Mind Renewal

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind,

that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.  

Romans 12:2

We are influenced from the time we are born until the time we die by the environment in which we live and the world at large.  

Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.  Psalms 51:5

Our mind is naturally conformed to the principles of the world around us. It happens because of our basic sin nature. It happens because of the influence and deceit of the enemy.  It also happens through the influence of our culture.

But, God says we are not to conform to the world, rather we are to be transformed. The word "transform" means to be changed into a new image. The pattern that we strive to conform to is that of the image of our Lord, Jesus Christ: 

But we all, with open face, beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.   2 Corinthians 3:18

And so we are transfigured much like Jesus; our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him.

According to Romans 12:2, transformation comes through the renewal of our mind. This means we must get rid of worldly standards and principles and conform to the standards and principles revealed in God's written Word.

Our mind is transformed as we develop the mind of Christ:  

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.   Philippians 2:5

The word "let" indicates that we have to make a choice in order to have the mind of Christ. We must permit the transformation of the mind to happen. 

We have a responsibility in development of the transformed mind. 

It is not something done automatically for us by God:  

Wherefore [YOU] gird up the loins of your mind.   1 Peter 1:13

To "gird up" the mind means to clothe or protect our mental powers. To transform or gird up the mind, it is necessary to immerse it in the Word of God.  Our mind is transformed as God puts His statutes into it:  

For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:  Hebrews 8:10

Use the power of the mind to cast down and bring into captivity wrong thoughts: 

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.  2 Corinthians 10:5

We have the responsibility to control our thought life:  

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there by any praise, think on these things.  Philippians 4:8

Then we can say with Apostle Paul:  

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.  But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? but we have the mind of Christ. 1 Corinthians 2:14-16

The mind of Christ was set and determined to do the will of God.  We come to God through His grace and mercy extended through the sacrifice of Jesus for our sins.  Spiritual maturity is enabled by the working of the Holy Spirit in our lives.  Transformation by the Word of God is what renews the mind.

The new birth experience, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, spiritual maturity, and transformation of the mind--how do these relate to knowing God's will? According to Romans 12:1-2 they are prerequisites leading to knowledge of His will:  

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.  Romans 12:2

The Scriptures indicate believers are NOT to have minds that are:

            Hardened:                                                Daniel 5:20

            Reprobate:                                               Romans 1:28

            Carnal:                                                      Romans 8:6

            Doubtful:                                                  Luke 12:29

            Blinded:                                                    2 Corinthians 3:14; 4:14

            Corrupted:                                               2 Corinthians 11:3

            Fleshly:                                                     Ephesians 2:3; Colossians 2:18

            Vain:                                                          Ephesians 4:17

            Earthly:                                                     Philippians 3:19

            Alienated by wicked works:                  Colossians 1:21

            Double minded:                                      James 1:8; 4:8

            Defiled:                                                     Titus 1:15

We cannot be free in Christ until are minds are free of the above.  The Scriptures indicate the transformed mind of believers should be:

            Spiritual:                                                  Romans 8:6

            Ready:                                                       1 Peter 5:2

            Pure:                                                          2 Peter 3:1

            Stayed:                                                      Isaiah 26:3

            Peaceful:                                                   Philippians 4:7

            Renewed:                                                 Ephesians 4:23

            Humble:                                                   Colossians 3:12

            Sober:                                                       Titus 2:6

            Sound:                                                      2 Timothy 1:7

            Loving:                                                     Matthew 22:37

            Serving:                                                    Romans 7:25

            Fully persuaded:                                     Romans 14:5

            United:                                                      1 Peter 3:8; 4:1; Romans 15:6; I Corinthians 1:10

            Honest and willing:                                1 Chronicles 28:9

            Disciplined to work:                               Nehemiah 4:6

Renew your mind to live a life not only pleasing to God but to be a good representative of Him by proving what is that good, perfect and acceptable will of God

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