Renewal
Renew Your Mind

Sunday January 8, 2023 - Pastor Wungreiso Valui

Romans 12:2

THE MESSAGE: Be Transformed By Renewing Your Mind

In this message, I will share with you why you should renew your mind. At the end of the sermon, I will explain to you how you can renew your mind.

THE SCRIPTURE

And 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. -Romans 12:2

Transformation begins by renewing the mind.

To renew your mind, set your mind on "the one" thing that you SHOULD and ignore all the many things you COULD.

Neuroplasticity And Renewed Mind

Neuroplasticity is a scientific term for a "Renewed Mind" which is the brain's ability to change and restructure functionally and structurally. The brain has the ability to grow neural networks.

The changes in the brain can be negative or positive.

Since negativity, lies, and destructive thoughts can influence our brains structurally and functionally, we need to take every thought captive.

...bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. - 2 Corinthians 10:5

"And do not be conformed to this world..."

Renewing your mind demands singleness of focus.

Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. -Matthew 7:13-14

What Jesus simply taught is the singleness of purpose in pursuing an abundant life.

Real Life Example

1. Gary Keller, American entrepreneur and best-selling author, said, "Make sure every day you do what matters most. When you know what matters most, everything makes sense. When you don't know what matters most, anything makes sense."
2. Gary Keller built his company focusing on "the one" thing. He is the founder of Keller Williams, which is the largest real estate company in the world by agent count and second in closed sales volume and units sold.

What Jesus Had To Say

It is those who focus on one thing at a time who make progress.

1. Jesus taught to seek first the kingdom of God.
2. Jesus taught us to live one day at a time.
3. Jesus taught us to walk the narrow path.
4. Jesus taught us to go for the one lost soul.

Go as small as you can. Walk the narrow path. Don't go wide/big.

80/20 Principle: 'Enter By The Narrow Gate'

1. Richard Koch, the author of the 80/20 Principle, says the minority of your efforts leads to the majority of your results.
2. Just the right input creates most of the output. Don't get hung up on the ratio; the fundamental truth is the majority of what you want comes from the minority of what you do.

Domino effect: 'Seek First The Kingdom of God'

1. A single domino causes a chain reaction. The cumulative effect is generated when a particular event triggers a chain of similar events.
2. Our focus should be on the first domino.

"...but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." Negative Bias

Our brain has a built-in greater sensitivity to unpleasant news. Neuroscientists have a name for this built-in automatic habit of the brain: "negativity bias."

1. Expecting the worst in a relationship
2. Fearing negative outcomes more than positive ones when you make decisions
3. Focusing more on negative information about others

People tend to pay more attention to bad news; negative news is more likely to be perceived as truthful.

Positive Mindset

How to GROW and how not to FAIL are two different mindsets.

The present worry and the proposed future have the same reality; both are a possibility. No one knows what will happen, so let the positive mindset take over the negative bias.

The Mind of Christ

"Who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?" But we have the mind of Christ. -I Corinthians 2:16

There is so much to learn from two persons who created the most extraordinary worldwide movements.

1. Jesus created the most extraordinary movement in the world.
2. Jesus had one thing in His mind, to be one with God.
3. Paul had a single-minded purpose to preach the gospel. His "one thing" was to preach the gospel where Christ was not heard.
4. ...I have made it my aim to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named... -Romans 15:20
5. Paul planted a church in every key city in Asia and Europe to fulfill his aim.

What Can We Learn

1. Right thoughts lead to the right actions.
2. Your thoughts determine your actions.
3. Big thoughts lead to big actions.
4. Small thoughts lead to small actions.

How To Renew Your Mind

1. Think like Christ. (1 Corinthians 2:16)
2. For "who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?" But we have the mind of Christ.
3. Set your mind on things that are above. (Colossians 3:2)
4. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.
5. Think positive thoughts. (Philippians 4:8)
6. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy-meditate on these things.
7. Let the Holy Spirit renew your mind. (Ephesians 4:23)
8. And be renewed in the spirit of your mind...