A Mind for Christ: Intellectual Discipleship 

The Call to Think Well 

September 7, 2025 

Dr. Brad Hoffmann, pastor 

 Intellectual discipleship is the intentional pursuit of wisdom, truth, and understanding in Christ, forming the mind to love God fully, discern rightly, and bear faithful witness in the world. It is not the enemy of faith but its partner, cultivating a faith that thinks deeply and lives wisely. 

Why Christians are Called to Intellectual Discipleship 

1. The Biblical Command  

Matthew 22:37-40 ESV: And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 40 On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”  

1. The Wisdom Tradition  

Proverbs 1:7 ESV: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.  

1. For Spiritual Protection  

Colossians 2:8 ESV: See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. 

1. For a Competent Witness 

1 Peter 3:15-16 ESV: but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, 16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. 

1. The Formation of the Whole Person  

The THINK Checklist: 5 Habits for Intellectual Discipleship 

T – Treasure Scripture 

H – Hone Your Questions 

I – Invest in Learning 

N – Nurture Community Conversations 

K – Keep Reflecting 

2 Corinthians 10:5 ESV: We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,