2 Corinthians 4:16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.
For the past few days, we have been discussing the renewing of the mind. This is the Work of the Holy Spirit in the life of every born-again believer in Christ Jesus. As we learn and understand that Jesus paid the price for all sin on the Cross of Calvary, we will surrender more and more of ourselves to God. The more we surrender, the more the Holy Spirit can renew.
The Apostle Paul used the word renew several times in his writings. He understood the process because he underwent a tremendous spiritual renewal process himself. Some people say that God forced Paul to change but that is not true. Yes, God did meet Paul on the Road to Damascus and many believe that God knocked him off his horse. This could be the case or perhaps Paul fell off his horse. We don't know for sure but we do know that he landed on the ground. Then Jesus appeared to Paul in a Vision. (Acts 9:1-19)
The important thing about this is Paul’s response to what happened and what he saw in the vision. He could have got up and gone about his business of persecuting Christians, but he didn’t. At that point in his life, he knew that Jesus was real. So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” (Acts 9:6)
With those words, Paul surrendered to Jesus Christ. He gave up his prior life and made a complete turnaround. His faith in Christ and his surrender to Him allowed the Holy Spirit to begin the renewal process in his mind. This is the crux of Paul’s writings to all the Churches throughout the region.
Paul wrote to the Romans 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)
He wrote to the Corinthians Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. (2 Corinthians 4:16)
He wrote to the Ephesians put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and 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 4:22-24)
He wrote to the Colossians put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him. (Colossians 3:9-10)
He wrote to Titus not by works of Righteousness which we have done, but according to His Mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit.
Surrender all that you are to the Lord Jesus Christ believing in His Finished Work on the Cross of Calvary. When you do, the Holy Spirit will bring about the renewal process. Give up and give God a try. You won’t be sorry.
God wants to……….turn the tide……….in your life.
Renewed, Doreen
www.bettsministries.org
