Transformation
Romans 12:2
And be not conformed to this world: but be you transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good…


I. WHAT IS IT TO BE TRANSFORMED? To be new creatures (2 Corinthians 5:17).

1. In our judgment concerning —

(1)  God (Matthew 19:17).

(2)  Christ (Philippians 1:21; Philippians 3:8).

(3)  The world (Ecclesiastes 1:1, 2).

2. Our thoughts (Psalm 1:2).

3. Consciences (Acts 24:16).

4. Wills (Lamentations 3:24).

5. Affections (Colossians 3:2).

(1)  Love and hatred (Matthew 22:37).

(2)  Desire and abhorrence.

(3)  Joy and grief (Psalm 42:1, 2).

(4)  Hope and fear (Psalm 27:1).

(5)  Anger and meekness (Matthew 11:29).

6. Words (Matthew 12:36).

7. Actions (1 Peter 1:15, 16). Towards God and men (Acts 24:16).

II. WHY ARE WE TO BE TRANSFORMED. Till transformed —

1. We are altogether sinful (Proverbs 15:8).

2. We can enjoy no happiness here nor be capable of happiness hereafter (Hebrews 12:14; 1 Corinthians 2:14).

III. EXAMINE WHETHER YOU BE TRANSFORMED OR NO. Look to your heads (2 Corinthians 13:5); your hearts (Proverbs 4:23); your lives (Matthew 12:33). Note the reasons for this examination.

1. Many are mistaken about it, and think they are renewed, because turned —

(1)  From one sin to another.

(2)  From one sect to another.

(3)  From debauchery to mere morality.

2. This is the most dangerous of all mistakes.

3. If you never examine yourselves, you have the more cause to fear your condition.

IV. SIGNS OF OUR BEING TRANSFORMED. All our actions proceed —

1. From new principles.

(1)  Obedience to God (1 Samuel 15:22).

(2)  A desire to please Him (1 Thessalonians 4:1; Hebrews 11:5).

2. After a new manner.

(1)  Not hypocritically but sincerely (2 Corinthians 1:12).

(2)  Not proudly, but humbly (Luke 17:10).

(3)  Not interruptedly, but constantly (Luke 1:75).

3. To a new end (1 Corinthians 10:31; Matthew 5:16).

V. MEANS.

1. Read the word written (James 1:21).

2. Hear it preached.

3. Meditate upon it.

4. Pray (Psalm 51:10).

5. Receive the sacrament.Conclusion:

1. By renovation you become again as you were created (Genesis 1:26).

2. God Himself will change to you.

(1)  His anger to love (Isaiah 66:2).

(2)  All His actions to your good (Romans 8:28).

3. If now transformed from the world to God, hereafter you shall be transformed from misery to happiness.

(Bp. Beveridge.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

WEB: Don't be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God.




Transformation
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