In what ways can we focus on spiritual renewal over physical decline? The Promise of Continual Renewal “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, yet our inner self is being renewed day by day.” (2 Corinthians 4:16) Recognizing the Two Realities • Outer self: mortal, aging, temporary (Genesis 3:19; 2 Corinthians 5:1). • Inner self: eternal, being shaped for glory (Ephesians 3:16; Colossians 3:10). • Confidence: God’s Spirit is actively renewing believers every single day. Daily Habits That Fuel Renewal • Consistent Scripture intake – Psalm 1:2–3—delighting in the Word produces fruit even in drought. – Romans 12:2—ongoing mind-transformation resists worldly decay. • Conversational prayer – Philippians 4:6–7—anxiety replaced by guarding peace. – Jude 20—“building yourselves up… praying in the Holy Spirit.” • Worship and thanksgiving – Psalm 92:1–2—morning and night praise keeps the heart fresh. – Colossians 3:16—songs of truth let Christ’s word dwell richly. • Active obedience – James 1:22—hearing without doing deadens the soul; doing invigorates. – John 15:10–11—keeping His commands sustains joy. • Fellowship with believers – Hebrews 10:24–25—mutual stirring “all the more as you see the Day approaching.” – Proverbs 27:17—sharpening one another prevents stagnation. Shifting Our Focus from the Temporary to the Eternal • Set sights above (Colossians 3:1–2). • Value godliness over bodily training (1 Timothy 4:8). • Number our days to gain wisdom (Psalm 90:12). • View trials as refining the inner person (1 Peter 1:6–7). • Embrace weakness as the stage for divine strength (2 Corinthians 12:9–10). Encouragement from Kindred Passages • Isaiah 40:31—“those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.” • Psalm 92:12–14—aged saints “still bear fruit; they are ever full of sap and green.” • Philippians 3:20–21—anticipation of a transformed body fuels present perseverance. Living Each Day in the Light of Glory • Remember: the same power that raised Jesus is at work in you (Ephesians 1:19–20). • Compare afflictions to “an eternal weight of glory” (2 Corinthians 4:17). • Hold loosely what cannot last; invest deeply in what cannot perish (Matthew 6:19–21). By leaning into these truths and practices, physical decline loses its power to discourage, while the inner self flourishes―fresh, vibrant, and ever more like Christ. |
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