Introduction

Renewal is the process of revitalizing or rejuvenating something. The word “renew” means to make something new again, i.e., to restore a former state. While physical renewal is important, there is another more important type of renewal found in the Bible — “spiritual renewal”. Overall, the Bible emphasizes the importance of spiritual renewal in starting a new relationship with God, maintaining a strong and vibrant faith, and continuing as a follower of Christ. Jesus is the only One who can bring this kind of renewal into our lives from beginning to end. He does this in four ways.

Four Ways that Jesus Renews

1. He renews our relationship with God. (Titus 3:3-8) – Titus 3:5 says “he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.” This verse highlights the idea of renewal through the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the transformative power of divine grace through faith in Jesus.
2. He renews our identity before God. (Ephesians 2:1-7) – Verse 6 says “And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ.” Because of Jesus, we now have a new identity and a new status before God. We are no longer objects of His wrath. Instead, we are now members of His family. We are now children of God.
3. He renews our likeness to God. (Ephesians 4:17-24) – Ephesians 4:23-24 says, “to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” This passage emphasizes the importance of spiritual renewal in transforming our minds and hearts to become more like God through the work of Jesus in our hearts through the power of the Holy Spirit.
4. He renews our hope in God. (2 Corinthians 4:7-12, 16-18) – The “treasure in jars of clay” mentioned here refers to the message of the gospel and the idea that the message itself is a valuable treasure, even though the messenger (the apostle Paul and others) may be weak and fragile. The passage emphasizes the idea that despite the difficulties they face, they remain strong in their faith, hope, and love, and the power of God’s message continues to be revealed through them. This is also true for us, because Jesus is the same, yesterday, and forever.

Conclusion

1. Central Idea: “Through Jesus, we can be renewed day by day.”
2. The Christian life is not a boring life. Those who say that do not understand how Jesus renews us day by day. It’s really the most exciting life!
3. This week, let us expect spiritual renewal through our faith in Jesus. He is always at work to transform us and those around us.

Discussion

1. Why do some people think that Christianity is boring?
2. How will you answer those who think that way about the Christian life?
3. Knowing this truth, how will you now live as a disciple of Christ?