Romans 12:2
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.
Do not be conformed to this world
This phrase begins with a clear directive, urging believers to resist the pressures and patterns of the secular world. The Greek word for "conformed" is "syschēmatizō," which implies an outward conformity that does not reflect an inward change. Historically, the early Christians lived in a Roman society filled with pagan practices and moral decay. This call to non-conformity is a reminder that Christians are to live distinctively, not adopting the values and behaviors of the surrounding culture. The "world" here refers to the present age, characterized by sin and rebellion against God. This exhortation is timeless, urging believers today to stand firm against societal pressures that contradict biblical principles.

but be transformed
The Greek word for "transformed" is "metamorphoō," from which we derive the English word "metamorphosis." This indicates a profound change from the inside out, akin to a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly. This transformation is not superficial but a deep, spiritual renewal. In the historical context, this transformation was radical, as it called for a complete change in how believers thought and lived, setting them apart from both Jewish legalism and Gentile immorality. This transformation is ongoing, a continuous process of becoming more like Christ.

by the renewing of your mind
The "renewing" of the mind involves a complete renovation of one's thought processes. The Greek word "anakainōsis" suggests a renewal that makes something new and different. This renewal is essential for transformation and is achieved through the Holy Spirit's work and engagement with Scripture. Historically, this was a revolutionary concept, as it shifted the focus from external adherence to the law to an internal change of heart and mind. The mind is the battleground where spiritual transformation occurs, and believers are called to fill their minds with God's truth, allowing it to reshape their worldview and actions.

Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God
This phrase highlights the result of a transformed mind: the ability to discern God's will. The Greek word "dokimazō" means to test, examine, or prove. It implies a process of discernment that leads to understanding and embracing God's will. The "good, pleasing, and perfect" will of God is not only morally excellent but also aligned with His purposes and character. In the historical context, discerning God's will was crucial for early Christians navigating a complex world of competing ideologies and moral challenges. For contemporary believers, this discernment is equally vital, enabling them to live lives that honor God and reflect His kingdom values. This process of testing and approving is ongoing, requiring continual reliance on the Holy Spirit and Scripture.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul the Apostle
The author of the Book of Romans, Paul was a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and theological teachings.

2. The Roman Church
The original recipients of the letter, the Roman Christians were a diverse group of Jewish and Gentile believers living in the heart of the Roman Empire.

3. The World (Greek: "aion")
Refers to the present age or system of values and beliefs that are opposed to God's ways.

4. Transformation (Greek: "metamorphoo")
A profound change in form or nature, indicating a spiritual renewal and growth.

5. Mind Renewal
The process of changing one's thinking to align with God's truth, leading to spiritual maturity and discernment.
Teaching Points
Non-Conformity to the World
As Christians, we are called to resist the pressures and values of the secular world. This requires vigilance and intentionality in our daily choices.

Transformation through Mind Renewal
True transformation begins with a change in our thinking. By immersing ourselves in God's Word and prayer, we allow the Holy Spirit to renew our minds.

Discernment of God's Will
A renewed mind enables us to discern and embrace God's will, which is always good, pleasing, and perfect. This discernment is crucial for making wise decisions.

Practical Steps for Mind Renewal
Engage in regular Bible study, prayer, and fellowship with other believers. These practices help align our thoughts with God's truth.

Living Out the Transformed Life
Our transformed lives should be evident in our actions, attitudes, and relationships, serving as a testimony to the power of God's work in us.
Bible Study Questions
1. What are some specific ways in which the world tries to conform us to its patterns, and how can we resist these influences?

2. How does the concept of "mind renewal" challenge you in your current spiritual journey?

3. In what areas of your life do you need greater discernment to understand God's will, and how can Romans 12:2 guide you in this process?

4. How do the additional scriptures connected to Romans 12:2 deepen your understanding of transformation and renewal?

5. What practical steps can you take this week to focus on renewing your mind and aligning your thoughts with God's truth?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Ephesians 4:23-24
Discusses the renewal of the mind and putting on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Philippians 4:8
Encourages believers to think about things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable, which aligns with the concept of mind renewal.

1 John 2:15-17
Warns against loving the world or anything in it, emphasizing the temporary nature of worldly desires compared to the eternal will of God.

2 Corinthians 3:18
Speaks of being transformed into the image of Christ with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord.

