Renewing Your Mind

By Charles Simeon

Renewing Your Mind: A Biblical Approach to Personal Transformation

Are you seeking a more profound understanding of the Bible and its teachings? Do you want to transform your mind and renew your spirit with the timeless wisdom of Scripture? If so, then Renewing Your Mind is the book for you.

In this powerful and engaging work of biblical studies, you will discover how to unlock the transformative power of God's Word and apply its teachings to your life. Drawing on a wealth of knowledge and insight from the Bible, author and theologian Charles Simeon provides a step-by-step guide to spiritual renewal that is both practical and inspiring.

From understanding the role of the Holy Spirit in transformation to learning how to renew your mind through prayer and meditation, Renewing Your Mind offers a comprehensive roadmap to personal growth and spiritual renewal. With clear and accessible language, Simeon explores key concepts like forgiveness, gratitude, and humility, and shows you how to apply them to your life in a meaningful way.

Whether you are a lifelong student of the Bible or a newcomer to the faith, Renewing Your Mind will deepen your understanding of Scripture and help you cultivate a closer relationship with God. So why wait? Start your journey of spiritual renewal today with this essential guide to biblical studies.

• Language: English
• Publisher: FELIPE CHAVARRO POLANÍA INC
• Release date: Apr 22, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223257806

Book preview

Renewing Your Mind

BY CHARLES SIMEON

Contents

THE TRIALS OF CHRISTIANS THE MEANS OF MAGNIFYING THEIR LORD

THE CHRISTIAN'S EXPERIENCE OF AFFLICTION

THE SURE PROSPECT OF GLORY FOR THE CHRISTIAN

THE CHRISTIAN WHO WALKS BY FAITH

THE IMPROVEMENT TO BE MADE TO THE DOCTRINE OF A FUTURE TRIAL

THE CONSTRICTING POWER OF CHRIST'S LOVE

THE CHRISTIAN A NEW CREATURE

THE MINISTRY OF RECONCILIATION

THE PATH OF RECONCILIATION WITH GOD

THE GRACE OF GOD IS NOT RECEIVED IN VAIN

THE CHARACTER OF A CHRISTIAN MINISTER

PARADOXICAL EXPERIENCE

EFFECTS OF THE GOSPEL ON THE ENLARGEMENT OF THE HEART

SEPARATION FROM THE WORLD

SANCTIFICATION BY PROMISES

THE BASIS OF A MINISTER'S REGARD FOR HIS PEOPLE

REPENTANCE EXEMPLIFIED IN THE CORINTHIAN CHURCH

LIBERALITY TO THE POOR

LIBERALITY TOWARDS THE POOR IS RECOMMENDED

THE GRACE OF CHRIST

LIBERALITY IS ENCOURAGED

THE BENEFIT DERIVED FROM CARING FOR THE POOR

THE EFFICACY OF THE GOSPEL

THE WISHES OF THE FAITHFUL MINISTER

THE FOLLY OF PRIDE AND BOASTING

GODLY JEALOUSY, DUTY OF MINISTERS

PAUL'S ZEAL ILLUSTRATED AND ENHANCED

CHRISTIAN SYMPATHY

2 Corinthians 11:29

THE SUCCESS OF FERVENT PRAYER

A SENSE OF WEAKNESS LEADING TO STRENGTH

THE DUTY OF MINISTERS

THE POWER OF THE RISEN SAVIOUR

RECOMMENDED SELF-EXAMINATION

THE APOSTOLIC BLESSING

#2015

THE TRIALS OF CHRISTIANS THE MEANS OF MAGNIFYING THEIR LORD

2Corinthians 4:10 -11

We always carry in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our body. For we who live are always given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that His life may be manifested in our mortal body.

That the Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, was the Creator of all things, is readily acknowledged: nor will the assertion that without him was not anything made that was made be disputed for a moment by any one who believes the Scriptures. But when the same expressions are used in reference to the events of daily life, they do not obtain the same easy access to our minds: yet it is true in reference to all the works both of providence and grace, that without him is nothing done that is done: all the evil that is done, is done by his permission, and all the good, by his agency.

To direct the attention of men to Him as the Sovereign Disposer of all events, is the continual aim of the sacred writers, who teach us to regard Him as upholding all things by His own power, and ruling them for His own glory.

One of the reasons why He entrusted the ministry of His Gospel to poor fishermen was that the enrichment of the world with His treasures might not be attributed to human wisdom, but wholly to divine power, verse 7. For the same reason He left these earthen vessels to be treated in such a manner as almost to exclude the hope of a long continuance of their ministries: it was, to give the most decisive evidence to the world, that He reigned on high, and by His almighty power preserved them, until they had finished the work He had given them to do.

Paul, upholding the authority of his Apostleship against those who disputed it, shows that, while the trials to which he was exposed seemed to render his divine mission doubtful, the supports and consolations which were afforded him placed it beyond all doubt; yea, both the afflictions and the consolations were sent for the purpose that the almighty power and continued action of the Lord Jesus Christ might be more conspicuously seen and more universally acknowledged.

