Renewing Your Mind

Scripture:  Romans 12:2 (KJV) - And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Romans 12:2 (NLT) - Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

It is so imperative that our minds be renewed!  What a challenge though.  

Before we invited Jesus Christ into our lives, Colossians 1:21 says  - And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled.  Our minds and consciences were defiled and not pure. (Titus 1:15, Ephesians 4:17)  Our minds were blinded.  We were dead in trespasses and sin.  Now that we are forgiven of our sin -- having a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, we have to learn to respond differently by yielding/surrendering to the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit has quickened our spirit, and we should be allowing the Holy Spirit to lead our lives and/or renew our minds.  The soul (mind, will, and emotions) and our body (fleshly desires) should not be leading us anymore.  There is a struggle/spiritual warfare going on (Romans 7:15-25), but we are new creations in Christ (II Corinthians 5:17)!!

God’s part in renewing our minds:
•The Holy Spirit guides us in all truth, which helps to renew our minds.  John 16:13  says However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.

•The Word of God (the Bible) gives us the truth, which helps to renew our minds.  Psalms 119:105 says Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalms 119:11 says Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.

•God gives us wisdom if we ask for it. James 1:5 says If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

•God gives us power and self discipline. ( II Timothy 1:7 - For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.)

Our part in renewing our minds:
God definitely does His part in our minds being renewed, but we have a responsibility in our minds being renewed.   You can’t stop negative/sinful thoughts from coming on your mind, but we have to deal with them when they enter our minds.  We have to learn to not dwell on the negative/sinful thoughts and think on what is right/godly.

•II Corinthians 10:5 – casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,

•Philippians 4:8 - Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

•It is important that I daily read/meditate on the word of God.I have to remind myself that what I feed will grow, and what I starve will die.  I can read the word of God and pray a lot, but if I don’t purpose in my heart to apply the word of God to my life,  my mind won’t be renewed.  The following scriptures in the book of Romans are promises to help us to renew our minds:  (Romans 8:1-2 -  There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.  For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.  Romans 8:11 - But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.  Romans 8:26 - Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.  Romans 8:28 - And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.  Romans 8:37 - Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.  Romans 8:38-39 - For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, thank Your for forgiving me of my sin, giving me Your Holy Spirit to guide/direct me.  Thank You for Your word, the Bible, which leads me to all truth, and thank You for the privilege to pray to You.  You have given us all that we need to be victorious even in renewing our minds.  I will, by Your power, yield to the Holy Spirit and surrender dwelling on negative/sinful thoughts.  In Jesus’ name, I pray.

(by Marsha Williams)