Philippians 2:12-18.

1. Have you ever noticed how a person’s mindset determines the life’s outcome? Paul teaches us from this passage that there are basically two kinds of mindsets – a carnal or a spiritual one. So many people suffer needlessly because they allow themselves to fall into a pattern of self-destructive mindsets. We make hundreds of choices everyday which mindset to adopt. Our happiness or sorrow is determined by what we choose control our thoughts. A mindset is the way, state or direction of a person’s thinking. A spiritually minded person allows the indwelling Christ to control their thoughts, desires and behavior. One who has their mind set on the Spirit is directed by the standards of the scriptures. Paul writes, "Now the mind of the flesh (which is sense and reason without the Holy Spirit is death (death that compromises all the miseries arising from sin, both here and hereafter). But the mind set on Holy Spirit is life and (soulful) peace (both now and forever)." (Rom. 8:6-8) Let us study the contrasts between the carnal and spiritual mindset so we can be more effective in the good fight of faith.