How Do We Renew Our Mind?

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The inspired penman, Paul stated in Romans 12:2, “And be not fashioned according to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (ASV). The “renewing of our mind” is a continuous process throughout our Christian life (Romans 12:1-2; 2 Corinthians 4:16).

Before a child of God can truly make the “outward” changes of the body (actions), there must first be the “inward” change of the mind (thoughts), for our outward actions start from within (Proverbs 6:18; Proverbs 23:7; Matthew 15:18-20). W.E. Vine gives us the following definition concerning the word “renewing” as used in Romans 12:2: “The adjustment of the moral and spiritual vision and thinking to the mind of God, which is designed to have a transforming effect upon the life.”

The whole goal and purpose for “renewing” our mind (making application of God’s Word in our lives (Romans 12:2; Ephesians 4:23; Colossians 3:10), is so that we might cast down all the imaginations and everything that exalts itself against the knowledge of Christ and bring “every thought” of our heart to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). One might ask, how do we renew our mind?
  • Our minds must be directed to “think” about things that are “right” according to God’s Word (Philippians 4:8-9).
  • We must be willing to add divine attributes to our character (2 Peter 1:3-8). The purpose of which is so our lives will be “active” and “fruitful” in service to God (2 Peter 1:8).
  • In order to “change” our thought patterns, we must be willing to “put off” the thought patterns of our “old” lifestyle (old man) and “put on” the thought patterns of our “new” lifestyle (new man) “in Christ” (Ephesians 4:22-24; Colossians 3:8-14).
The purpose of changing our thought patterns is so that our “conduct” or “actions” or “manner of life” before others reflect the teachings of the gospel of Christ (Philippians 1:27). Paul gives us explicit instructions on “how” to “put on” this “new man” (Romans 12:9-21; Ephesians 4:22-32; Ephesians 5:1-33; Ephesians 6:1-18; Colossians 3:1-25). The gospel of Christ is to “elevate” our manner of life into the “likeness” of that life which Jesus lived in order to bring honor and glory to our heavenly Father (Matthew 5:16; John 15:8; 1 Peter 2:12).

With regard to the purpose of “renewing our mind,” Paul prayed in behalf of the Colossian saints, “that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God” (Colossians 1:9-10).

Dear reader, let us commit ourselves to the continual “renewing of our mind” that we might be: (1) filled with the knowledge of God’s will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; (2) that we might walk worthy of the Lord; (3) that we might be fruitful in every good work; (4) that we might increase in the knowledge of God.

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets

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