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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.Romans 12:2 (HCSB) Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. 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 Fit for a Temple An Amazing Fact: Metamorphic rocks are created when other types of rocks are transformed due to great pressure and heat within the earth. The meaning of the term "metamorphic," in fact, is "changed." When igneous rocks, sedimentary rocks, or even metamorphic rocks get buried very deep under the earth's surface, they get changed into something else by the enormous pressure and heat inside the earth. Metamorphosis is a word we often associate with caterpillars and butterflies or tadpoles and frogs. But rocks can change too. For instance, limestone can be changed into marble and shale can turn into slate. The process requires an intense amount of pressure. Marble is a beautiful stone that can be polished. That's why it is often used in elaborate buildings for bathtubs, floors, and countertops. Marble is also a popular stone used for carvings to make statutes. There are many different types of marble because of various elements present during formation. It also has different sizes of crystals, which make for a wonderful variety of this rock. And it all comes from sandstone, which is a soft stone that easily crumbles. Paul urges the Christians in Rome, "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" (Romans 12:2). God wants you to be changed into something beautiful for the Lord's temple, a pillar or a vessel that serves others. How does this happen? Often under pressure. Some of the hardest lessons in life come from difficulties. But as we persevere our hearts are changed. We become more like Christ, fit to be in a heavenly temple. [Moving Mountains by Amazing Facts] 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 APPLICATION We Persevere And Our Hearts Are Changed. We Become More Like Christ, Fit To Be In A Heavenly Temple. LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY Romans 12:2 - Transformation: Glimpses Into How It Is Done. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2025/20250301-1417.html https://www.abible.com/devotions/2025/20250220-1548.html 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/ |