Unknown to most believers, they are not to be independent selves as demi-gods. The fact is that believers have two guiding inner ‘natures’; thus we may live by the prompting of either… Christ’s “Spirit of life” in our spirit or Satan’s “Sin in the flesh.” This truth applies to Israel’s believers as well us as His body members.

John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in [union with] me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

Romans 7:23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.

Gal. 5:16 This I say then, Walk in [accord with] the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust [desires] of the flesh.

Our ‘proper mindset’ is according to the truth of Pauline Scripture that is written to “the body of Christ” during today’s “dispensation of the grace of God.” Paul is “THE [one] Apostle to the Gentiles” (Rom. 11:13).

1 Tim. 1:16 Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me [Paul] first (Gk. protos, a prototype) Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.

Ephes. 3:1-4 For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, ²If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to youward: ³How that by revelation he (Christ) made known unto me the mystery [God’s eternally planned secret]; (as I wrote afore in few words, ⁴Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)

Two Key Doctrines for us to live by in this age of “the dispensation of the grace of God” (Eph. 3:2)

1) We live under the 100%, pure, unadulterated “grace of God”

Romans 6:14b …ye are not under the Law, but under Grace.”  Romans 4:6 “Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,”

2) Our basis for Christian living is… Christ In Us, as Our New LIFE.

Gal 2:20 I (as the ‘old man’) am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I (as a soul) live; yet not I, but Christ liveth In Me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith (faithfulness) of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. Col. 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

Rom. 16:25 … to him that is of power to stablish you according to my (Paul’s) gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery (of Christ in you), which was kept secret since the world began,  

We as children of God have ‘the witness of the truth’ by “the Spirit of life” abiding in our “spirit or man.”

1 Corinthians 6:17 But he that is joined unto the Lord is One Spirit.

Rom 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God

We stand upon the truth of Paul’s “Gospel of the Grace of God” (Acts 2:24) in the midst of ALL life’s situations, regardless of appearances, our emotions, our apparent logic, and our willful desires.

Ephes. 6:16-17 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked (the Wicked One, Satan “the accuser”). ¹⁷And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

We put off and turn away from vain (useless] imaginations, which are the “fiery darts” of the Evil One, used to deceive us and rob us of the inheritance that have in Christ Jesus.

2 Cor. 10:5 Casting down imaginations [thoughts], and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and Bringing Into Captivity Every Thought to the Obedience Of Christ;

Christians are to stand on the Truth of their intimate relationship in union with Him. We irrevocably dwell in His unconditional love and pure grace. We need to know that we cannot be condemned.

Romans 8:1a There is therefore NOW No Condemnation to them which are in [union with] Christ Jesus.

Romans 5:8 God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

1 Jn 3:1 [John to Israel] Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we [all believers, not Jews only] should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.

We have His life within us …as our real and eternal Life.

1 Jn 5:11-12 …this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. ¹²He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.  Col. 3:4 …Christ, who is our life…Gal 2:20a I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me

We have His peace ever-present within our spirit. Ephes. 2:14 For he (Christ within us) is our peace. We avail ourselves of His peace by maintaining the ‘proper mindset’ or ‘attitude of mind.’

Romans 8:6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

Philippians 4:6-7 Be careful (anxious) for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God (leave it with Him). ⁷And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Thus, we can enjoy the riches of His Life, love, and Grace within us. This verse is not a petition.

2 Tim. 4:22 The Lord Jesus Christ be (is) with thy spirit. Grace be (is) with you. Amen.

(Note that “be” here above is italicized in the KJV because it does not appear in the Greek text. Thus, this verse is not a prayer of benediction, but rather a statement of the fact that Christ and His grace are always “with us.”

We live under no requirement of works for our Righteous standing with God.

Romans 4:5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith counted for righteousness.

Ephes. 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: ⁹Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost [Spirit];