Text: 2 Corinthians 4:16
Many see the start of a new year as a time of renewal. The idea is good; however, as with all things, it is important that we think about it Biblically. There are a few passages in the New Testament that talk about being renewed. Let us consider what these passages say about it.
Renewal Is a Continual Process (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)
- It is something that occurs “day by day” – continued growth; we must not become stagnant
- Growth process for “our inner man” – contrast/inverse with the “outer man [that] is decaying“
- Enables us to persevere through hardships – the reward is beyond comparison
Renewal Begins When We Are Born Again (Titus 3:4-7)
- Born of water and the Spirit (cf. John 3:3-5) – new life in Christ
- Saved by the grace of God – undeserved; made possible through the sacrifice of Christ (cf. Titus 2:11, 14)
- Provides us with the forgiveness of sins – according to His mercy; we deserve death (cf. Romans 6:23)
Renewal Is According to God’s Design (Ephesians 4:22-24)
- Lay aside the old self and put on the new self – similar to previous point [born again]
- Previously, we lived contrary to God’s will – followed after deceitful lusts (cf. Titus 3:3)
- Our new life follows God’s purpose for us (cf. Ephesians 2:10) – righteousness, holiness, truth
Renewal Is Patterned after Christ (Colossians 3:5-11)
- According to His image – based on the “true knowledge” of Him; reminder of the importance of Bible study
- Consider our bodies to be “dead” to sin – not to continue in sin (cf. 1 John 2:1)
- Follow the perfect example of Christ – He was without sin (1 Peter 2:21-22); strive to be like Him
Renewal Makes Us Different from the World (Romans 12:1-2)
- Not to be conformed to the world – we are going to stand out; people will notice (cf. 1 Peter 4:3-4)
- Our minds are transformed according to the will of God – change the way we think; priorities and motives are different
- We present ourselves as a “living” sacrifice – give our lives to Him; done “day by day” (cf. 2 Corinthians 4:6)
Conclusion
- A new life in Christ is available to all – we simply need to be born again and have our sins forgiven
- After that, we must be renewed day by day – continually become more like Christ and less like the world
