“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”

Romans 12:1-2

Renewing Our MindsRenewing Our Minds No place in America is so obviously in need of a renewal (“Post-Christian” America) Life has changed all around us, as though we were sleeping and now suddenly awakened. We need renewal: “The gradual conforming of the man more and more to that new spiritual world intowhich he has been introduced, and in which henow lives and moves; the restoration of the Divine image; and in all this, so far from being passive, he must be a fellow-worker with God” (Trench, Syn of NT, 65-66)

Some Never Learn This Some Never Learn This Vital GiftVital Gift

“ever learning, never able” 2 Tim 3:7 “In a sound church, without a clue” (Dennis Reed)

Still babes, after all these years Heb 5:11-14; 1 Pet 2:2; Hos 4:6

Christians need to make progress in learning, understanding, application1 Tim 4:15

A congregation only matures as members learn to make application of truth to life

The Vital Text “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.

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.”

Points of Emphasis “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.

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.”CF: 2 Peter 1:2-4

Important Definitions “conformed” - Gk: suschematizo “to

conform one’s self (i.e. one’s mind and character) to another’s pattern” Thayer

We speak of a “mirror image” “To fashion one’s self to the fashion of this

world” J. B. Lightfoot

Contrast: “Not to the fleeting fashion (Gk:schema) of this world, but to undergo a complete change, assumes a new form (Gk: morphe), in the renewal of your mind” (Lightfoot)

Important Definitions “transformed” - Gk: metamorphoo “to change into another form, to transfigure” Thayer

Used in Mt 17:2 - Jesus’ transfiguration “’Do not fall in,’ says the apostle, ‘with the fleeting fashions of this world, nor be yourselves fashioned to them.., but undergo a deep abiding change..by the renewing of your mind, such as the Spirit of God alone can work in you (2 Cor. iii:18)”(Synonyms of the NT, Trench)

Metamorphosis

“but undergo a deep abiding change..”

Old Man New Man

Transformation

Transformation

Other Passages to ConsiderOther Passages to Consider 1 Pet 1:14 1 Pet 1:14 fashioned according to lustsfashioned according to lusts 1 Cor 7:31 1 Cor 7:31 these fashions pass awaythese fashions pass away

Look at old family albumsLook at old family albums(note clothes fashions, haircuts, etc.)(note clothes fashions, haircuts, etc.)

Col. 3:10Col. 3:10 The “inner man” is different The “inner man” is different 2 Cor 5:172 Cor 5:17 old things passed awayold things passed away

old habits, language, interests, associates all things have become new

How is the Mind Renewed?How is the Mind Renewed? Titus 3:5 Titus 3:5 by “renewing of Holy Spirit”by “renewing of Holy Spirit” Jn 3:3, 5 Jn 3:3, 5 born of the Spiritborn of the Spirit Rom 8:5-10, 12-14Rom 8:5-10, 12-14 being led by the Spirit being led by the Spirit

Not a mystical, mysterious process But allowing God’s word to guide Value system of world no longer guides Revelation of truth is paramount

Not accidental, but deliberate choice Not accidental, but deliberate choice Rom 6Rom 6

““Be Not Conformed to This Be Not Conformed to This World”World”

“ World” (Gk: kosmos) “the times attaching to the word an ethical signification; or… the age…the spirit or genius of the age…all that floating mass of thoughts, opinions, maxims, speculations, hopes, impulses, aspirations, at any time current in the world..which constitute the moral, or immoral, atmosphere which at every moment of our lives we inhale…and exhale…” (ibid, Trench)EX: Television

Things We “Inhale” and Things We “Inhale” and “Exhale”“Exhale”

Worldly attitudesWorldly attitudes “Conscience is safe guide” moral relativism - situation ethics “Just don’t get caught” “I need to get high on alcohol, drugs…” “One religion is as good as another” Only a positive mental attitude that

ignores negative things

Things We “Inhale” and Things We “Inhale” and “Exhale”“Exhale”

Worldly styleWorldly style Watch any TV, movie, read any book Buy clothes without discretion Imitate latest TV icon, music star Rebel against “older generation” Have to be different (to be same) Be at ease with world Be a “Christian” fashioned by world

The World Is Passing AwayThe World Is Passing Away 1 Cor 7:311 Cor 7:31

Worldly attitudes Worldly styles, standards Worldly religions

Are you wedded to this world?Are you wedded to this world? It’s time to get a divorce!It’s time to get a divorce! Christians and churches must be in the Christians and churches must be in the

world, but not of it world, but not of it “Be transformed”“Be transformed”