God says, "All right, I'll take it." So if God has given you the grace-gift of prophecy, activate your gift by using the proportion of faith you have to prophesy. Cancel. (1,2) To be humble, and faithfully to use their spiritual gifts, in their respective stations. The Spirit of God renews our minds when we review the Word of God. (see Ephesians 3:18-note; Ep 3:19-note) Would you receive an abundant entrance into the joy of your Lord? Whoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God." But it isn't like that. Paul is saying that as we make the conscious presentation of our bodies to God, shun (Php 2:13NLT) the pressure to be squeezed into the world's mold, and allow God to renew our minds, then that which is on the inside begins to show forth outwardly so those around so that they see more and more of Christ in us the hope of glory (Col 1:27-note) and less and less of our self (cp similar spiritual dynamic in Jn 3:30). What we need is a change of thinking. And be not fashioned according to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, and ye may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Proverbs will rob religion of a thousand joys. We need to "bind the sacrifice with cordsunto the horns of the altar" (Ps 118:27). The soul that is yielded and still. But then they expect some kind of an automatic reaction to occur. You Christians ought to watch against the beginning of worldly conformity. In Romans 12:2 it describes an inward renewal of our mind through which our inner spirit is changed into the likeness of Christ. AMG, Excerpt from The Habit of Keeping a Clear Conscience - My Utmost For His Highest, Romans 12-16 Devotionals & Sermon Illustrations, Romans Devotionals & Sermons Illustrations-Our Daily Bread, Romans 7-11 Devotionals & Sermon Illustrations, Romans 1-6 Devotionals & Sermon Illustrations, Ex 23:2; Lev 18:29,30; Dt 18:9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14; Jn 7:7; 14:30; 15:19; 17:14; 1Co 3:19; 2Co 4:4; 6:14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 2Cor 7:1; Gal 1:4; Eph 2:2; 4:17, 18, 19, 20; James 1:27; 4:4; 1Pe 1:14,18; 4:2; 2Pe 1:4; 2:20; 1Jn 2:15, 16, 17; 3:13; 4:4,5; 5:19; Rev 12:9; 13:8, Ro 13:14; Psalms 51:10; Ezekiel 18:31; 36:26; 2Co 5:17; Eph 1:18; 4:22, 23, 24; Col 1:21,22; 3:10; Titus 3:5, Ro 12:1; 7:12,14,22; Ps 19:7-11; Ps 119:47,48,72,97,103,128,174; Pr 3:1-4; Pr 3:13-18; Ga 5:22, 23; Ep 5:9; Col 4:12; 1Th 4:3; 2Ti 3:16,17. There is no promise here, nor is there anything in the tendencies of Christ-like living, to lead us to anticipate that guidance in regard to matters of prudence or expediency or temporal advantage will follow from such a transfigured life. I find that some of the most valuable and glorious times of understanding of what God is doing come when I meditate on the Scriptures as I am driving on the highways or in the city. The Berkeley Translation renders this adjust yourselves to humble situations.. It is evident that there is a gradual growth of this awareness, as Paul sets it forth here. Suschematizo also conveys the thought of following a manner of life that is unstable and changing rather than enduring. Third: Power. If we let them fall upon the world, it is like a soldier trailing his saber upon the pavement; every step he takes dulls both edge and point. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of Godwhat is good and acceptable and perfect. How rich is heaven! Maintaining our character begins and continues with a decision. God wants to stretch you. It positions you and me within proven, godly wisdom and gives precious insight into the heart, nature, and goodness of God. (8) What would the world be, if it were filled with Christians having but one object in life, high above every other--to "serve the Lord"--and throwing into this service "alacrity" in the discharge of all duties, and abiding "warmth of spirit" ( Romans 12:11 )! And be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. If it is our duty to redeem time, to walk with God, to do all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to follow the example which He set us when he was upon earth. Author of She Is Free, Founder of The She Is Free Conference, Co-Lead Pastor of Liberty Church, andiandrew.com, Singer-Songwriter/Worship Leader, www.jakehamiltonmusic.com, Marriage Missionaries, supernaturalmarriage.org, International Director, Healing Rooms Ministries, Bible teacher, preacher, author, and church planter, Research Associate to Frederick Danker, translator of Bauers Greek-English Lexicon, About TPT Translation Philosophy Statement of Faith, The Passion Translation is