Theme Scripture: “And do not be conformed to this world (any longer with its superficial values and customs), but be transformed and progressively changed (as you mature spiritually) by the renewing of your mind (focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes), so that you may prove for yourselves what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect in His plan and purpose for you.” Romans 12:2 (AMP)
The renewal of your mind comes from your maturity in faith. If you are conformed to this world your mind cannot become renewed, and as you renew your mind you are increasing in faith. The theme scripture emphasises the part of the human to be renewed — the mind — because that is where the matters of life come from (Proverbs 4:23 NIV): therefore guard your heart (the seat of the mind), for it determines how far you will go in this life.
Paul references the good fight in 2 Timothy 4:7, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” His was not a physical fight; his fight of faith was in a renewed mind, renewing his mind daily to increase in faith. The battle we have been called to fight is not one we can see — the battle is of the mind. We are to pull down every evil thought and capture the mind to align to the will of God, bringing it into obedience for the fulfilment of all that has been written (the script).
We are watchmen; that is why the Holy Spirit unveiled this truth to us and reveals the intent of the hearts of men to us, so that we stop every rebellious thought and punish those thoughts that are disobedient to God’s will. It is the heart the devil has access to; it is the heart he can manipulate. So if we input into the heart the thoughts of God, the devil cannot manipulate it.
As intercessors we have been given the ability to alter not only our own minds but those of others into the obedience of God’s will (Proverbs 21:1). We can do this by faith in the place of prayer. But you can only function at this level when your own mind is renewed, bringing our hearts and minds into the obedience of Christ. Through faith it is possible, and thus we renew our minds daily as we increase in faith. Glory to God!