Colossians 3:2
Urges believers to set their minds on things above, not on earthly things, reinforcing the idea of a renewed focus.
Be not Conformed to This WorldCharles G. Finney Romans 12:2
Christian Character a MetamorphosisS.R. Aldridge Romans 12:2
Conformation and TransformationE. H. Chapin, D.D.Romans 12:2
Conformed and TransformedF. D. Maurice, M.A.Romans 12:2
Conformed and TransformedW. H. Etchers, M.A.Romans 12:2
Conformity to the WorldC. Hodge, D.D.Romans 12:2
Conformity to the WorldHomilistRomans 12:2
Conformity to the WorldP. Rutherford.Romans 12:2
Conformity to the WorldJ. Lyth, D.D.Romans 12:2
Conformity to the World: its FollyRomans 12:2
Nonconformity to the WorldAbp. Magee.Romans 12:2
Nonconformity to the WorldDean Stanley.Romans 12:2
Nonconformity to the WorldBp. Beveridge.Romans 12:2
Nonconformity to the WorldBiblical MuseumRomans 12:2
Nonconformity to the WorldCanon Miller.Romans 12:2
Nonconformity to the WorldDean Vaughan.Romans 12:2
Nonconformity to the World -- InwardRomans 12:2
Nonconformity to the World -- OutwardM. Davies, D.D.Romans 12:2
The Christian Life a TransfigurationA. Maclaren, D.D.Romans 12:2
The Two LikenessesC.H. Irwin Romans 12:2
The WorldR. S. Candlish, D.D.Romans 12:2
The World an AtmosphereCanon Liddon.Romans 12:2
The World, Danger OfRomans 12:2
The World: Difficult to DefineC. Neil, M.A.Romans 12:2
The World: Spirit OfF. W. Robertson, M.A.Romans 12:2
TransfigurationA. Maclaren, D.D.Romans 12:2
TransformationR. S. Candlish, D.D.Romans 12:2
TransformationRomans 12:2
Worldliness: its Spirit Permanent, its Forms ChangefulW. H. Etchers, M.A.Romans 12:2
The Living SacrificeT.F. Lockyer Romans 12:1, 2
IndividualismR.M. Edgar Romans 12:1-3
People
Paul, Romans
Places
Rome
Topics
Able, Acceptable, Age, Approve, Beautiful, Behaviour, Changed, Complete, Conformed, Customs, Entire, Experience, Fashioned, Follow, God's, Learn, Longer, Mind, Minds, Pattern, Perfect, Pleasing, Present, Prove, Proving, Purpose, Renewal, Renewing, Test, Transformed, Well-pleasing
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Romans 12:2

     1050   God, goodness of
     1100   God, perfection
     1115   God, purpose of
     1175   God, will of
     4030   world, behaviour in
     5334   health
     5345   influence
     5542   society, positive
     5894   intelligence
     5904   maturity, spiritual
     6030   sin, avoidance
     6185   imagination, desires
     6627   conversion, nature of
     6650   finding
     8145   renewal, people of God
     8211   commitment, to world
     8217   conformity
     8227   discernment, nature of
     8302   love, abuse of
     8321   perfection, divine
     8348   spiritual growth, nature of
     8351   teachableness
     8466   reformation
     8484   spiritual warfare, enemies
     8738   evil, victory over
     8821   self-indulgence
     8832   testing
     8848   worldliness

Romans 12:1-2

     4010   creation, renewal
     5038   mind, the human
     5763   attitudes, positive to God
     7797   teaching
     8262   generosity, human
     8311   morality, and redemption
     8369   worthiness
     8444   honouring God

Romans 12:1-3

     6745   sanctification, nature and basis

Romans 12:2-3

     8476   self-discipline

Library
A Reasonable Service
TEXT: "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service."--Romans 12:1. There is perhaps no chapter in the New Testament, certainly none in this epistle, with which we are more familiar than this one which is introduced by the text; and yet, however familiar we may be with the statements, if we read them carefully and study them honestly they must always come to us not only in the
J. Wilbur Chapman—And Judas Iscariot

January 16. "Prove what is that Good, and Acceptable and Perfect Will of God" (Rom. xii. 2).
"Prove what is that good, and acceptable and perfect will of God" (Rom. xii. 2). There are three conditions in which the water in that engine may be. First, the boiler may be full and the water clean and clear; or, secondly, the boiler may not only be full but the water may be hot, very hot, hot enough to scald you, almost boiling; thirdly, it may be just one degree hotter and at the boiling point, giving forth its vapor in clouds of steam, pressing through the valves and driving the mighty piston
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

