Renewing Of The Mind - Release From Bondage
The renewal of the mind is a subject widely addressed in both Christian and secular circles. Google it and you will find numerous articles, books, and videos explaining how to renew your mind.
Sadly, I have not been able to find a Bible scholar or teacher who explains Romans 12:2 from the original Greek text which is noos from the base word ginosko which can be translated as either ‘mind or understanding’.
When you study this passage from that perspective, you will realize what Paul is conveying to us. This brings a renewed insight and releases you from the bondage of striving to renew your minds through continual effort.
“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” Romans 12:2
From the original text, the word renewal means ‘born again.’ Our minds can never be born again – only our spirit man is reborn. Further, the word ‘mind’ is translated as ‘understanding.’
Where does our understanding come from? It comes from our spirit. It does not come from your carnal mind.
The Natural Mind Is Enmity Against God
All the effort to renew the mind is related to the law – striving, struggling, and attempting to change our minds. This is an ongoing battle that often brings guilt or condemnation because it seems like an endless struggle.
“For to be carnally minded is death. But to be spiritually minded is life and peace” Romans 8:6. Therein lies the KEY.
The Bible tells us that the carnal or natural mind is enmity against God. What does that mean? It means that all your efforts, all your struggles, all your attempts to renew your mind or your thoughts cannot happen in the natural realm. The definition of carnal is a deep-seated hatred.
WHAT? How can that be? Our natural man, our carnal self, is described in Ephesians 4:20-24.
“But you have not so learned Christ, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus, that you put off concerning your former conduct, the old man, which grows corrupt according to his deceitful lusts. And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; that you put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.”
Your mind does not have a spirit. Your mind is part of your carnal nature. How can we be renewed in the spirit of our understanding? Where does understanding come from?
Your understanding comes from the Rhema Word of God – that Word that God speaks from His Word, His mouth, to your spirit.Created In True Righteousness And Holiness
Your new man was created by God in true righteousness and holiness. Our carnal, natural man is not righteous. It is not holy. But we are holy and righteous only because of Christ living in our spirit.
All the constant efforts to renew your mind are futile. You cannot renew the carnal mind in any way, shape, or form.
The spirit is renewed. The understanding comes from your spirit – not your mind.
“For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is NOT subject to the law of God, NOR INDEED CAN BE. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God” Romans 8:6.
Could it be clearer? The carnal mind is not subject to the law of God NOR CAN IT BE. If you are striving to renew your mind (which is the flesh) your efforts cannot please God.
The original text says to renew the spirit of your understanding. Renew the spirit of your understanding – or the understanding of your spirit. The mind does not have a spirit. The word spirit of your mind is your understanding.
If the widely used translation of the renewing of the mind is correct, then there is a clear conflict of the Word because the same author said in Romans 8 that the mind is carnal and not subject to the laws of God – nor can be made to be.
Carnal is attached to the flesh – it cannot be renewed by the spirit of God. It cannot be transformed. It is enmity against God.Conclusion
Trying to understand the Word with our minds can often lead to confusion. Get the Word into your spirit and allow the Holy Spirit to bring it alive to you – to your understanding.
The difference is that your mind has head knowledge, and your spirit has God-given knowledge. It is the Rhema Word – that brings understanding to your mind FROM YOUR spirit.
Satan’s arena is your mind. He loves to bring confusion. He brings guilt. He brings condemnation. If you are listening to those thoughts, instead of challenging them with the Word of God, you will never get a true understanding of the Word of God.