“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”     Romans 12:2

God’s word impacts us, His people, by renewing our minds and reshaping our values, so we live according to His purpose. This is a very important way that spiritual growth happens.  

God’s Word Transforms Us
Paul says in Romans 12:1 that God’s mercy is the reason for his appeal to offer your bodies as a living sacrifices, instead of offering animal sacrifices. 
How does God transform us?  God speaks truth to us, in His word. The Spirit helps us to understand His word, and live this way, with changed hearts and minds.
We have all God’s help to resist being conformed and shaped by the world.  Instead, God transforms and shapes us. How does He do this? 

We Test and Approve God’s Will

Paul explains: God’s will is good, pleasing and perfect.  God transforms and renews our hearts, minds and our actions. When we seek to live pleasing to God, and not conforming to the world,  then we are living God’s way, and doing God’s will.  God refreshes and challenges our minds, hearts and actions.   This is what growing to maturity in Jesus looks like.
Pastor Ray’s recent sermon on Guidance and the Voice of God, reminded us that God’s purposes are perfect. Yet – we will encounter struggle, suffering and confusion as we seek it.  Though God may not reveal this to us when or how we want it, He will do it.      

Reflection Questions

•  ⁠What worldly patterns do you currently feel pressure to conform to? Eg social  media, friends’ opinions. 
•  Identify one area where ⁠God’s word recently challenged or refreshed your

 thinking (mind), your emotions (heart) and your actions (behaviour) ? 

•  ⁠What specific habits help us prioritise what goes into our brain,

 so we remain anchored in God?

If you want to read more about being changed and transformed by God’s word,   please see:

• 2 Timothy 3:10- 16
•  Psalm 119 (yes – it is 176 verses)  
• 2 Corinthians 3:18 

Prayer Focus

Father please help us to feed on your word, to be transformed to be more like Jesus each day.  We confess the ways we have been conformed to this world. Please forgive us, and help us to live your way. We ask this in Jesus powerful name. Amen

Today’s Challenge

God is at work through the spirit to transform us to be more like Jesus each day. We participate in this, by allowing God to change us.  As you go through this day, bring your mind regularly back to Romans 12:2, asking God to renew your mind and transform you into Christlikeness.