Archived Notes

______________________________________ The Renewing of Your Mind

©Chad Sychtysz

 

“Recreation” technically involves the renewing or refreshing of the mind. We all need a break from the tension, pressure, and tedium of everyday life; we need to have our minds rejuvenated and restored to healthy, positive thinking. Our spirit also needs to be renewed, refreshed, and rejuvenated. This does not require a “break” from our Christian duties, but we do need to see God, the sacrifice of Christ, the work of the Spirit, and our own moral responsibility with fresh and improved perspective (Eph 4:20-24).

The Christian life is one of constant improvement. Like music entertainers who enjoy decades of success because they continually reinvent their image, so we need to be continually being “reinvented.” Even though the physical body gradually succumbs to age, weakness, and death, the spiritual body (“inner man”) needs to be “renewed day by day” (2 Cor 4:16). The source of our renewal is God’s Spirit—not only upon our conversion (as in Titus 3:5), but also throughout our walk with Christ. Because of His Spirit, we are able to “[grow] with a growth which is from God” (Col 2:19). If the Spirit indwells us, then we must grow and bear “fruit”; the Spirit is not given to us for anything less than this. God’s Spirit is the One who restores our heart, both from the ravages of sin and the weariness of our everyday struggle to walk in righteousness (Ps 51:10-13). “Spiritual growth” does not mean that God’s doctrine changes, but that our awareness, understanding, and application of His doctrine mature “in Christ.” Christ Himself never changes (Heb 13:8), but our view and appreciation of Him certainly should. We still worship the same Lord, but we should be worshiping Him more accurately, passionately, and deeply than in years past (2 Pet 3:18). The illustration of deciduous and evergreen trees is helpful here: sometimes we lose “leaves” to grow new ones in a new “season” of life; other times we simply add to previous growth; both applications are practical and healthy in their rightful contexts. Each time we read the Bible, for example, we should see altogether “new” things and familiar “old” things in a new light. Often, our life experiences (both good and bad) help to provide a deeper understanding of what God has been saying all along in His word.

But if our minds are not being regularly renewed, then can we really say that we are “growing”? A Christian may say, “I’m not strong enough” or “knowledgeable enough” or “experienced.” But what is going to change this—and when is that person going to commit to becoming stronger, more learned, and more experienced? We are expected to grow up in Christ, not just grow old; we cannot be children forever (1 Cor 13:11, 14:20). God expects us to “press on to maturity” (Heb 6:1); God’s Spirit will bring us to this maturity, but not without our consent, participation, and personal effort (Rom 12:1-2, 1 Pet 2:1-3). No single sermon or class is going to accomplish this, either; it is going to take your time and your desire. Some suggestions to accomplish this: Immerse yourself in a study of a particular Bible book or a topical study (grace, faith, forgiveness, justification, etc.). Read your Bible regularly and with purpose—i.e., learn what you are supposed to do with that information. Memorize passages that express doctrinal truths (Mt 16:24, Rom 1:17, 1 Cor 6:19-20, Eph 1:22-23, etc.). Make notes in a logical manner, and file these topically so that you can retrieve them easily. Share and discuss your findings with those who already know these things better than you do—to test your own conclusions in a healthy way. Go over the weekly sermons in detail, looking up the passages cited (and their contexts) on your own. Most of all, pray and pray often: ask Christ to give you a discerning spirit to understand what He wants you to know.

If you do not renew your spirit, then it will stagnate and slowly deteriorate. Over time, you will have less and less connection with Christ and the work of the Spirit; ultimately, your fellowship with God will cease altogether. But this is the last thing that God wants—He has given you His Spirit so you can grow in Christ, not succumb to a slow, gradual death. God is challenging us all: we need to make time for spiritual re-creation and refreshment. This is the personal responsibility of every Christian.

 

 

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