Romans 12:1-2
Verse 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.
Having discussed the things we need to renew our minds from we need to talk about the things which can renew our minds. Of course the Sunday School answer is, “Read the Bible” but is that really all there is to having our minds reshaped into minds which glorify God? Of course not. We could read until we had memorized the whole book, but until we allow it to soak into our hearts and flow out though our lives, it isn’t renewing our minds.
For the word of God to renew our minds we need to study it, allow the Holy Spirit to use it to show us where we need renewed thinking and then apply what we learn through our thoughts and actions. There are various ways to study His Word and we would do well to apply them all to our lives to gain the best understanding. We, of course, can’t spend all our time reading and studying as we still have responsibilities but we can’t use our to-do lists as an excuse for not doing any studying.
Today more than ever there are plenty of options to help us study the Bible. It deserves mentioning though not all are worthy of our time and use. While devotionals can be a helpful tool, many don’t serve the purpose of helping us truly study the Bible for a deeper relationship. Some are filled with feel good stories and antidotes which may help us feel good about our quiet time but don’t do much in the way of renewing our thinking.
If we truly want to go deeper in our walk with the Lord we need to make the effort to seek out material and teachers which are solid in their doctrine. We can’t be willing to accept anything and everything we hear or read, always doing as the Bereans did in Acts 17:11, comparing the teaching to the Bible. We can seek out this teaching in Bible study resources – whether with a group or personally, through Bible teaching in sermons available on the radio, in podcasts or maybe even via video sources or by reading our Bibles with a doctrinally correct Bible commentary opened to read alongside and Bible maps too. Study Bibles can also be helpful.
The main thing we need to remember is to pray He shows us the things we need to learn and make the effort to change the things He convicts us about. As He renews our minds our lives will be transformed.
Making It Personal
What are your study habits? Do you have a desire to learn more about the Bible? Where are you going to start your journey of studying the Bible?
Making It Personal Kids
Do you like to learn more about Jesus? What are some things you can do to learn more about Him daily? Are you going to start doing those things?
Closing Prayer
Father, we confess how we haven’t been as faithful as we should be about seeking You and allowing Your Word to renew our minds. Father, give us a hunger for things which will make us more like You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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