What is the meaning of Ephesians 4:23? To be renewed “to be renewed” signals an ongoing, God-initiated work. Scripture presents renewal as: • Continuous: “Though our outer self is wasting away, yet our inner self is being renewed day by day” (2 Corinthians 4:16). • Dependent on the Spirit: “He saved us… through the washing of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:5). • Cooperative: believers yield to God’s transforming power, choosing daily to “present your bodies as a living sacrifice… be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:1-2). The phrase calls every Christian to expect steady change as God reshapes desires, attitudes, and habits. In the spirit Paul pinpoints the invisible “operating system” that drives thoughts and actions. Other passages echo this inner dynamic: • “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things” (Colossians 3:2). • “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16). • “The mindset of the Spirit is life and peace” (Romans 8:6). Renewal isn’t cosmetic; it reaches the deepest motives. The Holy Spirit breathes fresh life into the core of who we are, replacing self-centered impulses with Christ-centered passions. Of your minds Paul aims directly at thoughts, convictions, and worldview. Scripture repeatedly ties godly living to right thinking: • “As he thinks in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7). • “We demolish arguments… and take every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5). • “Whatever is true, whatever is honorable… dwell on these things” (Philippians 4:8). Renewal of the mind changes how we interpret every circumstance, how we value people, and how we discern truth from error. summary Ephesians 4:23 calls believers to an ongoing, Spirit-driven overhaul that reaches the deepest level of thought and motivation. God continually breathes new life into the inner person, reshaping the mind so it thinks, loves, and chooses like Christ. Yield to this renewing work, and watch outward conduct steadily align with the new identity you already have in Him. |
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