Be Not Conformed, but Transformed

[Beck]

Romans 12: 1-2
Be not conformed, but Transformed
By Elder Dennis Beck, Jr

1 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. 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.

Beseech: means to exhort, beg, plea.

In his opening Paul is making a plea to the people by the mercies of God, that they give their body to God.

By what mercies is Paul referring too?
a. Freedom from sin - Ro 6:16-18
b. Gift of eternal life - Ro 6:23
c. Peace with God - Ro 5:1
d. Access to the grace of God - Ro 5:2
e. Saved from the wrath of God - Ro 5:9
n Should not God's mercy move us to repent and seek transformation? - Ro 2:4-5

Reasonable: logical service.

Conformed: To be Similar in character, speech, and action, to comply. The desire to be like someone else
a. Do what they do
b. Say what they say
c. Wear what they wear
To accept the ideas, the fashions, way of walking and talking, etc., that is popular
4. A conformist, therefore, is someone who:
a. Is afraid to be different
b. Feels a need to be like everyone else.

Dangers Of conformity:
Conformity to the things of this world can separate us from God! . 1 Jn 2:15-17
a. By giving in to the lust of the flesh (immorality)
b. By succumbing to the lust of the eyes (materialism)
c. By yielding to the pride of life (arrogance)

Transformed: To change into another form, to transform, to transfigure
A. The Word...
1. The Greek word is metamorphoo (met-am-or-fo'-o)
a. Lit., "to change into another form" (Vine's)
b. From which comes the word "metamorphosis"

B. The Concept...
1. The idea being commanded by Paul is this:
a. Christians are "to undergo a complete change, which under
the power of God, will find expression in character and conduct" (Vine's)
b. I.e., we who are "caterpillars" are to become "butterflies"
2. Note that Paul uses the passive voice
a. Indicating that "transformation" is something we allow to be done to us
b. Not something we do by our own power alone
c. Rather, we submit to God's power and by His grace...
1) We are "changed into another form"
2) We become a "new creation" - cf. 2 Co 5:17

The Goal of Transformation:
A. To Be Like Christ...
1. As expressed by Paul - 2 Co 3:18
2. As predestined by God - Ro 8:29
3. The purpose of being a disciple (to become like his teacher)- Lk 6:40
4. The goal of Christian living - cf. Co 3:9-10




B. To Live Like Christ...
1. To present our bodies as living sacrifices, holy, acceptable to God
a. Is this not what Jesus did on earth? - He 10:5
b. So we are to offer ourselves as living sacrifices - Ro 12:1
2. To prove that God's will is good, acceptable, and perfect
a. Was this not Jesus sought to do on earth? - Jn 6:38
b. So we are to demonstrate that God's will is right - Ro 12:2

Renewing our Mind:
1. The process of transformation continues as we renew the mind
a. As indicated in our text - Ro 12:2; cf. also Ep 4:20-24
b. Unless there is a renewing of the mind, any change in our lives will be superficial
2. Renewing the mind is made possible by where we set our minds
a. Setting our minds on things above - Co 3:1-2
b. Setting our minds on the things of the Spirit - Ro 8:5
c. I.e., feeding our minds with the Word of God, prayer, fellowship, etc. - Ac 2:42
3. With our minds "renewed" we can experience a true transformation!
a. By putting off the old man and putting on the new man - Co 3:2,5-10
b. By living according to the Spirit - cf. Ro 8:5,13
4. The process of transformation is really quite simple
a. Set your minds on things above in order to renew your mind; for example...
1) Meditate and contemplate on God and His Word
2) Keep your mind in communication with God via prayer
3) Involve your mind in spiritual worship via frequent assembling with others

What Hinders the Renewing Process?
1. If it is so easy, why do many Christians remain "caterpillars"?
a. Were they not regenerated at their baptism? (yes)
b. Don't they have the promise of God's help? (yes)
2. The problem is likely a failure to renew the mind
a. Can a mind be renewed on a starvation diet? (e.g., irregular Bible study)
b. Can a mind be renewed on a junk-food diet? (e.g., trashy movies and novels)
3. Why many Christians do not experience transformation...
a. They become what they think, and much of what they think upon is not becoming!
b. They spend more time watching things of the devil than reading things of the Spirit!
-- Our attitudes and behavior is but a reflection of what goes into our minds!

