SATURDAY June 8, 2024
Renewed in Spirit
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.
Ephesians 4:20-24
Paul reminded the Ephesian believers about the futile life of those who do not know Christ. He painted a bleak picture of them in spiritual darkness leading empty lives. It is the same today! People are in bondage to drugs, alcohol and sexual encounters. They are living empty lives in the futility of their minds. Most remain ignorant of the consequences of their sin. Others have reached a point where they have rejected the knowledge of the truth. In doing so, their hearts have become hard––as hard as a rock!
Paul continued his discourse to describe the renewed life of the believer. He reinforced biblically the experience Christians had when being born again. They were touched by the Holy Spirit and were genuinely changed. Relating to their former conduct, they were to put off the old man and put on the new man. The Christian has been renewed. They have a change of heart, life, mind and behavior. Paul placed great emphasis on the mind because this is often where Satan attacks the new believer.
Whenever believers become serious about reading the Bible and praying, it seems there are always interruptions. Satan does not want them to become committed Christians. He will continually place obstacles to keep them from hearing the Word of God. He does not want them to strengthen their spiritual defenses or guard their renewed minds.
I believe whatever you place into your mind is what you are going to become. The Word of God cleanses, washes and renews your mind. Spend time with God, and you will make the right decisions in life.
While the agent of renovation is the Divine Spirit, and the condition of renovation is cleaving to Christ, the medium of renovation and the weapon which the transforming grace employs is “the word of truth of the gospel,” whereby we are sanctified.
~Alexander MacLaren~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
