² 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.

by the renewal of your mind,

Transformation comes through the mind, the “renewal” of the mind. The “mind” here is the center of our thoughts, emotions, will, and attitudes. Our minds need “renewal.” It is not enough to think about God’s values occasionally. The mind is the inner direction of thought and will.

Eph 4:22-23, ²² that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, ²³ and be renewed in the spirit of your mind,

“Renewal” indicates that fundamental values must change in the believer. This is more than mere outward disconformity to the world system; it is an inward transformation.

PRINCIPLE:

To think biblically is not only to observe Christian truths but also to think in a Christian way about all of life.

APPLICATION:

Sin makes us look at the will of God with colored glasses. Satan’s strategy is to occupy our minds with anything but the will of God. When this happens, we look at life through dark glasses.

To think biblically is not only to observe Christian truths but also to think in a Christian way about all of life. God is not pleased until we show some evidence of likeness to Christ. Conformation into the image of Christ is the only conformation that Christianity knows anything about. Christians are in the world but not of the world in their way of thinking.

Co 1:10, that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;

Ro 8:29, For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.