Conclusions of the Mind (νόημα)

The results of the working of the mind

The workings of a person's mind are evident in their actions, which stem from the conclusions the mind makes. In Greek, by adding the specific ending -μα to the word for "mind," the language conveys not just thoughts but the result of the working of the mind, emphasizing the mental processes by which conclusions are derived.

Satan blinds the conclusions of the thought processes within the minds of those who do not believe, preventing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ from shining into their hearts (2 Corinthians 4:4). This blindness often manifests through modifications to the message of the gospel. Today, salvation is offered by believing that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day, according to the Scriptures. This gospel, by which we are saved, is explicitly stated in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4.

However, many so-called “gospel” tracts distort the message of the gospel to make it more palatable to unbelievers. They add elements such as “repenting of your sins,” “making Jesus the Lord of your life,” or “accepting Jesus into your heart.” Some even include a “sinner’s prayer” while neglecting the resurrection, contrary to the warning in Galatians 1:6. These are different gospels and are not good news at all. Those who craft these false presentations of the gospel perceive them as helpful because Satan has blinded their minds to the necessity of Christ’s death on behalf of sins and His resurrection three days later for salvation.

As Christians, we are not to be ignorant of Satan’s schemes, as revealed in Scripture (2 Corinthians 2:11). His methods are made known to us so that we may stand firm against him by relying on faith (Ephesians 6:11). Satan prowls like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour and looking to blind their mind from understanding the truth.

For this reason, a pastor must not be a novice but should be well-trained in the Word. This preparation enables him not only to overcome the pride that Satan seeks to instill but also to equip others to properly put on the armor of God. By doing so, believers can resist Satan’s methods, which aim to lead them into actions independent of the truth (1 Timothy 3:6).

Therefore, let us speak the truth of the Gospel for salvation, not modifying it to make others feel remorse so they accept a false gospel. Instead, we should seek what is best for them while speaking the truth, so that the light of the proper opinion of who Christ is and what He has done will overcome the blindness that Satan seeks to maintain over their minds.

Due to Israel’s rejection of God’s covenant of promise and their pursuit of self-righteousness, a veil still covers their minds when they read the Old Testament, preventing them from understanding and drawing proper conclusions from its teachings (2 Corinthians 3:14).

In Christ, we have a renewed mind, one that understands the things of the Spirit and forms correct suppositions based on fact, enabling us to discern the will of God (Romans 12:2). However, when we fail to use this frame of mind, we can be led astray from the simplicity that is in the Christ by those who seek to manipulate our conclusions, bringing another Jesus, another spirit, and a different gospel (2 Corinthians 11:3-4).

As children of God, saved by His grace, His peace guards the suppositions of our minds, enabling us to live out the life we have in Christ (Philippians 4:7). We remain in this peace—an unruffled mind—by setting our minds on things above and perceiving things as they really are.

Our war is not a physical one; it is a spiritual battle to influence the mind. Through the inherent ability God has given us in Christ, we are able to destroy strongholds within the mind tearing down every argument raised against the knowledge of God. This enables us to form correct conclusions based on facts, not assumptions rooted in false teachings.

For walking in flesh, we do not wage war according to flesh. For our instruments of warfare are not fleshly, but [an] inherent ability by the God facing tearing down of strongholds while tearing down logics and every high thing lifting itself up against the knowledge of God and taking captive every conclusion of the mind unto obedience of the Christ – 2 Corinthians 10:3-5.