Transformation

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:2

Notes

Throughout scripture from the Old Testament to the New Testament, we see GOD’s deep love for us. We’ve abandoned GOD and cursed his name, yet he has never given up on us. Redeeming, reconciling, and restoring us back to Himself. What a beauty! Fallen short of his glory, we receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior, and recognize the fellowship Christ desires to have with us. As we abide in Christ, transformation starts to occur. The transformation in which change and renewal from our worldly ways of living now desire us to live a life that is pleasing to GOD.

Roman 12:1-2 states “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy, and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

The transformation that occurs in our lives allows us to live a life that’s pleasing to GOD which ultimately brings GOD the glory. To recognize a transformed life, we must recognize the sin that separates us from the fellowship with Christ. Paul mentions in Galatians that the flesh and spirit conflict with one another (Galatians 5:17). As followers of Christ, we must put to death the sin/flesh that is active in our lives. Paul states in Colossians 3:5 “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry”.

As we continue to grow in Christ, what does it look like to be continually transformed by GOD? Here are some ways we can continue to have Christ transform our lives.

1. Keep Christ at the Center

Paul in Galatians 2:20 reminds us that we’ve been crucified with Christ and no longer live but Christ lives in us. We live by faith in the son of GOD who gave himself up for us. Living to please Christ and not ourselves. We learn to deny ourselves daily, take up our cross and follow Jesus.

2. Read the word and live the word

GOD reminds Joshua in chapter 1 v 8 to not let the book of law from his mouth and to meditate on it day and night. We’re reminded in Hebrews 4:12 that the word of GOD is alive and active sharper than a double-edged sword. As we read GOD’s word, trust his word, and believe in his truth, it allows our hearts and minds to be transformed. Living the word allows the Holy Spirit to produce the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control.

3. Fellowship with people who will speak truth and love to you

Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds us of the importance of Christ followers who are there to love, support, and encourage us. This accountability can help us continue to mature in our relationship with the Lord and others.

4. Prayer

We put our trust in you Lord. John 15:7 mentions that if we abide in him and his word abides in us, we may ask whatever we wish, and it will be given to us. We put our dependence on the Lord and his desires become our desires as we learn to trust in him.

5. Walk in obedience

John 14:21 lets us know that those who love Christ obey Christ. Those who love Christ want to live lives that are pleasing to him. A result of a transformed life allows us to fix our eyes on the pioneer and perfecter of faith and with each step along the journey we learn how to trust in him and his ways.

Each day is a new day for us to be transformed by Christ and develop deeper intimacy with him. Let’s welcome his invitation (to come, to draw near, to abide) to be in fellowship with him. The transformation through the power of the Holy Spirit not only changes our lives but brings GOD glory. To GOD BE THE GLORY!