RENEWING THE MIND
Romans 12:1-2 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. 2And 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.
Col. 3:2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.
1 Peter 1:13 Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
Ephes. 4:22-24 that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, 23and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness. Renew (anakainizo – Greek) – restore, renovate, renew.
Introduction: The power of God cannot be fully unleashed through a person until their mind is renewed according to the Word of God and is in submission to the Spirit of God. A person has to have a renewing in their mind to walk in newness of life (new patterns, new behaviors, and new thoughts).
Man was created a triune being (body, soul, and spirit). God intended for the spirit of a person to rule over the soul (mind, will, and emotions) and body. (1 Thessalonians 5:23) When sin entered the world, the souls and body of man took control over the spirit.
The mind is intended to give expression to the spirit, not to dominate the spirit of man. The battleground for a Christian is in bringing the mind (thoughts) into subjection to their spirit which is in communion with God. A Christian’s mind has to be renewed in order to come under the dominion of the spirit.
Guidelines for Renewing the Mind According to the Word of God:
1. Identify specific thought patterns or ways of thinking which are not based on the truth of God’s Word and are causing resistance to walking according to the Spirit of God. (Hebrews 4:12)
Ephesians 4:22 says that the former manner of life or the old self is based upon deceit or lies. Every person has lies or wrong beliefs, as well as truth and godly beliefs, which make up the foundation of their thought patterns or ways of thinking. The Word of God says that the old self and deceit must be laid aside.
Lies and false beliefs and patterns of thinking which do not agree and line up with the Word of God and a person’s identity in Christ.
A false belief or a lie can appear to be true based on a person’s experiences, but is absolutely false based on God’s Word
False beliefs and lies come from: - the natural or unredeemed mind (Romans 8:7) - life’s experiences - the demonic realm
A person’s behavior is based upon what they believe about themselves. (Proverbs 23:7) A Christian must know and be renewed to their identity in Christ.
2. A person needs to confess and ask forgiveness for the lie or false belief that has caused them to believe something contrary to God’s Word. (Psalm 119:160)
3. A person needs to choose to renew their minds and to set their minds on the things of the Spirit.
A person needs to make their own choice to take authority over and change their thought life. A person has to make the choice of life or death in their thoughts (Romans 8:5-6)
A Christian is commanded by God’s Word to:
- love God with all their mind (Matthew 22:37-38)
- bring every thought captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5)
- set their mind on things above (Colossians 3:2)
- think on things that are true, honest, just pure, lovely, and of good report. (Philippians 4:8)
4. Find the truth of God’s Word to replace the false beliefs and lies.
Psalm 119:105, John 8:32, 2 Timothy 2:15
Psalm 19:7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; (converting – to turn back, deliver, recover, restore)
The Word of God is the only source that can renew and restore a person’s mind.
Ephesians 4:24 says that the new self is founded in the holiness of the truth.
5. Apply and confess the truth of God’s Word.
James 1:22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. Psalm 119:172 My tongue shall speak of Your word, For all Your commandments are righteousness.
A person can change the focus and the direction of their thoughts by the power of the spoken word. Words are creative and can cause life or death.
6. Meditate on the truth of God’s Word.
Joshua 1:8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Psalm 1:2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. Psalm 119:11,48,97.
7. Let the truth of God’s Word move from the mind down into the spirit.
James 1:21 Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
When a Christian chooses to renew their minds according to the truth of God’s Word, healing and release will enable them to walk in newness of life because their spirit will have dominion.
