What does it mean to be “transformed” by the renewing of your mind through the Gospel?
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I will tell you of the first and one of the most valuable lessons the Lord has taught me after I spent some time in rebellion as a young woman and returned to the Lord. It is actually from a study of Romans 12 that I had been doing with some wonderful women of my church at that time.
It has to do with forgiveness and how do we forgive those who hurt us to the core? I had been badly hurt, which was the thing that my rebellion had sprung from.
In the study, I was encouraged to look at God as a master carpenter. As we desire to obey God in forgiveness (this works for love as well), we establish a foundation not unlike the solid foundation of a building under construction.
As we intentionally 'put on' that desired attribute---not waiting for the real thing to appear---in obedience to Christ, that 'appearance of forgiveness' is just like the carpenter constructing the wooden forms on top of that foundation. As we continually walk in that forgiveness, not really feeling it, but being obedient, God the master builder then pours His cement into those forms. On it goes, until that cement hardens and the carpenter can then rip away those forms and the hard, fast cement stands on its own---the real thing has come! God has been faithful to turn that modelling of forgiveness (or love) into the REAL THING!
That lesson transformed my thinking and I have had many occasions to exercise that illustration in my life since. I am sure that God knew what was ahead for me, and made sure I got that early!
It has to do with forgiveness and how do we forgive those who hurt us to the core? I had been badly hurt, which was the thing that my rebellion had sprung from.
In the study, I was encouraged to look at God as a master carpenter. As we desire to obey God in forgiveness (this works for love as well), we establish a foundation not unlike the solid foundation of a building under construction.
As we intentionally 'put on' that desired attribute---not waiting for the real thing to appear---in obedience to Christ, that 'appearance of forgiveness' is just like the carpenter constructing the wooden forms on top of that foundation. As we continually walk in that forgiveness, not really feeling it, but being obedient, God the master builder then pours His cement into those forms. On it goes, until that cement hardens and the carpenter can then rip away those forms and the hard, fast cement stands on its own---the real thing has come! God has been faithful to turn that modelling of forgiveness (or love) into the REAL THING!
That lesson transformed my thinking and I have had many occasions to exercise that illustration in my life since. I am sure that God knew what was ahead for me, and made sure I got that early!
aspen
“"The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few
In the same way a candle lights up a deeply dark room so God's Word beams light into our darkened soul and gives understanding.
For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
(2Co 4:6)
And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.
(Gen 1:2-3)
For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
(2Co 4:6)
And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.
(Gen 1:2-3)
First, my understanding of the verses was aided when I found out that "renewing" could be thought of as renovation. And that it carries with it the idea of transformation into a new kind of life.
Generally speaking, my mind was renewed by the good news when I realized that I am not my mind, I am not my thoughts. That in me was the kingdom of God. That in me was a whole different mind, the mind of Christ. And that by experiment and by observation, and that by knowing myself, I understood how I was living centered in my natural, carnal mind and proceeding out of that. And I learned how to live centered in this internal "other place", the kingdom of God within me. And I then began living a life centered in the mind of Christ and proceeding out from there. A whole change of center is the key to spiritual life.
Speaking now of the mechanics of renewal, from my new center, I observed the scripts and programmings that run in my natural mind. And when some thoughts pop up that I'd rather not have repeat in me, I stop and let them flow out of me. And I choose again. I choose to hear what the Father has to say about the matter, in me, and then I "eat" the word that proceeds out of the kingdom within me. This plants the seed in me, which grows and bears fruit,
Generally speaking, my mind was renewed by the good news when I realized that I am not my mind, I am not my thoughts. That in me was the kingdom of God. That in me was a whole different mind, the mind of Christ. And that by experiment and by observation, and that by knowing myself, I understood how I was living centered in my natural, carnal mind and proceeding out of that. And I learned how to live centered in this internal "other place", the kingdom of God within me. And I then began living a life centered in the mind of Christ and proceeding out from there. A whole change of center is the key to spiritual life.
Speaking now of the mechanics of renewal, from my new center, I observed the scripts and programmings that run in my natural mind. And when some thoughts pop up that I'd rather not have repeat in me, I stop and let them flow out of me. And I choose again. I choose to hear what the Father has to say about the matter, in me, and then I "eat" the word that proceeds out of the kingdom within me. This plants the seed in me, which grows and bears fruit,
Miss Hepburn
Well-Known Member
Specific examples? Well, the Gospel did not renew my mind.
It was a miracle of Grace from God. A drasric, transforming miracle of His Grace.
The Gospel guides me so much - specifically - there are way too many ways...
It says, Do not worry - I do not worry about anything for years.
Be anxious for nothing - I am anxious for absolutely nothing.
Cast your cares...I have not one care.
Delight in the Lord - oh, how I bask in silent communion in His Presence.
Pray without ceasing - I talk to about my Father in gratitude almost all the time t's hard not too because He is so amazing.
Focus on the things above and not the things on the earth - how my focus has changed thinking so much of Him
Give him my burdens - He has them all that's why I never worry and am never afraid.
It goes on to the point that it is like road blocks go up in my renewed mind when I hear an untruth.
It was a miracle of Grace from God. A drasric, transforming miracle of His Grace.
The Gospel guides me so much - specifically - there are way too many ways...
It says, Do not worry - I do not worry about anything for years.
Be anxious for nothing - I am anxious for absolutely nothing.
Cast your cares...I have not one care.
Delight in the Lord - oh, how I bask in silent communion in His Presence.
Pray without ceasing - I talk to about my Father in gratitude almost all the time t's hard not too because He is so amazing.
Focus on the things above and not the things on the earth - how my focus has changed thinking so much of Him
Give him my burdens - He has them all that's why I never worry and am never afraid.
It goes on to the point that it is like road blocks go up in my renewed mind when I hear an untruth.
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