On Going Renewal

 by: Pastor Jose V. Velasco

      St. Paul characterizes the Christian life with continuing renewal. He says, “Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day” (2 Cor. 4:16). Another word the Bible uses for this process is sanctify, which means make holy. “It is God’s will that you should be sanctified” (1 Thess. 4:3). The common word the Methodists use for this is perfection.  “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Mt. 5:48). It is the slow process of being perfected in godliness. And it takes a lifetime.

      As Christians why must we undergo continuing renewal? 

      

      First, because we have not yet reached 100 % Christ-likeness. Christ-likeness is God’s ultimate plan for His children, “to be conformed to the likeness of his son” (Rom. 8:29). In the new world to come we shall “bear the likeness of the man from heaven” (1 Cor. 15:49).  This man from heaven is Jesus. So we all have to continue in this renewal as Paul said, “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me” (Phil. 3:12). Like a newly born infant growing unto maturity, we must continue to grow spiritually, even as Jesus grew up to maturity (Lk. 2:52). 

     

      Second, we have to renew our spiritual walk because on the way we frequently fall and stumble. Much of these fallings are unintended. We are all weak human beings and we have our shortcomings. When we fall let us not get stuck there. Let us repent and continue our spiritual journey (1 Jn. 1:9). Through the Holy Spirit’s help let us rise and walk with Him again.

      What are involved in this continuing renewal? 

      First is the renewal of the mind. Paul said, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Rom. 12:2). Ordinarily, we are what we think. If we are to be Christ-like we must think His thoughts which are embodied in His words and life. Hence, Paul advised, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly..” (Col. 3:16). That will happen only when we diligently take the time to study Jesus’ words and life. 

     Second, we must practice the Christian life as taught and lived by Jesus. Paul said, “- - train yourself to be godly” (1 Tim. 4:7). We must apply what we learn. “For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God’s sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous” (Rom. 2:13). James says, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says” (James 1:22). That means that Jesus’ words are instilled into your mind and heart by learning and you live by them. 

     Third, do not forget the role of the Holy Spirit. As you diligently learn Jesus’ words and practice them, the Holy Spirit works in your life reshaping you to become like Christ. “And we - - are being transformed into his likeness with ever increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit” (2 Cor. 3:18). This necessitates fervent prayers to the Holy Spirit to come into us and transform us unto Christ-likeness. Are you sure, this continuing renewal is taking place in your life? You may join in this prayer:

Prayer: 

     Lord, there is still much to change in my life. I am not yet perfect. I must continue to grow unto Christ-likeness because this is your will for me. May your Holy Spirit work in my life to change me and become like the Lord Jesus Christ. In His holy name I pray. Amen.