God’s Four Best Provisions for Our Renewal

 

God’s Four Best Provisions for Our Renewal

2 Timothy 3:15–17: “And that from a babe you have known the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for conviction, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.”

Aspect	The Cross  (the Lord’s Death)	The Holy Spirit (Regeneration and Renewal)	The Mingled Spirit (Our Human Spirit Mingled with the Divine Spirit)	The Word of God
Meaning	The cross is God’s greatest provision for our renewal, putting the old creation to death so that the new creation may emerge.	The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of life, who not only regenerates us but also renews us daily from within.	God’s Spirit is mingled with our spirit, becoming our mingled spirit, so that we may be renewed in the spirit of our mind.	God’s word is the bread and light of life, cleansing, nourishing, and renewing our mind.
Effect	Deals with the old man, breaks the natural life, and manifests the resurrection life.	Renews us from the old creation into the new creation, imparting spiritual metabolism.	Subdues and renews the mind, transforming our thoughts to become the thoughts of Christ.	Enlightens and transforms our concepts, freeing us from the old self to live out the new creation.
Explanation	Paul lived continually under the killing of the cross (2 Cor. 4), letting the death of Jesus operate in him to minister life to others.	The Spirit works within believers to reconstitute, remodel, and transform them into the new creation.	When we exercise our spirit, the mingled spirit spreads, saturates, and permeates our mind, becoming the spirit of the mind.	God’s word washes us as water, renewing and transforming us in truth.
Example	Paul said, “Always bearing about in the body the dying of Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.”	We were regenerated when we were saved, and the Holy Spirit continues to renew us daily to make us more like Christ.	When we pray and contact the Lord in spirit daily, our mind becomes renewed, softened, and turned to Him.	The Lord enlightened His disciples with His word (John 13), and through His word, He sanctifies the church as His glorious Bride.
Application	Daily submit to the dealings of the cross in our environment, allowing the Lord’s death to work as renewing power.	Be continually filled with the Spirit and obey His inward leading so that He may renew us within.	Constantly turn to the spirit and call on the Lord’s name, allowing the spirit to possess the mind.	Read and pray-read God’s word daily, letting it operate within us.
Key Point	The cross is the starting point of renewal—it terminates the old nature.	The Holy Spirit is the power and life supply of renewal.	The mingled spirit is the realm and sphere of renewal.	The word of God is the instrument and means of renewal.
Interrelationship	The cross deals with the old man and opens the way for the Spirit and the spirit to renew us.	The Spirit’s renewing applies the effectiveness of the cross and operates in our spirit unto the renewing of our mind.	The mingled spirit is the realm where the cross and the Spirit operate, bringing renewal to our mind.	God’s word makes the renewing of the Spirit concrete, lasting, and deep.
Scripture References	2 Corinthians 4:10–12, 16–18: “Always bearing about in the body the dying of Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. For we who live are always delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. So then death works in us, but life in you.… Though our outward man is decaying, yet our inward man is being renewed day by day.”	Titus 3:5: “He saved us, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit.”	Ephesians 4:23: “And that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind.” Philippians 2:5: “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.” 1 Corinthians 2:16: “But we have the mind of Christ.” Romans 12:2: “Do not be fashioned according to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of the mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and well pleasing and perfect.”	Ephesians 5:26: “That He might sanctify her, cleansing her by the washing of the water in the word.” Psalm 119:105, 130: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.… The opening of Your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.”

 

🌼 Core Insights Summary:

1.      The Cross removes the old man and opens the way for renewal.

2.      The Holy Spirit operates as the renewing life power.

3.      The Mingled Spirit is the realm where renewal occurs.

4.      The Word of God makes the renewal concrete and enduring.
These four provisions form a divine cycle of renewal:
The Cross opens the way → The Spirit operates → Renewal in the Spirit → The Word purifies and enlightens.

 

✨ Conclusion:

We are renewed day by day through the killing of the cross, the renewing of the Spirit, the operation of the mingled spirit, and the enlightening and cleansing of God’s word.
This renewal transforms our mind, enabling us to live not according to vanity but according to the spirit of the mind.
Ultimately, this produces the new man in Christ, consummating in the New Jerusalem (Col. 3:10–11; 2 Cor. 5:17; Eph. 2:15).