July 22. "He that Ministereth Let us Wait on Our Ministering" (Rom. xii. 7).
"He that ministereth let us wait on our ministering" (Rom. xii. 7). Beloved, are you ministering to Christ? Are you doing it with your hands? Are you doing it with your substance and with what you have? Is He getting the best of what is most real to you? Has He a place at your table? And when He does not come to fill the chair, is it free to His representative, His poor and humble children? Your words and wishes are cheap if they do not find expression in your actual gifts. Even Mary did not put
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

April 6. "As we have Many Members in one Body, So we Being Many are one Body in Christ" (Rom. xii. 4, 5).
"As we have many members in one body, so we being many are one body in Christ" (Rom. xii. 4, 5). Sometimes our communion with God is cut off, or interrupted because of something wrong with a brother, or some lack of unity in the body of Christ. We try to get at the Lord, but we cannot, because we are separated from some member of the Lord's body, or because there is not the freedom of His love flowing through every organic part. It does not need a blow upon the head to paralyze the brain; a blow
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

First Sunday after Epiphany
Text: Romans 12, 1-6. 1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service. 2 And be not fashioned according to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God. 3 For I say, through the grace that was given me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II

Second Sunday after Epiphany
Text: Romans 12, 6-16. 6 And having gifts differing according to the grace that was given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of our faith; 7 or ministry, let us give ourselves to our ministry; or he that teacheth, to his teaching; 8 or he that exhorteth, to his exhorting; he that giveth, let him do it with liberality; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness. 9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II

Third Sunday after Epiphany
Text: Romans 12, 16-21. 16 Be not wise in your own conceits. 17 Render to no man evil for evil. Take thought for things honorable in the sight of all men. 18 If it be possible, as much as in you lieth, be at peace with all men. 19 Avenge not yourselves, beloved, but give place unto the wrath of God: for it is written, Vengeance belongeth unto me; I will recompense, saith the Lord. 20 But if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him to drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II

Sunday Before Lent
Text: First Corinthians 13. 1 If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am become sounding brass, or a clanging cymbal. 2 And if I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 And if I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and if I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profiteth me nothing. 4 Love suffereth long, and is kind; love envieth not; love
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II

November the Twenty-Eighth How to Fight Evil
"Overcome evil with good." --ROMANS xii. 9-21. For how else can we cast out evil? Satan cannot cast out Satan. No one can clean a room with a filthy duster. The surgeon cannot cut out the disease if his instruments are defiled. While he removed one ill-growth he would sow the seed of another. It must be health which fights disease. It will demand a good temper to overcome the bad temper in my brother. And therefore I must cultivate a virtue if I would eradicate a vice. That applies to the state
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

The Sacrifice of the Body
'I beseech you, therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.'--ROMANS xii. 1. In the former part of this letter the Apostle has been building up a massive fabric of doctrine, which has stood the waste of centuries, and the assaults of enemies, and has been the home of devout souls. He now passes to speak of practice, and he binds the two halves of his letter indissolubly together by that significant
Alexander Maclaren—Romans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. V)

A Triplet of Graces
'Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.'--ROMANS xii. 11. Paul believed that Christian doctrine was meant to influence Christian practice; and therefore, after the fundamental and profound exhibition of the central truths of Christianity which occupies the earlier portion of this great Epistle, he tacks on, with a 'therefore' to his theological exposition, a series of plain, practical teachings. The place where conduct comes in the letter is profoundly significant, and, if
Alexander Maclaren—Romans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. V)

Another Triplet of Graces
'Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer.'--ROMANS xii. 12. These three closely connected clauses occur, as you all know, in the midst of that outline of the Christian life with which the Apostle begins the practical part of this Epistle. Now, what he omits in this sketch of Christian duty seems to me quite as significant as what he inserts. It is very remarkable that in the twenty verses devoted to this subject, this is the only one which refers to the inner secrets
Alexander Maclaren—Romans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. V)

Still Another Triplet
'Be of the same mind one toward another. Set not your mind on high things, but condescend to things that are lowly. Be not wise in your own conceits.'--Romans xii. 16 (R.V.). We have here again the same triple arrangement which has prevailed through a considerable portion of the context. These three exhortations are linked together by a verbal resemblance which can scarcely be preserved in translation. In the two former the same verb is employed: and in the third the word for 'wise' is cognate with
Alexander Maclaren—Romans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. V)

