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. He redeems, reconciles, and restores us to Himself. What beauty! Having fallen short of his glory, we receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior and recognize the fellowship Christ desires with us. As we abide in Christ, transformation begins. This transformation prompts us to change and renew our worldly ways of living, now desiring 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 in our lives enables us to live in a way that’s pleasing to GOD, ultimately bringing GOD glory. To recognize a transformed life, we must recognize the sin that separates us from fellowship with Christ. Paul mentions in Galatians that the flesh and the Spirit conflict with one another (Galatians 5:17). As followers of Christ, we must put to death the sin and flesh that are 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 let 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 not to let the book of the law be from his mouth and to meditate on it day and night. Hebrews 4:12 reminds us that the word of GOD is alive and active, sharper than a double-edged sword. As we read GOD’s word, trust it, and believe its 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 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 transformed life allows us to fix our eyes on the pioneer and perfecter of faith, and with each step along the journey, we learn 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!
MEMORY VERSE
Mary Cassatt. Lydia Reading, 1880-81. The Art Institute of Chicago
Related Verses
More verses about the importance of transformation:
PRAYER INVITATION
Application Questions
- Are your goals and purpose focused on God’s will, or on what fits society and cultural pressures? When do you find you are most susceptible to conforming to the ways of the world? How can you begin to make God more of a priority instead of your social circle?
- What content and media are you consuming on a daily basis? How is this affecting your mind and your spirit? In what practical ways can you replace entertainment with God’s Word?
- Do you have someone or a group of people in your life that challenge and encourage you to live a life that follows Christ? If not, what relationships are hindering you from fully following Christ?
- Are you intent on pursuing your will and plans, or are you determined to truly obey the Lord? Is there an area of your life that is holding you back from letting God be in control? How can you begin to trust in God instead of yourself?
- Are you living a life that reflects God’s “good, pleasing, and perfect will” and the peace that it provides? If not, what are you clinging to that is preventing you from experiencing the promise of peace?
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