Pastor’s Pen Pulpit “Day-by-Day” Series

August 15, 2004

DEALING WITH THE CHANGES IN LIFE

Part II

II Corinthians 4:16-18

Therefore we do not lose heart. But though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

In our first study in “Dealing With the Changes in Life”, we saw that man is a three-in-one person external, internal and eternal. In putting this together, we saw that we must first of all Understand the External. We must understand that the external is fading away. Nothing can replace this process. We now move to the second of these facets, we must -

Cultivate the Internal v. 16b. Here is another paradox. While there is a gradual retirement of the physical…there is a constant change and renewal process taking place within the spiritual system. God, the Holy Spirit is constantly developing His people from within. Although our exterior is weakening, our interior is gaining strength each day though the working of the Holy Spirit. We should be getting stronger, more settled within. Make sure this is the center of your focus. This is where healing really takes place, not necessarily on the exterior.

Question: What is this renewal and how does it happen?

•.. Galatians 4:19.................. “Christ formed in you”

•.. Romans 12:1,2.................. “Renewed in your mind”

•.. Colossians 3:10.................. “Renewed in knowledge”

•.. II Corinthians 3:18.................. “Overall renewal”

A good illustration of this is urban renewal. It’s not like you build, then lose everything, and have to rebuild all over again. Rather it’s like a 5-year urban renewal project in a city. The old is torn down – then begins the process of renewing. Each day something new is added to what was erected the day before. Day-by-day the Holy Spirit builds within our character that which essential in adding to the growth process.

The renewing of the inner man is the process by which the Holy Spirit brings the essence of truth to your mind, your inner self and with it forms and shapes Christ within you.

The result of this inner renewing process has little to do with how you look. It has a lot to do with how you look at things and people and life.

1. We gain a more mature outlook and mindset in relation to the world we live in. Maturity brings us to an understanding of people.

2. We become more reflective of the mindset of Jesus Christ. This means stronger capabilities of dealing with the difficulties of life.

3. This renewal “day-by-day” will depend largely upon you throughout the year. Are you willing to cultivate, day by day, the principle of Colossians 3:1, 2?

“Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on the earth”.

The new is being developed within the shell of the old! One day the last vestige of the old will disappear – when Christ returns.

Beloved, work on cultivating the inner man of the heart this year. Read and study His Word, walk with Him and meditate in His Truth.

We will take up the final aspect of our person in our next pen pulpit. God bless.

In His matchless love and grace,