Renewing Our Minds: Embracing Identity and Service in Christ
Summary
Today, I explored the profound transformation that occurs when we renew our minds through faith in Jesus Christ. I began by emphasizing the importance of recognizing our identity in Christ, which is not just about seeing ourselves in the mirror but remembering that image as we turn away. This identity includes being forgiven, loved, cherished, and designed with a purpose and plan by God.
I then delved into the concept of service as an expression of our salvation. Serving others is not just an act of obedience but a continuation of the ministry of Jesus, who came not to be served but to serve. This service leads to salvation, both for ourselves and for those we serve, creating a cycle of continual blessing and outreach.
The sermon progressed to discuss the power of the Word of God in our lives, particularly in the face of adversity. By focusing on God's word, we can stand firm even in the presence of our enemies, understanding that God prepares a table before us and equips us with the authority through Christ to overcome any challenge.
I also touched on the transformation that occurs when we choose daily to serve and follow Christ. This choice is a conscious decision to shift from old ways to new, enabling us to live in the newness of life that Christ offers. This shift is not just a one-time event but a daily renewal that requires constant faith and obedience.
Towards the end of the sermon, I emphasized the importance of thinking on things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable—attributes found in Philippians 4:8. These thoughts should dominate our minds, not just occasionally but continually, shaping our actions and reactions in every situation.
Key Takeaways:
1. Identity in Christ - Understanding and remembering our identity in Christ is crucial. It's not enough to recognize who we are in Christ; we must also retain this identity firmly in our minds to avoid spiritual amnesia. This identity shapes our actions, our reactions, and our entire outlook on life. [01:16:04]
2. Service as Salvation - Service is an integral part of the Christian life. It is both a result of our salvation and a means to facilitate the salvation of others. Through service, we emulate Christ and extend His love to others, which can lead them to embrace salvation. [01:17:24]
3. Authority Through Christ - We have been given authority through Christ to overcome all adversities. This authority is not for our benefit alone but to be a beacon of God's power and grace in the presence of our enemies, demonstrating the victory we have in Christ. [01:18:14]
4. Daily Choice to Follow Christ - Choosing to follow Christ is a daily decision that involves a conscious rejection of the old self and an embrace of the new creation we are in Him. This choice is fundamental to experiencing the fullness of life that Jesus promises. [42:49]
5. Continual Renewal of the Mind - The battle for our souls begins in the mind. Continually renewing our minds with the truth of God's Word protects us from the lies of the enemy and aligns our thoughts with God's will, leading to a life that is pleasing to Him. [57:43]
Chapters:
0:00 - Welcome
01:16:04 - Understanding Our Identity in Christ
01:17:24 - The Cycle of Service and Salvation
01:18:14 - Standing in Authority Through Christ
42:49 - The Daily Decision to Embrace Christ
57:43 - The Power of a Renewed Mind
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Romans 12:2 - "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
2. Philippians 4:8 - "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."
3. 2 Corinthians 5:17 - "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Romans 12:2 say about the process of transformation and its purpose?
2. According to Philippians 4:8, what kinds of things should we focus our thoughts on?
3. How does 2 Corinthians 5:17 describe the change that happens when someone is in Christ?
4. In the sermon, what examples were given to illustrate the difference between modification and transformation? ([19:27])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important to renew our minds according to Romans 12:2, and how does this renewal help us understand God's will? ([54:24])
2. How can focusing on the attributes listed in Philippians 4:8 shape our daily actions and reactions? ([57:43])
3. What does it mean to be a "new creation" in Christ as described in 2 Corinthians 5:17, and how should this new identity influence our behavior? ([42:49])
4. The sermon mentioned that service is both a result of our salvation and a means to facilitate the salvation of others. How does this concept of service align with the teachings of Jesus? ([01:17:24])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your daily routine. How can you incorporate the practice of renewing your mind with God's Word to better align with Romans 12:2? ([54:24])
2. Think about a recent challenging situation. How could focusing on the attributes listed in Philippians 4:8 have changed your response? ([57:43])
3. Identify one area of your life where you feel you need transformation rather than mere modification. What steps can you take to invite God's transformative power into that area? ([19:27])
4. Service is a key theme in the sermon. What is one specific way you can serve others this week to reflect Christ's love and potentially lead someone to salvation? ([01:17:24])
5. The sermon emphasized the importance of remembering our identity in Christ. How can you remind yourself daily of your identity as a new creation in Christ? ([42:49])
6. How can you use the authority given to you through Christ to overcome a current adversity in your life? ([01:18:14])
7. The sermon mentioned the importance of making a daily choice to follow Christ. What practical steps can you take each morning to consciously choose to follow Him? ([42:49])
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Our True Identity in Christ
Understanding and embracing our identity in Christ is foundational to living a life of purpose and fulfillment. When we see ourselves through the lens of Christ's redemption, we are not merely looking at our reflections but are reminded of who we have become because of His sacrifice. This new identity is not just a label but a reality that includes being forgiven, loved, cherished, and purposefully designed by God. It is crucial to hold this identity close, not just in moments of spiritual activity but as a constant reminder in every aspect of life. This understanding shapes our actions, reactions, and our entire outlook on life, preventing what can be termed as 'spiritual amnesia.' [01:16:04]
2 Corinthians 5:17-19 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation."
Reflection: How does understanding your identity in Christ change the way you view yourself and your interactions with others?
