Renewing The Mind

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 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 12:1-2
 
Today I want to focus on the renewing of the mind. I believe it is crucial for every believer to be renewed in the spirit of their mind (Ephesians 4:23) so that we may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Be transformed by the renewing of your mind
We have changed kingdoms - we no longer live in the kingdom of darkness where our minds were blinded by the god of this world (2 Corinthians 4:4). We have been translated from darkness to light, we are now children of the light and our minds should no longer be blinded by Satan's tactics and schemes. The Word of God says that the carnal mind is an enemy of God so therefore it is essential that we renew our minds and change our way of thinking to line up with the Word.
 
[That is] because the mind of the flesh [with its carnal thoughts and purposes] is hostile to God, for it does not submit itself to God's Law; indeed it cannot. Romans 8:7 (AMP)
 
When we renew our minds we gain understanding of God's Word. Understanding will bring illumination and this brings revelation knowledge of Christ and all that He has and is doing for us. As we learn to control our mind and keep it renewed to the Word, we will begin to operate in the realm of the Spirit, be more focused in our daily life, and begin to do things we were not able to do. As we renew our minds we begin to take on the mind of Christ and fear and anxiety are no longer giants or obstacles. “But we have the mind of Christ (the Messiah) and do hold the thoughts (feelings and purposes) of His heart.” 1 Corinthians 2:16 (AMP)  

And do not be conformed to this world
Human nature is prone to following trends and fashions - hairstyles, clothes, cars - anything that happens to be popular at any given time. However, the word of God cautions us to stop living in accordance with the customs of this world. Don't let those around you squeeze you into their mould, don't fashion your life after or imitate superficial lifestyles.
 
You are unique - one of a kind, as is your fingerprint, your toeprint, your noseprint, and you are the only one with the specific sound or tone of your voice. There are no two people, animals, birds, fish, or plants that are the same. And most of all we have our own free will, so it is up to us to be conformed into the image of Christ, (Romans 8:29) and not fashion our ways after others.
 
When we receive Jesus as Lord we become new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17) - we have a fresh new beginning in the kingdom of light. But living in a world of sin ruled by a tyrant, in a corrupt system, many find themselves compromising just to get by.
 
"And the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful." Mark 4:19

The word choke, means to strangle completely, to crowd, or to drown (Strong's). The word of God is alive, active and full of power. When we fill our hearts and minds with the Word, it will change any situation we are faced with, but when we allow cares, worry and anxiety to enter into our hearts and minds, they literally choke the word of God and it becomes unfruitful. So I encourage you to guard your mind and especially take heed to what you put into it so that you may have a calm, well-balanced and self-controlled mind.

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7 (AMP)

Sound mind, discipline, and self-control
[And of a sound mind] The Greek word denotes one of sober mind; a man of prudence and discretion. The state referred to here is that in which the mind is well balanced, and under right influences; in which it sees things in their just proportions and relations; in which it is not feverish and excited, but when everything is in its proper place. (From Barnes' Notes)

The bottom line is that we are accountable to God for the way we think, the way we conduct our lives, the way we apply His Word and the way we keep the door to our minds closed to worry, cares, anxiety and pressures of this life. We must continually fill our hearts and minds with the Word. We have to bring our passions, desires, and human cravings under control - this is having a self-restrained, self-controlled mind. As we do this, our minds are constantly being renewed and we are pleasing to our God.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

Bro. Peter Rahme

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