A note from our pastor:

“And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;”

Ephesians 4:23

Good Morning Dearly Beloved,

The Apostle Paul in writing to the minister Timothy, tells him of the necessity to rightly divide the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15). The instruction being, all scripture is true and all scripture is useful, but understanding the true meaning of scripture is important to avoid misapplication.

The need to rightly divide the word of truth is highly applicable to Ephesians 4:23, our verse for meditation today.

This verse is part of a set of instructions which the Apostle is giving to his readers. These readers are 1) spiritually alive; 2) believers of Jesus Christ, disciples; and 3) possess knowledge of Jesus Christ. Despite these facts, this verse is interpreted by some as meaning the new birth or regeneration. Those which view this verse as describing regeneration seem to hold to a view that renewal of the mind only happens once.

However, the simple truth is, if one has not already been made spiritually alive through regeneration there is simply no point in giving him or her any spiritual instruction. Prior to regeneration, there is not ability to hear or follow instruction.

Rather, this verse is providing instruction for the child of God who possesses spiritual life and a knowledge of Jesus Christ. The instruction is, by the Holy Spirit, for us to renew our minds in the things of God on a daily basis. Our daily walk in the world around us makes our minds age. We become bitter and difficult. The necessity is to revisit the things of God and by doing so make our minds young again.

Revelation chapter two warns the disciple regarding leaving your first love. The Apostle in this verse is issuing the same warning. The defense against it is to renew our minds with our first love on a daily basis.

Our Prayers are with you daily,

Brother Jeremiah