a gift to Bible readers. Joshua On the spiritual level, inner conflict is the warning of the Spirit of God. How can you, under circumstances so trying and distressing as these, acknowledge and submit to God's perfect willand let it reign and rule in your heart without a murmur of resistance to it? Romans 12:2 (GW) Or ministry, let us wait on--"be occupied with." Celebrate with those who celebrate, and weep with those who grieve. Whats the key? 1 Kings #2 but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. If your mind changes, you will change. If you have the grace-gift of teaching, then be actively teaching and training others. Paul assures us that this is not the great risk so many fear. When we make these choices to love God with all our heart and soul and mind and strength, the Holy Spirit transforms our mind to be able to think an entirely new way that we could not think before we were saved by grace through faith. We so appreciate the labor of love that went into translating the Scriptures directly from the Greek, Hebrew, and Aramaic. He was told he had better go talk to Mr. Bing. I sometimes get this question put to me, concerning certain worldly amusements, "May I do so-and-so?" In other words, our problem is not so much the evil in society as it is our lack of discernment and self-control. Thats why Christians are known for being out of style. (see notes 2Pe 1:10-note; 2Pe 1:11-note) Then come ye out from among them, and be ye separate, and touch not the unclean thing (2Co 6:17, Is 52:11). O how many Christians throw away their birthright by coasting. 2 Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit . Revelation, Search Wikipedia using spiritual discretion, Wuest's Word Studies from the Greek New Testament, SO THAT YOU MAY PROVE: eis to dokimazein (PAN) humas, Wuest, K. S. Wuest's Translation of the New Testament: Eerdman, expulsive power of a new affection (read classic sermon by Thomas Chalmers), Gaebelein, F, Editor: Expositor's Bible Commentary 6-Volume New Testament. If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature (or creation); old things are passed away, behold, all things are become new. (2Co 5:17) If there be not a radical difference between their present state and that in which they were by nature, they have no title to the character of Christians. They feel just to think about the event should do something for them. (Gaebelein, F, Editor: Expositor's Bible Commentary 6-Volume New Testament. Many Romish expositors and some Protestant (as CALVIN and BENGEL, and, though, hesitatingly, BEZA and HODGE), render this "the analogy of faith," understanding by it "the general tenor" or "rule of faith," divinely delivered to men for their guidance. 1 John Theres nothing between. This process is the only effective preservative against outward conformity to this present age. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. D. Romans 12:2 (NRS) When we are marching to the beat of a different drummer, of course we will be out of step with people around us. God wrote it and it is still vital and effective and alive. Tho' the whole world against me convene; (Stedman, Ray: Living Day by Day). The line of our duty is clearly marked out, and if our enemies are not melted by persevering kindness, we are not to seek vengeance; they will be consumed by the fiery wrath of that God to whom vengeance belongeth. 14:30), and In everything give thanks (1 Thess. Amen (Ed: And all God's people said "Amen"!). If you do that day after day it gets very hard, because you are under constant pressure -- and it gets to you after a while. To follow His law is even in this world calculated to promote happiness. The Transforming Power of The Gospel, Your Proper Role in The Body . Let the inner movement of your heart always be to love one another, and never play the role of an actor wearing a mask. (Ed note: Bolding, definitions and Scriptural references added for amplification and emphasis). He asked, "What is this?" In the East, where such houses are still rare, this duty is regarded as of the most sacred character [HODGE]. To the Christians in Rome Paul wrote, Dont copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think (Rom. Beware Christian, dont be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. How does it affect me? Make Paul's prayer for the Colossians yours for yourself and all believers, "that you might be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding" (Col 1:9-note); and that of wrestling Epaphras, "that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God." All rights reserved. By the renewing of your mind. For though we are many, weve all been mingled into one body in Christ. No one discovers the line of action which from possessing these characteristics can be identified as the will of God unless he is transformed from his native affinity to the world by the renewing of his mind by the Holy Spirit. 