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

...
read more

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

...
read more

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

...
read more

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

...
read more

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

...
read more

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:

Purification and Cleansing: David asks God to create a clean heart within him. This si...
read more

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

...
read more

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:

Sanctification Through Truth:The verse highlights the process of sanctification, whic...
read more

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:

Christlike Mindset:The renewal of the mind involves ...
read more

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

...
read more

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

...
read more

Transformative Thinking

Isaiah 40:31 is a beautiful verse that speaks to the renewal and strength that comes from relying on God:

Isaiah 40:31 (NIV): > But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Connection to Renewal of the Mind:

Renewal Through Hope:Just as the renewal of the mind involves a transformation through aligning our thoughts with God's truth, Isaiah 40:31 emphasizes that...
read more

Knowing the Truth

John 8:32 is a powerful verse that perfectly complements the idea of mind renewal:

John 8:32 (NIV): > Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

Connection to Renewal:

Truth and Transformation:The process of renewing the mind involves aligning our thoughts with the truth of God's Word. John 8:32 emphasizes that knowing the truth—God's truth—leads to freedom. This truth is crucial for demolishing strongholds and taking thoughts captive, as discussed in 2 Co...
read more

The Spiritual War

Let’s move even deeper into renewal of the mind by understanding the importance of discerning God’s chain of thought. The next link in the chain is migrating from 1 Peter 1:13 to 2 Corinthians 10:4-5. 

Both 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 and 1 Peter 1:13 highlight the importance of mental and spiritual discipline in our walk with God. Let's explore how they interrelate.

2 Corinthians 10:4-5 (NIV): > The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have

...
read more

The How To's

Remembering what Paul said in Romans 12:2: "Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."

We can see the continuity of God’s word as we move through these passages. Today’s reading is:

1 Peter 1:13, Peter emphasizes being alert and fully sober, setting our hope on the grace brought by Jesus Christ. This verse complements the idea of renewing the mind by encouraging believers to be mentally prepared and focused on their spiritu

...
read more