Day 2: Service as an Extension of Salvation
Service in the Christian life is both a reflection of our salvation and a practical avenue through which we can lead others to Christ. By serving, we emulate Jesus, who came not to be served but to serve others. This act of service is not merely about fulfilling duties but is a profound expression of the love and salvation we have received. It creates a cycle of blessing that not only enriches our lives but also opens doors for others to experience the transformative power of Christ's love. Through genuine service, we become conduits of God’s grace, leading others toward salvation. [01:17:24]
1 Peter 4:10-11 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen."
Reflection: In what ways can you serve someone in your community this week to reflect Christ's love and possibly lead them closer to Him?
Day 3: Living in the Authority of Christ
As believers, we are endowed with authority through Christ, which empowers us to overcome adversities and be beacons of God's power and grace. This authority is not for our benefit alone but serves as a testament to God's sovereignty in the face of challenges. By standing firm in this authority, we demonstrate the victory we have in Christ, which not only strengthens our faith but also serves as a powerful witness to those around us. This authority should be exercised with humility and a deep reliance on God's strength, recognizing that it is His power at work through us. [01:18:14]
Ephesians 6:10-12 (ESV): "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."
Reflection: What are some challenges you're facing where you need to more actively claim the authority you have in Christ?
Day 4: Choosing Christ Daily
Choosing to follow Christ is a daily decision that involves consciously rejecting our old selves and embracing the new creation we are in Him. This choice is fundamental to experiencing the fullness of life that Jesus promises. It requires a deliberate effort to shift from old patterns to new ways of living, reflecting Christ in all we do. This ongoing transformation is nurtured through daily acts of faith and obedience, continually aligning ourselves with God's will and purpose for our lives. [42:49]
Colossians 3:9-10 (ESV): "Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator."
Reflection: What is one old habit you need to leave behind to better follow Christ today?
Day 5: Continual Renewal of the Mind
The battle for our souls begins in the mind, where our thoughts and beliefs shape our actions and character. Continually renewing our minds with the truth of God's Word is essential to protect us from the lies of the enemy and to align our thoughts with God's will. This process of renewal is not occasional but must be a continual practice, influencing how we view the world and react to circumstances. By focusing on things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable, we cultivate a mindset that reflects God's purity and love, leading to a life that is pleasing to Him. [57:43]
Romans 12:2 (ESV): "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
Reflection: What are some practical ways you can start renewing your mind daily with God's truth?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "When you're in a bad situation, and you're saying, you might not see your daughter again, you might not see your daughter-in-law again, you might not have your husband back, you might not have a marriage, you might not even have a house, you might not have this, that, or the other, what do you choose to grab hold of? I grab hold of this. My God in all things. Whatever Satan means for harm, God will turn to good." [01:11:17]
2. "Every day is a new day. It's not a new day because oh man, it's a new day that I get to just be here no, it's a new day you get to become more like Christ. When you get that mindset and you get that around your head, it's because I get to be more like Christ." [35:32]
3. "I live in the body. I live by faith in the son of God who loved me and gave himself for me. When I grab hold of those things, I renew my mind. I have that mind of Christ. I am able to look in the mirror and see the righteousness of God." [01:16:04]
4. "Hey, how's God going to come? God, where do you want me to come through on this one? What do you want me to say on this? What do you want me to do in this situation? Whatever is admirable and of good repute, it says. Think upon those." [01:12:37]
5. "But they got off to the word. All they had to do was remind themselves, hey, Jesus said go to the other side. I'm going to the other side. I don't care what's going on. I'm going to the other side. You have to have that no quit, no stop. I'm going to do." [01:25:25]
### Quotes for Members
1. "I am the light. I will be a light in a dark situation. Here's the thing. We say this all the time. You are not to be a thermometer. You are to be a thermostat. You're a thermostat. You can change the direction of a room all by the spirit of God." [01:13:13]
2. "But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ. Triumphal process and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. In every situation, he's using you to spread the aroma of knowledge of Jesus Christ everywhere." [01:10:21]
3. "The Bible says this. It says, and I prepare a table for you in the presence. Of my enemies. He is serving you. But man does not live by bread alone, but by the word of God. So what it shows me is he has given you the word of God to strengthen, nourish, and help you." [01:17:24]
4. "You know, he's always told the story about his daughter when she was she was little and her hand got... on a rocking chair, the rocking here, caught her fingers off. Watch the video, Gracias rápido, here we go. In fact, they grabbed her fingers and put them in a bag and took them to the hospital." [01:05:17]
5. "It said intercede for the believers. Continue to intercede for others. And when I continue to intercede, I have to be able to do it by faith. Everything is by faith. And it's from glory to glory, from faith to faith. And I continue to shift in my faith." [01:19:34]
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