As a result of the washing of regeneration and renewing from the Holy Spirit, we now possess a new mind. This renewed mind relates to the Spirit, not fleshly and earthly things; therefore, with this mind we are able to discern Spiritual things because we have a quality of the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:14-16). We are instructed in Romans 12 to stop outwardly conforming to this age. Paul is referring to the legal age and those who are putting on a mask of living under law. We live out from faith through grace, not through law, for law is not out from faith.
And stop being outwardly conformed to this age, but to be transformed by your renewed mind, for the purpose to test for approval what is the desirous will of God, the good and well pleasing and mature. – Romans 12:2
Renewing here is not a verb, therefore it is not an act of renewing, but a noun describing the mind. We now possess a renewed mind that, when used, will transform us in a way that enables us to put to the test any situation and identify what is acceptable for us to do according to God’s desirous will for us in all circumstances we face throughout our day.
Since we have a renewed mind, this week let us focus on using it. Starting each morning with setting our mind on the things above where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. These things involve who we are in Christ. Not by seeking to fulfill a set of rules that tell us what not to do, but rather by doing things that show who we are in Christ. Our commandments are to love other Christians (John 13:34) and abide (feel at ease) in Christ (John 15:1-8), which produces works in our lives that come from using the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), not from the flesh.
Taking the time to weigh our desires against who we are in Christ and choosing to reject those that do not line up with what God says about us will impact everything we do. When we identify desires that are not suitable, we are not to say no; rather, we need to reject them by looking for the desires that are appropriate and focus on doing them. Therefore, let us set our mind on things that relate to love as we seek the best for other saints, and joy as we express contentment with any situation we face, for even in persecution we can glorify God through our actions, while having an unruffled mind that withholds anger from unreasonable people, shows kindness, seeks to do what is beneficial, as we remain true to our word and keep our minds focused on the objective of living out God’s will not ours with self-control so that we take each step by the Spirit, not according to the desires of our flesh, for we are the children of God.
