Beloved saints, this week, we explore the tripartite nature of mankind – spirit, soul and body – as revealed in 1 Thessalonians 5:23, “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit, soul and body be presented blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Each of us is a spirit who possesses a soul and lives in a body, and this scripture reminds us of God’s desire to preserve every part of our being as we await Christ’s return. When we accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior, our spirit was perfected and translated into the kingdom of God (Colossians 1:13). And though our body remains unchanged for now, it will one day be transfigured into immortality, made new and glorious (1 Corinthians 15:53-54). However, our soul – specifically our mind – must be continually renewed to align with God’s Word, so we can walk boldly in the reality of our freedom in Christ. Romans 12:2 provides a blueprint for this transformation, saying, “And be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” This is the essence of the gospel: to be transformed into the image of Christ by changing the way we think. Our thoughts shape our choices, which determine our destiny. That is why Scripture urges us not to be moulded by worldly perceptions but instead align our minds with God’s Truth, so we can walk in the fullness of His will for us.
When we conform to the world’s way of thinking, we fulfill the desires of the flesh, rather than walk in the Spirit. These works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21) open the door for the devil, who “walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). Just as a lion feeds on flesh, our adversary feeds on fleshly desires. But Scripture instructs us, saying, “walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfil the desires of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16). When we walk in the Spirit and bear His fruit, the enemy cannot touch us. Walking in the Spirit means being rooted in His Word and doing what it says, because God’s Spirit operates within the parameters of His Word. Daniel 6 offers a powerful example of walking in the Spirit and continually renewing our mind to His Truth. Daniel was a man of excellence, faithful and without fault, set apart and called according to God’s purpose, yet this didn’t stop trouble from finding him (vs.1-3). Persecution always arises for the sake of the Word (Mark 4:17), and so the governors conspired against him to charge him “concerning the law of his God” (vs.5) by making the king sign an irreversible decree forbidding anyone to pray to any god (vs.6-9). The enemy often uses the systems of this world to hinder believers from living out God’s will. But we rejoice and thank God, knowing that the enemy has nothing on us, and we live victorious in Christ! In the face of adversity, Daniel’s response was spiritual. Despite knowing the king’s decree, he continued to pray and give thanks to God, as he always had (vs.10). He did not panic or compromise – his mind was steadfast on God.
Daniel was reported to the king, who reluctantly had him thrown into the lions’ den, saying, “Your God, whom you serve continually, He will deliver you” (vs.16). King Darius himself then fasted and interceded for Daniel (vs.18), showing that there are people who are for us, placed in our path by God to favor us. Moreover, this teaches us that we are not meant to walk this journey alone; the community and fellowship of the brethren strengthens us in times of trial. Reading further, we see divine intervention and angelic ministry come to the aid of Daniel in his time of need, because he was a man walking in the fruit of the Spirit rather than indulging fleshly desires. Daniel testified, saying, “My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths, so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent before Him; and also, O king, I have done no wrong before you” (vs.22). “No injury whatsoever was found on him, because he believed in his God” (vs.23). Saints, a believer walking in the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) cannot fall prey to the enemy. Just as the lions in Daniel’s den had no power over him, the enemy has no power over those who remain in the Spirit. In the end, not only was Daniel delivered, but his accusers were thrown into the very trap they set for him (vs.24). God is faithful to defend His own; when we trust in Him, He not only delivers us, but exalts us before those who sought our downfall.
So, as we step into this season of Freedom and Expansion, let us commit to renewing our minds daily through God’s Word. The Lord Jesus calls us to “repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17) and make up our minds to walk in God’s Truth. This means changing the way we think, forsaking worldly patterns, and adopting a Kingdom mindset (Isaiah 55:7). Though we already have the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16), we must allow it to find expression in our daily lives.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word that renews our minds and transforms us. We choose to allow Your Truth to shape every part of our lives, making us more like Christ each day. Help us to walk in the Spirit, forsaking the desires of the flesh, and remaining steadfast in Your Word which brings light and understanding. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
