Romans 12:1-2 – 1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.2 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.
TRANSFORM
1a: to change in composition or structure.
b: to change the outward form or appearance of
c: to change in character or condition : CONVERT
REFORM
1a: to put or change into an improved form or condition.
b: to amend or improve by change of form or removal of faults or abuses.
2: to put an end to (an evil) by enforcing or introducing a better method or course of action.
3: to induce or cause to abandon evil ways reform a drunkard.
TRANSFORMATION VS REFORMATION
Transformation – alters to appearance and form completely – permanent and can not return to former appearance.
Reformation – changes that do not alter the structure – can be temporary.
I. Requires a complete surrender – present yourselves.
A. You have been bought
B. You have no more freedom to do as you please – you have given up all rights – 1 Corinthians 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
Colossians 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
C. You are dead to personal desires – your desire is now to please another – Luke 9:23-26 – And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. 24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. 25 For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?26 For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father’s, and of the holy
NOTE:
- JESUS DID NOT SAY I AM TO BEAR HIS CROSS, BUT I AM TO BEAR MY OWN CROSS
- I MUST DENY PERSONAL PEASURE FOR ETERNAL GAIN
- IN ORDER TO REALLY LIVE, I MUST FIRST FULLY DIE.
- I MUST TAKE A VISIBLE STAND FOR CHRIST AND WHAT HE STOOD FOR
II. Requires a cost – sacrifice.
I Corinthians 19:19-23 – For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.20 And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; 21 To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. 22 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. 23 And this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.
III. Requires an acceptance of a new normal – holiness.
1 Peter 1:15-16 – But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
IV.Requires a recognition that this is normal – reasonable
V. Requires a recognition that the old is corrupt – be not conformed.
II Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
II Corinthians 6:14-17 – Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
VI. Requires a renewal. Renew your mind
VII.Requires new input. The word of God
VIII. Requires a desire to know and do the will of God.
Luke 22:42
Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.
