Scripture Text: Matthew 15:1-20
Memory Verse: And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2
Lesson Aim: To explain the process of renewing the mind.
Key Points - The mind renewal process is initiated by the Holy Spirit. - Studying, saying, and obeying the written Word of God is essential to renewing the mind. - Prayer plays a very important role in renewing the mind.
Since the fall of Adam, the unrepentant mind has been at odds with God. However, Jesus (the second Adam), made it possible for each of us to be reconciled back to the Father and have our minds renewed. The renewal of our mind begins when we confess Jesus as Lord and Savior. Our minds can then be renewed as we renew our relationship with God.
The Holy Spirit initiates the mind renewing process. He administers the measure of faith that quickens the mind of an individual to see himself as a sinner, to recognize his sinful estate, to recognize the sovereignty of God and submit by confessing Jesus Christ as the Son of God and Lord of his life. Until this change of mind takes place, the individual is controlled by the carnal mind. The carnal mind is not subject to nor can it be subject to God. It is opposed to the ways of God.
After accepting Jesus Christ, the reborn spirit of the new believer must be trained. Just as a human baby must eat, grow, and begin to exercise its body, so must newborn believers (1 Peter 2:2), otherwise they may become underfed and underdeveloped. The training manual for the believer is the Holy Bible. By reading the Bible, the believer’s mind will be exposed to the life-giving principles of the Kingdom of God which are designed to renew the mind. Kingdom principles must be reviewed daily, studied, and accompanied by prayer. Scripture should be memorized and recited aloud regularly. Meditation on them will increase the measure of faith God has given the new believer and will cause change in behavior (Romans 10:17). Kingdom principles will affect lifestyle – how one speaks, eats, adorns and deports oneself. Living by kingdom principles also equips the believer to successfully resist the devil’s enticements.
The biblical process of renewing the mind is not a new concept. Thousands of years ago, God gave Joshua a formula for mind renewal. In Joshua 1:8 God said, “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” This passage emphasizes that speaking the word and meditating thereupon are essential to mind renewal. Successfully renewing the mind also depends a great deal on prayer. The renewal of the believer’s mind will be greatly influenced according to how much or how little he prays and is obedient to the Word of God.
Apostle Paul writes inspiringly to all believers in Romans 12:1-2, “I beseechyou therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Our minds will be renewed as we take heed to the Word of God.
Questions and Discussion
- What is the state of the human mind prior to accepting Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord? Jeremiah 17:9; Acts 7:51; Ephesians 2:1; 1 Timothy 1:12-13.
- Why is it necessary that our minds be renewed? Romans 8:5-8; Romans 12:1-2.
- How does the process of renewing the mind take place? Joshua 1:8; Psalm 119:9, 11; Proverbs 4:20-23; Matthew 7:24; Romans 10:17; Titus 3:5.
- What evidence would indicate that the mind is being renewed? Galatians 5:22-23.
- What are some practical steps to actively renew the mind? 1 Peter 2:1-2; 2 Corinthians 4:13-18; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Colossians 3:8-10, 16.