Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. Ephesians 4:24
We talked in our Bible study yesterday about the impact our minds and thoughts have. Indeed, what occupies our minds impacts the things we say and do. While there are things that we can do to guard our minds, the truth is we cannot do it on our own. On our own, we will always fall short. We need the Holy Spirit’s help as we seek to focus our thoughts and minds on Him and the things of Him.
The apostle Paul warns followers of Christ about focusing on the things of the world in Ephesians 4. In this passage of Scripture, he teaches that focusing on things of the world leads to hardened hearts and a life far from Christ. There is a better way of living, Paul explains in this passage of Scripture. Instead of living for ourselves, Paul teaches that we must “let the Spirit renew [our] thoughts and attitudes” (verse 23). Notice that Paul does not just say, “Renew your thoughts and attitudes,” but instead, “Let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes” (verse 23). We cannot do it on our own. We need the help of the Holy Spirit to change our thoughts and attitudes.
As Paul taught in Ephesians 4, he also demonstrated what it looks like to have a changed mindset. He wrote, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior” (verse 31). The behavior Paul described in verse 31 is ungodly and leads us to live like the rest of the world. Instead of demonstrating the behavior of the world, Paul taught, “Be kind to each other” (verse 32). A changed mindset is not bitter or angry. A changed mindset is rooted in kindness and points others to Christ.
When we have the mindset of kindness, we become more like Christ and point Him to the rest of the world. This is not easy to do. Kindness often goes against our sinful human nature. That is why Paul began his instruction by saying, “Let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.” We have the help of the Holy Spirit when it comes to changing the way we think.
Praise God that we are not left on our own in the battle against our minds. The Holy Spirit fights for us every day as we seek to set our hearts and minds on God and His kingdom. The Holy Spirit helps us let go of the ways of the world and focus on what truly matters. Will you lean into the Holy Spirit’s leading today?
Take time today to ask God to help you in your quest to set your mind on God and His kingdom. Confess that you cannot set your mind and attention on Him and His kingdom without His help. Thank Him that you are not left alone in your quest to set your mind and attention on what truly matters.
Ephesians 4:17-24
17 With the Lord’s authority I say this: Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused. 18 Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him. 19 They have no sense of shame. They live for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity.
20 But that isn’t what you learned about Christ. 21 Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, 22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.
©2024 Sagebrush Church