1Pet 1:14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Titus Radiate with the glow of the Holy Spirit and let him fill you with excitement as you serve him. I like J. "If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him." As clearly stated in Joshua 1:8 (note) a key element in this process is meditation which is so crucial to mind renewal but unfortunately is a vital spiritual discipline which is seldom practiced by Christians today. If you want to change your characters, and God knows they all need it, change the deep convictions of your mind; and get hold, as living realities, of the great truths of Christs Gospel. The Passion Translation encourages, convicts, teaches, and comforts me, and it continuously draws me to worship., https://www.thepassiontranslation.com/testimonial/2776/, "The Word of God is our collective and yet deeply personal love letter from above. It's just a career, and why mortgage your character for a career? (cp Proverbs 4:23-note). But such changes are generally temporary, and though they should continue for life, they are of no value in the sight of God. VCG, More about Jesus let me learn, Bless--that is, Call down by prayer a blessing on. For to be in the world and live like it We must not be afraid to be different (to be like Christ - see John 15:18, 19, 20, 21). The preceding verse says, ". Next follow specific duties, chiefly social; beginning with Humility, the chiefest of all the graces--but here with special reference to spiritual gifts. A "renewed mind" in a sense results in a "holy instinct" if you will. Of the two, however, it is more easy to sympathize with another's sorrows than his joys, because in the one case he needs us; in the other not. Metamorphoo describes the process by which that on the inside shows forth to the outside such that that everyone can see. Good (18) (agathos [word study] 19/102 uses in Romans -- Ro 2:7, 10; 3:8; 5:7; 7:12, 13, 18, 19; 8:28; 9:11; 10:15; 12:2, 9, 21; 13:3, 4; 14:16; 15:2; 16:19) describes that which is "good" in its character or constitution or beneficial in its effect. NIV, KJV, NASB, Amplified Parallel Bible--hardcover. walked ( ordered your behavior) according to (dominated by) the course (aion - the spirit of the age) of this world (kosmos = worlds values and way of doing things), according to the prince of the power of the air" (Ep 2:2-note). As we seek to know Gods will for the future, we must also act on what we already know now. Don't become like the people of this world. None of society's negative influences have to bother you. 22:37), Paul encourages us to gives ourselves completelyboth body (Romans 12:1) and mind (Romans 12:2)to God. Normally, that is, until you walked out into the sunlight again and the bright glare forced you to cover your eyes. June 2017, 2Stop imitating the ideals and opinions of the culture around you,[. Jesus does speak to us through counselors, but godly prayerful, Spirit-filled counselors that will always steer a person to Jesus in their time of need. Instead, change the way you think. You see a man as a person, even though he has been a crotchety, grouchy, old boss whom you thought was out to make every moment that you lived unpleasant. Roy Fields narrates Romans Chapter 2 in The Passion Translation Bible. The world, the flesh, and Satan are ever on the alert to frame a bargain with a Christian professor for his religion. The will of God is your being willing to do his will. Cf. That is right. And what the Net seems to be doing is chipping away my capacity for concentration and contemplation. The term conformed literally means to be molded or stamped according to a pattern. (Donald Grey Barnhouse) (All illustrations from Sermon Illustrations), BUT BE TRANSFORMED: alla metamorphousthe ( 2PPPM), but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind (GNB). And be not fashioned according to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, and ye may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Here is the trouble with many Christians. Dont copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. '' be occupied with. Ep 3:19-note ) Would you receive an abundant entrance into joy... The grace-gift of prophecy, activate your gift by using the proportion of faith you to. 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