Question
Posted by Colston | | Posted On Wednesday, November 5, 2008
I was listening to a sermon by a Pastor that I really like and he made this statement that I thought was interesting.
He said something to this effect.
A renewal of the mind leads to a change of the heart and then to behavior change.
I thought this was interesting. THe context was in discussing repentance. He used Romans 12:1-2 in reference to a renewing of the mind.
My question lays here: Does mind change take place first or does heart change?
My initial thoughts: Rom.12:1-2 was written to believers who already had accepted Jesus. THey have a new nature, their heart has been changed already. Jesus said that out of the heart is where evil things come. He says that what comes out of the mouth comes from the heart.
My thoughts are that when you accept Jesus your heart is the first thing that changes, then according to Rom. 12 then your mind changes because it changes your world view. Once your heart has changed and then your mind is changed then and only then does your behavior change.
SO does mind change occur first or does heart change first? What are your thoughts?
He said something to this effect.
A renewal of the mind leads to a change of the heart and then to behavior change.
I thought this was interesting. THe context was in discussing repentance. He used Romans 12:1-2 in reference to a renewing of the mind.
My question lays here: Does mind change take place first or does heart change?
My initial thoughts: Rom.12:1-2 was written to believers who already had accepted Jesus. THey have a new nature, their heart has been changed already. Jesus said that out of the heart is where evil things come. He says that what comes out of the mouth comes from the heart.
My thoughts are that when you accept Jesus your heart is the first thing that changes, then according to Rom. 12 then your mind changes because it changes your world view. Once your heart has changed and then your mind is changed then and only then does your behavior change.
SO does mind change occur first or does heart change first? What are your thoughts?
This is a lot deeper than I want to think right now, because I am taking a break from a paper, but...
I have a hard time distinguishing between the heart and mind. I have heard a plethora of people say they had a "head knowledge" and no "hear knowledge" when referring to their salvation. I don't even really know what that means? If you knew it, but did not act upon it, then your "heart" would be an outward process which would lead into a works based salvation?
I listened to the same sermon and had similar questions ;)
I am trying to distinguish between "soul/spirit" or if it all "inner man" in my counseling class. The professor said everything that psychologist deal with is on an "outter man" level. I would submit that there is a spiritual inside and a worldy inside. I am not sure I would call them "heart" and "mind" but soul/spirit. If the problem in a person lies at the spirit, then a secular psychologist who deals only w/ the body and soul has no chance in "fixing" them. That is what I came up with today while sitting in class, but who knows, that may change tomorrow?
With that said, I would say referring to the original question. Our spirit changes first (salvation) which leads to a change in the soul (our mental thought process) which would then change our actions, because we do (action) what we think about.
Well, not sure if this clears anything up, but it's my .02 :-)
Comment back on this or give me a call this weekend...and on your other blog...GOOD LUCK! I am not touching that one. Call Carson! In the words of a Presidential nominee, "that's above my pay grade."
Well I get what your saying. When looking at that passage you must say that its talking to a Christian because of the audience. So, if Paul request a renewed mind from a Christian then his heart has already been changed.
I dont know to be honest. The issue that I have with mind before heart is that Salvation becomes an a knowledge and thats all. If you know how to be saved then your saved. Many people will call me father but I do not know them. Why?
Why would Jesus not know them? They "knew" him and claimed to be with him and of him so what was it that kept them apart from Him?
I dont know....
Sometimes I just get tired of thinking.
As far as that other post goes, well it is what it is.
I dont know if Jerry Springer would want this one or should we send it to the Sci-Fi station!