When you were born again what changed? Did your mind and the way you think suddenly change? Did you change physically? Of course not. So where were you reborn as a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17)?
“That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit” (John 3:6, NKJV).
Your spirit was where you were reborn as a new creation in Christ by the Holy Spirit.
“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians 5:23).
You are spirit, soul, and body. But for you to be sanctified in your soul and body by your new birth, your mind must be renewed by God’s truth.
“Be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:23-24).
You have to be renewed in your understanding of what God’s Word says about your new nature in Christ. You must put on the new man—the righteousness you received when you were born again in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21).
“Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think,” Paul declares” (Romans 12:2).
This statement is life-changing.
To be renewed in your mind and changed by the Holy Spirit is a decision you make. When you choose to put on your new man, you allow the Holy Spirit access to change the way you think. The Holy Spirit brings His power to transform and renew your thoughts and desires.
It is your choice to put on your new nature which was created to be like God in righteousness and holiness (Ephesians 4:23-24). It is your decision “to make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love” (2 Peter 1:5-7, NIV).
When you purposely choose these virtues, you deliberately put on the new righteous nature you received when you were born again. When you choose over and over again to grow into the new person you are in Christ, God faithfully changes your attitude and the way you think. Your self-focused mind which has been consumed with your fears and doubts, focuses instead on others. When you consistently surrender your mind to the power of the Holy Spirit and choose to add these virtues to your life, you are continually renewed in the way you think. The Spirit will empower what do you for Him. He will enlarge your perspective. You shall experience the fulfillment of the desires He has placed in your heart.
Don't copy the world or make yourself like anyone else. You are God’s unique new creation to be molded by His truth and His Spirit. When you allow the Holy Spirit to renew your mind to the truths of the new creation you are in Him, you come to believe those truths in your heart. Your spirit, soul, and body receive the results of His truth. You shall be transformed to know His good, pleasing, and perfect will for your life
© 2023 Lynn Lacher
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