Renewing amidst Ruining
For every Christian the inner man is being “renewed” day by day (2 Corinthians 4:16 bibref2corinthians4 bibref2corinthians4v16). The wearing down and out of the outer man can’t stop the renewal and, actually, to the degree we can see by faith what’s happening and where we’re headed, a part of the inner renewing occurs through the outer ruining. This renewal is partly a direct work by the indwelling Spirit (Titus 3:5 bibreftitus3 bibreftitus3v5), and it is partly a mediated work as the Spirit applies the truth of our testimony.
We are “transformed by the renewal of [our] mind” (Romans 12:2 bibrefromans12 bibrefromans12v2), “renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator” (Colossians 3:10 bibrefcolossians3 bibrefcolossians3v10). The Spirit takes the truth and works it into us.
The Lord’s Supper also renews our inner man. This shared meal, an ordinance instituted by the Lord for His body, is a regular and repeated part of our renewal. It is a kick in the joy pants by the Spirit through faith as we’re reminded of the new covenant purchased and on its way to being perfected.
A taste of honey renews hunger. A jolt of adrenaline renews energy. A bite of bread renews thankfulness and unity as we partake of the one bread (1 Corinthians 10:17 bibref1corinthians10 bibref1corinthians10v17). A sip from the cup of blessing renews peace and our sense of freedom as those who participate in the blood of Christ (1 Corinthians 10:16 bibref1corinthians10 bibref1corinthians10v16).
It is all good news for those who confess Jesus is Lord, so eat and drink.