Be renewed in the spirit of your mind. Ephesians 4:23
I love the word renewed. We take something old and make it new again. Do you need a renewed heart in exchange for a broken heart? What about a renewed life? How about a renewed mind?
Renewed.
In the original Greek, renewed transliterates as ananeoō. This word literally means to renew in the mind. It also means to be spiritually transformed and to take on a new mind. If our lives seem broken it may be we need to change our thinking.
Renewed spirit of the mind.
Look at this quote from Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words:
The “renewal” here mentioned is not that of the mind itself in its natural powers of memory, judgment and perception, but “the spirit of the mind,” which, under the controlling power of the indwelling Holy Spirit, directs its bent and energies Godward in the enjoyment of “fellowship with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ,” and of the fulfillment of the will of God.
We need to focus our mind on a different mission.
The renewed mind.
Please get your Bible and read Ephesians 4:23-32. In order to renew our mind we are told we need to put on a new man and rid ourselves of some old worn out habits such as anger, wrath, lying, and stealing. The habits are part of the old man. Then Ephesians 4:32 contains the key to a renewed mind.
The key to renewal.
“And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32
Instead of wallowing in unforgiveness of self or others for what we’ve done or what has been done to us, we must focus on kindness, tenderness and forgiveness. Think of how healthy our mind will be when we get rid of the old (sin, revenge, hurt) and focus on the new (kindness, tenderness, forgiveness).
Week 1 Journal Activities
- When we become Christians, God gives us a new spirit, but He does not give us a new mind. As we see in the above verses, we are told to renew our minds. Here is a post we wrote with many suggestions on how to do just that: Fresh Thoughts: Don’t Spiral into Toxic Thinking.
- One of the ways to renew our minds is to line up our thoughts with God’s word. Take some time to identify one toxic thought you have been struggling with and then search God’s word for His truth on the subject. Write what you find in your journal.
- Feel free to share any thoughts/insights/questions in the comments. We’d love to hear what’s on your mind.
Dear Father,
Today, as best as I know how, I lay down my will and take up Your will for my life. Show me today what changes I need to make. Thank you that you are always leading and directing me. I want my mind to think your thoughts so I can walk Your way. I can do this by getting in Your Word so Your Word can get into me. In Jesus Holy Name, Amen!
I have been working on tearing down strongholds in my mind. One of the scriptures that I am working on memorizing is Colossians 2:8 AMP.
See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception [pseudo-intellectual babble], according to the tradition [and musings] of mere men, following the elementary principles of this world, rather than following [the truth—the teachings of] Christ.
One of the things that struck me about this verse is the structure it is written in. The verse starts with a command “See to it.” If God didn’t think we were capable of doing this, He would never have given us this command. Because of our righteousness in Jesus, we have authority over our minds and the enemy. We have the CHOICE of who we listen to and what we will think about. We can cast out toxic thinking and choose to focus on the truth, what God’s word says about us and our situations. Amen!
I looked at Friday’s verse on renewal of the mind from Ephesians.After we have put off the old man with its bad habits and beliefs, were are to renew our mind. New habits require a new way of thinking. Vine’s dictionary says, “The “renewal” here mentioned is not that of the mind itself in its natural powers of memory, judgment and perception, but “the spirit of the mind,” which, under the controlling power of the indwelling Holy Spirit… ” Our minds are renewed as we spend time in God’s Word, and let the Holy Spirit have control of our thoughts and direct our decisions. Then we can fulfill God’s will for our lives and build HIs kingdom here on earth. Amen!