Transformation By the Renewing of Your Mind
Scripture: Romans 12:2 - And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what
is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Paul traveled throughout Asia Minor telling people how they could be transformed by faith in Jesus Christ. Paul wrote "Don't copy the
behavior and customs of the world, but let God transform you into a new person by the way you think". He encouraged them to give themselves
fully/completely to God.
To be conformed to something is to act in accordance or harmony with a prevailing standard, attitude practice of society and/or a group. Being
conformed refers to assuming an outward expression that may not reflect what is really inside. We as Christians shouldn't be conformed to
how the world and/or world system thinks or perceives things or operates. On the other hand, being transformed is to change in condition,
nature or character, form, appearance or structure. It's like a metamorphosis. Just as Christ briefly and in a limited way displayed
outwardly His inner, divine nature, and glory at the transfiguration (Matthew 17), we as Christians should outwardly manifest our inner,
redeemed nature, not once, however, but daily. (II Corinthians 5:17, Ephesians 5:1, Ephesians 5:18)
Having a renewed mind is that kind of transformation that can only occur as the Holy Spirit changes our thinking. Colossians 3:1 says -
If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. When we have inappropriate
thoughts, we have to not dwell on them. II Corinthians 10:5 says - Casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalteth itself
against the knowledge of God, and bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. The renewed mind is one that is saturated
by the word of God. Colossians 3:16a says - Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom... There is no way you can grow in
the things of the Lord without reading/studying/applying the word of God. Today, unfortunately, many Christians neglect reading God's word
on a daily basis.
When you meditate on God's word, your mind will be renewed. Therefore, you will recognize the perfect will of God. You will discern God's
will, because you will see things according to the Lord's perspective. We have to set our minds on things above - not on things that are
on the earth (Colossians 3:2). Psalms 119:11 says - I have stored up Your word in my heart, that I might not sin against You.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father: Thank you for making us new creations in Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit within us. Help us to not be
conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of our minds. When we have inappropriate thoughts, help us not to dwell on those
thoughts. We want to be able to discern Your perfect will in our lives. I pray that our lifestyles will reflect us seeing things according
to Your perspective. In Jesus' name I pray.
Marsha Williams
is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Paul traveled throughout Asia Minor telling people how they could be transformed by faith in Jesus Christ. Paul wrote "Don't copy the
behavior and customs of the world, but let God transform you into a new person by the way you think". He encouraged them to give themselves
fully/completely to God.
To be conformed to something is to act in accordance or harmony with a prevailing standard, attitude practice of society and/or a group. Being
conformed refers to assuming an outward expression that may not reflect what is really inside. We as Christians shouldn't be conformed to
how the world and/or world system thinks or perceives things or operates. On the other hand, being transformed is to change in condition,
nature or character, form, appearance or structure. It's like a metamorphosis. Just as Christ briefly and in a limited way displayed
outwardly His inner, divine nature, and glory at the transfiguration (Matthew 17), we as Christians should outwardly manifest our inner,
redeemed nature, not once, however, but daily. (II Corinthians 5:17, Ephesians 5:1, Ephesians 5:18)
Having a renewed mind is that kind of transformation that can only occur as the Holy Spirit changes our thinking. Colossians 3:1 says -
If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. When we have inappropriate
thoughts, we have to not dwell on them. II Corinthians 10:5 says - Casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalteth itself
against the knowledge of God, and bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. The renewed mind is one that is saturated
by the word of God. Colossians 3:16a says - Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom... There is no way you can grow in
the things of the Lord without reading/studying/applying the word of God. Today, unfortunately, many Christians neglect reading God's word
on a daily basis.
When you meditate on God's word, your mind will be renewed. Therefore, you will recognize the perfect will of God. You will discern God's
will, because you will see things according to the Lord's perspective. We have to set our minds on things above - not on things that are
on the earth (Colossians 3:2). Psalms 119:11 says - I have stored up Your word in my heart, that I might not sin against You.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father: Thank you for making us new creations in Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit within us. Help us to not be
conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of our minds. When we have inappropriate thoughts, help us not to dwell on those
thoughts. We want to be able to discern Your perfect will in our lives. I pray that our lifestyles will reflect us seeing things according
to Your perspective. In Jesus' name I pray.
Marsha Williams
2 Comments
Praise the Lord that we are able to renew our minds. Thank You Father for Your Word and Holy Spirit changing us from the inside out. Help me to be a reflection of You always. Help us to shine as lights in this sin filled world. Show us Your ways and wisdom to live daily.
Thank you for this devotional!