Twice this is stated in the short space of two verses, verses 10, 11; and it is a truth which demands of us the most attentive consideration. But that we may take the subject in the connection in which it stands, let us show,

I. What was the state of the early Christians.

Perhaps the apostle is referring primarily to himself and his fellow apostles.

Their trials were great beyond conception. While their divine Master remained on earth, they were protected from persecution, John 7:7; but when He withdrew, they were in the forefront of the battle. At the very commencement of their work, they were all imprisoned and scourged for their Lord's sake, Acts 4:3; Acts 5:18; Acts 5:40; and thenceforth they were treated with every imaginable contempt and cruelty. Paul, in this same epistle, enumerates such a catalogue of sufferings as would have broken the spirit of any man who had not been miraculously strengthened by divine grace: I have laboured much more, have been in prison more often, have been beaten more severely, and have been exposed to death again and again. Five times I received from the Jews all but one of the forty lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day on the high seas, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from the Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brethren. I have laboured and laboured, and often have not slept; I have hungered and thirsted, and often have not eaten; I have been cold and naked. 2 Corinthians 11:23-27.

Now though he had a greater measure of these trials than others, yet in a great measure they were the common lot of all: for it is not of himself alone, but of all, that he speaks elsewhere, saying, I think that God hath set us apostles last, as destined to die; for we are made a spectacle to the world, and to angels, and to men. To this day we hunger and thirst, we are naked and tossed about, and have no sure dwelling place; to this day we are as the filth of the world, and the offscouring of all things! 1 Corinthians 4:9; 1 Corinthians 4:11; 1 Corinthians 4:13. Each of them could truly make the same solemn affirmation that Paul did: "I protest for my rejoicing, which I have in Christ Jesus my Lord, I die every day! 1 Corinthians 15:31.

But the whole Church was in fact exposed to the most severe trials.

Stephen, who was distinguished for his gifts and graces, soon fell a victim to the wrath of the people; and his death was a signal for a general persecution against the whole Church: and so bitter was this persecution, that the people were scattered throughout all the regions of Judea and Samaria, none daring to remain in Jerusalem, except the Apostles, Acts 8:1. From the beginning they had been taught to expect this: they had been told that, if they would be Christ's disciples, they must take up their cross daily and forsake all and follow Him.

The saints of former days had been called to suffer like things, Hebrews 11:35-38; and the same way was now prescribed to all the followers of Christ: they must bear in their body the death of the Lord Jesus, verse 10, and through many tribulations enter into the kingdom of heaven. By bearing about in their body the death of the Lord Jesus, I mean being subjected to the same trials that the Lord Jesus Christ Himself endured when on earth: and this was, more or less, the appointed portion of all the early Christians. The same description of the people who hated and persecuted him, hated and persecuted all who resembled him, and all who honoured him: they had called the Master of the house Beelzebub; and by the same ignominious name they designated them that were of his house. In a word, so vehement and universal was the hatred against the very name of Christ, that the mere profession of faith in Him was considered sufficient ground for imprisonment and death: so that David's prediction concerning them was fully verified: "For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter! Psalm 44:22.

How much its history interests us will appear as we consider it,

II. The instruction deriving from it.

The thoughts that most powerfully suggest themselves to our minds are,

1. 1. How worthy is the Lord Jesus Christ to be loved and served.

Every convert was taught beforehand what to expect. Yet, in the face of all these dangers, millions openly embraced and professed the faith of Christ: and no sooner had one band of Christians sealed the truth with their blood, than others came forward to confess the same Lord, like soldiers leaping instantly to fill the ranks which the devouring sword had thinned. So far from being intimidated, they were rather emboldened, by all they saw and heard: if they fled from the sword of persecution, they took the opportunity afforded by their flight, to preach the Gospel throughout the Roman empire, Acts 8:4, and rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer for Christ's sake.

The example of the apostle Paul, though transcendently eminent in these respects, may serve to show us what was the general feeling of the whole Church. Though his afflictions were so numerous and heavy, yet none of these things moved him, neither did he count his life dear unto himself, lest he should finish his course with joy. He was willing not only to be bound, but also to die, at any time and in any manner, for the Lord Jesus.

Now in this way the early saints showed their regard for Christ: when they were told what sacrifices they would be called upon to make for him, they counted the cost; and they counted the cheap pearl bought at the price of all they possessed, Matthew 13:46.

And has this pearl lost value? Does not the Lord Jesus Christ deserve as much from our hands as from His? Yes; that is how we must all receive Him: we must count all things as loss and refuse, that we may win Him. Except we hate father and mother, and even our own life also in comparison of him, we cannot be his disciples.

Ask, brethren, whether you have ever thus come to Christ, whether you have ever had such an exalted view of his excellency, as determined you to know nothing, and value nothing, but him, and felt so deep a sense of your obligations to him, as to glory in the cross for his sake, and to make even the most cruel death for his sake a ground of congratulation and joy, rather than of sorrow and condolence, Philippians 2:17.

When such are our views of Christ, and such are the dispositions of our minds towards him, then, and only then, do we have some biblical evidence that we truly know him, and truly belong to him.

2. 2. What a rich provision we have in Christ.