 

*Please refer to the May 2025 International Elders and Responsible Brothers Training  General Topic: Matthew 5-7 Vital Aspects Chapter 1 The Blessing of the Poor in Spirit and the Pure in Heart, Who Are Under the Heavenly Rule of Christ the New King, and Who See God and Express Himself in His Life, and Have His Authority to Represent Him

The Heart of Solomon vs The Heart of the Apostles

 

The Heart of Solomon vs The Heart of the Apostles

1 Kings 4:29 – “God gave Solomon wisdom and very great understanding, and largeness of heart like the sand on the seashore.”

1 Kings 3:5–9 – Solomon asks for an understanding heart to judge God’s people.
2 Cor 6:11–13 – “Our heart is enlarged… you are restricted in your own affections.” 

Aspect	The Heart of Solomon	The Heart of the Apostles
Meaning	The heart of Solomon signifies a broad, inclusive, and profound spiritual capacity born out of divine wisdom—enabling him to govern God’s people rightly.	The apostles’ heart signifies a large, open, and inclusive heart formed in the life of Christ—able to shepherd and supply all the saints with divine love and life.
Symbolism	“As the sand on the seashore” (1 Kings 4:29)—showing the immeasurable breadth of the heart given by God. Sand restrains the sea, implying that Solomon’s heart was even larger than the sea.	“Our mouth is open to you, our heart is enlarged” (2 Cor 6:11)—showing openness, freedom, and a heart that can contain all believers in love.
Distinction	The heart of Solomon expresses the outward aspect of wisdom, enabling righteous judgment and administration among God’s people.	The apostles’ heart expresses the inward reality of divine life, enabling love, supply, restoration, and fellowship within God’s family.
Explanation	When Solomon asked for wisdom (1 Kings 3:9), God granted him a heart “as the sand of the sea”—broad and immeasurable. Wisdom and largeness of heart are two sides of one thing: true wisdom produces a great heart.	The apostles’ heart, enlarged in the life of Christ, could embrace all believers—whether strong or weak, right or astray—ministering life and leading them back to God.
Example	1 Kings 3:16–28 — Solomon’s judgment between two women over a child shows discernment joined with compassion and broadness.	2 Cor 2:4–7 — Paul, though sorrowful, exhorts the saints to forgive the offender, showing a heart full of love and restoration.
Application	Spiritual people should seek both wisdom and largeness of heart—able to understand, contain, and handle God’s affairs without narrowness or pride.	New Testament servants must have an open mouth and an enlarged heart, embracing all saints and ministering life rather than condemnation.
Mutual Relationship	The heart of Solomon prefigures, in the Old Testament, the unity of wisdom and heart-capacity.	The apostles’ heart fulfills this in the New Testament as the expression of God’s infinite love in Christ. Together, they manifest the vast heart of God Himself.
Detailed Scriptures	2 Chron 1:10 – “Give me wisdom and knowledge to go out and come in before this people.” Psalm 119:32 – “When You enlarge my heart, I run the way of Your commandments.” Jer 5:22 – “I set the sand as a boundary for the sea… it cannot pass over it.” Symbolically, Solomon’s heart is even larger than the sea. Eccl 1:12–13 – Solomon set his heart to seek wisdom in all things.	2 Cor 7:2–3 – “You are in our hearts to die together and live together.” Phil 1:8 – “I long after you all with the inward parts of Christ Jesus.” 1 Thes 2:7–8 – “We were gentle among you, as a nursing mother cherishes her children.” John 13:34 – “A new commandment… love one another.” 1 John 3:16–18 – “We ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.”
Key Summary	- Wisdom and heart-capacity are one. - True wisdom enlarges the heart. - A large heart is God’s gift to those who rule in His name.	- Love and largeness are inseparable. - Apostolic ministry proves itself by openness and capacity to contain others. - Both hearts manifest God’s boundless love and wisdom.

  

Spiritual Conclusion: 

o Solomon's heart—the vast capacity born of God's wisdom;

o The apostle's heart—the love and tolerance flowing from Christ's life;

o Both demonstrate the expansion of God's infinite, wise, and loving heart within humanity.

