RENEW: The Best Version of You

“RENEW: The Best Version of You”

By Pastor Bryan Hudson, D.Min.

Theme: The sermon centers on the biblical principle of renewal—God’s continual work of making believers into the best version of themselves through inward transformation, endurance through shaking, and daily spiritual renewal.

Introduction

• Renewal is necessary for personal growth, relationships, and the world at large.
• Everyone has “different versions” of themselves across stages of life. God desires to bring out the best versionthrough His Spirit.
• Key text: 2 Corinthians 4:16 – “Though our outward man perishes, the inward man is renewed day by day.”

Renewal Illustrated

• Renewal parallels physical projects: tearing out old concrete, replacing screens, removing flags. Renewal often requires breaking up and removing old things before the new can be established.
• Biblical principle: You cannot put new wine into old wineskins (Matt. 9:17).

Renewal in the Midst of Shaking

• Text: Hebrews 12:26–29 – God shakes what is man-made so that what is God-made may remain.
• Shaking exposes what is unstable or superficial.
• Believers rooted in God endure shaking because they are God-made, not man-made.
• Renewal involves cost, disruption, and difficulty, like construction work—yet produces lasting change.

Renewal Defined

• Renewal = being made new, renovated, refreshed continuously.
• It is God’s work, not human self-effort. Believers cooperate with God by trusting and yielding.
• Renewal is daily, regardless of circumstances: “Don’t ask, How do I feel? Ask, What do I believe?”

Five Keys to Renewal (R.E.N.E.W.)

1. R – Rest and Repent

• Rest = entering God’s finished work (Hebrews 4:10).
• Repent = change your mind and position yourself to receive from God (Acts 3:19).
• Rest includes physical rest—sleep is God-given and essential.

1. E – Experience Fullness

• In God’s presence is fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11).
• Joy is deeper than happiness—an inward assurance of being in God’s will.
• Believers receive fullness from Christ (John 1:16).

1. N – Never Cease Prayer

• Prayer sustains renewal.
• “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thess. 5:16-18).
• Thanksgiving and prayer cultivate resilience in every circumstance.

1. E – Endure (Cast Cares on the Lord)

• Endure hardship as a soldier (2 Tim. 2:3).
• Do not become entangled with the world’s cares.
• Cast cares on God because He cares for you (1 Peter 5:6-7).

1. W – Wait on Exchange of Strength

• Those who wait on the Lord renew their strength (Isaiah 40:30-31).
• Waiting = lingering in God’s presence, binding your life to Him.
• Renewal involves exchange—our weakness for God’s strength, our struggles for His victory.

Practical Insights

• Renewal is ongoing, disruptive, sometimes painful—but it leads to vitality, clarity, and endurance.
• Renewal impacts spirit, soul, and body. Even physical practices like rest and good sleep are part of God’s care.
• God uses challenges and even sorrow to lead us toward repentance and transformation.

Conclusion

• Renewal helps us become the best version of ourselves—rested, filled with joy, prayerful, enduring, and strong in the Lord.
• Renewal is God’s work, requiring our cooperation, humility, and willingness to embrace the process—even when it involves shaking or breaking.
• Final encouragement: Trust God’s renewing work daily. Don’t measure by feelings—live by faith.