Renewing the Mind: A Christian Discipline

RENEWING OUR MIND: A CHRISTIAN DISCIPLINE

That’s In The Bible broadcast.

Romans 12:2 (KJV) And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Introduction: Sometimes believers get into the wrong frame of mind. John the Baptist, (Matthew 11), Elijah, (I Kings 19), Jeremiah, (Jeremiah 12), David, (Psalm 73). WE NEED TO RENEW OUR MIND.

HOW DO WE RENEW OUR MINDS?

1. CONSIDER HIM. Consider Our Lord Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 12:3 (KJV) For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

2. CALL UPON THE NAME OF THE LORD.

Titus 3:5 (KJV) Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

3. HAVE NO CONFIDENCE IN THE FLESH. Our confidence must be in Jesus Christ, God, the Father, and the Holy Ghost.

Philippians 3:3 (KJV) For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.

4. FORGET THOSE THINGS THAT ARE BEHIND. FORGET THE PAST.

Philippians 3:13-14 (KJV) Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

• Forget the past.

• Reach for pleasing God.

• Press toward the perfection of pleasing God.

5. SPEAK THE TRUTH TO YOURSELF. Don’t lie to yourself and remember what the truth is.

Ephesians 5:19 (KJV) Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

Psalm 15:1-2 (KJV) A Psalm of David. LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill? He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.

• Look at Jesus Christ’s example:

Matthew 4:4 (KJV) But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

Matthew 4:7 (KJV) Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.

Matthew 4:10 (KJV) Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

6. SPEAK THE TRUTH WITH YOUR NEIGHBOR.Ephesians 4:25 (KJV) Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.

7. CAST DOWN WRONG THOUGHTS. Bring every thought in subjection to Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 10:5 (KJV) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

Take inventory of the accuracy, validity, and quality of your thoughts.

8. THINK PURPOSELY. Take control of your thoughts.

Philippians 4:8 (KJV) Finally, brethren,

• whatsoever things are true

• whatsoever things are honest

• whatsoever things are just

• whatsoever things are pure

• whatsoever things are lovely

• whatsoever things are of good report

• if there be any virtue

• and if there be any praise

THINK ON THESE THINGS.

9. GIRD UP THE LOINS OF YOUR MIND. PROTECT, GUARD, STRENGTHEN YOUR MIND.

1 Peter 1:13 (KJV) Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

Ephesians 6:14 (KJV) Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

• It means protect your strongest asset. Your mind, heart, soul is your most valuable asset. You must protect it with the truth of God’s words.

10. PLANT SCRIPTURE IN YOUR MIND. Fill your mind with truth. Read the Bible. Meditate on the Bible. (Psalm 23) Think the thoughts of Scripture.

Psalm 119:11 (KJV) Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

Psalm 119:98 (KJV) Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me.

Proverbs 30:5 (KJV) Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.

Luke 4:4 (KJV) And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.