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Romans 12:2 - Transformation: Glimpses into How It Is Done.

Romans 12:2 (NLT) Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

INTRODUCTION

   God has good, pleasing, and perfect plans for his children. He wants us to be transformed people with renewed minds, living to honor and obey him and to serve others in the name of Jesus. Because he wants only what is best for us and because he gave his Son to make our new life possible, we should joyfully give ourselves as living sacrifices in his service.
   Paul warned Christians about following the selfish and corrupt patterns of this fallen world. Many Christians wisely decide that a large portion of the world's behavior is off-limits for them. Our refusal to conform to this world, however, must go even deeper than just behavior and customs - it must be firmly planted in the values rooted in our minds: "Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think." It is possible, however, to avoid most worldly customs and still be proud, covetous, selfish, stubborn, and arrogant. Only when the Holy Spirit renews, reeducates, and redirects our minds are we truly transformed (see 8: 5). [Life Application SB 2019]

COMMENTARY PEARL

   My computer is five years old - which in computer years is about ninety (one human year is equal to eighteen computer years). It has been limping along. It takes ages to turn on. The lag time for connecting to the Internet is unimpressive. It's constantly buffering. The touchpad doesn't work, so I had to purchase a mouse to navigate the screen. This is problematic for a writer. My livelihood is connected to my computer. When it doesn't function well, I don't function well. My dad confirmed this. When I couldn't log in to our Zoom call, he said, "You need a new computer." I agreed. When I couldn't access our shared document, he said, "We're getting you a new computer." My mom and dad are always blessing my socks off.
   My new computer arrived this week. It's a miracle! It turns on in seconds. The memory is amazing. It navigates the Internet with breathtaking speed. Everything works as it should. It is revolutionizing how I work. When Jesus Entered My Life, The Same Thing Happened. He Transformed My Perspective And The Way I Lived. He Renewed My Mind With Love, Truth, And The Power Of The Holy Spirit. He Changed My Life With His Grace And Always Blesses My Socks Off. With Jesus, I Function So Much Better. Susanna Foth Aughtmon
   Faith Step: Draw a vertical line down the center of a sheet of paper. On one side, list character traits from the "old you." On the other side, list the changes that Jesus has brought into your life. [Mornings With Jesus 2024 Devotional by Guideposts and Zondervan]

COMMENTARY

You must remember that your will is the spring of all your actions. This will, that forms so important a factor in the character of man, was at the Fall given into the control of Satan; and he has ever since been working in man to will and to do of his own pleasure, but to the utter ruin and misery of man. But the infinite sacrifice of God in giving Jesus, His beloved Son, to become a sacrifice for sin, enables Him to say, without violating one principle of His government: "Yield yourself up to Me; give Me that will; take it from the control of Satan, and I will take possession of it; then I can work in you to will and to do of My good pleasure." When He gives you the mind of Christ, your will becomes as His will, and your character is transformed to be like Christ's character. Is it your purpose to do God's will? Do you wish to obey the Scriptures? "If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me." 5T515

We cannot make ourselves pure, fit for God's service. But we can choose to serve God, we can give Him our will; then He will work in us to will and to do according to His good pleasure. Thus our whole nature will be brought under the control of Christ.... By yielding up the will to Christ, we ally ourselves with divine power. We receive strength from above to hold us steadfast. A pure and noble life, a life of victory over appetite and lust, is possible to everyone who will unite his weak, wavering human will to the omnipotent, unwavering will of God. MH 176, 177

The surrender of all our powers to God greatly simplifies the problem of life. It weakens and cuts short a thousand struggles with the passions of the natural heart. Religion is as a golden cord that binds the souls of both youth and aged to Christ. Through it the willing and obedient are brought safely through dark and intricate paths to the city of God.... ML6

One who engages in the work of helping and blessing others is being transformed by the renewing of his mind, being a partaker of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. ST 08-22-78

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

When Jesus Entered My Life, The Same Thing Happened. He Transformed My Perspective And The Way I Lived. He Renewed My Mind With Love, Truth, And The Power Of The Holy Spirit. He Changed My Life With His Grace And Always Blesses My Socks Off. With Jesus, I Function So Much Better. Susanna Foth Aughtmon

We Cannot Make Ourselves Pure, Fit For God's Service. But We Can Choose To Serve God, We Can Give Him Our Will; Then He Will Work In Us To Will And To Do According To His Good Pleasure. Thus Our Whole Nature Will Be Brought Under The Control Of Christ.... By Yielding Up The Will To Christ, We Ally Ourselves With Divine Power. We Receive Strength From Above To Hold Us Steadfast. A Pure And Noble Life, A Life Of Victory Over Appetite And Lust, Is Possible To Everyone Who Will Unite His Weak, Wavering Human Will To The Omnipotent, Unwavering Will Of God. MH 176, 177

LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY

Romans 12:2 - Transformation: Glimpses Into How It Is Done.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2024/20240405-0931.html
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2023/20230519-1055.html
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2022/20220201-0851.html

2 Corinthians 3:18 - More and More Like Jesus!
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2024/20240225-0819.html

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

https://abible.com/links/