Episode 557: Finding Renewal

Renewal is a continual process for the believer (2 Corinthians 4:16). As believers are still prone to sin, it is important for renewal to become a constant practice as we seek to live lives that reflect Christ. Believers are called to be set apart from the worldly culture around us, to live in the world but not be of the world (John 15:19; Ephesians 4:17–24). We are God’s holy people (1 Peter 2:9) and must not embrace the values of the world around us. This is made possible by the renewing of our minds. 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.” The renewing of our minds is possible through reading and meditating on God’s Word; it is through the Word that we are sanctified (John 17:17). Believers have been given the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:11–16), so we can see the things of the world as He sees them. When we habitually focus our thoughts on Christ and “things above” (Colossians 3:1–2), our minds are aided in the process of renewal (Romans 8:5).

For today’s top ten list, we explore ten ways to find renewal this year. Additional scriptures referenced include Isaiah 40:31; Psalm 51:10; Psalm 103:5; 2 Corinthians 4:16; Exodus 34:21; Psalm 23; John 3:16; Ephesians 2:1; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Romans 6:11; Colossians 2:13; Titus 3:5; Philippians 1:6; Hebrews 4:1-11; Psalm 54:4; 1 John 1:9; Psalm 51:12; Mark 1:35; Luke 5:15-16; Luke 6:12-13; Matthew 26:36-46; Colossians 3:10; Matthew 11:29; Mark 6:31; Psalm 46:10; Psalm 145;5; Philippians 4:9; Mark 10:45; 2 Timothy 3:16; and Proverbs 23:20-21.