Renewing And Transforming The Mind
“that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.”
Ephesians 4:22-24 NKJV
Before coming to Christ our human spirit was dead due to sin, separating us from God. Through salvation, when we repent and receive Jesus, His blood redeems us, freeing us from the punishment of sin. Our once-dead spirit receives new life through faith in Christ as the Holy Spirit comes to dwell within us,
Unlike our reborn spirit, the soul – comprising the mind, emotions, and will – is not instantly transformed at salvation. The sin nature remains active, influencing the soul, particularly the mind, which undergoes a lifelong process of renewal and transformation.
The mind is the most important part of man – it is where we remember, think, analyse, understand, and make decisions. The mind has an inherent need to believe in something. What we believe in, shapes how we think and what we speak into life. Because the mind is malleable, it can be transformed – leading to a complete change in character, beliefs, and values. Transformation occurs through renewal – old beliefs and thought patterns are replaced with God’s truth.
The purpose of renewal and transformation is for the sanctification of the mind – a shift from a worldly (carnal) mindset to a spiritual one, where Christ is formed within us, aligning our thoughts, emotions, and actions with His indwelling divine nature.
“For this is the will of God, that you be sanctified [separated and set apart from sin]: that you abstain and back away from sexual immorality; that each of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor [being available for God’s purpose and separated from things profane],”
1 Thessalonians 4:3-4 AMP
In Ephesians 4:22-24 (NKJV), Paul provides clear instructions for renewing the mind: (a) he urges us to put off the old man, (b) to be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and (c) to put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.
Putting off the old man
The “old man” symbolises our sinful human nature – man without the Holy Spirit – rooted in self-centeredness and driven by sinful desires. This nature directly opposes the Spirit-led life – the new man – which seeks to resist sin and submit to God’s will. As a result, every believer faces an ongoing inner battle between the sinful nature and the Spirit-led nature (Romans 7:18-23; Galatians 5:16-17).
Paul’s instruction to believers to “put off” the old man is a wake-up call. We must make a conscious choice and take responsibility to actively put off the old man or to subdue the sin nature. Renewing the mind is essential for the Spirit-led nature to be enthroned, taking its rightful place. Without this renewal, a Christian may remain bound by an old mindset for years, hindering transformation of the mind and spiritual growth.
Indeed, despite the fact that many Christians love God and desire spiritual growth, we often struggle with traits such as selfishness, lust, pride, jealousy, and addiction (such as drugs and alcohol). We also carry emotional difficulties like anger, depression, fear, and past trauma – emotional, physical, and sexual abuse – which can affect the ways in which we relate to others. These unresolved issues create strongholds in our mind, hindering the process of renewal. Ignoring these struggles allows them to endure, making us vulnerable to falling back into sinful patterns, as James 1:14 warns that we are tempted by our own desires.
Putting off the old man requires self-examination. In Psalm 18:23, David said “I was blameless before Him, and I kept myself from my iniquity,” recognising the need to address our personal struggles. We must intentionally confront our own weaknesses, surrender them to God, and seek guidance from trusted spiritual mentors to overcome them. In Colossians Chapter 3, Paul calls believers to actively put to death their earthly, sinful desires, including sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is equated with idolatry. These behaviours are a way of life that once defined us, provoking God’s wrath. And to clothe ourselves (or, to put on) virtues like compassion, kindness, humility, and love (Colossians 3:5-14).
Renewed in the spirit of your mind.
“He saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we have done, but because of His own compassion and mercy, by the cleansing of the new birth (spiritual transformation, regeneration) and renewing by the Holy Spirit.” Titus 3:5 (AMP).
The old man is incapable of being renewed and transformed – becoming aware of and responsive to the will of God. Paul reminds us that the mind of the old man, is powered by a spirit, whom the god of this world has used to blind the minds of people, darkening their understanding, and preventing them from believing the Gospel (2 Corinthians 4:4). Indeed, the spirit of the old man is actively hostile to God, does not and cannot submit to God and cannot please God and has no interest or desire to know the things of God, and is incapable of understanding them. The spirit of the old man operates by a law – the law of sin and death – which drives us to perpetually pursue sin and our own self-interests and in so doing condemns us to eternal death (2Corinthians 2:14; Ephesians 4:18; Romans 8:2, 6-8; Revelation 20:14-15).
