How can we avoid having our minds "hardened" like in 2 Corinthians 3:14? The Problem Paul Identifies “ But their minds were closed. For to this day the same veil remains at the reading of the old covenant. It has not been lifted, because only in Christ can it be removed.” (2 Corinthians 3:14) Understanding a Hardened Mind – A “veil” blocks spiritual perception. – Hardness results in spiritual dullness, even while reading Scripture. – The root issue is unbelief that refuses to yield to Christ (John 5:39-40). Root Causes Exposed in Scripture – Unbelief: “They could not enter because of unbelief.” (Hebrews 3:19) – Sin’s deceit: “So that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” (Hebrews 3:13) – Prideful self-reliance: “Knowledge puffs up.” (1 Corinthians 8:1) – Worldly thinking: “Darkened in their understanding… because of the hardness of their hearts.” (Ephesians 4:18) God’s Provision in Christ – The veil is “removed in Christ” (2 Corinthians 3:14). – New covenant promise: “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you.” (Ezekiel 36:26) – Ongoing transformation: “We all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the glory of the Lord, are being transformed…” (2 Corinthians 3:18) Practical Ways to Keep a Soft Heart • Submit to Christ daily—confess Him as Lord, not merely teacher (Romans 10:9). • Keep short accounts with sin—immediate confession (1 John 1:9). • Cultivate humility—regularly thank God for grace, not personal merit (James 4:6). • Stay teachable—approach Scripture expecting correction and comfort (Psalm 25:4-5). • Walk in step with the Spirit—yield to His promptings (Galatians 5:16-18). Daily Habits that Guard the Mind 1. Word Saturation – Meditate: “His delight is in the law of the LORD… he meditates day and night.” (Psalm 1:2) – Memorize key verses on softness of heart (e.g., Hebrews 3:15). 2. Prayerful Dependence – Ask for illumination: “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in Your law.” (Psalm 119:18). 3. Worship and Fellowship – Gather with believers who encourage obedience (Hebrews 10:24-25). 4. Obedient Action – “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” (James 1:22). Obedience reinforces tenderness. 5. Regular Self-Examination – Invite the Spirit to search you (Psalm 139:23-24). Soft soil is constantly tilled. Encouragement from Scripture – “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.” (Hebrews 3:15) – “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:2) – “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart… You will not despise.” (Psalm 51:17) Keep the veil lifted by staying close to Christ, yielding to the Spirit, and letting the living Word continually soften, shape, and renew your mind. |
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