How Do We Renew Our Minds to Be Transformed Into True Disciples of Jesus Christ?
By Mary
Introduction
The call to follow Jesus Christ is not merely an invitation to believe but to be transformed — to walk as He walked, think as He thought, and love as He loved. Romans 12:2 urges us:
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
But what does it mean to renew our minds, and how does this connect to becoming true disciples of Jesus? Let’s dive deeper.
What Does It Mean to “Renew Our Minds”?
To renew the mind is to undergo a complete reformation in how we think, perceive, and understand — shifting from worldly reasoning to divine truth. It is not a one-time event but a continual process where our thoughts align with the will and character of God.
Ephesians 4:23-24 says:
“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.”
Renewing the mind involves:
- Laying down old mindsets, ideologies, and beliefs that conflict with God’s word.
- Embracing truth as defined by Scripture, not culture.
- Being reprogrammed by the Holy Spirit to think as Jesus would.
Renewing the Mind and Sanctification
The process of renewing our minds is inseparable from sanctification — the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit to make us holy, set apart for God’s purposes.
In John 17:17, Jesus prayed for His disciples:
“Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.”
This verse reveals a powerful connection:
Sanctification happens through truth — and truth is found in God’s Word.
As we abide in the Word, the Holy Spirit uses it to cleanse us from falsehood, heal our spiritual vision, and transform our inner lives. Sanctification is not instantaneous. It unfolds day by day, as we allow the Word to challenge, correct, and mold us.
It Takes Time: Abiding in the Word
Jesus made it clear in John 8:31-32:
“If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
To abide means to dwell, remain, and live in the Word. It’s not just reading a few verses but letting the Word take root in our hearts, inform our decisions, and shape our worldview.
As we do so, we begin to experience:
- Freedom from the lies we believed.
- Freedom from religious performance and external appearances.
- Freedom from philosophies, cultures, and doctrines that are contrary to Christ.
The truth does not only inform us — it liberates us.
Set Free From Doctrines, Religions, and Deceptions
Many Christians today unknowingly carry mindsets formed by culture, religion, or past wounds. These strongholds cloud our understanding and hinder our walk with Christ. Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 10:4-5:
“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God…”
As we submit to the teaching of the Word, the Holy Spirit exposes and dismantles these deceptions. He washes our minds clean from:
- Legalistic religion that emphasizes works over relationship.
- Cultural norms that normalize sin.
- Philosophies that deny the supremacy of Christ.
Only the Word, through the illumination of the Holy Spirit, can teach us how to truly follow Jesus.
The Holy Spirit: Our Teacher
Jesus promised in John 14:26:
“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things…”
It is not through human intellect alone that transformation occurs. It is the Holy Spirit who reveals the heart of the Father and teaches us how to live like Jesus.
As 1 Corinthians 2:13 says:
“These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches…”
When we read the Word with Him, we are not just acquiring knowledge — we are being changed.
Becoming True Disciples of Jesus
A true disciple is more than a churchgoer or believer. A disciple is a student, follower, and imitator of Jesus. And to follow Him closely, we must unlearn the world’s ways and embrace the truth of the Kingdom.
This transformation is possible only when we:
- Abide in His Word daily.
- Allow the Holy Spirit to teach and correct us.
- Surrender our thoughts to be shaped by truth.
Let’s Reflect on our study today:
Renewing our minds is a daily choice, a sacred journey of becoming more like Jesus. It’s the path of discipleship, freedom, and true identity.
Let this be your prayer today:
“Lord, sanctify me by Your truth. Let Your Word wash me, teach me, and shape me into a true disciple of Jesus.”
As we remain in the Word and walk with the Spirit, we are continually transformed — not conformed to the world — but conformed to Christ.
Scripture References
- Romans 12:2
- John 17:17
- John 8:31–32
- Ephesians 4:23-24
- 2 Corinthians 10:4–5
- John 14:26
- 1 Corinthians 2:13
What are your thoughts?
Have you experienced transformation through renewing your mind? Share your journey in the comments below.
No responses yet