For the mind to be renewed, it must be empowered to do so (by another Spirit). Upon giving our lives to Christ, the Holy Spirit brings a new law – the law of the Spirit of life – which reigns over the law of sin and death, for where sin abounds, grace abounds even more. This divine empowerment breaks sin’s hold, making it possible for the mind to be renewed and transformed. Paul makes this point clear,
“Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the [Holy] Spirit who is from God, so that we may know and understand the [wonderful] things freely given to us by God” (1 Corinthians 2:12 AMP).
The Spirit of God knows the thoughts of God, and we can only understand His thoughts because His Spirit dwells within us. To be “renewed in the spirit of your mind” is the Holy Spirit working within us, empowering us with both the desire and ability to do what pleases Him (Philippians 2:13 NLT). The working of the Holy Spirit within us continually shapes our thinking, emotions, actions, and desires to align with God’s will. Transformation means Christ is being formed within us – to have the mind of Christ and to be guided by His thoughts and purposes. Paul puts it this way:
That I may know Him [experientially, becoming more thoroughly acquainted with Him, understanding the remarkable wonders of His Person more completely] and [in that same way experience] the power of His resurrection [which overflows and is active in believers], and [that I may share] the fellowship of His sufferings, by being continually conformed [inwardly into His likeness even] to His death [dying as He did]; so that I may attain to the resurrection [that will raise me] from the dead (Philippians 3;10-11, AMP).
Putting on the New Man
The process of “putting on the new man” is not a one-time event but a continuous journey of spiritual growth. In Philippians 3, Paul reminds us that while Christ has taken hold of us at salvation, we are called to “press on” to take hold of Him. Philippians chapter 2, encourages us to have the same mindset that was also in Christ, who, even at twelve years old, was devoted to His Father’s work.
As we once hungered for worldly things, our soul must now thirst for the living water. Though perfection cannot be achieved in this life, Paul encourages us to remain steadfast, pressing forward with diligence, striving toward Christlike maturity as if perfection were within reach (Philippians 2:5; 3:12-15, Luke 2:49, Psalm 63:1; Psalm 42:1-2).
For Paul, renewing the mind involves both self-examination and discipline. He likens spiritual growth to an athlete’s rigorous training, emphasising the discipline and effort needed to compete effectively, win the race, and walk in the good works God has prepared in advance.
Surely you know that many runners take part in a race, but only one of them wins the prize. Run, then, in such a way as to win the prize. Every athlete in training submits to strict discipline, in order to be crowned with a wreath that will not last; but we do it for one that will last forever. That is why I run straight for the finish line; that is why I am like a boxer who does not waste his punches. I harden my body with blows and bring it under complete control, to keep myself from being disqualified after having called others to the contest (1 Corinthians 9:24-27 GNT).
Paul teaches that while training for worldly success, such as academic or financial achievements, has value, spiritual training to become a mature Christian, is far more valuable, benefiting both this life and eternity (1 Timothy 4:8). Renewing and transforming the mind requires full commitment to disciplined spiritual growth, recognising that without intentional dedication to this process, we might not qualify or reach the goal of transformation
In Colossians chapter 3, Paul offers practical steps for training the mind of the new man to align with the spiritual requirements of God’s Kingdom. He reminds us that at salvation our citizenship is now in heaven, where there is no English, Jamaican, or Nigerian, there is only one mind, the mind of Christ. With this shift in culture, he urges us to “set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth” (Colossians 3:2). Therefore, to progress in this heavenly kingdom requires us to intentionally set our minds on learning, understanding, and embracing its principles and values.
Paul emphasises this in Colossians 3:16, urging believers to “let the Word of Christ dwell richly in you.” Similarly, in 1 Peter 2:2, new believers are compared to “newborn babes” who must “desire the pure milk of the word” to grow spiritually. This imagery highlights the believer’s need for consistent nourishment through hearing, reading, and speaking God’s Word to mature in faith. Furthermore, it is through the Word that the believer is washed and cleansed, aligning our mind with the Truth. Being part of a church that faithfully teaches and applies Scripture is essential for building up believers into a “spiritual house” and equipping us to offer spiritual sacrifices pleasing to God (1 Peter 2:2; Romans 10:17; John 15:3; John 17:17; 1 Peter 2:5).
