The Transformation of the Christian
The Transformation of the Christian 2/17/08 a.m.
2 Co 10:3-5 Ro 12:1-2
Our focus today is the transformation of the Christian through a change in the mind.
(this is not salvation-but growing in Christ)
The transformation or the change in function of the Christian through the changing of the mind is training our minds to bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ (or in agreement with) rather than into captivity to the obedience (or in agreement with) of man’s wisdom or the world around us-
Studies show no difference between the life styles and habits of church goers and non-church goers.
The divorce rate in the church is equal to that of the secular world.
The transformation of the Christian life is brought about by learning to think like Christ, or learning to think in agreement with Christ. (this is not salvation-but growing in Christ)
2 Co 10:3-5 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not 1carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,
Our way of thinking or our beliefs are the foundation of our values, and our values are the foundation of our conduct.
or do you fit in with the world around you,
| OurConduct |
| Our Values |
| Our ThinkingOur Beliefs |
Gossip; cause trouble taxes; pay taxes homosexuality; condone
Unloving/uncaring honesty ungodly
O.K. Obey law O.K.
God hates it commands it abhors it
Therefore if we want our conduct to be pleasing to God then;
We must make sure our values are pleasing to God;
And if we want our values to be pleasing to God then;
We must make sure our thinking is pleasing to God.
God pleasing thinking doesn’t come natural for us since we are of a fallen nature.
Therefore we must bring every thought into compliance with the Word of God
For our thinking to be in compliance with God a change must take place in our mind.
Ro 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 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.
The New International Version
v2 Do not conform any longer 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.
New Century Version
v2 Do not be shaped by this world; instead be changed within by a new way of thinking. Then you will be able to decide what God wants for you; you will know what is good and pleasing to him and what is perfect
English Standard Version
v2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect
For transformation to take place in the life of the Christian, our thinking must change to align with Gods’ thinking;
do not be conformed to this world
———————
con•form \kən-ˈfȯrm\ vb
[ME, fr. AF conformer, fr. L conformare, fr. com- + formare to form, fr. forma form] vt 14c : to give the same shape, outline, or contour to : bring into harmony or accord 〈conform furrows to the slope of the land〉 vi
1 : to be similar or identical also : to be in agreement or harmony — used with to or with 〈changes that conform with our plans〉
2 a : to be obedient or compliant — usu. used with to 〈conform to another’s wishes〉
b : to act in accordance with prevailing standards or customs 〈the pressure to conform〉 syn see adapt — con•form•er n — con•form•ism \-ˈfȯr-ˌmi-zəm\ n — con•form•ist \-mist\ n or adj
Merriam-Webster, I. (2003). Merriam-Webster's collegiate dictionary. (Eleventh ed.). Springfield, Mass.: Merriam-Webster, Inc.
He is telling us not to act in accordance with prevailing standards or customs of the lost.
Rather than being in agreement with the prevailing standards or customs of the world we are to;
be transformed -our life, way of life, life style, our conduct is to be like Christ
———————
1trans•form \tran(t)s-ˈfȯrm\ vb
[ME, fr. MF transformer, fr. L transformare, fr. trans- + formare to form, fr. forma form] vt 14c
1 a : to change in composition or structure
b : to change the outward form or appearance of
c : to change in character or condition : convert
2 : to subject to mathematical transformation
3 : to cause (a cell) to undergo genetic transformation vi : to become transformed : change — trans•form•able \-ˈfȯr-mə-bəl\ adj — trans•for•ma•tive \-ˈfȯr-mə-tiv\ adj
syn transform, metamorphose, transmute, convert, transmogrify, transfigure mean to change a thing into a different thing.
(from living an ungodly life to a Godly life)
transform implies a major change in form, nature, or function 〈transformed a small company into a corporate giant〉.
metamorphose suggests an abrupt or startling change induced by or as if by magic or a supernatural power 〈awkward girls metamorphosed into graceful ballerinas〉.
transmute implies transforming into a higher element or thing 〈attempted to transmute lead into gold〉.
convert implies a change fitting something for a new or different use or function 〈converted the study into a nursery〉.
transmogrify suggests a strange or preposterous metamorphosis 〈a story in which a frog is transmogrified into a prince〉.
transfigure implies a change that exalts or glorifies 〈joy transfigured her face〉.
———————
Merriam-Webster, I. (2003). Merriam-Webster's collegiate dictionary. (Eleventh ed.). Springfield, Mass.: Merriam-Webster, Inc.
How can we as Christians bring about a transformation in our lives;
How can we as Christians bring about a major change in our nature, or function;
How can we as Christians bring about a change induced by the power of God;
How can we as Christians bring about a transformation into being a vessel of honor;
How can we as Christians bring about a change fitting for the use of God;
How can we as Christians bring about a change that exalts or glorifies God?
Be transformed by the renewing of your mind,
Your beliefs are the foundation of your values,
and your values are the foundation of your conduct.
Prov.23:7 For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.
Pr 4:23-27 23 Keep your heart with all diligence,
For out of it spring the issues of life. Beliefs-thinking
24 Put away from you a 3deceitful mouth,
And put perverse lips far from you.
25 Let your eyes look straight ahead,
And your eyelids look right before you.
26 Ponder the path of your feet,
And let all your ways be established. values
27 Do not turn to the right or the left;
Remove your foot from evil. conduct
Why is it so important that we change the way we think?
that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Are there any areas in our lives today that we need to prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God?
2 Co 10:3-5 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not 1carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,
Are there any arguments that exalt themselves against the knowledge of God?
As we face the election of a leader for this nation some say their godliness isn’t a factor in choosing while others claim the opposite.
What does God say about the type of leader a nation should have?
Some say this one will be the best while others choose another.
What does God consider a good leader to be?
Some are promoting the homosexual life style while others oppose it.
What does God say about the homosexual life style?
Some are for abortion and some are against it.
What does God about the killing of the unborn?
Some think marriage is between two people, others say it’s between a male and a female.
What does God say marriage is?
Some say it’s all due to evolution some creation.
What does God say it was?
Some say God is not to be acknowledged in public while others say He is.
What does God say about those that won’t acknowledge Him publicly?
Some say God has no place in government.
What does God say about the people when the godless rule?
Some support world government while others oppose it.
What description does God give of world government?
(a bill for a global tax has passed one branch of congress)
Some think the government should provide our every need while others say they shouldn’t.
What does God say the responsibility of government is?
Some want wealth spread equally while others promote free enterprise.
Which system does God use?
Some oppose the war while others think we have to finish the job.
What does God say is the purpose of war?
Some say we need better economics, better foreign policy and tolerance to be a better nation.
What does God say makes a nation great?
Some say there is no hope for our nation.
But what does God say He will do for the nation when His people pray, repent and seek His face?
For the most part it is impossible to distinguish between the Christian and the non-christian, the “church” is divided on the issues of murder and perversion, our nation is at a very critical time in its history while the world is closer to one world government, a major war in the Holy Land, the arrival of the anti-christ and the return of Christ Himself than ever before, could these characteristics point to a need of renewed thinking by the Christian?
If there was ever a time that we as Christians needed to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, it is now!
The first step in transforming our life is accepting Christ as our Lord and savior, are you saved?
If are you saved has your life been transformed or do you fit in with the world around you,
How’s your thinking, does it align with the lost world or the word of God?
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1 of the flesh
3 devious
1 of the flesh