CONFORMED NO MORE

ROM 12:2 - 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.

AS CHRIST-FOLLOWERS . . .

. . . WE NO LONGER FOLLOW THE PATTERN OF THIS WORLD. “THE PATTERN OF THIS WORLD” is referring to the ideals of this world, meaning its passions, lusts, and values. This is called having a ‘secular’ world-view. It is the opposite of a Biblical world-view. We cannot hold an anti-biblical worldview and follow Jesus at the same time. IN FACT, DURING HIS MINISTRY JESUS ACTUALLY DISCOURAGED PEOPLE FROM FOLLOWING HIM BECAUSE HE KNEW THEY WERE UNWILLING TO LET GO OF THE ‘PATTERN OF THIS WORLD.’ TIME AND TIME AGAIN, HE SAW RIGHT THROUGH THEIR HEARTS, AS HE DOES OURS TODAY.

. . . WE NO LONGER SETTLE FOR THE STATUS QUO, IT’S TIME TO GROW! The Greek word for transformation is “metamorphoo,” which is where we get our word metamorphosis. This means to change into another form, to transform, to transfigure. Think of a butterfly. It starts out as a worm. It goes though this agonizing, tough process of metamorphosis and is transformed from something rather ugly into something gorgeous and magnificent! The struggle is a beautiful one, actually. This is a picture of transformation/spiritual metamorphosis that Paul is talking about here. To grow, we need to be willing to let Jesus transform us. His Holy Spirit is the agent of change. Note: It will not be comfortable. Thus, we must renew our minds in the gospel daily.

. . . IT'S NO LONGER ABOUT MY WILL, BUT INSTEAD, THY WILL! When it’s all about "me" we will NOT grow spiritually. Conversely, when we choose His will, we are able to taste and see the goodness of God and experience true satisfaction in Christ unlike anything the world can possibly offer.

The cost of following Jesus is an all or nothing proposition. Are you all in?