The Basics
Romans 12:1,2
1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is acceptable and perfect.
His most direct work on renewing the mind
What is "Your Mind Matters?"
Ephesians 4:22-24
(Assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in Him, as the truth is in Jesus,)
22 to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires,
23 and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds,
24 and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness
What was Stott's definition of renewal?
For Stott, renewing the mind begins with thinking God's thoughts after him through scripture
2 Corinthians 10:5
(4 For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but have divine power to destroy strongholds.)
5 We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,
(6 being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete)
Bullet points
Stott offers something unique among Christian teachers:Intellectual clarity — he shows how to think biblically with precision.Pastoral warmth — he guides believers gently into maturity.Global perspective — he connects mind renewal with mission and discipleship worldwide.Balanced theology — neither emotionalism nor cold rationalism; he integrates heart and mind
Philippians 4:8
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me--practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
Quotes
Stott emphasized that Christians must allow God to challenge their cultural assumptions:“We must be ready for God to break through our cultural defenses, to challenge and to change us.”
— Basic Christian Leadership 4. Renewal is lifelong“Conversion is only a beginning. Before us lies a lifetime of growth into maturity in Christ.”
— Christian Mission in the Modern World
James 1:21
21 Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls
1 Peter 1:13
13 Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.