What is Renewel and why do we need it?
1) The problem of our corrupt mind
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.”
While it may be a bit over-simplified, we might say that every believer falls somewhere on the continuum between a corrupted, worldly mind and a renewed, godly mind.
Thoughts and attitudes that come from our corrupt, worldly mind (past way of thinking) can only lead to sin. The only thing that we can do without God is sin. (Rom 14:23 …anything that does not come from faith is sin)
Thoughts and attitudes that come from a renewed, godly mind lead to righteousness, peace and joy. (Romans 14:17).
2) The process of renewal
One of the key goals of the Gospel is that the mind of every believer be in a constant, never-ending process of renewal -moving up the continuum-
God desires for us is to be wise, safe, prosperous, and happy (remember he does love us).
He also knows that our old ways of doing things will not lead to these outcomes, but instead to destruction, turmoil and heartache, so he provided a plan for our minds to be renewed so that we can leave behind the old, ungodly ways of thinking, talking and acting.
God desires for us is to be wise, safe, prosperous, and happy (remember he does love us).
He also knows that our old ways of doing things will not lead to these outcomes, but instead to destruction, turmoil and heartache, so he provided a plan for our minds to be renewed so that we can leave behind the old, ungodly ways of thinking, talking and acting.
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; and to be made new in the attitude of your minds.... Ephesians 4:22-23 NIV
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Romans 12:2 NIV
The “renewing” (that’s what the Bible calls it) is just like it states…. Not renewed but renewing…. It is a process and takes time; it won’t happen overnight.
3) Our part in God’s renewal process
We must consider ourselves living sacrifices (verse 1).
Voluntary submission to God (not MY will, but YOUR will be done)
May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. Galatians 6:14 NIV
Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it. Luke 9:23-24 NIV
We must stop conforming to the world’s pattern (verse 2).
You become who you hangout with.
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 1John 2:15 NIV
Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God?
Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. James 4:4 NKJV
We must pursue renewal (verse 2) through the Word of God.
Junk IN = Junk OUT.
...that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word.
Ephesians 5:26 NKJV
Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. James 1:21 NKJV
We demolish arguments and every pretension (high thing) that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Cor 10:5 (NIV)
God has provided tools for this renewal. Tools we are instructed to use….
These are:
These are:
- Prayer
Pray always - The Bible
Good stuff IN - Fellowship
Make good Christians your friends - Witnessing
Satan wants you to be quiet and keep God “private”
God wants you to tell others
