Mind: A life in the Lord begins internally in the mind. External worship without internal renewal is putting the cart before the horse. The unregenerate are characterized by this fallacy (Is. 29:13; Mt. 15:8). Instead, the mind that trusts the Lord admits full dependance on the Lord (Phil. 4:6); in turn, He influences every relationship, trait, and fundamentally every thought (Phil. 4:2, 5, 8). Thus, true worship with a renewed mind (Ro. 12:2; Eph. 4:23; Tit. 3:5), leads to harmony[1] in the Lord (Lk. 6:35; Ro. 15:2-3). This means, we must dwell[2] on excellent and praiseworthy things (v.8), all of which are found in their absolute form only in the Lord.[3] Therefore, let our minds be continually filled with the living spring of truth from our Lord (Jn. 4:14).
Practice: Only a renewed mind can live a life in the Lord; but an untransformed life proves the mind is not yet renewed.[4] God's Name is at stake in the lives of every Christian (Ro. 1:5; Rev. 2:3). Therefore, saving faith is granted for us to manifest His saving grace (Phil. 4:9; Acts 26:20). A life in the Lord is a life that is presented to the Lord daily in submission (Phil. 2:10) and as an offering to Him (Ro. 6:13; Heb. 12:28, 13:15; 1 Pet. 2:5). The Lord guards and gives peace to all who live in Him (Phil. 4:7, 9).
[1] Verse 2 states, "live in
harmony." This is 1 of the 10 uses in the letter of the term
φρονέω (phron-eh-oh), which means "to
think." Together with τὸ αὐτὸ and ἐν κυρίῳ translates as "think
the same way in the Lord." Thus, harmony in the church flourishes only in
as much as each individual thinks as the Lord would think (i.e. in truth,
righteousness, humility, and to please the Father in everything).
[2] Dwell comes from v. 8, from λογίζομαι
(log-iz-ah-my), which is another Greek word for "to think." The
nuance in v.8 is a careful consideration; observe and calculate how others live
out the virtues; then go and do likewise.
[3] The fullness of God dwelt in Jesus (Col. 2:9)
and His life proved that He always dwelt on these things (Jn. 14:31).
[4] Lives become like what the mind
worships. Israel worshiped the terebinth trees (Is. 1:30; Ezk. 6:13; Hos. 4:13)
and God cut them to a stump (Is. 6:13) see G. K. Beale, We Become What We Worship (cf. Ro. 8:6; Eph. 4:17-24).