Daily Devotions
Romans
"Be transformed by the renewing of your mind..."
Text: Romans 12:2
THE WORLD’S RESPONSE
Paul did not think that any true believer would object strenuously to his appeal to make an appropriate response to God for the salvation He has wrought for us! However, he knew all too well that the response of some would be somewhat diluted by “the world”.
“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.”
Romans 12:2
1. Do not be conformed to this world
If believers were to be influenced by the world, they will end up being conformed to its ways! One can be sure that the world would never endorse what Paul suggested earlier about yielding our body as a living sacrifice to God. The believer who truly loves God must recognize the world for what it is- and choose not to be conformed to its ways.
2. Be transformed by the renewing of your mind
A new mindset is needed! Instead of conformity to the world, the better alternative is to experience a transformation of heart and mind. The old mindset (worldly) must yield to a new way of thinking. When one has truly understood and experienced salvation from God, “old things have passed away… all things have become new” (Cf. 2 Corinthians 5:17).
3. That you may prove (for yourself)
The believer is confronted by two alternatives. There is the way of the world and there is the way of the Lord! The believer is challenged to prove for himself the following:-
a) That the way of God is far superior to that of the world.
b) That the will of God is characterized by the following features:-
i) The will of God is good.
ii) The will of God is acceptable.
iii) The will of God is perfect.
PONDERING ABOUT MAKING AN APPROPRIATE RESPONSE
The believer already knows (from personal experience) what the world offers! Would he not at least prove for himself what the will of God was like? The wise and mature believer will absolutely agree with Paul’s description about the will of God!