“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” Romans 12:1-2

Renewing Our Minds l l No place in America is so obviously in need of a renewal (“Post-Christian” America) l l Life has changed all around us, as though we were sleeping and now suddenly awakened. l l We need renewal: “The gradual conforming of the man more and more to that new spiritual world into which he has been introduced, and in which he now 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 Vital Gift l l “ever learning, never able” 2 Tim 3:7 l l “In a sound church, without a clue” (Dennis Reed) l l Still babes, after all these years Heb 5:11-14; 1 Pet 2:2; Hos 4:6 l l Christians need to make progress in learning, understanding, application 1 Tim 4:15 l l 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 l l “conformed” - Gk: suschematizo “to conform one’s self (i.e. one’s mind and character) to another’s pattern” Thayer l l We speak of a “mirror image” l l “To fashion one’s self to the fashion of this world” J. B. Lightfoot l l 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 l l “transformed” - Gk: metamorphoo “to change into another form, to transfigure” Thayer l l Used in Mt 17:2 - Jesus’ transfiguration l l “’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 ManNew Man Transformation

Other Passages to Consider l 1 Pet 1:14 fashioned according to lusts l 1 Cor 7:31 these fashions pass away Look at old family albums (note clothes fashions, haircuts, etc.) l Col. 3:10 The “inner man” is different l 2 Cor 5:17 old things passed away m old habits, language, interests, associates m all things have become new

How is the Mind Renewed? l Titus 3:5 by “renewing of Holy Spirit” l Jn 3:3, 5 born of the Spirit l Rom 8:5-10, being led by the Spirit m Not a mystical, mysterious process m But allowing God’s word to guide m Value system of world no longer guides m Revelation of truth is paramount l Not accidental, but deliberate choice Rom 6

“Be Not Conformed to This World” l l “ 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 “Exhale” l Worldly attitudes m “Conscience is safe guide” m moral relativism - situation ethics m “Just don’t get caught” m “I need to get high on alcohol, drugs…” m “One religion is as good as another” m Only a positive mental attitude that ignores negative things

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

The World Is Passing Away l 1 Cor 7:31 m Worldly attitudes m Worldly styles, standards m Worldly religions l Are you wedded to this world? l It’s time to get a divorce! l Christians and churches must be in the world, but not of it “Be transformed”