Renewing the Mind | Week 01
RENEWING THE BROKEN MIND
Week’s Passage : Romans 12:1-3
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Gone Off Track
The world faces a mental health crisis, with one in eight people affected and 703,000 suicides annually, especially among young adults. This reflects a spiritual battle for the mind, as the enemy seeks control through worldly influences. God offers transformation and renewal, calling us to resist conforming to harmful patterns while also recognizing the importance of professional mental health support.
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Behind the Scenes
Paul urges believers to renew their minds, replacing harmful thoughts with hope and purpose (Rom. 12:2). A sober, spiritually alert mind resists the enemy’s deceptions, as Peter warns in 1 Peter 5:8. Intoxication, whether physical or spiritual, distorts judgment and weakens defenses. Peter, who once failed to heed Christ’s counsel to stay vigilant, later repented and became a powerful preacher, reminding us to guard our minds and stay prayerful to overcome the enemy’s schemes.
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Restoring God’s Image
God created humanity in His image, intending for people to reflect His character and glory. Though sin damaged this design, God seeks to restore His image in us through the renewing of our minds. This transformation happens when we accept Christ, seek Him daily through prayer and Scripture, and allow the Holy Spirit to align our thoughts and desires with His. Ellen White emphasizes that redemption and education aim to restore humanity to reflect the divine likeness. While some mental and emotional challenges may persist, God’s grace is sufficient, and His Spirit offers renewal and healing from within.
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Initial Steps
Jesus invites us to experience a renewed mind through the Holy Spirit by taking three steps:
1. Pray for the mind of Christ: Ask God daily to reset your thinking and give you Christ’s perspective. Study Jesus’ life to align your thoughts with His.
2. Surrender the mind: Willingly give God control, asking Him to cleanse your heart and direct your thoughts (Psalm 51:10).
3. Watch and be sober: Stay spiritually alert and guard what influences your mind, focusing on what is true and good (1 Thess. 5:6).
Progress may be gradual, but obedience in faith allows God’s love and power to transform us over time. Trust Him to lead and restore you.
Insight
Setting the Mind on Heavenly Things
Ellen White emphasizes that focusing the mind on good is the best safeguard against evil. True transformation comes not from outward actions but through surrendering to Christ, allowing Him to purify and renew the heart. By meditating on Christ, He becomes the center of our thoughts and conversations, enabling the Holy Spirit to shape our character and prove God’s will in our lives. A life fully consecrated to God and led by the Holy Spirit has limitless potential for good. If we endure discipline and remove obstacles, God will reveal His grace and work through us to bring abundant blessings.
Inquire
• In what ways do our minds need renewing?
• Do you find it hard for you to renew your mind? If so, why?
• What do you see as the greatest mental health challenges for young adults?
• What are the most successful strategies Satan uses to captivate and distract young minds?
