The Bible instructs us to be transformed by the renewing of our mind. Romans 12:2 instructs, be not conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. The term for transformation was used in the Synoptic Gospels to describe Jesus’ transfiguration (This term actually means, “completely changed, or to change form”; Greek: metemorphōthē).
Each person who has placed his or her faith in Jesus has been made brand new in nature (spiritually a new creation – 2 Corinthians 5:17), and is being transformed (concerning actions, thoughts, attitudes, and motives) more fully into the likeness of Jesus Christ – completely changed. But there must be an understanding of this transformation.
Transformation does not indicate shifting from the “to-do” list of the flesh to a new “to-do” list of the law. The works of the flesh are replaced with the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:19-23):
19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Our answer to immoral behavior is not moral behavior. Transformation takes place through the Holy Spirit within us:
“Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:25)
We are changed through the Spirit’s work of renewal in our lives. We discover the term “renewed” (from Romans 12:2) in Titus 3:5 as well: “by renewal of the Holy Spirit.” We are not made brand new simply because we have adopted a new way of acting. God is making us brand new through His Spirit. We must daily walk in agreement with that work.
To agree with such work, we must understand that work. Consider how the Holy Spirit works from the outside in, and from the inside out. From the outside in, we read the Bible, worship, become encouraged by the writings and words of others, thus having our minds expose to these outward influences. God’s Spirit uses such influences of His Truth to form our lives further for the glory and purpose of Jesus Christ. From the inside out, the Holy Spirit makes our once impenetrable hearts open, and illumines our minds and hearts with the truth of Jesus. God’s Holy Spirit fulfills the necessary work of renewal in our lives.
So, first, allow God’s truths to be an active part of your life. Read, study, listen, meditate upon, and apply His truths. Receive His truths through devotions, songs, sermons, books, or any resource that correctly presents God’s Word. But stay in His Truth. And second, allow the Holy Spirit to use these truths in you by asking Him to make your heart penetrable to God’s Word so that you are being changed from the inside out.
Henry Nouwen writes, “time given to inner renewal is never wasted. God is not in a hurry.”[1] C. S. Lewis writes, “a man can’t be always defending the truth; there must be time to feed on it.”[2]
Today, take time in God’s Word, being fully dependent upon God’s Holy Spirit to accomplish a work of renewal in you. Keep in step with the Spirit and be amazed at how God brings significant changes right before your eyes.
Blessings.
READ
Read Galatians 5:16-25 and keep in step with the Spirit’s work of renewal in you.
[1] Henri J. Nouwen in The Road to Daybreak: A Spiritual Journey. Christianity Today, Vol. 40, no. 13.
