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The Renewal Of Our Minds

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The Renewal of our Minds
The mind is the most important thing in spiritual transformation. Our minds control our thoughts, feelings, actions, perceptions, memories, desires, and beliefs. Our minds are to spiritual formation as the motor is to an automobile. The mind is where our thoughts originate. Clearly, our thoughts impact our lives. In my view, I agree with Willard when he says, “So it is in our thoughts that the first movements toward the renovation of the heart occur. Thoughts are the place where we can and must begin to change.” Therefore, if a change is to occur in how we perceive things and react, we must then bring our thoughts into subjection under the power and domain of the Holy Spirit (God) that guides our thinking. …show more content…

An epistle is an instructional letter that teaches an important doctrine. In Romans 12, the Apostle Paul writes the church at Rome and gives instructions on transformation. The Church of Rome consisted of a mix of both Jewish and Gentile believers. These believers faced numerous challenges to their faith. Rome was the epicenter of diverse religions and ideas that contradicted Christian values. Therefore, Paul challenges the believers at Rome to present their bodies a living sacrifice to God (Roman 12:1). For this reason, God is focused on the body life of those who believe in Him. Christians should not live according to their desires but live according to the desires of God. To become a living sacrifice implies self- denial. Therefore, we must give up our selfish ambitions, lusts, and desires for the ways of God. Our bodies are a sacrificial offering to God to be used by Him for His purposes. Paul stresses the idea we are to live out our faith in practice and the transformation of the minds will shape our Christian life and ideals. Transformation of the mind keeps us from being conformed to this world and fashioned into the societal image. Society has sickness, death, greed, anger, pride, and perversion. The transformed mind does not think of these things. The renewed mind focuses on the attributes of God and imitates as the spirit of God gives strength. When a person receives Jesus Christ into their life, they receive the mind and image of Christ.

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