A person can be born again but still do many of the things they did before they got saved. The reason is because they have not renewed
their minds. Transforming our minds with the Word of God requires
effort and it is a lifelong process. When we accept the norms and
values of society and govern our lives according to them, we are
demonstrating that we have not allowed our minds to be renewed by the
Word of God.

1. Why do many Christians live ungodly lifestyles? (Galatians 5:16)
   1. Many Believers get involved in sinful lifestyles because they have set their minds on ungodly things (Romans 8:5).
      1. To be carnally-minded, which is being ruled by sensual, lustful desires, leads to death (Romans 8:6).
      2. Living a spiritual life is living a life that is governed by God’s Word.
2. When we change our wrong thinking, we will be alive to the things of God (Matthew 4:17).
   1. Like the Prodigal Son, we must repent by abandoning our wrong thinking and actions (Luke 15:11-24, Ezekiel 18:30, 31).
      1. Refuse to think according to society’s standards (Romans 12:2).
      2. Sin leads to death, which is separation from God.
3. In Matthew 22:37, Jesus said we are to “…love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.”
   1. Many times, Believers want to love the Lord with their hearts but not with their minds.
      1. However, Proverbs 23:7 says, “…as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he…”
      2. Our thoughts show what is in our hearts; we cannot separate the two.

Scripture References:

• Galatians 5:16
• Romans 8:5, 6
• Matthew 4:17
• Luke 15:11-24
• Ezekiel 18:30, 31
• Romans 12: