.And that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth. 

-Ephesians 4:22-24

Notes:

It was said that during the Emancipation Proclamation ordered by Abraham Lincoln for the release of slaves during the Civil War, the slaves who were freed, for many months afterward, still acted as if they were in bonds.  It wasn’t until much time had passed that they were able to grasp the reality of their true freedom and as a result, live it out accordingly.  The above scripture is a description of how we as christians, although freed from sin and bondage in order to live in the righteousness of God, can still have the ‘old self’ mentality. We can think on the basis of who we were, rather than who we are now in Christ.  Paul admonishes us through the Holy Spirit to be renewed in our minds, and stand in the reality of freedom and newness of life.  By this, we are able to understand the will of the Lord for our lives, in all holiness and truth. There exists a threefold mindset to be understood:

1. Heathen Mind – a mind totally depraved of God and has no understanding of spiritual matters. The message of the Cross is foolishness. 
2. Carnal Mind – A mindset of a believer where the love of the world is greater than their love for Jesus, and has difficulty understanding the things of the Spirit.  Almost equated with being ‘naturally minded’.  Constantly clothed with the “old self” instead of the new.  
3. Mind of Christ – A mindset for a believer where he/she thinks the thoughts of Christ, and can discern His will in most areas of life.  A person with this mindset will be mature, and have the character of God abounding in their heart and life.  Although not perfect by any means, the person with this mindset will be quick to confess and repent, and will have the Kingdom of God the #1 priority in their life.   

Willing to Take the Challenge?

God’s main desire for His children is that our hearts align with His heart.  As we rely upon the Spirit of Christ and ask Him to show us areas of our lives that are not pleasing to Him, we must be quick to confess it and repent of it. Also, as we seek truth, God will give us the understanding as to who we are in Christ, and will continually renew our mind in the reality of our freedom.   Although you know the following, I will stir your minds in remembrance as to your identity:

In Christ, you are: Righteous (Romans 10:10), A Child of God (Phil. 2:15), Redeemed (Galatians 3:13), Holy (1 Peter 2:19), Heir of the Kingdom (James 2:5), Sanctified (Hebrews 10:14), Born Again (1 Peter 1:23), Cleansed (Ephesians 5:26), Partakers of the Heavenly Calling (Hebrews 3:1), Justified (Romans 3:24), Loved by the Father (John 16:27), and much more!