The Transformed Christian Life Through the Renewal of the Mind

By - Interim Pastor Freddy Cortez, National Capital Bible Church

The Christian life is not about trying harder to overcome sinful temptations but about being transformed by the renewing of one’s mind. This transformation is achieved through the consistent intake of God’s Word and walking by means of the Holy Spirit. As we expound on key biblical texts, we will see how this process unfolds and how it applies to the daily struggle against sin.

Matthew 4:4 (NKJV)

*"But He answered and said, 'It is written, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God."'"

• Greek Analysis: The word *ῥήματι* (rhema) emphasizes the spoken or revealed word, highlighting the active and dynamic nature of God’s Word. It’s not just Scripture as a text but the living voice of God, which sustains and empowers the believer.

• Exegesis: Jesus, in His response to Satan, emphasizes that true life and sustenance come not from physical bread but from the living Word of God. This points to the necessity of a believer’s constant reliance on and intake of God’s Word for spiritual nourishment and strength. It is through this Word that one is equipped to resist temptations.

 Romans 12:2 (NKJV)

*"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."

• Greek Analysis: The verb *μεταμορφοῦσθε* (metamorphousthe) is in the present passive imperative, indicating a continuous action that the believer receives. This transformation (metamorphosis) is not self-generated but is accomplished by God as the believer’s mind is renewed. The word *ἀνακαίνωσις* (anakainosis) denotes a complete renovation, a total change for the better.

• Exegesis: The transformation Paul speaks of is a passive process—believers are transformed as they allow their minds to be renewed by the Word of God and the work of the Holy Spirit. It is not about trying harder but about being changed from within, leading to a life that aligns with God’s will. The passive voice emphasizes that this transformation is something that happens to the believer, not something the believer does by sheer effort.

Romans 8:5 (NKJV)

"For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit."

• Greek Analysis: The term φρονοῦσιν (phronousin) refers to the mindset or disposition, a way of thinking that governs behavior. The contrast is between a mind set on the flesh (σάρκα) and one set on the Spirit (πνεῦμα).

• Exegesis: This verse highlights the contrast between living according to the flesh and according to the Spirit. A mind set on the flesh is focused on worldly, sinful desires, while a mind set on the Spirit is focused on spiritual things. The transformation that comes from the renewal of the mind leads to a Spirit-led life, where the believer’s thoughts and actions align with God’s desires rather than the desires of the flesh.

Galatians 5:16 (NKJV)

*"I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh."*

• Greek Analysis: The phrase περιπατεῖτε ἐν πνεύματι (peripateite en pneumati) is a present active imperative, indicating continuous action. Walking in the Spirit is a daily, ongoing process that requires active participation.

• Exegesis: Walking in the Spirit involves a daily, moment-by-moment reliance on the Holy Spirit’s power and guidance. When a believer is walking in the Spirit, they are empowered to resist the lusts of the flesh. This is not about trying harder to resist sin but about yielding to the Spirit’s leading and allowing Him to work through the believer.

1 John 1:9 (NKJV)

*"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."*

• Greek Analysis: The verb ὁμολογῶμεν (homologōmen) is a present active subjunctive, which indicates a continuous action. Confession here is not a one-time act but an ongoing process in the believer’s life. The cleansing (*καθαρίσῃ*, katharisē) is a purifying action that is both immediate and continuous.

• Exegesis: Confession of sin is essential for maintaining fellowship with God. When a believer confesses their sins, God is faithful and just to forgive and cleanse them. This cleansing is crucial for the believer to continue walking in the Spirit and being transformed by the renewing of the mind. Without confession, the believer grieves the Holy Spirit, hindering His work in their life (Eph. 4:30).

The Christian life is about transformation, not through human effort, but through the renewing of the mind by the Word of God and the power of the Holy Spirit. This transformation is a passive process where the believer receives the action of being changed by God. It begins with confession, allowing the believer to walk in the Spirit and continually intake God’s Word, leading to a life that reflects Christ and resists the temptations of the flesh. The key to victory over sin is not trying harder but being consistently transformed by God’s grace through His Word and Spirit.

This post was written by Interim Pastor Freddy Cortez of National Capital Bible Church. If you have questions about this post or Christianity in general, please contact us today!