Mt 12:35 A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth-good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth-evil things

Proverbs 23:7 For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.

Conclusion:
We have a choice...
a. Either to buckle under and be led by those destroying their own bodies, minds, and souls
b. Or look to Jesus, the true nonconformist, and allow ourselves to
be transformed by the renewing of our minds

3. If we are to conform, let us conform to the image of Jesus - Ro 8:29
a. For that will require a true transformation of the inner man
b. And we can demonstrate what is the good, acceptable, and perfect will of God!






BE A TRANSFORMIST, NOT A CONFORMIST...
1. A conformist (as used here) is one who...
a. Undergoes a superficial, shallow change
b. Becomes a cheap imitation, letting others do their thinking for them
2. A transformist is one who...
a. Undergoes a real change (like a caterpillar becoming a butterfly)
b. Experiences a true "renewal"
1) That begins with conversion - Ti 3:5( The way we talk) you don’t talk defeat, but victory
2) That involves a renewal of the mind - Ro 12:2
3) That continues as we go through life - 2 Co 4:16
3. Becoming a transformist...
a. Addresses the reasons why many conform
1) A feeling of insecurity (yet we learn that God loves us, we are special! - 1 Jn 3:1)
2) A desire to follow the crowd (yet we learn the ultimate end of following the world - 1 Jn 2:15-17)
b. Marks the difference between...
1) Christians who are truly converted
2) Those who are shallow imitators of true disciples

B. BE A LEADER, NOT A FOLLOWER...
1. A transformist is a leader
a. Who "proves" to others what is good, acceptable and perfect- Ro 12:2
1) Presents their bodies as living and holy sacrifices – Ro 12:1
2) Has the courage to say "no" to things that are wrong
b. Whose example helps others fight off the pressures to conform
1) Giving others the strength to say "no"
2) Encouraging others to do what is right - e.g., Joshua, Josh 24:14-15; Judg 2:7
2. A conformist is but a simple follower
a. Letting others do their thinking for them
b. Letting others lead them into harm's way

[krazeeboi]

I've heard this scripture preached many a time, but rarely, if ever, has the truth of the passage been arrived at. Great job, Beck. I would also add that 12:1 is a continuity of Paul's thought from the last few scriptures of the previous chapter, which are mind blowing.

[And Such Were Some Of You]

krazeeboi said:

I've heard this scripture preached many a time, but rarely, if ever, has the truth of the passage been arrived at. Great job, Beck. I would also add that 12:1 is a continuity of Paul's thought from the last few scriptures of the previous chapter, which are mind blowing.

Amen Bro!

And it really bothers me when people quote it out of context which most often is the case. Someone need to teach people about "transition words" and their purpose.

[Beck]

Thank you both.. your words are very humbling. I am far from what God desires me to be, and I am trying my best not be a "new age" preacher... I desire to know the word for what it is.. Im not interested in trying to make the scripture fit my thoughts.. I need my thoughts to fit scripture.. so context and background is very important to me.

Once again thank you very much for your words... and please keep me in your prayers. because I need it...

[And Such Were Some Of You]

I pray for you, you pray for me, I love you, I need you to survive.

Remember we had a big "to do" about that song? OR was it on this board?

[Beck]

andsuchweresomeofu said:

I pray for you, you pray for me, I love you, I need you to survive.

Remember we had a big "to do" about that song? OR was it on this board?

I dunno sister, but I like that song... I dont know how you feel about it... LOL.

[And Such Were Some Of You]

that is one I actually like!

[Beck]

andsuchweresomeofu said:

that is one I actually like!