If we are Christ's, we must expect fiery trials to try us; for all who will live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. But if our afflictions abound for his sake, he will cause our consolations to abound also. In this sense, the Apostle's experience will be realised in us. Like him, we may be sorely tried; but, though troubled on every side, we shall not be so straitened as to have no escape; we may be so perplexed as not to know what to do; but we shall not be left to despair, as if we had no one at hand who could help or deliver us.

We may be persecuted by the whole human race; but we shall not be forsaken by our God. We may be cast down and seemingly defeated for a time; but we shall not be finally destroyed. This is expressly promised to every true Christian. He will not suffer us to be tempted above that we are able, but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that we may be able to bear it (1 Corinthians 10:13). In full confidence of this we can exult like the Apostle: Who shall separate us from the love of Christ, whether it be tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: For your sake we face death all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter". No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. Romans 8:35-37.

Our extremities may be such as almost to destroy all hope: but they shall be the Stations of his effectual interposition. In the mount shall he be seen by us, as he was by Abraham, Genesis 22:14; when he sees that our power is spent, and that there is none shut up or left to help us, then shall he interpose for our relief, Deuteronomy 32:36; and when we are cast down, then shall we say, There is lifting up, for God will save the humble! Job 22:29.

Beloved brethren, know what provision there is for you in this adorable Saviour; and, as you reflect on the help that is thus laid up for you in One who is mighty, learn to trust in Him, and to say, If God be for me, who can be against me? If my God and Saviour be on my side, I will not fear what men or devils can do against me.

3. How thankful we should be that we are allowed to serve the Lord Christ on such easy terms!

Though we must all bear some cross, our trials are nothing in comparison with those endured by the early Church. The worst we are called to endure is a mockery, an opprobrious name, or some trivial loss. How lightly the early Christians would have regarded such trifling sufferings as these! Yet many of us are so intimidated by these sufferings that we dare not confess Christ openly. What then would such persons do, if the sword of persecution were drawn against them now, as in days gone by, or as in the time of the Reformation in our own land, when so many were burned alive for the sake of the Gospel? Well may we be thankful that there are no longer such trials of our faith as these; for, if such a time of sifting should come, many, very many, among us, it is to be feared, would be found no better than chaff! Amos 9:9. Many of those who now seem joyful, receiving the word with joy, when temptation and persecution arose, would soon fall away, Matthew 13:20-21, and make shipwreck of their faith.

Let us all, then, be thankful for the rest we enjoy, and improve it to our more abundant edification in faith and love, Acts 9:31; that, if God be pleased to loosen again the chain wherewith our great adversary is bound, we may endure in the evil day, and having done all, stand.

4. In all circumstances, what should be our main concern?

The end for which such grievous persecutions were permitted to beset the early Church, was, that the power and grace of Christ might be visibly seen in those who were called to endure them: and this very consideration made Paul take pleasure in all his troubles, for he knew that the power of Christ would rest upon him, and "be made perfect in his weakness, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10.

In the same way, we too must rise above the cares of time and the senses, and be concerned only that Christ may be glorified in our body, whether by life or by death (Philippians 1:20). Philippians 1:20. He is now seated at the right hand of God, and possesses all power in heaven and on earth. In Him is treasured up all the fullness for the use of His Church, that from Him all its members may receive according to their various needs. He is their life, Colossians 3:4; and they live by Him, even as He, when He was on earth, lived by His Father, John 6:56-57, with whom He was wholly one, John 10:30. In all his miracles the finger of God appeared, because they were wrought by God: so also in all the exercises of our spiritual life Christ is seen: for it is only by the power communicated by him that we can do or suffer as we ought, Philippians 4:13.

Let this, then, be our endeavour, that is, to so live as to carry the conviction to all who see us, that we are under the guidance and care of an all-wise and all-powerful Being. Let our every act, as it were, show, not only how Christ lived on earth, but that He now lives and rules in Heaven; and that He is still as present with His people by His Spirit, as ever His own Father was present with Him in the days of His flesh. This is an object worthy of the first archangel's ambition: yet it is attainable by us all, if only we live by faith in Christ, and unite ourselves to Him with full purpose of heart!

#2016

THE CHRISTIAN'S EXPERIENCE OF AFFLICTION

2Corinthians 4:17 -18

For our light and momentary afflictions attain to us an eternal glory that surpasses them all. That is why we do not set our eyes on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is fleeting, but what is unseen is eternal.

THE CHRISTIAN in every state, whether of prosperity or adversity, differs widely from the unconverted world. While others rejoice in prosperity and are depressed by adversity, the Christian remains in an even state of mind. As he does not place his happiness in earthly things, he is not much affected either by their acquisition or loss. He is thankful for success, but not exultant, as if something great had happened to him; and he is patient in tribulation, knowing that in the end it will work for his good.

It is in this sense that the Apostle speaks in the text, in which he indicates the reason why, in spite of the greatness of his afflictions, he did not faint under them. And his words offer us an appropriate occasion to consider,

I. The disposition which the Christian cultivates.

Paul's account of himself is characteristic of every true Christian.

Its main objective is to reach things that are invisible.

By the things that are seen we mean everything that relates merely to the present world, which