Dwight L Moody, a famed evangelist declared, “When I was converted, I made this mistake: I thought the battle was already mine, the victory already won, the crown already in my grasp. I thought that old things had passed away, that all things had become new; that my old corrupt nature . . . was gone. But I found out, after serving Christ for a few months, that conversion was only like enlisting in the army, that there was a battle at hand” (biblehub.com).

We are in a battle, the battle for the mind. So far, we have looked at:

  1. The way our minds are programmed.
  2. The enemy’s attack on our minds.
  3. How we can begin to renew our minds by:
    • Knowing our position in Christ
    • Putting off the old ways of thinking.
    • Putting on the new self.

In this letter, we want to look at the practical ways to progressively renew our minds. Here are five practical ways you can renew your mind.

THROUGH THE WORD

Get into the Word and get the Word of God into you. Ephesians 5:26 (NKJV) talks about a cleansing that comes by “the washing of water by the word.”

Probably, this originally referred to the water baptism, but the Living Bible puts it this way, “to make her [the church] holy and clean, washed by baptism and God’s Word” (Ephesians 5:26, TLB).

Colossians 3:16 (NKJV) tells us to “let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom.”

The Word of God in you – How?

  • Read the Word. Have you even read the Bible from beginning to end?
  • Study the Word (1 Timothy 2:15).
  • Meditate on the Word (Psalm 1:2).
  • Memorize the Word (Joshua 1:7-8).
  • Apply the Word (James 1:22).

The Word of God, properly applied, is a significant way to renew the mind.

BUILD A HEDGE OF PROTECTION

There are many weapons available for our protection. The weapons of our warfare are spiritual – the blood of the Lamb, the name of Jesus, the promises of God’s Word, the armor of God, The power of the Holy Spirit, Faith, and prayer, to name a few.

Philippians 4:7-8 (NKJV) says, “The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Paul goes on to share how you can find this peace as you meditate on positive things. Remember, attack is the best form of defense.

BE A WORSHIPPER

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord” (Colossians 3:16, NKJV).

You can set the atmosphere around you by playing Christian music on the radio or from your phone. Worship is not just a Sunday activity. It is a way of life, and it can play a powerful role in renewing your mind as your practice it daily.

SEEK THE WILL OF GOD IN ALL THINGS 

James 1:8 warns us about being “double-minded,” and Paul in Colossians 3:15 (NKJV) tells us to “Let the peace of God rule in your hearts.”

The peace of God is like an umpire in a baseball game, calling balls and strikes. He calls the shots. He rules and makes the count. You can be in the midst of a storm, and the enemy will be trying to create havoc with your emotions, but instead, you can claim the peace of God as you seek His will for the situations. You can and should aggressively pursue to do His will in all things.

Your mind will be renewed as you are committed to doing His will in all things, both big and small.

BE FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT & PRAY IN THE SPIRIT

Paul challenges believers to pray “always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit” (Ephesians 6:18, NKJV). Paul also speaks about being “renewed in the spirit of your mind” (Ephesians 4:23, NKJV).

Renewing of the mind comes from deep within you as you have the Holy Spirit working in you. Praying in the Spirit is a God-given way to cultivate that.

A TESTIMONY OR TWO

I told you the story of how I nearly got myself killed after moving from Australia, where they drive on the left, to American, where we drive on the right. After that near serious collision with a truck, I prayed a simple prayer, “Lord help me drive like an American.”

Not long after that, I was back in Australia, staying with Harry Westcott, who had taken over the ministry Dorothy and I had begun years before. On Sunday morning, I drove out Penrith to minister in a church with my good friend, Pastor Gordon Gibbs. As I set out, I drove onto a divided road and suddenly saw a car a long way off headed straight toward me. I realized I was driving on the right-hand side of the road. I remember saying, “Praise God, I am driving like an American.” I quickly moved onto the left-hand section of the road and was very careful from then on.

I have been in America for over 40 years, and only twice have I gone on the wrong side of the road, and both times recognized it quickly without any potential danger. By the grace of God, and the power of the Holy Spirit based on the authority of His Word, you can renew your mind.

A SCOTTISH RACE CAR DRIVER

In 1972, I was a part of the YWAM outreach to the Munich Olympic Games in Germany. We were packed into a castle, and I was in the attic with many other people. At night, across from where I was sleeping, there was a Scottsman who would often pray in tounges while asleep. Then you would wait for the other shoe to drop, so to speak, and he would come out with the interpretation.

Years later, I was ministering in Scottland, and I met his daughter, who told me about him. He was a Scottish race car driver, a real man of the world who, when he talked in His sleep, would curse and swear. However, when he got saved, his mind was renewed so that in his sleep, he spoke praises to God. Truly, he had experienced a renewing of his mind.

CLOSING THOUGHT

The battle for the mind can be won if you allow God to do a work in you. By His word and His Spirit, you can have a renewed mind. You can live in victory. So, choose to do it.

RESOURCES

https://biblehub.com/library/moody/the_overcoming_life/part_i_the_christians_warfare.htm