page: www.teachthemtoobey.co.uk/blog/
[2] - “Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament, based upon Semantic Domains” Volumes 1 and 2 - Louw and Nida - Published by and © United Bible Societies - 1988
[3] - “Mounce’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words” - © William D Mounce, 2006 - Published by Zondervan
[4] - Unless otherwise stated, all scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.TM used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com. The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.TM.
The Bible references presented are illustrative rather than aiming to be ‘proof texts’. They are examples only as there are, generally, many more we could look at. Please note that when looking at any Bible verse references, you should ideally consider more than one translation / respected version to get a more rounded view, and look at the wider context for each verse too. When Greek words are translated, Bible scholars do not always use the same English word every time it appears in the Greek. This is why it is useful to look at more than one Bible version.
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Reading the articles will take only a little time to study - more if we look up the Bible references - and probably a lifetime to work out in practice. Hopefully they will help make each of us ‘Become more like Jesus’!
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