A renewed mind - Part 2

Jesus said; “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12). 

...

He also said; “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.” (Ephesians 4:8).

Not only were we in darkness, but we ourselves were darkness. Now, having received Jesus, we not only live in the light but we are the light to the world. This is because when we become a Christian, we are given the 'mind of Christ' (1 Corinthians 2:16). We no longer look with a world-view, instead we have the ability to see and understand from a heavenly perspective. However, this doesn't happen in an instant, its a process. Romans 12:2 says; “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Our minds are affected by sin which has limited our understanding of the Spiritual things of God. The renewing of the mind is the process of adopting the mind of Christ so that we no longer think independently of God but instead we're submitting the mind to the Spirit. This is the key to unlocking the mysteries of the Kingdom as Jesus told us that it is the Spirit who will “guide you into all truth.” (John 16:13) Therefore, by allowing the Spirit to rule over our minds, we are allowing Him to transform us into the likeness of Christ. It is with the mind that we exercise our will and therefore if we are adopting the mind of Christ, it will be His will that we exercise and His will is to see His Kingdom reign on earth as it is in heaven. 

The Kingdom of God is a new Spiritual reality that we need to grow accustomed to. It requires us to mature. Paul tells us to do this by putting off our old self and be made new in the attitude of our minds and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness (Ephesians 4:22-24). This means having nothing to do with “the fruitful deeds of darkness”(Eph 5:11), but instead bringing them into the light because “everything exposed by the light becomes visible”(Eph 5:13). This then tells us that we have an obligation to expose any dark and evil deed in order to advance the Kingdom because although the Kingdom of God is within us (Luke 17:21), it is still yet to come (John 18:36). The Kingdom is present on the earth through people who are filled and ruled by the Spirit of God as ambassadors of His Kingdom. The Kingdom will come in fullness when the knowledge of the glory of God fills the earth and Christ returns in power to take back His full creation. This gives us a responsibility to make His gospel known.

"For you are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your father in heaven." (Matthew 5:16)