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Following Christ: Taking on the Mind of Christ

January 1, 2003
Following Christ Conference - InterVarsity Christian Fellowship - Atlanta, GA

Mind of Christ Discipleship VIM Audio Conference

Dallas had the honor of addressing the final plenary session of InterVarsity's 2002 "Following Christ" Conference on January 1, 2003. He offers a compelling vision for taking on the "mind of Christ" as a disciple of Jesus Christ.

 

According to InterVarsity.org, "InterVarsity’s Following Christ conference demonstrated that discipleship of the mind matters greatly to many evangelical Christian scholars, artists and business professionals. InterVarsity affirms the sacred value of intellectual discovery and artistic expression; and believes that such endeavors, when they are dedicated to God as a form of worship, mark our lives as following Christ." (https://intervarsity.org/news/following-christ-2002)

The conference took place in Atlanta, GA (December 28, 2002 - January 1, 2003).  

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Following Christ: Taking on the Mind of Christ

Dallas paints a beautiful picture of what it means to follow Christ, urging believers to embrace the mind of Christ as outlined in Philippians 2. He examines what it means to live a life characterized by an abundant flow of the fruit of the Spirit. Dallas encourages his audience to engage interactively with Jesus, fostering a vision of God's goodness, an intention to follow Him, and the practical means to live out this transformative faith. 

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Following Christ: Taking on the Mind of Christ

Philippians 2:1-8
Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility consider one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, as He already existed in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself by taking the form of a bond-servant and being born in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death: death on a cross. 

Highlights:

  • Mind of Christ: The necessity of adopting the mind of Christ, as described in Philippians 2, is central to discipleship. Believers are called to embrace humility and regard others as more important than themselves, making this mindset foundational to spiritual growth and transformation.
  • Humility in Action: Living out humility in daily life means considering the needs and interests of others. Such selflessness fosters a community rooted in love.
  • Transformation of Character: Following Christ brings profound transformation, marked by the growth of virtues like love, joy, peace, patience, and self-control.
  • Fruit of the Spirit: Life in the Spirit produces an abundance of virtues. A character shaped by these traits is the natural outcome of a deep relationship with Jesus.
  • Ease of the Christian Path: The way of Christ, though seemingly demanding, proves easier than worldly alternatives. His teachings lead to peace and fulfillment rather than striving and burden.
  • Interactive Relationship with Christ: Discipleship requires an interactive relationship with Jesus. Beyond accepting doctrine, it involves daily communion with Him.
  • Vision, Intention, and Means: Spiritual transformation rests on three essentials: a clear vision of life in God’s Kingdom, a firm intention to follow Christ, and practical means to implement that vision.
  • Memorization and Practice: Taking on the mind of Christ is nurtured through memorizing and practicing Scripture. Internalizing Jesus' teachings has transformative power.