Transfiguration
'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.'--ROMANS xii. 2. I had occasion to point out, in a sermon on the preceding verse, that the Apostle is, in this context, making the transition from the doctrinal to the practical part of his letter, and that he lays down broad principles, of which all his subsequent injunctions and exhortations are simply the filling up of the details.
Alexander Maclaren—Romans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. V)

Sober Thinking
'For I say, through the grace that is given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.'--ROMANS xii. 3. It is hard to give advice without seeming to assume superiority; it is hard to take it, unless the giver identifies himself with the receiver, and shows that his counsel to others is a law for himself. Paul does so here, led by the delicate perception which
Alexander Maclaren—Romans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. V)

Still Another Triplet
'Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. 14. Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. 15. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.'--ROMANS xii. 13-15. In these verses we pass from the innermost region of communion with God into the wide field of duties in relation to men. The solitary secrecies of rejoicing hope, endurance, and prayer unbroken, are exchanged for the publicities of benevolence and sympathy. In the former verses the Christian
Alexander Maclaren—Romans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. V)

Many and One
'For we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: 5. So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.'--ROMANS xii. 4, 5. To Paul there was the closest and most vital connection between the profoundest experiences of the Christian life and its plainest and most superficial duties. Here he lays one of his most mystical conceptions as the very foundation on which to rear the great structure of Christian conduct, and links on to one of
Alexander Maclaren—Romans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. V)

Grace and Graces
'Having then gifts, differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; 7. Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering; or he that teacheth, on teaching; 8. Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation; he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness.'--ROMANS xii. 6-8. The Apostle here proceeds to build upon the great thought of the unity of believers in the
Alexander Maclaren—Romans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. V)

Love that Can Hate
'Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. 10. In love of the brethren be tenderly affectioned one to another; in honour preferring one another.'--ROMANS xii. 9-10 (R.V.). Thus far the Apostle has been laying down very general precepts and principles of Christian morals. Starting with the one all-comprehensive thought of self-sacrifice as the very foundation of all goodness, of transformation as its method, and of the clear knowledge of our several powers
Alexander Maclaren—Romans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. V)

"Members one of Another. "
"So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another."--ROMANS xii. 5. There are some moral and spiritual truths which it seems to be almost impossible to impress upon the practical life of the world, although they meet with a sort of universal acceptance. Men agree with them, they re-echo them, they applaud them; they do everything, in fact, but exhibit them as the moving, inspiring, and guiding truths of their daily practice. And among these I fear we must still class
John Percival—Sermons at Rugby

Constant, Instant, Expectant
Prayer is to be exercised in all things, for from its position in the present context we are taught that it is not without prayer that we proceed to "distribute to the necessities of the saints." Because we have prayed for them we are ready to befriend them by deeds of love. If we have not been accustomed to pray for the brethren, we shall not be "given to hospitality"; much less shall we "bless them which persecute us." prayer is the life-blood of duty, the secret sap of holiness, the fountain of
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 25: 1879

Jowett -- Apostolic Optimism
John Henry Jowett, Congregational divine, was born at Barnard Castle, Durham, in 1864, and educated at Edinburgh and Oxford universities. In 1889 he was ordained to St. James's Congregational Church, Newcastle-on-Tyne, and in 1895 was called to his present pastorate of Carr's Lane Congregational Church, Birmingham, where he has taken rank among the leading preachers of Great Britain. He is the author of several important books. JOWETT Born in 1864 APOSTOLIC OPTIMISM[1] [Footnote 1: Reprinted by permission
Various—The World's Great Sermons, Volume 10

The True Nonconformist.
A Communion Sermon, Delivered Sept. 16, 1866, In The First Presbyterian Church, Troy, N. Y. Rom. xii, 2. "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." By itself, this command is ambiguous. Common sense testifies that, in very many things, every Christian must, more or less, conform to the world. Many of the world's customs are not only harmless, but salutary, beautiful,
Rev. Marvin R. Vincent.—Amusement: A Force in Christian Training

Second Address.
I beseech yon therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 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.--ROM. xii. 1,2. I have been thinking about the word in the text, "that"--"that ye may prove what is that good and acceptable, and perfect will of God." This advance in
Catherine Booth—Godliness

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