RENEWED BY GOD’S WORD

“And be RENEWED in the SPIRIT of your MIND” – Ephesians 4:23

The Believer’s Mind is RENEWED BY GOD’S WORD: “But you have not so learned Christ, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness” (Eph.4: 20-24). Colossians 3:10 also says, “And have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him.”

Paul had reiterated the need for believers to not walk like the Gentiles walk, but in a manner that is fitting; to walk like we have heard and learned the truth from Jesus. This means that in order to come to faith in Christ we must first repent. We must put off our former way of life, turning from sin and to Christ in faith. After putting off that former conduct – the “old man” that only grows more and more corrupt – we are to be renewed in the spirit of our mind. To “be renewed” is not the same as to “act renewed.” It is not a command to learn about renewal or start a renewal ministry. God has provided the know-how for our renewal – His Spirit and His Word – and it is our responsibility to “be renewed”!

When we repent, believe in Christ, and the Holy Spirit regenerates us, we are “born again” – we are made new creations. The ensuing renewal of the mind is a process of shedding the old outer covering and putting on the new. This takes place in the ‘spirit of your mind.’ As we come to know God, our minds are renewed in accordance to that knowledge of Him. Being renewed in the spirit of our mind is not a one-time act of renewal as when we are born again. Rather, from the time we repent, continuing through the rest of our lives, we are BEING RENEWED (Eph.4:24). It is the “renewing of the Holy Spirit” (Tit. 3:5). It is an ongoing part of the new walk of the new man in this new life. So, the Spirit continually renews and refreshes us; but in partnership with the Word of God – the Sword of the Spirit” (Eph.6:17).

God’s Word read, heard, obeyed, memorized, and meditated upon is the Agent of the Holy Spirit for renewal and conformity to the image of Christ: “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” (Rom.12:2). As we are renewed we are transformed; and as we are transformed our lives prove that God’s will is perfect, acceptable, and holy. At times when things are dry and it seems as though God does not hear our prayers or care about us, we often are deceived to think that His Word is irrelevant to our situation, so we do not pick it up, read, or apply. God’s Word is alive, active, effective, and sufficient.

The Bible is our liberator from the place of spiritual barrenness. The mind is renewed by studying the Word and acting upon it; being a doer of the Word (Jam.1:22). Beloved, in the belly of challenges and trials, just pick a book, chapter or verse from the Living Book, and read. Ask the Holy Spirit to open your mind to the truth. You cannot read the Word of God and remain the same. If you need reviving; if you need to rekindle your love for Christ; if you need to grow in grace; if you need to get beyond a dry stagnant place in your walk with Christ; get into the WORD and be renewed in the spirit of your mind! Then, you’ll witness the transformation in your understanding, conversations, desires, passions, behaviour, walk, and conduct.