Well thank you so much for praying for me... I really do need it.

[And Such Were Some Of You]

I do as well - which is why that song popped in my mind. You are in my prayers, bro!

[krazeeboi]

elderbeck said:

Thank you both.. your words are very humbling. I am far from what God desires me to be, and I am trying my best not be a "new age" preacher... I desire to know the word for what it is.. Im not interested in trying to make the scripture fit my thoughts.. I need my thoughts to fit scripture.. so context and background is very important to me.

Oh I can tell that you are really attempting to be true to the intent and purpose of Scripture. You are to be commended for that. I am praying for ya, bro!

[krazeeboi]

andsuchweresomeofu said:

I pray for you, you pray for me, I love you, I need you to survive.

Remember we had a big "to do" about that song? OR was it on this board?

That's one of Oprah's new favorite songs. On her latest Road Trip episode, she and Gayle stopped at a church in Ft. Smith, AR one Sunday morning where the choir was singing that song and they really liked it.

[Jasmine]

excellent thread. I like all this uplifting one another with praises.

A beautiful sight in the Lord.

[And Such Were Some Of You]

jasmine said:

excellent thread. I like all this uplifting one another with praises.

A beautiful sight in the Lord.

Amen!

[Beck]

krazeeboi said:

elderbeck said:

Thank you both.. your words are very humbling. I am far from what God desires me to be, and I am trying my best not be a "new age" preacher... I desire to know the word for what it is.. Im not interested in trying to make the scripture fit my thoughts.. I need my thoughts to fit scripture.. so context and background is very important to me.

Oh I can tell that you are really attempting to be true to the intent and purpose of Scripture. You are to be commended for that. I am praying for ya, bro!

thank you.. One of my biggest problems is I cant always put it all together. Some times the spirit speaks to me so freely Its easy for me to just sit down for 3 hours and put together a bible class lesson. But in other times I struggle just to get a thought to put down on paper. I dont party, drink, or do anything that crazy. I am in church EVERY sunday, Every bible class and even go out and witness. I pray, fast and do family devotions... but at times that seems to not be enough. This is what the lesson was birthed from.. the stuggle of being conformed to the world.. the constant battle of wills within all of us. Just because our minds are renewed daily, doesnt mean that the enemy will stop attacking.. this is why we need to renew ourselves daily..because what we did yesterday just isnt good enough...

Keep me in your prayers, because I only desire to speak what he speaks and say what he says. Its just at times that it seems I can keep going and going and once I feel that its enough.. I at times cant get that "groove back" for a while.

[kanyon]

elderbeck said:

krazeeboi said:

Oh I can tell that you are really attempting to be true to the intent and purpose of Scripture. You are to be commended for that. I am praying for ya, bro!

thank you.. One of my biggest problems is I cant always put it all together. Some times the spirit speaks to me so freely Its easy for me to just sit down for 3 hours and put together a bible class lesson. But in other times I struggle just to get a thought to put down on paper. I dont party, drink, or do anything that crazy. I am in church EVERY sunday, Every bible class and even go out and witness. I pray, fast and do family devotions... but at times that seems to not be enough. This is what the lesson was birthed from.. the stuggle of being conformed to the world.. the constant battle of wills within all of us. Just because our minds are renewed daily, doesnt mean that the enemy will stop attacking.. this is why we need to renew ourselves daily..because what we did yesterday just isnt good enough...

Keep me in your prayers, because I only desire to speak what he speaks and say what he says. Its just at times that it seems I can keep going and going and once I feel that its enough.. I at times cant get that "groove back" for a while.

one of the most comforting passages of scripture I have ever found is in the Living Bible, around Galations 5:22.

The KJV states, "But the fruit of the Spirit is...."

The LB states, "But when the Holy Spirit controls your life, He will produce these things in you..."

Our greatest frustrations come when we don't measure up to our own standards let alone Gods.

Much better to let the Holy Spirit control our lives and produce His image in us.

God bless