Romans 12:2

Introduction

The battle for your life is won or lost in your mind

“To win the battle for our minds, we must engage, because there is no other way for us to defeat evil. The days of being neutral must be over.” Craig Groeschel

I. Don’t Conform
v.2a – “Do not be conformed to this world…”

‘conform’ means to form or mold one’s behavior in accordance with a particular pattern or set of standards.

"The only way to escape being conformed to the world is to be transformed.”
C. Spurgeon

II. Be Transformed
v.2b – “…but be transformed…”

‘transformed’ – passive voice - which means that this process is being performed by an outside force, the Holy Spirit and God's Word, not a change produced by our self-effort.

‘transformed’ - present tense - meaning it’s not a one-time event, but a transformation that is progressively realized, a gradual process.

“transformed” – is the word “metamorphosis.” When a tadpole is changed into a frog or when a caterpillar becomes a butterfly, we speak of it as a metamorphosis.

III. Renew Your Mind
v.2c – “…by the renewing of your mind…”

‘renew’ – anakainosis - means to cause something to become new and different with the implication of becoming superior. Used only twice in NT Romans 12:2 and Titus 3:5

“…he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit…” Titus 3:5

What is to be renewed? Our minds
Your mind is the control center of your attitudes, thoughts, feelings, and actions.

“If Satan’s primary weapon is lies, then our greatest counterweapon is the truth of God’s Word.” Craig Groeschel

Renewing Our Minds – Resolution/Diagram
Satan’s Lie – God’s Truth

IV. Conclusion
v.2d – “…That by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”