 

 *Please refer to the May 2025 International Elders and Responsible Brothers Training  General Topic: Matthew 5-7 Vital Aspects Chapter 1 The Blessing of the Poor in Spirit and the Pure in Heart, Who Are Under the Heavenly Rule of Christ the New King, and Who See God and Express Himself in His Life, and Have His Authority to Represent Him

The Principle of Spiritual Growth

 

The Principle of Spiritual Growth

Matthew 5:6 – “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.”

Philippians 3:13 – “Brothers, I do not regard myself as having laid hold yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead.” 

Aspect	The Principle of Spiritual Growth
Meaning	Spiritual growth is not achieved by accumulating knowledge or experiences, but by maintaining a continual hunger, humility, and renewed need for God. God arranges circumstances to show us our insufficiency so that within us He may produce a “wanting heart,” enabling us to experience fresh fillings of His fullness.
Symbolism	1️⃣  The hungry are filled with good things (Luke 1:53). 2️⃣  Forgetting what lies behind, pressing on to what lies ahead (Phil. 3:13). 3️⃣  Empty vessels being filled with oil (2 Kings 4:3–6). ⇒ This shows that spiritual growth follows a pattern of hungering—emptying—being filled—emptying again—being filled again.
Effect	1️⃣  The inner man is renewed and deepened in knowing the Lord. 2️⃣  Past victories no longer become a source of pride or hindrance. 3️⃣  The heart is dug deeper so that more of Christ may fill it. 4️⃣  The operation of the Holy Spirit increases.
Explanation	God often allows situations that bring us to our limit to expose our inability and dependence. We cannot live on yesterday’s manna or past experiences. Every new difficulty requires new grace. When we feel “I have no way,” it becomes the beginning of spiritual progress. The self-satisfied (“rich”) cannot be filled, but those who acknowledge their emptiness can continually receive the Spirit’s supply.
Examples	1️⃣  The widow and Elisha—more empty vessels, more oil (2 Kings 4:1–6). 2️⃣  Paul—forgetting what is behind and pressing forward (Phil. 3:13). 3️⃣  Jesus—Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness (Matt. 5:6). 4️⃣  Luke—He has filled the hungry with good things (Luke 1:53).
Application	✦ Maintain a humble and hungry spirit before God. ✦ Do not be content with past experiences; seek new revelation and renewal daily. ✦ Accept trials as means for God to enlarge your capacity. ✦ Learn to “empty yourself” continually—confessing, denying self, and submitting to the cross—so that the Spirit can fill you anew.
Key Points	🔹 The law of growth is continual hunger and emptying. 🔹 God uses circumstances to produce in us a heart that desires Him. 🔹 Past victories are not today’s strength. 🔹 The more empty vessels we bring, the more the Spirit fills. 🔹 Growth is a lifelong process of renewal and deepening.
Detailed Scriptures	🔹 Luke 1:53 – “He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty.” 🔹 Matthew 5:6 – “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” 🔹 Philippians 3:13 – “Brothers, I do not regard myself as having laid hold yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead.” 🔹 2 Kings 4:3–6 – “Go, borrow empty vessels from all your neighbors… pour out into all those vessels… When the vessels were full… she said, ‘Bring me another vessel,’ and he said to her, ‘There is not another one.’ Then the oil stopped.” 🔹 Exodus 16:19–21 – The manna principle: “Do not leave any of it till morning… it bred worms and stank.” (Symbolizing new daily supply from God.)

  

Conclusion: 

Spiritual progress depends not on how much we know but on how much room we give God to work in us. The Lord fills those who are “empty and desiring.” As we remain open and needy, He continually fills us with Himself until we are wholly possessed by Him.

  

*Please refer to the May 2025 International Elders and Responsible Brothers Training  General Topic: Matthew 5-7 Vital Aspects Chapter 1 The Blessing of the Poor in Spirit and the Pure in Heart, Who Are Under the Heavenly Rule of Christ the New King, and Who See God and Express Himself in His Life, and Have His Authority to Represent Him