Pat Dalrymple Renewing our mind is like gradually wiping dirt off a window. We can see through the dirt, but as we clean up the window, we can see a whole lot better. When we earnestly renew our minds, we see God’s character better and we see ourselves as God really sees us. We see our areas of weakness and we are confronted with ourselves to do better. We can only do better with the help of the Holy Spirit. As we allow Him to clean up our lives, we can live a more Christlike life. We must cooperate with the Lord and the process starts with us making an effort to read our Bibles and to pray. The Bible is the living word of God and if we diligently study the Bible, we will become transformed.
The book of Romans was written by the Apostle Paul and its central theme is righteousness. No one can become righteous by their own works. We must all become righteous through belief in Jesus Christ. Romans 3:20-23 But now the Righteousness of God without the Law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the Prophets. Even the Righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them who believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned and come short of the Glory of God. Romans 3:31—Do we then make void the Law through faith? God forbid: yes, we establish the Law. The Law of God always points us to receive faith in Christ. We see through the Law, mostly by studying the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20) that no one is capable of following the Law totally. Galatians 3:24-25 24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. Once we are saved, we are no longer under the curse of the law. The effect of the law is to reveal our sinfulness—not so we are more capable of following the law to gain salvation. The law fully exposes us to how corrupted we were. And how gracious God is to extend to us the gift of salvation through the cross of Christ. Romans 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. From the time we become born again, we have to be discipled and grow in our new Christian life. How? Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. The Amplified Bible says this: “make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship. In the Old Testament, the sacrifice was laid on the altar. The animal submitted. It couldn’t direct anything about the sacrifice. It had no say whatsoever. When we present ourselves as a sacrifice, we present ourselves as a living one—not as a dead one under the law. We are alive, yet we submit. It seems impossible to do this and it is without God’s help. As we continue to read, we see valuable keys. Romans 12:2 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Let’s break this verse down:
Jesus said in the garden of Gethsemane in (Matthew 26:39-41) if there is no other way to achieve redemption of mankind, then I will do what you ask—referring to Father God. Jesus had to submit Himself to the cross, proving that sometimes there is no easier Plan B! though we go through painful situations, we (just like Jesus) have to have faith that it will be for our good and for other’s good. The good, accept and perfect will of God does not imply that there is an imperfect or permissive will of God. There is one will of God. We can know it. We know for example, that God is not willing for one to perish. God’s will is for everyone to know Jesus. God’s will for us as a church and as individuals is that we stay in love and unity. The Bible says that God’s will for us is good, acceptable, and perfect. When we consistently read our Bibles and earnestly seek God, the Holy Spirit will reveal to us what we need to do. We are as mature and as sanctified in the Lord as we choose to be. We all have blind spots in our character. Studying the word will help us to see OURSELVES better. Leave other people alone. It’s easier to spot flaws in others. It is much harder for us to see them in ourselves. Renewing our mind opens our mind so that we can see. Paul says this: Ephesians 4:17-24 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, 18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: 19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. 20 But ye have not so learned Christ; 21 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: 22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. The new man is God’s gift to each of us. On our own and by following the law as best we could, we could never attain holiness or righteousness. God’s grace—His ability working through our lives is the only thing that can help us. Romans 12:3 3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. How do we achieve this? See Romans 12:2--By not be conformed to this world, but by being transformed and thus proving to good, and acceptable will of God. Romans 12:9-13 Let love be without dissimulation (don’t be a hypocrite!). Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. 10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another; 11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; 12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; 13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. Is this even possible? Yes, it is possible to love our neighbor like Christ loves the church. By not be conformed to this world, but by being transformed and thus proving to good, and acceptable will of God. Romans 12:14-16 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. 15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. 16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. How can I bless my persecutor? You can only do this by not being conformed to this world, but by being transformed and thus proving to good, and acceptable will of God. Romans 12:18-21 18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. 20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. 21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. How do I live peaceably with my cranky neighbor? Only by renewing our mind and allowing God to transform us to be more like Jesus. The old man wants his own way. As we lay on the altar and renew our minds we are transformed , we learn God’s ways which are higher. We learn God’s good, acceptable, and perfect will as His Word becomes revelation knowledge to us. As we read our Bible, we understand that it was written to help us. The Bible contains stories of real people who had real lives. It not only contains truth—it is truth. When we renew our minds with the help of the Holy Spirit, we can be comforted, encouraged, and strengthened. Our lives reflect the new nature of God that lives inside of us and through that, we give glory to God our Father. Romans 15:4-11 4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. 5 Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: 6 That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God. 8 Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers: 9 And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name. 10 And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people. 11 And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people. You can watch this message on Rumble.
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AuthorsPastors Clarence and Pat Dalrymple desire to see every person strengthen their faith by gaining revelation knowledge of the Word of God. |