Just as learning a new language aids cultural integration, prayer – especially, praying in tongues – strengthens and edifies the new man. It activates our spiritual senses – ears, eyes, feelings, and other faculties – enabling deeper communication and intimacy with God. Spiritual matters are mysteries, and it is impossible for man to find the path to life on his own. We do not always know what we should pray for, but when we speak in tongues, it is the Spirit praying, interceding through us, aligning our prayers with God’s will (1 Corinthians 14:4; Jude 1:20; Jeremiah 10:23; Romans 8:26-28).
The good news is that our efforts alone are insufficient to run and win the race. Hebrews Chapter 12 teaches that God’s chastening – personalised trials and temptations designed to address our weaknesses – is a sign of His love, shaping us as His children. While discipline and correction may be painful, our role during these trials is to willingly submit to the process. Through discipline, the soul is purified, stripping away the sins that entangle us. As the old man is daily put to death, the new man is being renewed day by day. As God’s power is perfected in our weakness, we become partakers of His holiness, producing the peaceable fruits of righteousness (2 Corinthians 4:16; 12:9; Hebrews 12:10-11).
Conforming to His likeness
For those whom He foreknew [and loved and chose beforehand], He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son [and ultimately share in His complete sanctification], so that He would be the firstborn [the most beloved and honoured] among many believers (Romans 8:29).
The purpose of God’s transformative work within us is to shape believers who are continually conformed [inwardly into His likeness…] (Philippians 3:10, AMP). Just as Jesus’ complete obedience to the Father led to His exaltation, the process of renewal and transformation – overcoming the old man – also brings us into submission and obedience to God’s rulership. Through this, we receive the authority and power to establish His Kingdom on earth. Jesus demonstrated this in Luke 11:20: “But if I cast out demons with the finger of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you.” As we align with His will, we become vessels of mercy, carriers of His glory and manifesting His power, presence, and love in the world. (Philippians 2: 8-9; Romans 9:23).
Psychology: Study of the soul
However, the church often focuses on nurturing the spirit, with little teaching or understanding about the soul (with its old mindset and characteristics). This emphasis on the spiritual is understandable, as a pastor’s role is to impart spiritual knowledge. Yet, Paul makes it clear in 1 Thessalonians 5:23:
“May God Himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
This verse highlights that sanctification – the process of becoming holy and set apart for God – transforms the whole person: spirit, soul, and body. The renewing of the mind is key to this process. The soul, and specifically the mind, positioned between the spirit and body, acts as a gatekeeper, determining what they receive. If the mind remains focused on worldly influences, it hinders spiritual growth and keeps us bound to old pattern. But when filled with God’s truth, it renews, transforms, and aligns us with His will.
Renewing and transforming the mind is not solely a spiritual process; it involves psychological work as well. Psychology offers valuable insights into how the mind, emotions, and will (the soul) function, while also providing tools to manage adverse experiences like trauma, negative thoughts, emotions, and behaviours and mental health issues such as anxiety or depression. For example, depression is a spirit, yet psychology explains how this spiritual affliction manifests physically as specific symptoms in the mind and body. Understanding this interaction allows for a more effective approach to addressing mental health issues by integrating biblical principles with psychological knowledge and skills.
Consider someone in the church experiencing depression. While prayer and spiritual deliverance are essential, we must also address the mental, emotional, and social factors that contribute to both the onset and persistence of depression. Following spiritual deliverance, it is critical to remain vigilant about the thoughts we dwell on, the emotions we allow to take root, and the behaviours we choose to engage in. We must consciously reject anything that contradicts God’s truth and resist falling back into old patterns that do not align with His will. In this context, psychology can be seen as a form of deliverance through knowledge, where even a single insight has the potential to make a transformative shift in one’s mindset.
Affairs of the Heart provides compassionate online counselling for Christians. A balanced approach is offered, blending biblical principles with psychological knowledge and tools to help you overcome emotional difficulties such as anxiety and depression, relationship issues, and character challenges. This approach fosters mind renewal and transformation, empowering believers to fully embrace their new nature given through Christ.
Facing emotional challenges?
Connect with a psychologist who understands your Christian faith – book a free 15 minute consultation today.