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The New Mind

We have a new nature, which has a new mind. We are told eleven characteristics about the new mind.

a. Conflicts with the Old Mind

The first characteristic is that the new mind is in conflict with the old mind. That is the point of the lengthy treatment in Romans 7:14–25, in which Paul describes the conflict of the two minds.

b. Serves the Law of God

Secondly, with our new mind we can and are able to serve the law of God. In Romans 7:25, Paul wrote: I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then I of myself with the mind, indeed, serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.

c. Mindful of the Things of the Spirit

Thirdly, the new mind minds the things of the Holy Spirit. In Romans 8:5–8, Paul wrote: For they that are after the flesh mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For the mind of the flesh is death; but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace: because the mind of the flesh is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can it be: and they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

d. Transformable

Fourthly, the new mind can be transformed. In Romans 12:2 we read: And be not fashioned according to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

e. Understands the Deep Things of God

Fifth, the new mind can and does understand the deep things of God, as 1 Corinthians 2:16 points out: For who has known the mind of the Lord, that he should instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

f. Able to Bring Down Strongholds

Sixth, Paul points out that the new mind can bring down the strongholds of the old mind. The new mind can conquer the old mind that is still in us, according to 2 Corinthians 10:3–5: For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh (for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but mighty before God to the casting down of strongholds); casting down imaginations, and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.

g. Characterized by Humility

Seventh, whereas the old mind was characterized by conceit, the new mind is characterized by humility. Philippians 2:5 reads: Have this mind in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.

h. Thinks Wholesome Thoughts

Eighth, while the old mind thinks on sinful things, the new mind thinks upon wholesome thoughts. Philippians 4:8 says: Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

i. Peaceful with God

Ninth, while the old mind was in enmity and at war against God, the new mind has the peace of God. Philippians 4:7: And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.

j. Mindful of the Things of God

Tenth, the new mind minds the things of God, according to Colossians 3:2: Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are upon the earth.

k. Disciplined

Eleventh, the new mind is disciplined. It is girded and sober, according to 1 Peter 1:13: Wherefore girding up the loins of your mind, be sober and set your hope perfectly on the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

That is the difference between the old and new minds. By means of the new mind, we walk in newness of spirit.

 

 Arnold G. Fruchtenbaum, The Messianic Bible Study Collection (Tustin, CA: Ariel Ministries, 1983), 26–28.

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