Flesh or Spirit

At first glance it doesn’t appear that renewal can be found in Romans 8:6 however, we need to reflect on the disposition controlled by the flesh (sin) and a disposition controlled by the Spirit.

In his addressing the Romans Paul provides a powerful insight into the concept of renewal. and the disposition of flesh and the Spirit. Here's the verse for context:

> "For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace."

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Conversation with Nicodemus

We certainly can’t overlook John 3:16 in our quest for renewal. This single verse talks more about God and His plan for the world than any other verse in the Bible. God gave the most extravagant thing He could demonstrate His love for lost humankind, summoning and sending His only begotten Son to pay the debt for sin. (Rom 5:8; 2 Cor 5:21; Eph 2:4; 1 John 4:9)

John 3:16 is one of the most well-known and cherished verses in the Bible. Here's the verse for context:

> "For God

Children of God

How is renewal found in John 1:12?

John 1:12 speaks about the transformative power of believing in Jesus Christ and becoming children of God. Here's the verse for context:

> "But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God."

The word evoked two responses. Some responded to Jesus' ministry by receiving Him and believing in His name. Those who responded in this way were called God's children. Sadly, others rejected Him, even

Renewing the Holy Spirit

Paul is speaking to a young pastor Titus about the renewing of the Holy Spirit specifically in Titus 3:5 however, we need to keep it in contrast and address 3:4-7 as well.

In this section, Paul presents a number of images demonstrating God’s provision of salvation through Christ: washing (purity and cleansing), regeneration and renewing (a new birth), justified (being declared righteous), heirs (receiving an inheritance), and hope (a certain future). Salvation motivates and

The Prophecy of Renewal

Isaiah is a major prophet from the Old Testament, and he has provided us with the insightful promises of God and our future, he speaks to us even about renewal.

What does Isaiah 42:1-8 have to say about renewal?

 This is the first Servant Song in Isaiah, prophesying the forthcoming wonders and character of the Messiah.

In the ancient Near East, establishing justice was a task assigned to kings, so the Lord’s special Servant is depicted as a royal figure.

 The Servant, Jesus C

We all Struggle

Paul when writing from Rome reveals the internal struggles he had to contend with. Specifically in Romans 7:16-18 he states that we are born with a legacy inherited from Adam that we can do nothing right, believers retain the capacity to sin (Gal 5:17). They are also gifted with a new capacity from God: the ability to do right (1 John 3:9). These two capacities are at war within the believer.

When Paul says “sin that dwells in me” he uses a Greek expression that suggests “s

Shedding

 When Paul addressed the Colossians in chapter 3 verse 10, he challenged the Colossian believers to put to death old life and put on the new. Paul is urging them to essentially make a clean break from the past and move resolutely forward with Christ. This is not a one time act. Throughout the believers life, the sins in these verses will be put to death through the work of the Spirit until the day when Christ makes all things finally and forever new.

All earthly distinction

The Mind of Christ

In 1 Corinthians 2:16 Paul quotes Isaiah when he asks the question::

"For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ." 

 In the quotation from Isaiah 40:13 it explains how believers can be discerning and yet avoid assuming God’s place as judge. We can possess that which the world will never acquire on its own – illumination of truth from the Holy Spirit, which gives them the mind of Christ.

 In keeping with our line of though

Putting Off the Old

In Ephesians 4:20-24, the Apostle Paul speaks about renewal in the context of living a life that reflects the teachings of Christ. Here's what he says:

"But that is not the way you learned Christ!—assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, creat

Cleanse my Heart

What does Psalm 51:10 say about renewal?

Psalm 51:10 is a poignant plea from King David for spiritual renewal and purification. The verse reads:

"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me."

This verse is a central part of David's prayer for forgiveness and restoration after his sin with Bathsheba. Here are some key insights into what this verse says about renewal:

Joshua Staying the Course

We get a very good picture of what Joshua did during his walk with God that made him the successful leader that he was. In 1:8 he shows that in order to be successful, he needed to meditate on (repeatedly read and recite) the words of God constantly and continually, follow them exclusively, and except them totally. (See Psalm 1:1-3) Obedience begins with the relentless quest to know and take heart in God’s Word. Throughout his life, Joshua heeded what God told him in this

Sanctified in the Truth

John 17:17 is a significant verse that speaks about sanctification through truth:

John 17:17 (NIV): > Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.

God’s children participate in His sanctifying activity by resisting the evil one and living out the truth found in His word. They are sanctified so that Christ can send them into the world to share the gospel. 

Connection to Renewal of the Mind:

The Mindset of Christ

Philippians 2:5 is a key verse that highlights the importance of adopting the mindset of Christ:

Philippians 2:5 (NIV): > In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus is an imperative construction, a directive: God’s people make this happen. Unless they take definite action to consider Christ, they will end up fainting in their minds (2 Cor 10:5, Heb. 12:3)

Connection to Renewal of the Mind:

Are You in Exile

Many Christians have claimed Jeremiah 29:11 as a life verse, but we need to be sure that we understand its proper application. This verse, like Romans 8:28, teaches the wonderful truth that the Lord works out His plans with the best interests of His people in mind. 

However, we also need to understand the context of this verse and the fact that it was given to a specific group of people at a specific time in history of the people of Israel. The promise was given to the exil

Character of the New Man

Dwelling on the truth of the gospel produces an overflowing heart of worship – which includes a variety of musical styles (psalms, hymns and spiritual songs) teaching and admonishing each other and responding to the Lord with grace in your hearts. 

Colossians 3:16 provides valuable insights into the renewal of the mind:

Colossians 3:16 (NIV): > Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and so