The world's values and God's will for our lives are completely incompatible with each other. God's desire for all Christians is that we become more like Jesus and less like the world. This change happens from the inside out through the work of the Holy Spirit and the word of God. The Bible says that our character and behavior can be transformed into the image of Christ through the renewal of our mind. --- People were made for relationships. The Bible tells us the two most important relationships we will have in this life are with God and with people. Being a Christian should have a positive impact on all our relationships. In Romans 12, we find a summary of the whole of the Christian life and the intended effect being a Christian should have on our relationship with God and others. Throughout the Romans 12 series, we will discover what a life of truly following Jesus looks like.
Romans 12:2 ESV
2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
• • •
1. Do not conformed to the pattern of this world.
• • •
Ephesians 6:12 ESV
12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
• • •
1 John 2:15-17 ESV
15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. 17 And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.
• • •
James 4:4-5 ESV
4 You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. 5 Or do you suppose it is to no purpose that the Scripture says, “He yearns jealously over the spirit that he has made to dwell in us”?
• • •
2. Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
• • •
2 Corinthians 3:18 ESV
18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.
• • •
Colossians 3:1-3 ESV
1 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
• • •
Psalm 119:9-11 ESV
9 How can a young man keep his way pure?By guarding it according to your word. 10 With my whole heart I seek you;let me not wander from your commandments! 11 I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
• • •
Application:
Life transformation happens through the renewal of our mind.